I accepted the challenge proposed by a group of friends, to write this article on the blog – A route of the best ponchas in Madeira.

(Due to practical issues, the route was divided into 2 parts, this is the route 1, to be coming soon is route 2)



Some of the oldest grocery stores of Madeira are called ‘ Vendas or mercearias’ . These are the symbol of our grandparents lifestyle, when life had a quiet pace; other times.
At those times, the products were sold by weight, without pre-packaging or pallets. The ‘Vendas’ sold pretty much everything. Since creams, potatoes, brooms and shovels, chewing gum, candies and even string. Right beside the groceries selling area, there was always a bar, selling wine with fizzy orange juice ‘ laranjada’ and local rum drink, Poncha.

It was with joy and pleasure that through this route, I was able to relive the old days, where all the bills were registered in a “list” and paid at the end of the month.

We were able to glance at one of these books, which fortunately survived since 1915, and tells the story of Madeira’s tradicional ‘Vendas’.
I hope it remains as a living example of traditional Madeiran trade.

This route (Route 1) has 4 ‘Vendas’ and a snack bar. It begins in Canico, goes to Camara de Lobos and ends in Funchal.

Here goes:

Venda do Noé
Whoever comes here, goes back to the time of Noé, the man who in 1915 wrote down in Portuguese coin ‘escudos’ the bills of his sales. Nowadays it is Mr. Celestino who receives us with a peaceful smile of a man who enjoys life.
The ‘Venda’ offers tangerine “poncha” made with fresh fruit – an invitation to a pleasant Saturday afternoon among friends.
It is located, right next to the oldest chapel of Madeira, the Chapel of the Mãe de Deus.
Address: Caminho da Mãe de Deus nº 43, Caniço.

FidyPoncha
Arriving at Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, you’ll see the ‘Venda’ of Mr. Fidelio Figueira, where ponchas are always freshly made.
It also has a cozy dining room, which invites you to taste the famous beef ‘picados’ and ‘pregos’. This area also displays old photos of this grocery store, which is older than a century! The poncha specialties are the English tomato Poncha and the regional Poncha.
I recommend both!

Address: Caminho do estreitinho nº1, Estreito de Camara de Lobos

Venda do André
Located in Quinta Grande, this ‘venda’ is about 70 years old and is decorated with the old furniture. In the cupboards of this place you’ll find true relics. Since old coffee machines, and celebrity photographs. It was also the first place of Madeira to serve cherry chocolate cups, but we came here for the orange Poncha, which is awesome!

Address: Estrada João Gonçalves Zarco, Quinta Grande

A Vaquinha do Calhau
A friend told me about this Poncha of ‘pitanga’ a kind of cherry which is very popular in madeira. She told me this was “the only Poncha she could never say no to.” And we were curious…
Alberto is an expert when it comes to ponchas. After 15 years of preparing ponchas, he knows very well what makes it special. This Poncha of pitanga is irresistible. We also tried the red fruit Poncha: blueberries, raspberry, blackberry and strawberry, what a delight. He also offered us some snacks to taste, skipjack tuna, the tuna guts and pickled vegetables. This bar has the advantage of being located in the Camara de Lobos bay so enjoy the views…

Address: Largo Poço 5/6, Câmara Lobos

Mercearia do Avô
On the way back to Funchal we visited this old style ‘Venda’ in São Roque, where Luís Ramalho welcomes you as an old friend. This grocery store is almost like a museum with ancient decorative items, such as the wooden chairs of ‘arraiais’ festivals in Madeira, an old scale of meat and fish, a machine to make hot dogs (which made me travel to my childhood) and an exquisite taste. It also has a wine cellar overlooking the bay of Funchal and a biological garden with spinach and a pear-melon tree, you have seen any? From June onwards, this place serves typical Portuguese meals. As for the Poncha, it did not disappoint and matches well the location- 5 stars.

Address: Caminho Velho da Quinta 52, Funchal

I can only conclude with two notes:
1. “Drink in moderation. If you drive do not drink and if you drink do not drive! ”
2. “Having friends is such a treasure.” 😉
Here’s the map with all the bars.

I thank Vanessa for this challenge and to Nuno for the fantastic music playlist, the soundtrack for this trip!

Route 2 is coming soon;).

If you want to know more about traditional drinks of Madeira, read here and about being madeiran here.

