Madeira Island, also known as the Flower Island, is a beautiful island located in the Atlantic Ocean. It’s an island with so many stunning places to discover, such as Câmara de Lobos. In this blog, we’ll take you to this location and tell you why Câmara de Lobos is definitely a must on your itinerary.

Introduction to Câmara de Lobos and it’s History

So, Câmara de Lobos is a charming town on the beautiful island of Madeira. The municipality has about 33,000 people who call it their home and is situated amidst stunning nature and along the coast. Câmara de Lobos is a truly authentic fishing village, and its history is deeply rooted in its fishing heritage. As you stroll through the town, you’ll see remnants of its fishing past everywhere, with several boats still ready for fishing even in 2024. The houses are adorned with beautiful colors and are simply adorable to behold.

Câmara de Lobos was originally discovered by Portuguese explorers and has a history dating back to the 15th century. Over time, the city evolved from a small fishing settlement into a thriving coastal community.

The town gained even more popularity due to the visits of Winston Churchill, who frequented the island and the fishing village on multiple occasions. He even painted a picture here. Throughout the village, you’ll see traces linked to this influential figure.

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Activities and Attractions in Câmara de Lobos

Besides the stunning views in the centre of the village, there’s plenty more to experience in Câmara de Lobos. So here are our own favorites;

• Cabo Girão: Located just outside the village, Cabo Girão is one of the highest cliffs in the world, offering breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding landscapes. It’s a popular spot for sightseeing and photography as it offers an elevated platform. When you reach the viewpoint, you can’t help but be amazed by the height until you look down through the transparent sections. Yes, you can look down! The viewpoint is easily accessible from Câmara de Lobos by taxi or private car since there is a road that leads to this beautiful place through the mountains.
• Harbor: As mentioned earlier, Câmara de Lobos is a genuine fishing village, and this is evident everywhere. Simply walking around the village and admiring the beautiful houses and boats is a delightful experience.
• Church of São Sebastião: This church is truly stunning but quite different from what you might be accustomed to. Dating back to the 15th century, the church has been remarkably well-preserved and is of great importance to Câmara de Lobos due to its rich history. You can easily acces the church on foot within the area itself.
• Boat Tour: From Câmara de Lobos, you’re in the perfect position to hop on a boat and enjoy a tour. The island is equally stunning when viewed from the water. Moreover, Madeira boasts a rich marine life like dolphins and sea lions, so there’s plenty to see!

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Enjoy the Kitchen of Câmara de Lobos

Câmara de Lobos offers several delights that are also found on our comprehensive list of foods to try in Madeira. However, Câmara de Lobos also has its own specific local dishes.

One such dish is the popular drink Poncha, which originates from the fishing village itself. Poncha was originally intended for fishermen who could use some refreshment during their work. In the village, you’ll find several bars serving homemade poncha, with Fisherman Poncha being the strongest in terms of alcohol content. Fortunately, there are also versions available with lower alcohol content but equally delicious flavors!

Being a fishing village, it’s no surprise that Câmara de Lobos has plenty of seafood restaurants. You’ll find these scattered throughout the village, offering local dishes made with freshly caught fish.

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Vibrant Culture and Traditions

Câmara de Lobos exudes a super cozy and friendly vibe, something you immediately notice when you enter the village. The locals are very helpful, which is something you’ll actually notice throughout Madeira.

During our trip to the region, we were lucky enough to experience a traditional festival: ‘Festas de S. Pedro’. During this event, the residents decorate the area of Camara de Lobos with beautiful decorations made with paint and ornaments, specifically made with recycled materials. The decorations added even more color to the city and made you marvel at every turn. In every street, there was something new to see, made from items like old umbrellas or drink cans. ‘Festas de S. Pedro’ is held between June 28 and July 2.

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Practical Information

Câmara de Lobos is easily accessible from the capital, Funchal. By car, it’s about a 20-30 minute drive, so it’s definitely doable! Of course, you can also choose to stay in the beautiful fishing village itself. We gladly recommend Quinta do Estreito Vintage House, a charming hotel nestled amidst lush gardens with breathtaking views of the ocean.

The weather in Câmara de Lobos is generally similar to that of Funchal, so you can enjoy a consistent temperature ranging between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius in the summer months. So, dress comfortably and wear good shoes to explore the area thoroughly! And, of course, don’t forget your camera or phone because taking photos is definitely something you’ll want to do in Camara de Lobos!

Conclusion: Why Camara de Lobos Should Be on Your Travel Itinerary

So why should you visit Camara de Lobos? Well, this fishing village just has it all. Stunning nature, beautiful architecture, friendly locals, delicious cuisine, and fascinating history. It’s no wonder it’s a popular destination during your trip to Madeira.

During my own visit, I especially loved the overall vibe of Camara de Lobos. We hadn’t done extensive research and were completely surprised during our visit. Looking for other nice places to visit in Madeira or cool activities? Be sure to check out our other blog where we tell you more about them!