The food tours of Madeira cut straight to the heart of this Portuguese island’s culinary soul. Local guides lead intimate walking tours through Funchal’s cobbled streets, where you’ll taste fresh-caught fish, sip Madeira wine, and learn about centuries-old food traditions. I love the market-to-table experiences – they’re personal and authentic, letting you shop alongside locals at Mercado dos Lavradores before cooking traditional dishes.
Don’t miss the forest-to-fork tours in Fanal, where expert guides combine hiking with mushroom gathering and picnic stops. The hands-on cooking classes in family restaurants are another standout, teaching you to make espetada (beef skewers) and bolo do caco (sweet potato bread) just like grandma used to make.
Check out these top food tours that showcase the best of Madeiran cuisine.
Key Points
- The Funchal Tour offers a 3-hour food and wine experience with six wine and food tastings at nine stops, providing historical and cultural insights into Madeira’s cuisine.
- The Gourmet Wine & Food Tour is a 4-hour experience that visits three top restaurants, featuring local specialties and modern fusions, with flexible booking options.
- The Madeira Genuine Food Experience offers a private 3-course dinner and cooking class on a farm in Funchal, highlighting the farm-to-table concept.
- The Private Gastro Hike combines a 2-hour Levada walk with local food tastings, including a traditional Poncha cocktail and Espetada, catering to various fitness levels.
- The Culinary Food & (E) Bike Tour is a 6-hour experience exploring authentic cuisine and scenery, using electric bikes to navigate lush forests and charming villages.
Food and Wine Walking Tour in Funchal
A well-reviewed Food and Wine Walking Tour in Funchal offers travelers a guided exploration of Madeira’s culinary scene.
With 167 positive reviews and a 98% recommendation rate, this small-group experience lets visitors sample six local wines and foods at nine stops.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour provides historical and cultural insights into Madeira’s gastronomic history.
Participants praise the opportunity to discover hidden gems, though some feedback notes dissatisfaction with portion sizes.
The tour departs on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 10 AM, with travelers advised to arrive by 9:45 AM.
Priced from $91.31 per person, the tour includes tastings, beverages, and a local guide.
Read our full review: Food and Wine Walking Tour in Funchal Review
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Gourmet Wine & Food Tour
The Gourmet Wine & Food Tour offers travelers a comprehensive exploration of Madeira’s culinary highlights. Priced at $110.87 per person, this 4-hour tour immerses guests in the island’s gourmet delights, with visits to the top 3 restaurants in town.
Participants can savor a variety of local specialties and modern fusions, paired with carefully selected local and Portuguese wines. The tour is conducted in English, French, and Portuguese, with a minimum of 4 people required.
Booking is flexible, allowing for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Whether it’s the fresh tuna cornetto or the passion fruit soufflé, this tour promises an unforgettable gastronomic experience in Madeira.
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Madeira Genuine Food Experience at Re-Canto
For those seeking an authentic culinary journey in Madeira, the Madeira Genuine Food Experience at Re-Canto stands out as a must-try.
This private dinner and cooking class on a farm in Funchal offers a 3-course meal featuring regional seasonal dishes, including traditional espetada and vegetarian options. Guests tour the farm and help harvest ingredients for their meal, which is paired with local digestif and homemade wines.
Hosted by Andre and Marco, known for their hospitality and culinary skills, the experience takes place in a beautiful setting overlooking Funchal, creating an inviting atmosphere for guests to connect.
With overwhelmingly positive reviews, this farm-to-table experience is a highlight for many visitors to Madeira.
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Madeira: Food and Wine Walking Tour in Funchal
Immersing visitors in Madeira’s vibrant culinary and wine scene, the Madeira: Food and Wine Walking Tour in Funchal provides an engaging exploration of the island’s flavors.
Over 3 hours, guests embark on a guided stroll through the historic city center, sampling local delicacies and wines. The tour includes stops at traditional bakeries, markets, and family-owned vineyards, offering insights into Madeira’s rich gastronomic heritage.
Priced at $42.24 per person, the experience is an ideal way for travelers to discover the tastes that make this destination unique.
Whether a foodie or wine enthusiast, the Madeira: Food and Wine Walking Tour promises an authentic and delectable journey.
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Madeira Food and Wine Walking Tour in Funchal on a Small Group
Exploring Madeira’s vibrant culinary and wine scene, the Madeira Food and Wine Walking Tour in Funchal on a Small Group immerses visitors in the island’s rich gastronomic heritage.
With a maximum of 8 travelers, the tour showcases local delicacies, including scabbard fish, espetada, and the renowned Madeira wine.
Guests will enjoy a Poncha cocktail, a wine tasting, and a visit to the sugar museum, all while strolling through Funchal’s charming streets.
