Culture
Customs
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.
Food
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.
Must try local food
This fish is a very common delicacy on Madeira island.
Shellfish grilled with garlic, butter, piri-piri sauce and lemon juice.
A traditional molasses fruit cake from the Madeira Islands.
Traditional Portuguese skewered meat, fish and vegetables.
A traditional Madeiran dish you'll find in all local restaurants, meant to be shared with friends.
This fish is a very common delicacy on Madeira island.
Shellfish grilled with garlic, butter, piri-piri sauce and lemon juice.
A traditional molasses fruit cake from the Madeira Islands.
Traditional Portuguese skewered meat, fish and vegetables.
A traditional Madeiran dish you'll find in all local restaurants, meant to be shared with friends.
This fish is a very common delicacy on Madeira island.
Shellfish grilled with garlic, butter, piri-piri sauce and lemon juice.
A traditional molasses fruit cake from the Madeira Islands.
Traditional Portuguese skewered meat, fish and vegetables.
A traditional Madeiran dish you'll find in all local restaurants, meant to be shared with friends.
Restaurants to try
Restaurant recommendations from nomads & locals. 4.0+ rating, great atmosphere and authentic food.
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)
Art & music
Where to listen to live music
Theatre & film
Teatro Municipal Baltazar Dias — Beautiful architecture from 1888 with regular plays and concerts.
Cinema NOS — English movies with subtitles.
Visual art
Madeira Art Festival — Annual art festival with art shows, concerts and events.
House-Museum Frederico de Freitas — Sculpture, pottery, painting and printmaking of the artist.