Cheers!I accepted the challenge proposed by a group of friends, to write this article on the blog – A route of the best ponchas in Madeira.

(Due to practical issues, the route was divided into 2 parts, this is the route 1, to be coming soon is route 2)

Some of the oldest grocery stores of Madeira are called ‘ Vendas or mercearias’ . These are the symbol of our grandparents lifestyle, when life had a quiet pace; other times.
At those times, the products were sold by weight, without pre-packaging or pallets. The ‘Vendas’ sold pretty much everything. Since creams, potatoes, brooms and shovels, chewing gum, candies and even string. Right beside the groceries selling area, there was always a bar, selling wine with fizzy orange juice ‘ laranjada’ and local rum drink, Poncha.

It was with joy and pleasure that through this route, I was able to relive the old days, where all the bills were registered in a “list” and paid at the end of the month.

We were able to glance at one of these books, which fortunately survived since 1915, and tells the story of Madeira’s tradicional ‘Vendas’.
I hope it remains as a living example of traditional Madeiran trade.

This route (Route 1) has 4 ‘Vendas’ and a snack bar. It begins in Canico, goes to Camara de Lobos and ends in Funchal.

Here goes:

Venda do Noé
Whoever comes here, goes back to the time of Noé, the man who in 1915 wrote down in Portuguese coin ‘escudos’ the bills of his sales. Nowadays it is Mr. Celestino who receives us with a peaceful smile of a man who enjoys life.
The ‘Venda’ offers tangerine “poncha” made with fresh fruit – an invitation to a pleasant Saturday afternoon among friends.
It is located, right next to the oldest chapel of Madeira, the Chapel of the Mãe de Deus.
Address: Caminho da Mãe de Deus nº 43, Caniço.

FidyPoncha
Arriving at Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, you’ll see the ‘Venda’ of Mr. Fidelio Figueira, where ponchas are always freshly made.
It also has a cozy dining room, which invites you to taste the famous beef ‘picados’ and ‘pregos’. This area also displays old photos of this grocery store, which is older than a century! The poncha specialties are the English tomato Poncha and the regional Poncha.
I recommend both!

Address: Caminho do estreitinho nº1, Estreito de Camara de Lobos

Venda do André
Located in Quinta Grande, this ‘venda’ is about 70 years old and is decorated with the old furniture. In the cupboards of this place you’ll find true relics. Since old coffee machines, and celebrity photographs. It was also the first place of Madeira to serve cherry chocolate cups, but we came here for the orange Poncha, which is awesome!

Address: Estrada João Gonçalves Zarco, Quinta Grande

A Vaquinha do Calhau
A friend told me about this Poncha of ‘pitanga’ a kind of cherry which is very popular in madeira. She told me this was “the only Poncha she could never say no to.” And we were curious…
Alberto is an expert when it comes to ponchas. After 15 years of preparing ponchas, he knows very well what makes it special. This Poncha of pitanga is irresistible. We also tried the red fruit Poncha: blueberries, raspberry, blackberry and strawberry, what a delight. He also offered us some snacks to taste, skipjack tuna, the tuna guts and pickled vegetables. This bar has the advantage of being located in the Camara de Lobos bay so enjoy the views…

Address: Largo Poço 5/6, Câmara Lobos

Mercearia do Avô
On the way back to Funchal we visited this old style ‘Venda’ in São Roque, where Luís Ramalho welcomes you as an old friend. This grocery store is almost like a museum with ancient decorative items, such as the wooden chairs of ‘arraiais’ festivals in Madeira, an old scale of meat and fish, a machine to make hot dogs (which made me travel to my childhood) and an exquisite taste. It also has a wine cellar overlooking the bay of Funchal and a biological garden with spinach and a pear-melon tree, you have seen any? From June onwards, this place serves typical Portuguese meals. As for the Poncha, it did not disappoint and matches well the location- 5 stars.

Address: Caminho Velho da Quinta 52, Funchal

I can only conclude with two notes:
1. “Drink in moderation. If you drive do not drink and if you drink do not drive! ”
2. “Having friends is such a treasure.” 😉

Here’s the map with all the bars.

I thank Vanessa for this challenge and to Nuno for the fantastic music playlist, the soundtrack for this trip!

Route 2 is coming soon;).

If you want to know more about traditional drinks of Madeira, read here and about being madeiran here.

Cheers!