This Xavelha boat tour in Madeira invites you to discover the island from its most ever-present element: the sea. On board this traditional wooden vessel, once used in the fishing of the iconic black scabbardfish, the journey unfolds amid the scenic beauty of Madeira’s south coast and the island’s deeply rooted maritime tradition.

Departing from Funchal, the cruise allows you to enjoy sweeping views of the coastline, the deep blue of the Atlantic, dramatic cliffs and small pebble beaches. Along the way, the sea takes on the role of a storyteller, revealing tales deeply rooted in the identity of this archipelago suspended in the Atlantic.

On arriving in Câmara de Lobos, one of Madeira’s most emblematic fishing villages, you will have time to leisurely explore the harbour and its picturesque streets. It is the perfect setting to whet your appetite before sitting down to savour Madeiran flavours closely tied to the island’s fishing traditions.

Flavours and Stories from a Madeiran Fishing Village

In Câmara de Lobos, the connection to the sea is a way of life. The traditional boats lined up along the bay, as well as the stories passed down through generations are living proof of this. The experience you will enjoy at the table reflects that very identity.

Depending on the season, the tasting may include products such as, black scabbardfish, tuna or limpets, ingredients deeply tied to local culture and the community’s daily relationship with the ocean. One of the most memorable moments of this experience, however, is undoubtedly the tasting of poncha or Nikita, two drinks that hold a central place in the social life of the village:

Poncha, originally created by local fishermen, combines sugarcane spirit, fresh citrus juice, and honey. Traditionally prepared to warm the body and lift the spirits after long days at sea, it remains one of Madeira’s most enduring symbols.

Nikita, on the other hand, emerged in Câmara de Lobos in the 1980s. Inspired by Elton John’s song of the same name, its distinctive pineapple flavour quickly won over locals and visitors alike with its refreshing, indulgent character.

After this moment of tasting and sharing, the experience concludes with a return by sea to Funchal, a roughly one-hour journey back to the Marina, the starting point of this unforgettable Xavelha boat trip.

O conteúdo Xavelha boat tour: stories from the sea in Câmara de Lobos aparece primeiro em Madeira Food on Foot.

The flavours of Madeira’s north coast are undoubtedly the true stars of this tour. In a family-owned vineyard where time seems to slow down, you’ll find the perfect setting for a refined traditional lunch, followed by a wine tasting that reflects the unique character of the archipelago.

The experience begins with a warm welcome and a stroll through the sun-drenched vineyards, where you will learn about the family’s winemaking history and traditions. You will have the opportunity to hear firsthand the stories of those who dedicate themselves to the careful cultivation of these lands, a fundamental part of producing Madeira wines, internationally renowned for their sophistication.

Afterwards, it’s time to sit down and let the world slow down. The meal starts with a board of cheeses, cured meats, codfish cakes and fresh bread, paired with a white wine and a glass of Madeira wine. This is followed by a traditional fish dish served buffet-style and a selection of local desserts: brownies, queijadas, and passion fruit tarts.

Wine and Tradition: an experience to toast to life’s finest

Discovering the most authentic flavours of Madeira’s north coast is undoubtedly one of the best ways to experience the identity of this Atlantic garden. After all, the essence of this land is truly savoured at the table, among local delicacies and shared stories. Each tasting is a celebration of the island’s unique culinary and winemaking heritage.

During this experience, visitors are invited to savour the most authentic side of Madeiran gastronomy and wine. Every dish and every glass of wine reflects the identity of the people, the dialogue between sea and mountains, the heritage of the past and the dedication of the present, the balance between relaxation and the magic of centuries-old rituals.

This traditional lunch is a celebration of Madeira to be enjoyed slowly, in a familiar and relaxed atmosphere. Here, toasting means giving thanks to nature, to those who cultivate the land and to the joy of sharing moments that remain in memory.

O conteúdo North Coast Flavours: wine tasting and traditional lunch at a family-owned vineyard aparece primeiro em Madeira Food on Foot.

This vineyard picnic is much more than just an outdoor meal, it is an encounter with the most genuine landscapes and flavours of the archipelago. In the heart of Madeira’s north coast, a small family-owned vineyard invites you to enjoy a day marked by tranquillity, the island’s wine and the striking beauty of nature.

