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Madeira Food Tour – Taste Local Food on a Walking Tour in Funchal

Funchal
Bright red-flowered tree in Funchal Farmer's market public square – A vibrant Flame tree - Spathodea campanulata, in full bloom, standing in a charming town square.
Traditional Market in Madeira – A vibrant fruit and vegetable market filled with local produce, including bananas, passion fruit, and tropical flowers.
Pouring Fresh Cocktails – A bartender pouring fresh yellow cocktails into elegant glasses - Poncha.
Local Market with Fresh Produce – People browsing and selecting fresh fruits and vegetables at a vibrant farmers’ market.
Man Enjoying a Glass of Red Wine – A close-up of a man savoring a glass of wine while taking in its aroma.
A man smelling a glass of what appears to be a strong alcoholic drink, possibly whisky or rum.
A chef wearing a white uniform and hat, standing outside an old stone building.
A display of traditional sweets or snacks arranged on a colorful striped fabric.
A gourmet meal served on a white plate, with wine glasses and a fine dining setting.
A person holding a passion fruit and scooping out its pulp with a spoon.
Duration
4 Hours
Size
1-12
Difficulty
Leisurely

Key Benefits

  • Walk through Funchal markets and old streets with a local guide
  • Taste 15 authentic samples of Madeira food and drink
  • Enjoy iconic dishes like Espetada, Bolo do Caco, and Poncha
  • Visit a tea house, biscuit factory, and local eateries
  • Includes wines, local beer, liqueurs, and non-alcoholic options
  • Flexible for all dietary needs, including vegetarian menus
  • Upgrade available to a private food tour for families and small groups

Overview

Discover the flavours and culture of Madeira on this Madeira Food Tour, a 4-hour guided walk through Funchal’s historic streets and vibrant markets. This small-group experience is ideal for travellers who want to explore Madeira’s traditional food, drinks, and lifestyle with a certified local guide. A private food tour upgrade is also available for families, couples or small groups who prefer a more exclusive experience.

Your culinary journey begins in the charming Old Town of Funchal, where you’ll visit local bars, small eateries, a traditional tea house, and even the oldest biscuit factory in Madeira. Along the way, you’ll hear fascinating stories about local ingredients, island customs and regional products.

Enjoy 15 tastings of Madeiran food and drink – from fresh tropical fruit at the Funchal market, to local bread, artisanal chocolate and beloved classics like Espetada Madeira, grilled tuna, pork in garlic and wine, and traditional desserts. Drinks include Madeira wine, Poncha, local beer, soft drinks, and herbal teas.

Whether you’re a foodie, a first-time visitor or simply curious about Madeira cuisine, this tour offers an immersive and delicious way to experience the island’s identity. Designed to be inclusive and flexible, it also caters to vegetarians and children.

Included & Excluded

  • Certified local guide
  • 15 food and drink tastings
  • All entrance fees, taxes, and service charges
  • Vegetarian, non-alcoholic, and children’s menus
  • Small group format (1–12 participants)

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off 
Meeting point in central Funchal (exact location provided after booking)

Additional Notes

The more people in your private group, the lower the price per person. Ideal for families, friends, or small groups travelling together!

To enjoy a private version of this tour, simply select “I Prefer a Private Tour” during checkout.

Other Information

Quick FactsShedule & Details

  • Days Available: Monday to Saturday
    (No tours on holidays)
  • Duration: Approx. 4 hours
  • Departure Time:  10:30 | 13:00 | 16:00 | 17:00
    • Monday: 13:00 | 16:00
    • Tuesday: 13:00
    • Wednesday: 10:30 | 16:00
    • Thursday: 13:00
    • Friday: 16:00
    • Saturday: 10:30
  • End Time:  14:30 | 17:00 | 20:00 | 21:00
  • Departure Point: Confirmed by email after booking
  • Languages: 🇬🇧 English, 🇵🇹 Portuguese, 🇫🇷 French, 🇩🇪 German
  • Requirements: Punctuality (please arrive 10 minutes before)
  • Activity level: Easy – Leisurely walk (Flat route, frequent stops, suitable for most ages and fitness levels.)

What’s IncludedFood & Drinks You’ll Taste

Discover a carefully curated tasting experience featuring the most iconic and authentic flavours of Madeira. Across 14 delicious samples, you’ll explore the culinary richness of the island in local eateries, markets and traditional venues.

Tastings include:

  1. Homemade local pastries

  2. Bolo de Mel – traditional Madeira honey cake

  3. Pork marinated in wine and garlic (Carne de Vinho e Alhos)

  4. Fresh Espada fish – black scabbard

  5. Grilled tuna with local seasoning

  6. Assorted tapas

  7. Artisanal chocolate

  8. Wood oven home-baked bread

  9. Exotic fruit from the Funchal Farmers’ Market

  10. Herbal tea or freshly brewed coffee

  11. Local craft beer

  12. Quality Portuguese white and red wines

  13. Guided Madeira wine tasting

  14. The iconic Poncha (traditional sugarcane spirit with lemon and honey)

📍 Locations visited: Traditional bakery, Farmers’ Market, Old Town, local tavern, tea house, and more.

Our expertiseWhy us?

Booking is simple, and secure. Our local guides are passionate about Madeira and trained to deliver memorable and informative experiences. We take you to places locals love — combining cultural authenticity with comfort, safety, and flexibility for all types of travellers.

This experience is designed and operated by a local team with deep roots in Madeiran culture. We carefully select our partners — from food producers to venues — to ensure quality, authenticity, and sustainability. Your booking supports local businesses and helps preserve Madeira’s culinary heritage.

Behind the Tour What travellers say after they’ve done it

I signed up for the Madeira Food Tour mainly because I love walking and eating — preferably at the same time. I wasn’t looking for anything fancy, just a way to get my bearings in Funchal and sample some local flavours beyond the hotel buffet.

We started in the old town, with the guide already waiting. Small group, relaxed pace — no umbrellas in the air, thankfully. The first stop was a local bakery I’d never have noticed on my own. Fresh bread with garlic butter and local cheese. Simple, but properly good.

I’d read there were 14 tastings, and thought it was just marketing. But no — we actually did try a bit of everything: from sweet Madeira honey cake to grilled tuna, black scabbard fish, and a sandwich with pork in garlic and wine. There were also veggie options for my partner, who was surprised by how well they handled dietary preferences.

We walked through the Farmers’ Market, tried exotic fruit, then visited a tiny tea house and one of the oldest biscuit factories on the island. It didn’t feel rushed. At each stop, we got a quick story — nothing long, just enough to get a sense of place.

The drinks were spaced out nicely too. A glass of Madeira wine, some local beer, then Poncha to finish. Let’s just say I was glad it was a walking tour.

What I liked most? No pressure to buy anything. No tourist traps. Just a real mix of food, stories, and relaxed walking through a city I was only starting to get to know.

It’s a great way to start your time in Madeira. You finish feeling like you’ve seen a bit more, tasted a lot more, and learned something in between.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely — especially on your first or second day in Funchal.

What do you need to bring?Don’t forget

The city centre is mostly flat and easy to explore on foot, but we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. Bring your curiosity and an appetite — you’ll enjoy generous tastings of Madeira food and drink throughout the tour. If you plan to buy any local treats or souvenirs, consider bringing a small bag.

 

Please NoteThe itinerary may be adjusted due to local conditions (such as weather, traffic or group pace), but all main stops and tastings are guaranteed.

Cancellation, Privacy and TermsPlease refer to the footer of this page for full information regarding cancellation policy, privacy policy and terms of service.

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From
89 €