Madeira is not only famous for its stunning landscapes but also for its incredible food. From fresh seafood to the famous espetada, the island offers something for every food lover.
With a rental car like ours, you can explore the island’s best foodie spots at your own pace, driving from one delicious destination to the next.
Get ready to embark on the ultimate food adventure as we take you through Madeira’s tastiest stops each one more mouth-watering than the last!
Start in Funchal: Madeira’s Foodie Capital
Kick off your journey in Funchal, the bustling capital of Madeira. Known for its vibrant food scene, Funchal is the perfect place to start your culinary road trip.
Begin your day with a visit to Mercado dos Lavradores, the local farmers’ market where you can find everything from tropical fruits like passion fruit and bananas to freshly caught fish.
Once you’ve had a taste of the market, grab breakfast at a local café and try bolo do caco, or a pastel de nata, or a queijada, Madeira’s traditional.
For lunch, why not treat yourself to some of the island’s best seafood at Armazém do Sal, a lovely restaurant in the heart of Funchal.
Try the popular dish Espada com banana black scabbard fish served with banana. It sounds unusual, but the sweet and savory combination is a foodie local favorite and a must-try!
Head to Caniçal: Seafood by the Sea
After exploring Funchal, hop in your Carwave rental car and head east towards Caniçal, a small fishing village. With its peaceful vibe and fresh seafood, this charming village is a perfect stop for lunch.
Visit Muralha’s Bar, a rustic restaurant by the sea, where you can enjoy the day’s catch grilled to perfection.
Their lapas (grilled limpets) and polvo à lagareiro (octopus in olive oil) are a foodie haven, giving you a taste of the island’s coastal cuisine.
Enjoy the scenic drive as you head along the coast, and don’t forget to stop at some of the beautiful viewpoints along the way.
Madeira’s roads are filled with breathtaking views of the ocean and cliffs, making the journey as exciting as the destination.
Explore Santana: Traditional and Hearty Cuisine
Next, drive north to Santana, a small town known for its traditional A-frame houses and stunning countryside.
Santana is famous for its hearty dishes, perfect for anyone looking for a true taste of Madeira’s rural cuisine.
Stop by Cantinho da Serra, a cozy restaurant where you can try cozido à portuguesa, a slow-cooked meat and vegetable stew that’s packed with flavour, for the true foodie lovers.
This meal is comfort food at its finest, giving you a glimpse into the island’s traditional cooking methods.
If you’re lucky enough to visit during Santana’s annual Festa dos Compadres, you’ll find the town filled with food stalls offering local delicacies.
The festival is full of lively celebrations and plenty of tasty treats to enjoy.
Seixal: A Secluded Foodie Haven
After experiencing Santana’s traditional fare, drive along the lush northern coast to the hidden gem of Seixal. This quiet village offers a relaxing break from the busier parts of Madeira and is known for its natural beauty and delicious seafood.
At Marisqueira da Sé, a family-run restaurant, you can savor local favorites like espada com molho de maracujá (scabbard fish with passion fruit sauce) or bacalhau à Brás (salted cod with onions, potatoes, and eggs).
Pair your meal with a glass of poncha, a strong and sweet drink made from sugarcane rum, honey, and lemon, this is the island’s signature cocktail!
Seixal is also home to beautiful black sand beaches and stunning cliffs, so take some time to explore before you head off to your next foodie destination.
Porto Moniz: Seafood and Stunning Views
Continue your journey westward to Porto Moniz, famous for its natural lava pools and breathtaking ocean views.
This small town is a great spot to enjoy more fresh seafood while taking in the dramatic coastal scenery.
Stop for lunch at Restaurante Orca, which offers a delicious seafood feast with an incredible view of the Atlantic.
Don’t miss their grilled prawns or the local specialty, lapas, served with garlic and lemon. After your meal, take a dip in the nearby lava pools, where you can swim in natural seawater pools surrounded by volcanic rock.
Calheta: Sugar, Rum, and Relaxation
Finally, make your way to Calheta, the sunniest part of Madeira. Known for its sugarcane production, Calheta is home to one of the island’s oldest sugar mills, Engenho da Calheta, where you can learn about the traditional process of making sugar and rum, a true paradise for all the foodie ‘s out there.
Be sure to try rum agricole, a type of rum made from sugarcane juice that has a smooth, rich taste. For dinner, head to Restaurante Convento das Vinhas, a restaurant inside a beautiful old convent.
Here, you can enjoy espetada, the island’s famous beef skewers cooked over an open flame and seasoned with garlic, salt, and bay leaves.
It’s a hearty meal that pairs perfectly with Madeira’s local wines.
A Road Trip to Remember
Madeira’s culinary scene is full of surprises, and with a rental car like ours, you can explore all of the island’s hidden foodie gems.
From traditional dishes in mountain villages to fresh seafood along the coast, this road trip is a journey filled with unforgettable flavours and breathtaking views.
Whether you’re sipping poncha by the sea or digging into a cozy stew in a rural town, Madeira’s food will leave you hungry for more.
So buckle up, grab a fork, and get ready to savor the island’s best dishes on the ultimate foodie road trip, with any of our amazing fleet.
