Câmara de Lobos

What we particularly like about Câmara de Lobos is the combination of its small fishing harbour, lively streets and location right by the sea. Just west of Funchal, the town is built around a beautiful little harbour where colourful fishing boats still sit in the bay – the same setting that famously caught Winston Churchill’s attention when he painted here in 1950. But for us, Câmara de Lobos is much more than its famous harbour view. Take some time to wander through the streets around the waterfront, where you’ll find lots of street art and colourful installations tucked between the houses, bars and small restaurants. Then keep walking west along the water: a little hidden away beyond the main harbour area, you’ll eventually reach the town’s newly redesigned stone beach. Câmara de Lobos is also closely associated with poncha, and there are plenty of small bars around the centre where you can try Madeira’s traditional drink. The harbour area gets particularly lively later in the day and is a great place to simply walk around, stop somewhere for a drink or something to eat and watch the town go by. If you enjoy walking, there’s another option we really like: follow the seafront all the way from Câmara de Lobos towards Praia Formosa in Funchal. It’s a beautiful longer walk right along the coast – and a very popular running route too 😉 And one of our favourite times to experience Câmara de Lobos is Carnival Monday. Many of the groups you’ll see at Funchal’s Carnival parade also take part here, but the narrow streets make the whole parade feel much closer and livelier. Afterwards, the streets around the harbour turn into one big party. If you’re on Madeira during Carnival, definitely keep this one in mind.