The knowledgeable guide, Tony, brings the experience to life with engaging storytelling about Madeira’s food history.
Suitable for both food lovers and vegetarians, this tour offers an authentic taste of the island’s culture and cuisine.
Read our full review: Madeira Food and Wine Walking Tour in Funchal on a Small Group Review
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Private – Gastro Hike With Levada Walk and Local Food
The Private – Gastro Hike With Levada Walk and Local Food offers an immersive experience that combines Madeira’s stunning natural landscapes with its rich culinary heritage.
This 5.5-hour tour whisks you away from Madeira to hidden gems, where you’ll hike along picturesque Levada trails for 2 hours.
Afterwards, you’ll savor a traditional Poncha cocktail and taste regional Espetada at a local restaurant.
Led by a certified, island-born guide, the tour emphasizes local gastronomy, culture, and sustainability, catering to a range of fitness levels.
With free cancellation and pay-later options, it’s a flexible and accessible way to discover Madeira’s natural beauty and culinary delights.
Read our full review: Private – Gastro Hike With Levada Walk and Local Food Review
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Gourmet Wine and Food Tour Lunch in Funchal
For a taste of Madeira’s renowned gourmet delights, the Gourmet Wine and Food Tour Lunch in Funchal promises an indulgent experience.
Guests will savor a multi-course lunch at three different restaurants, sampling appetizers, main dishes, and desserts complemented by various local wines.
The tour accommodates a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring an intimate setting.
Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and welcomes service animals.
Priced at $112.79 per person, the experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a foodie, this tour provides an excellent opportunity to learn about Madeira’s culinary heritage.
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CULINARY FOOD & (E) BIKE TOUR
Madeira’s culinary landscape comes alive on the Culinary Food & (E) Bike Tour. Priced from $89.75 per person, this 6-hour experience immerses visitors in the island’s authentic cuisine and breathtaking scenery.
Explore local Mercearias and Tascas, savoring Madeiran specialties with a small group of 8 or fewer. Cycle through lush forests and charming villages on top-of-the-range electric bikes, capturing scenic views along the way.
The guided tour includes safety equipment, shuttle transportation, and photos. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers flexibility and value.
Suitable for ages 5 and up, it’s a must for food and adventure enthusiasts visiting Madeira.
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Sunset Madeira Highlights Route With Food and Drinks.
This captivating 4-hour Sunset Madeira Highlights Route With Food and Drinks allows visitors to experience one of the world’s most stunning sunsets in a breathtaking landscape setting.
Priced from €120 for up to 2 people, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an all-terrain vehicle, a picnic of local meats, cheeses, and wine, and gratuities.
Participants can admire the sunset above the clouds from one of Madeira’s highest peaks, discover stunning landscapes, and enjoy local appetizers.
The English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French-speaking guide receives praise for their knowledge and preparation of food.
However, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with back problems, mobility issues, or pre-existing conditions, and may be canceled in bad weather.
Read our full review: Sunset Madeira Highlights Route With Food and Drinks. Review
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Madeira: Guided Foodie Walking Tour With Tastings and Wine
Visitors to Madeira can embark on a captivating 4-hour Guided Foodie Walking Tour with Tastings and Wine, allowing them to enjoy the traditional cuisine of this enchanting island.
Led by qualified guides, the tour explores local markets, where participants can sample artisanal chocolate, custard tarts, and an array of Portuguese wines and drinks.
Vegetarian, gluten-free, and non-alcoholic options are available, catering to diverse dietary needs.
With an overall rating of 4.7/5 based on 338 reviews, the tour provides excellent value for money and is highly praised for its knowledgeable and friendly guides.
Offered in multiple languages, the tour is also wheelchair accessible, ensuring accessibility for all.
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Fanal Forest Exploration Tour + Sunset With Food and Drinks
Explore the enchanting Fanal Forest on a captivating tour that culminates with a breathtaking sunset and delectable food and drinks.
This 7-hour guided trip takes you through the mystical Fanal Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its ancient laurel trees.
After enjoying the forest’s natural wonders, you’ll witness a stunning sunset alongside a spread of local delicacies and refreshing drinks.
Priced at $42.24 and rated 4.7/5, this tour offers a unique blend of nature, culture, and gastronomy, providing an unforgettable experience in Madeira.
Easily book this tour online and embark on a journey that will leave you captivated by the island’s beauty and flavors.
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Recap
Madeira offers a range of excellent food tours for visitors. From walking tours in Funchal to gourmet experiences and bike excursions, there’s something to suit every taste. These tours provide a great way to explore the island’s rich culinary heritage, sample local specialties, and indulge in Madeira’s renowned wines. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking to experience the best of Madeiran cuisine, these tours are a must-do on your Madeira itinerary.