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MADEIRA ISLAND · PORTUGAL
Madeira
Atlantic fish, laurel-scented roasts, sugar cane and tropical fruit shape Madeira’s generous table.See what to eat↓
A sense of place, in words
«Nunca mais me esqueceu a manhã virginal da Madeira»Raul BrandãoAs Ilhas Desconhecidas — Visão da Madeira
Brandão recalls Madeira's light and colours, seen from the sea during his journey.
Taste the island
What to taste across Madeira?
Specialities associated with the island's places and local traditions.
At the table
Savoury dishes associated with places across this island.
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Peixe-Espada-Preto com Banana
Black scabbardfish fillet, frequently served with Madeira banana.Guide entry🍽️
Bife de Atum à Madeirense
Tuna prepared with garlic, bay leaf, wine and other local seasonings.Guide entry🍽️
Espetada Madeirense
Beef cubes seasoned with garlic and salt, traditionally roasted on a laurel skewer.Guide entry🍽️
Carne de Vinha-d'alhos
Pork marinated in wine, vinegar, garlic and spices, especially traditional at Christmas.Guide entryLocal sweets
Pastries and traditional sweets worth making room for.
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Bolo de Mel da Madeira
A dark, aromatic cake traditionally made with sugar-cane honey, spices and dried fruit and nuts.Guide entry🍰
Broas de Mel
Small traditional cakes or biscuits made with sugar-cane honey and spices.Guide entry🍰
Banana da Madeira
One of the archipelago’s best-known agricultural products.Guide entry🍰
Queijada da Madeira
A traditional Madeiran sweet made with fresh cheese, sugar and eggs.Guide entry🍰
Pudim de Maracujá
A creamy Madeiran dessert flavoured with passion fruit, balancing sweetness with a fresh tropical acidity.Guide entry🍰
Rebuçados de Funcho
Traditional Madeiran sweets flavoured with fennel, closely associated with Funchal.Guide entry🍰
Capelas de São João
A traditional sweet from Porto Santo associated with the festivities of São João, the island’s patron saint.Guide entryIn the glass
The local drink that completes the experience.
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Vinho Madeira
A world-famous fortified wine produced in styles ranging from dry to sweet.Guide entry🍷
Poncha
A traditional drink made with sugar-cane spirit, honey or sugar and lemon, now found in many variations.Guide entry🍷
Rum Agrícola da Madeira
A spirit distilled from sugar cane grown in Madeira.Guide entry🍷
Pé de Cabra
A creamy traditional Madeira drink, particularly associated with Câmara de Lobos.Guide entry🍷
Vinho de Caracol
A traditional wine from Porto Santo, produced from vines cultivated in the island’s distinctive sandy and calcareous soils.Guide entry🍷
Vinho de Listrão
A distinctive wine from Porto Santo made from the traditional Listrão grape, adapted to the island’s dry climate and calcareous sandy soils.Guide entryIslands to discover
More islands around Madeira
Each island has its own landscapes, stories and flavours.

Porto Santo
Golden sand, dry farmland and Atlantic traditions shape an island table where bread, grains, grass peas and local wine preserve Porto Santo’s identity.
Living traditions
Festivals & traditions
Celebrations, pilgrimages and historical gatherings that reveal another side of local identity.
Madeira Flower Festival
When: spring, usually between April and May
Madeira Wine Festival
When: between August and September
Madeiran Arraiais
When: summer
Columbus Festival
When: September
São João Festivities
When: 23 and 24 June
Notable routes
Trails worth following
A short selection of established trails. Check the official route conditions before setting out.
PS PR1 · Vereda do Pico Branco e Terra Chã
Public transport
Getting there and around
The SIGA network covers the island, but renting a car is often the most practical way to explore levadas, viewpoints and rural places with flexibility. Always check access and parking.
Official campsites
Where to camp
A selection of officially listed campsites. Check the linked website for current opening, prices, availability and services.
Parque de Campismo da Ribeira da Janela
Coordinates32.85407° N · 17.15523° W
Visit campsite website