The experience begins with a warm welcome and a stroll through the sun-drenched vines, where you can discover how each grapevine is carefully and lovingly cultivated. This is a heritage deeply rooted in local culture, with wines that carry in their aroma and taste the essence and stories of the island.

After the visit, it’s time to slow down. Enjoy a leisurely vineyard picnic featuring the region’s finest products: local cheeses and cured meats, fresh fruit and homemade bread, perfectly paired with a white wine and a glass of Madeira wine.

A Wine Experience in Madeira and a Toast to Authenticity

On Madeira’s north coast, wine is born between the sea and the mountains. It is from this balance of elements that the unique character of this family-owned vineyard emerges, a tranquil refuge nestled atop a hill.

During the tour, visitors are invited to discover the intricacies of this artisanal wine production, from the careful techniques used to cultivate the grapes to the secrets behind a wine full of identity. Everything is crafted with the care of those who live from the land and for the land, honouring the ancestry of these traditions.

After the visit comes the most anticipated moment, the vineyard picnic. Each guest chooses their spot, whether on a chair or a blanket spread over the grass, and immerses themselves in the serenity of the surroundings.

Whether with friends, family or someone special, this gastronomic experience is one of the best ways to create lasting memories on the island. At the end, raise your glass and let the charm of the island awaken your senses!

O conteúdo Picnic in the Vineyard: traditional flavours on Madeira’s north coast aparece primeiro em Madeira Food on Foot.

Between lush hillsides and the sparkling Atlantic, the flavours and flowers of Madeira reveal themselves in a setting you are unlikely to forget. In Ponta do Sol, a land of mild climate and breathtaking natural landscapes, you will have the opportunity to visit a sustainable farm that combines natural beauty, agricultural tradition and ecological innovation.

Amid native species from the Laurisilva forest and organic crops that follow the rhythm of the seasons, every detail of this experience reflects a deep respect for the land and the island’s sustainability.

This tour is a sensory journey, the scent of aromatic herbs, the vibrant colours of proteas from afar and the gentle buzz of bees producing the farm’s artisanal honey. It is an invitation to contemplation and to discovering the most authentic side of Madeira, through taste and beyond.

A sustainable experience in Madeira

More than just a visit, this tour invites you to immerse yourself in a way of life that respects the balance between humanity and nature. At this sustainable farm, everything has been designed in harmony, from organic farming practices to the methods used to preserve native species.

It stands as a living testament to Madeira’s commitment to its rich heritage.

Along the way, you will discover an aromatic and medicinal garden, where native herbs and plants are cultivated following traditional practices. Each species tells a story, some have been used for centuries in folk medicine, while others still lend flavour and identity to Madeiran gastronomy today.

Among the flavours and flowers of Madeira, you will be captivated by the collection of proteas, around 60 varieties of flowers from South Africa and Australia that paint the landscape with vibrant colours.
The visit concludes on a high note with a tasting of products made on this sustainable farm: fresh cottage cheese, honey, pollen and a special tasting of artisanal mead.

O conteúdo Flavours and Flowers of Madeira: visit to a sustainable farm aparece primeiro em Madeira Food on Foot.

The journey begins at the Porto Moniz natural pools, a serene and unforgettable volcanic setting on the island’s north coast. You will then continue to a welcoming rural cottage, surrounded by an exuberant garden and a lively vegetable garden. Here, you’ll be greeted by your hosts, known for their warm hospitality and the love they put into cultivating and preparing every ingredient.

In this old family kitchen, a cherished inheritance, the aromas fill the air and awaken the appetite. Between wood-fired bread, cheese-based starters, carne de vinha d’alhos (pork marinated in wine and garlic), homemade couscous and desserts drizzled with sugar-cane molasses, the island’s stories and authentic flavours take their place at the table alongside you.

A culinary experience in Madeira defined by authenticity

It’s more than just a cooking workshop. It’s one of those experiences that only Madeira can offer, an immersion in rural life where nature and gastronomy meet in perfect harmony.

The host welcomes every visitor as if receiving a friend. In the garden she tends with her husband, she shares the pride of the harvest: potatoes, beetroot, courgettes, aubergines, carrots, tamarillos, sweet potatoes, oranges and bananas, among many other delicacies that spring from the fertile soil of this island.

