Perched along the island’s sunny south coast just eight kilometres west of Funchal, this postcard-perfect harbour town serves up authentic Madeiran charm, local colour, and the kind of scenery that makes you question reality. Think cobbled lanes, bobbing boats, and fishermen mending nets beneath whitewashed façades—all with a whiff of salt air and sweet poncha.
The name, meaning “Chamber of Sea Wolves,” harks back to the 15th century when monks mistook sea lions (lobos marinhos) for wolves. Today, the only predators are tourists hunting for the perfect photo. And they’ll find it—from the painted boats in the harbour to the terraced vineyards clinging to the surrounding cliffs.
This is the birthplace of Madeira’s signature tipple, poncha—a devilishly good mix of sugar cane rum, lemon, and honey. Sip it in a quayside bar with the locals, who’ll tell you that Winston Churchill once painted the bay here (a fact retold hourly and with great pride).
For travellers looking to visit Câmara de Lobos, there’s more than just poncha and pretty views. Explore the Cape Girão skywalk, one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs, or walk the Levada do Norte, with panoramic Atlantic views. Seafood lovers won’t want to miss the espada com banana, the region’s weirdly delicious black scabbardfish and banana combo.
Câmara de Lobos isn’t a place that tries too hard—and that’s its magic. It’s Madeira at its most local, where daily life drifts at the speed of a fishing boat heading home.
| Baía de Câmara de Lobos
Câmara de Lobos is a sun-drenched fishing village where the Atlantic slaps against bobbing painted boats known as “xavelhas”, and every breeze carries the scent of grilled espada and orange blossom. This historic fishing village has barely changed since Churchill set up his easel here in 1950, immortalising the harbour and charming the locals in equal measure.
Named after the sea lions that once lounged along its shores, Câmara de Lobos still feels like a place where creatures—both man and mammal—come to relax. The colourful harbourside is the town’s living room, with fishing boats drying in the sun, old men arguing over football, and glasses of poncha, Madeira’s eye-watering sugarcane rum, sloshing merrily into the afternoon.
The Farol de Câmara de Lobos is a small, concrete lighthouse located on the western end of the harbour. It was built in 1937 on a promontory, standing at a focal height of 23 metres. Whilst the lighthouse itself is relatively simple in design, it enhances the charm of the harbour and offers visitors scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding landscape.
For those seeking things to do in Câmara de Lobos, the town punches well above its weight. Start with a stroll along the charming promenade, then wander up to the Miradouro Winston Churchill viewpoint for sweeping sea views and a decent selfie. This viewpoint offers sweeping panoramic views of the bay, cliffs, and the islet of Câmara de Lobos. The site was named in honour of Winston Churchill, who painted the bay during his visit in 1950.
| Farol de Câmara de Lobos (Lighthouse)
| Cabo Girão Skywalk
Take the short trip up to Cabo Girão Skywalk, a glass-floored balcony perched 580 metres above the crashing ocean, not for the faint-hearted, but thrilling all the same. Cabo Girão is Europe’s highest sea cliff, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Madeira’s coastline. The exhilarating venture of feeling suspended mid-air has made Cabo Girão one of Madeira's most popular attractions. Arrive early for a more personal experience. There's a café and conviences on-site and bus services from Câmara de Lobos and Funchal.
Daily: 08h00 - 22h00
Adult: €3.00, Child: FREE
Estrada do Cabo Girão, 9300-351 Câmara de Lobos, Madeira, Portugal.
32° 39' 24.2" N | 17° 00' 16.2" W
+351 291 214 120 | drpa@madeira.gov.pt | Website
With Madeira Insideout, every tour is a tailor-made adventure. Forget rigid plans—this is flexible, story-rich exploration led by passionate local guides. Discover Madeira’s hidden gems: Skywalk cliffs, volcanic pools, black sand beaches, rum factories, and mystical forests. Whether you design the route or let them surprise you, it’s more than sightseeing—it’s a personal journey through Madeira’s nature, culture, and history. Authentic, immersive, and unforgettable—this is how Madeira tours should be.
(39) | 8 Hr | ✔ Free Cancellation
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This full-day Madeira tour is a scenic joyride through the island’s greatest hits. Visit Câmara de Lobos, the charming fishing village Churchill couldn’t resist painting. Walk the glass Skywalk at Cabo Girão, Europe’s highest sea cliff. Explore Ribeira Brava’s markets, Fanal’s UNESCO laurel forest, and Ribeira da Janela’s dramatic viewpoints. Don’t miss Seixal’s Bridal Veil Waterfall or a dip in Porto Moniz’s volcanic pools. A 7-hour adventure packed with Madeira’s nature, history, and unforgettable views.
(687) | 7 Hr | ✔ Free Cancellation
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Escape Funchal’s buzz on a breezy Madeira tuk-tuk tour to the charming fishing village of Câmara de Lobos and the dramatic cliffs of Fajã dos Padres. With flexible start times and hotel pickup, it’s a stress-free way to see the island’s coastal beauty. Private and personal, this tuk-tuk adventure lets you soak up sea views, salty air, and hidden gems beyond the tourist trail. An unforgettable Madeira sightseeing tour with a twist!.
