Camara de Lobos: Madeira's Fishing Village

Câmara de Lobos is Madeira’s most picturesque fishing village, with colourful boats pulled up on the pebbles, a harbour framed by cliffs and tiny bars serving poncha. Winston Churchill painted the view here in 1950. It’s just a short trip from Funchal.

Quick answer: Câmara de Lobos is about 15 minutes west of Funchal by bus or taxi. Walk around the harbour, find Churchill’s viewpoint, drink a poncha in a local bar, and try espada (black scabbardfish). Combine with Cabo Girão nearby. See Madeira tours.

Things to do

• The harbour: brightly painted boats and fishermen mending nets.
• Churchill’s viewpoint: the spot above the harbour where he painted on holiday.
• Poncha: Madeira’s drink of sugarcane rum, honey and lemon. The village is famous for its poncha bars.
• Espada: deep-sea black scabbardfish, often served with banana and passion fruit. The village is the centre of the espada fishery.
• The old town: lanes, street art and the fishermen’s chapel.
• Pico da Torre viewpoint: a view over the bay.

Nearby

• Cabo Girão: see Cabo Girão.
• Funchal: see things to do in Funchal.
• Estreito de Câmara de Lobos: vineyards for Madeira wine in the hills above.

Tips

• Late afternoon is lovely, with golden light over the harbour.
• Poncha is strong: go easy.

More: the Madeira itinerary and where to stay in Madeira.

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