With their hands in the earth, visitors are invited to gather seasonal ingredients and aromatic herbs that will flavour the meal. From garden to table, the experience naturally leads to the old family kitchen, the very space where the host was born and where her grandmother once cooked. A lovingly preserved place, where traditional décor and the crackle of the wood-fired oven tell stories spanning generations.

Everything is prepared with local ingredients and absolute dedication. It is a true journey of the senses, rich in details that reveal the island’s soul and the authentic flavours of simple, heartfelt cooking.

O conteúdo From Garden to Table: culinary immersion in a rural cottage aparece primeiro em Madeira Food on Foot.

Taking your time to discover, discovering with authenticity and travelling with attention to detail, this is the spirit that guides our private experiences with Food on Foot in Madeira. Designed for those who value exclusivity, comfort and a genuine connection with the island’s hidden treasures, each experience is tailored to the individual traveler.

Whether you want to celebrate a special occasion, share a meal with friends or family, enjoy an exclusive gastronomic experience or plan a tailor-made tour, this is your starting point.

At Food on Foot, we create unique and memorable itineraries based on your tastes, curiosities and the experiences you most wish to discover in Madeira. The most authentic experiences are those enjoyed at your own pace with all your senses fully engaged.

A private gastronomic tour guided by your passion

Our tailor-made experiences with Food on Foot always begin the same way, by listening to what moves you. We aim to understand what inspires you and what you would like to taste. From there, we design a private tour that brings your ideas to life, combining authenticity, originality and a deep respect for Madeiran identity.

Tailor-made experiences in Funchal, intimate cooking classes, private food tours across Madeira to uncover culinary secrets, wine tastings, photography or sailing excursions, these are just some of the journeys we can create together with you.

O conteúdo Private Tours in Madeira: exclusive experiences tailored for you aparece primeiro em Madeira Food on Foot.

Experiencing Funchal at the table is, without a doubt, one of the best ways to discover the history, culture, and hidden gems of this unique city. On this food and culture tour of Funchal, you are invited to explore the most authentic flavours of Madeira’s capital, guided by a certified local guide who knows and lives the city every day.

Over the course of four hours, you’ll explore Funchal on foot, combining taste, tradition, and identity. From place to place, you’ll discover restaurants beloved by locals, tapas recipes handed down through generations, and streets that conceal some of the city’s most memorable gastronomic experiences and cultural treasures. Along the way, you’ll also hear the stories behind each recipe, ingredient, and local saying.

Between food and drinks, this Funchal food tour is a true celebration of Madeiran gastronomy. Will you join us?

Walking Tour in Madeira: flavours that tell stories

The walking tour of Funchal has been carefully designed to introduce you to the most authentic side of the city’s old town. At each stop, you’ll have time and space to discover both sweet and savoury traditional Madeira food, local Madeira Island drinks and fascinating stories. Vegetarian and non-alcoholic options are also available.

This Madeira Food on Foot experience goes far beyond simple tasting, it’s a heartfelt celebration of local culture, created with authenticity, attention to detail and a spirit of sharing. It’s undoubtedly the ideal gastronomic experience in Funchal for those wishing to immerse themselves in the soul and traditions of Madeira, while discovering the very best food in Funchal far from the usual tourist paths.

O conteúdo Taste Funchal: food, wine and cultural tour, exploring flavours and stories aparece primeiro em Madeira Food on Foot.

This unmistakable sweet treat is, without a doubt, one of the greatest symbols of Portuguese pastry. It is no surprise that today it has crossed borders and has become an international icon. In this pastel de nata workshop in Madeira, you are invited to discover all the secrets of pastel de nata in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere filled with tradition.

Over the course of two hours, you’ll learn how to make pastel de nata from the puff pastry preparation to achieving the perfect bake. Guided by an experienced chef, this workshop blends sweetness and tradition, concluding with a well-deserved pastel de nata tasting at the end.

As you explore the artisanal process, you’ll also discover why Portuguese pastry, particularly the Madeira pastel de nata, is an expression of identity, affection and sharing.

With warm aromas, crisp layers and creamy custard, are you ready to get your hands in the dough?

