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Culture

section type iconCustoms

Welcoming to foreigners? Yes LGBTQ+ friendly? Yes, the island is in general very friendly toward the community.

Etiquette tips

When invited to someone's house, always bring a small gift for the hostess, like flowers and wine.

How to great people

A kiss on each cheek is common, although not as much between men who usually just shake hands.

Tipping norms

Tipping in Portugal is considerate, but not expected, so tip 5 - 10% of the final bill.

section type iconFood

Portuguese food is a mixture of Mediterranean and Atlantic styles with an influence from Portugal's ex-colonies. 

National dish

Bacalhau — dried and salted codfish.

Bachalau
© Dried codfish from a Portuguese market

Must try local food

1
Black scabbard fish with fried bananas
Black scabbard fish with fried bananas

This fish is a very common delicacy on Madeira island.

2
Lapas (Limpets)
Lapas (Limpets)

Shellfish grilled with garlic, butter, piri-piri sauce and lemon juice.

3
Bolo de Mel
Bolo de Mel

A traditional molasses fruit cake from the Madeira Islands.

4
Espetada
Espetada

Traditional Portuguese skewered meat, fish and vegetables.

5
Picadinho
Picadinho

A traditional Madeiran dish you'll find in all local restaurants, meant to be shared with friends.

1
Black scabbard fish with fried bananas
Black scabbard fish with fried bananas

This fish is a very common delicacy on Madeira island.

2
Lapas (Limpets)
Lapas (Limpets)

Shellfish grilled with garlic, butter, piri-piri sauce and lemon juice.

3
Bolo de Mel
Bolo de Mel

A traditional molasses fruit cake from the Madeira Islands.

4
Espetada
Espetada

Traditional Portuguese skewered meat, fish and vegetables.

5
Picadinho
Picadinho

A traditional Madeiran dish you'll find in all local restaurants, meant to be shared with friends.

1
Black scabbard fish with fried bananas
Black scabbard fish with fried bananas

This fish is a very common delicacy on Madeira island.

2
Lapas (Limpets)
Lapas (Limpets)

Shellfish grilled with garlic, butter, piri-piri sauce and lemon juice.

3
Bolo de Mel
Bolo de Mel

A traditional molasses fruit cake from the Madeira Islands.

4
Espetada
Espetada

Traditional Portuguese skewered meat, fish and vegetables.

5
Picadinho
Picadinho

A traditional Madeiran dish you'll find in all local restaurants, meant to be shared with friends.

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Restaurants to try

Restaurant recommendations from nomads & locals. 4.0+ rating, great atmosphere and authentic food.

1
Avista
Avistaopen link

Located in the PortoBay Resort, this restaurant has incredible sunset views.

2
Santa Maria
Santa Maria open link

Located in Funchal, with a good selection of meat dishes and a very popular sangria.

3
Prima Caju
Prima Cajuopen link

Focusing on healthy recipes and locally sourced ingredients.

4
Steak & Sun
Steak & Sunopen link

A recommendation from Gonçalo Hall with great meat & vegetarian dishes.

1
Avista
Avistaopen link

Located in the PortoBay Resort, this restaurant has incredible sunset views.

2
Santa Maria
Santa Maria open link

Located in Funchal, with a good selection of meat dishes and a very popular sangria.

3
Prima Caju
Prima Cajuopen link

Focusing on healthy recipes and locally sourced ingredients.

4
Steak & Sun
Steak & Sunopen link

A recommendation from Gonçalo Hall with great meat & vegetarian dishes.

1
Avista
Avistaopen link

Located in the PortoBay Resort, this restaurant has incredible sunset views.

2
Santa Maria
Santa Maria open link

Located in Funchal, with a good selection of meat dishes and a very popular sangria.

3
Prima Caju
Prima Cajuopen link

Focusing on healthy recipes and locally sourced ingredients.

4
Steak & Sun
Steak & Sunopen link

A recommendation from Gonçalo Hall with great meat & vegetarian dishes.

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Food festivals & markets

  • Machico Gastronomic Festival — Promoting regional cuisine, in particular the delicacies of the Machico municipality located in the eastern part of the island.

  • Mercado dos Lavradores - this is a fruit, vegetable, flower and fish market in Funchal, Madeira.

Food delivery apps

Glovo (Android | iOS) UberEats (Android | iOS) Doordash (Android | iOS)

section type iconArt & music

Where to listen to live music

Theatre & film

Visual art

Madeira Ethnographic Museum
© Madeira Ethnographic Museum

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