Câmara de Lobos — Churchill's Favourite Madeira Fishing Village
Câmara de Lobos is a picturesque fishing village 9 km west of Funchal, famous for its brightly-painted fishing boats, dramatic sea cliffs and as the inspiration for several of Winston Churchill's paintings during his 1950 visit to Madeira. It is also the spiritual home of poncha (Madeira's traditional spirit drink) and the most convenient gateway to Cabo Girão, Europe's second-highest sea cliff.
Things to Do in Câmara de Lobos
- Visit Churchill's Viewpoint — the exact spot where the wartime prime minister set up his easel in 1950
- Walk the harbour and watch fishermen hauling in espada (black scabbardfish) on the quayside
- Drink poncha at Mercearia do Baleeiro — the village's most celebrated traditional bar
- Visit Cabo Girão glass skywalk, 4 km west — Europe's second-highest sea cliff at 580 m
- Walk the Levada do Norte trail between Câmara de Lobos and Estreito de Câmara de Lobos
- Eat espetada (beef on laurel skewers) and freshly-caught espada at clifftop restaurants
Where to Stay near Câmara de Lobos
- Belmond Reid's Palace — Iconic 5-star clifftop hotel in Funchal, 15 min from the village
- The Cliff Bay — 5-star oceanfront resort in Funchal, 12 min from Câmara de Lobos
- Quinta Bela São Tiago — Boutique manor hotel in Funchal Old Town, 10 min away
- Savoy Palace — Modern 5-star luxury hotel in central Funchal, 15 min from the village
Practical Information
Câmara de Lobos is 9 km west of Funchal (20 minutes by car). Buses 154 and 107 connect Funchal to the village frequently throughout the day. The village is compact and easily walkable. The harbour front is the centre of activity. Evening is a particularly pleasant time to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is poncha and where is the best place to drink it in Câmara de Lobos?
- Poncha is Madeira's traditional spirit, made from aguardente (sugar-cane spirit) shaken with honey and lemon, sometimes with passion fruit, orange or other fruit additions. Câmara de Lobos is considered its home. The best places to try it are Mercearia do Baleeiro on the harbour and Adega da Quinta in the village centre.
- Did Winston Churchill really visit Câmara de Lobos?
- Yes. Churchill visited Madeira in January 1950 to recuperate after the wartime years and set up his painting easel at the viewpoint above the harbour. A commemorative plaque marks the spot where he painted the colourful fishing boats below. Several of his Madeira paintings are in private collections.