Pastel de Nata Workshop in Funchal: learn the tradition, taste the stories

This Madeira Food on Foot pastel de nata workshop is not just a demonstration, it’s a true hands-on experience for anyone who genuinely wants to learn how to make pastel de nata. In an informal, friendly setting, the class provides time, attention and space to engage fully with each step, awakening all your senses.

The puff pastry, the perfect custard texture, the correct oven temperature, the exact baking time, every detail matters to achieve that golden, flaky crust and smooth filling that make this treat so special.
To finish, we set the table for the magical moment, the pastel de nata tasting, fresh from the oven and paired with local drinks that perfectly complement the flavours of Madeira Island food and Portuguese tradition.

O conteúdo Between Sweet Traditions: pastel de nata workshop in Madeira aparece primeiro em Madeira Food on Foot.

The most unique and memorable experiences on this Atlantic island are certainly not found in tourist guides. One such local experience in Madeira is a traditional dinner with a local host in a Madeiran home, an authentic and flavourful encounter where you’ll truly feel part of the family.

The Ferraz family, one of the leading Madeira wine producers, hosts this gastronomic experience at their estate in Câmara de Lobos. Welcomed with warmth and simplicity, you’ll be invited to take part in preparing a traditional meal. Among the highlights is one of the island’s most iconic Madeiran dishes: espetada (beef on skewer), marinated with bay leaves and garlic, served with bolo do caco, fried maize, potatoes and fresh salad.

All ingredients are local, seasonal and organically sourced many grown right on the family’s land. Throughout the meal in a Madeiran home, you’ll learn recipes step by step, hear family stories, and, if you wish, even lend a hand in the kitchen.

Then comes the best part, sitting down to dine together as family.

Local experience in Madeira: dinner with a local host

Upon arriving at the Ferraz family home, you will be greeted by Mr. Ferraz, renowned for his warm hospitality and extensive expertise in winemaking. During this dinner in a Madeiran home, you will have the opportunity to taste a variety of wines that bear the mark of excellence from these distinguished producers.

Crafted from volcanic terroir, these wines are notable for their distinctive aroma and flavour. The selection has been carefully curated to complement the Madeiran dishes served, from appetizers to the main course and dessert, creating an unforgettable traditional meal.

Seated at the family table, you will embark on a journey through what is undoubtedly the island’s greatest heritage, its flavours and its people.

O conteúdo At the Family Table: a typical Madeiran dinner in a local home aparece primeiro em Madeira Food on Foot.

In this Atlantic archipelago, the levadas, trails that wind through mountains along old irrigation channels, take us far beyond breathtaking landscapes. This experience offers a truly memorable combination, a walk through the forest, craft cider tasting and a traditional lunch you will hardly forget.

Believe it, in this case, the journey is as memorable as the destination.

The day begins with a pick-up from your accommodation in Funchal or Caniço, followed by a trip to Camacha, in the island’s lush interior. From there, the morning unfolds at the pace of the levada, a roughly five-kilometer hike through abundant vegetation with the sounds of the forest as your companion. The one-hour walk, guided by a local certified guide, is leisurely and designed to allow you to fully admire this unique setting.

At the end of the trail, with your appetite awakened, one of the island’s most surprising drinks awaits, Madeira craft cider, rich in both aroma and flavour. Produced in Camacha with local apples, it ferments naturally and is aged in French and American oak barrels, but be warned, there’s still more to savour!

A rural tour in Madeira embracing both nature and the island’s flavours

After the hike, it’s time to savour the unparalleled Madeira gastronomy with a very special stop. In Camacha you’ll take part in a craft cider tasting learning about the production of this emblematic drink, whose roots on the island date back over 500 years.

During the tasting, two varieties are served, all of which are recognized among the most distinguished in the archipelago. This producer has won numerous national and international awards.

Finally, to conclude in style, a traditional lunch is carefully prepared and served at the estate’s restaurant. This nature experience in Madeira offers far more than a walk or a meal, it’s a unique opportunity to uncover some of the island’s most authentic secrets, step by step, sip by sip, plate by plate.

O conteúdo On the Rhythm of a Levada Walk: Madeira cider tasting and traditional lunch aparece primeiro em Madeira Food on Foot.