(5) | 1.5 Hr | ✔ Free Cancellation
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Pestana Fisherman Village ★ ★ ★ ★9.2/10 Wonderful (35 verified customer reviews) Within the heart of the enchanting fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, the Pestana Fisherman Village is an exquisite boutique hotel brimming with coastal charm and contemporary flair. With rooms artfully styled in crisp whites and nautical blues, and many offering serene views over the harbour, it’s a place Noel Coward might have called home. Step outside and you’re in the cobbled heart of local life, surrounded by seafood restaurants and vibrant Madeiran culture. Guests adore the rooftop terrace, perfect for sipping poncha at sunset while taking in the Atlantic views. Service is warm, discreet, and unmistakably Portuguese. For an authentic Madeira hotel experience in a picturesque seaside setting, Pestana Fisherman Village offers the perfect mix of location, style, and soul. |
Quinta da Saraiva ★ ★ ★9.0/10 Wonderful (7 verified customer reviews) Quinta da Saraiva in Câmara de Lobos is a ravishingly restored Madeira manor house hotel, perched above terraced banana plantations with sweeping views of the Atlantic and the town below. Think old-world elegance with a modern twist: rooms are airy, refined, and brimming with character, some boasting balconies with postcard-worthy vistas. The saltwater pool and bubbling jacuzzi are perfect for lazy afternoons, while the breakfast—featuring local fruits and homemade delights—is a triumph. It's gloriously peaceful yet just minutes from the colourful buzz of the fishing village. The family-run warmth and attention to detail make you feel more like a guest than a customer. If you're seeking an authentic Madeira boutique hotel with charm, serenity and sublime scenery, Quinta da Saraiva is utterly, irresistibly beguiling. |
Vila do PeixeSet on a cliff above the fishing boats of Câmara de Lobos, Vila do Peixe is a theatrical stage for Madeira’s finest catch, grilled before your very eyes. You select your fish like a contestant on MasterChef—porgy, limpets, scabbardfish—and it’s grilled over fire with terrifying precision. The espetada? Caveman food elevated by sunshine and a squeeze of lemon. The view? Mediterranean opera. Inside, it’s all white-tiled elegance, but you’re here for the scent of the Atlantic and salt on your lips. Not cheap, but nor is dignity. Come hungry. Leave gleaming with omega-3 and triumph. Vila do Peixe is a fish restaurant that knows it's got the goods—and isn’t afraid to show off. 
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O LagarIf you're seeking culinary theatre without the velvet curtain, O Lagar delivers the full Madeiran experience—complete with sizzling espetadas skewered on laurel sticks and served like medieval weaponry. The meat is absurdly tender, the garlic butter flows like a minor religion, and the bolo do caco bread arrives smothered and smouldering. Tables are generously spaced across rustic wooden floors; it’s more banquet hall than bistro. Yes, there are tourists. But they're here for good reason: the food is generous, honest, and built for carnivorous pleasure. Add a jug of local red wine and the sound of sizzling fat, and you’ve got the sort of meal that justifies trousers with an elasticated waistband.
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Taberna da PonchaThis isn’t a restaurant. It’s a shrine to poncha, Madeira’s famous rocket fuel of sugarcane rum, lemon, and honey. Taberna da Poncha is rough-edged, packed with locals, and gloriously unbothered by the world outside. Yes, they serve petiscos (try the lupini beans and spicy chouriço), but the real dish here is convivial chaos. Walls are plastered with business cards; the air, with citrus zest and wild laughter. You don’t come here to dine. You come to drink, to talk, to feel mildly invincible. A cultural institution disguised as a bar. Just beware: after two ponchas, you’ll believe you’re fluent in Portuguese. After three, you’ll believe you invented it.
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Tucked away in the sun-soaked hills of Câmara de Lobos, the Henriques & Henriques Madeira Wine Lodge offers an intoxicating blend of history, craftsmanship, and sweet, fortified delight. Founded in 1850, this family-run establishment is one of the island’s most prestigious wine producers, and stepping through its doors feels like entering a temple dedicated to the art of Madeira wine.
The scent of oak barrels and raisins greets you before the guide does. Inside the cool, shadowy lodge, centuries of tradition line the walls—aged barrels stacked like sleeping giants, whispering secrets of time, sugar, and fire. The tour begins with a crash course in the wine’s unique production process: grape varietals like Sercial, Verdelho, Bual, and Malmsey are heated and oxidised to perfection, giving Madeira its distinct character and astonishing longevity.
You’ll witness the estufagem method, where wine is slowly warmed in stainless steel tanks, mimicking the conditions of 15th-century sea voyages. This alchemy of heat and patience transforms the humble grape into liquid gold. Then, the grand finale: a guided tasting of rich, amber-hued wines ranging from dry and nutty to lusciously sweet. Each sip reveals a story—a tropical breeze, a flicker of salt air, a toast to endurance. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or curious traveller, Henriques & Henriques delivers more than just a tasting—it offers a visceral connection to Madeira’s heritage.
Contact Details
Av. da Autonomia 10, 9300-138 Câmara de Lobos, Madeira, Portugal. |
32° 38' 59.0" N | 16° 58' 43.7" W"
+351 291 941 551 |
graca.gouveia@henriquesehenriques.pt
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25.7km (16 miles) west of Madeira Airport Website 
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From Funchal, take the VR1 (Via Rápida) westbound. Follow signs for Câmara de Lobos. The drive takes around 15–20 minutes, depending on traffic. Exit at Junction 4 or 5 for Câmara de Lobos town centre. Latitude - 32º 39' 22.3" | Longitude - 17º 00' 13.5"
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| Bus Operators: Horários do Funchal (HF) and Rodoeste run bus services in Madeira - HF Bus #4 or #8 from Funchal bus terminal: Website |
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