Câmara de Lobos

The Câmara de Lobos Promenade will eventually connect to the Lido Promenade making it possible to walk beside the sea from the Câmara de Lobos bay to Funchal’s chic Lido area. It currently makes the connection between the bay and the Ribeira dos Socorridos. Built on pillars the promenade allows the beauty of the sea cliffs to remain intact so that the environmental impact is kept low.

Câmara de Lobos is the ideal spot to try Madeira’s fine fare. There you will find restaurants specialized in all types of regional food: from the traditional espetada (meat on a skewer) and bolo do caco (a flat bread) to fresh fish and seafood restaurants. After dinner don’t forget to head to the centre and savour a poncha (fire-water, lemon and honey) or nikita (white wine, vanilla ice-cream, pineapple, sugar and lager).

Located at the foot of Cabo Girão, the Fajã (fertile piece of land with soil coming from landslide) can only be accessed by boat or by the cable car at Rancho. The cable car trip, though frightening for those afraid of heights, is well worth it, even if only for a dip in the crystal clear waters at the secluded beach of the Fajã.

As a traditional fishing village you will find a lot of fishing boats moored in Câmara de Lobos. The lively, vibrant colours of the boats mixed with the unique night light of Câmara de Lobos provide visitors with an almost unreal atmosphere.

A lot to choose from. If you do not enjoy the poncha here in Câmara de Lobos there are many other options to choose from: from the traditional Nikita (white wine, vanilla ice-cream, pineapple, sugar and lager), the Pé de Cabra (Crowbar – wine, stout ale, lager and cocoa powder), or, if you are not a fan of cocktails, a beer or any other drink. One thing is sure, that at 2 a.m. the party is on.

Cabo Girão provides breathtaking views. If you suffer from vertigo do not approach the edge (protected by a railing) to look down at the Fajã do Cabo Girão.

This small village surrounded by mountains got its name (Nun’s Valley) due to the fact that in 1566 the nuns of the Santa Clara Convent sought refuge here from pirates attacking Funchal. The biggest attraction in Curral das Freiras is the Chestnut Festival. This nut is plentiful here and is used in several local delicacies like cakes, puddings and liqueurs.

Its time for Poncha... The nightlife in Câmara de Lobos is very lively, especially because of the many bars that serve poncha, a drink that is appreciated by locals and visitors. It’s made from fire-water distilled from sugar cane, lemon and honey. Beware... though it may taste sweet and harmless its effects are sudden and strong.

The Fajã dos Padres is located at the foot of a cliff right next to Cabo Girão. Just like the Fajã do Cabo Girão the Fajã dos Padres can only be reached by boat or by cable car. The trip, be it one-way or the other is well worth it. When you get to the Fajã you can have lunch or dinner at the excellent restaurant, or even stay at one of the rural tourism houses there.