Funchal offers a feast for the senses, especially if you’re a foodie eager to taste the authentic flavors of Madeira. Unlike many other destinations, Funchal’s food scene is deeply woven into its culture—think vibrant markets, local delicacies, and scenic settings. What makes it stand out for food tours is the variety: you can enjoy everything from a rich evening culinary journey with cultural stories to a luxurious New Year’s Eve catamaran cruise with gourmet food and drinks. Our favorite? The Espetada Evening Food and Cultural Tour because it combines local storytelling with a hearty Madeiran feast — and it’s just a short hop from the city center. For a special occasion, the Private Sunset Tour to Pico do Arieiro offers a memorable mix of mountain views, sunset drinks, and personalized service. And if you want a more active experience, the Culinary “Food & (E) Bike Tour takes you through Madeira’s stunning landscapes while sampling local bites.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the six best food tours in Funchal, highlighting what makes each one unique. Whether you’re after a cultural evening, a luxurious cruise, or an adventurous bike ride, you’ll find options that match your style and budget. Let’s explore the flavors and sights that make Funchal such a special culinary destination.
1. The Espetada Evening Food and Cultural Tour

At number 1 on our list is the Espetada Evening Food and Cultural Tour, which offers a flavorful introduction to Madeira’s culinary roots combined with local stories. This 4-hour experience begins with a stop at a Venezuelan-themed snack bar in Funchal, where you’ll enjoy empanadas, arepas, tequeños, and more—a fascinating blend of Madeiran and Venezuelan flavors. The guide shares tales from grandmothers’ kitchens, connecting food with culture in a lively way.
Next, you’ll take a scenic drive through the picturesque landscapes of Camera de Lobos, before customizing your espada (skewered meat) dinner, complete with rice, fries, local cheese, and traditional bolo do caco bread. The tour wraps up with a visit to a poncha bar, where you’ll sample the iconic Madeiran spirit—a perfect finish to your evening. The guide’s storytelling, combined with authentic food, earns this tour a 5.0 rating from five reviews.
What makes this tour stand out? Its combination of culture, local flavors, and scenic drives, all at a reasonable price of around $68.23 per person. It’s ideal for those who want an immersive, relaxed evening with plenty of opportunities to learn and taste.
Bottom line: If you want a laid-back yet rich introduction to Madeira’s culinary traditions, this tour offers a great mix of storytelling and local eats.
2. Funchal: New Year’s Eve – Luxury Catamaran with Food & Drink

Number 2 on our list is the Luxury New Year’s Eve Catamaran, which takes celebration to the water. Priced at about $352 per person, this 2.5-hour cruise offers a chance to enjoy premium service, drinks, and spectacular views of Funchal Bay as you welcome the new year. The small-group setting ensures an intimate experience, with personalized attention from the crew.
The boat anchors at a strategic spot, giving you panoramic views of the fireworks, lights, and the dramatic coastline. Along the way, you’ll sample drinks and perhaps some light snacks, all while listening to music and soaking in the unique atmosphere of Madeira’s lively New Year’s festivities. This tour is perfect for those celebrating a special occasion or travelers who want a private, unforgettable night afloat.
The reviews highlight the tranquility and comfort of the experience, with one reviewer calling it “an amazing experience” and praising the “home-cooked food.” It’s a costly option but offers a highly personalized and memorable way to ring in the new year.
Bottom line: For an elegant, exclusive celebration with breathtaking views and a festive vibe, this cruise provides an extraordinary experience.
3. Culinary “Food & (E) Bike Tour

The Culinary “Food & (E) Bike Tour is number 3, blending active exploration with authentic eating. For around $100, this 6-hour guided adventure takes you across Madeira’s landscapes on electric bikes, making it accessible even if you’re not a seasoned cyclist. The tour starts at Lokoloko, where your guide introduces you to the local cuisine and scenic routes.
Throughout the day, you’ll visit different stops — enjoying local specialties, sightseeing, and photo moments — while experiencing the warmth of Madeira’s residents firsthand. The route includes a mix of natural beauty and cultural highlights, making it suitable for those who enjoy both food and outdoor activities. The reviewer notes the inclusion of certified guides, insurance, and photos, adding peace of mind and flexibility.
What sets this tour apart? Its combination of scenic landscapes and interactive tasting. It’s perfect for active travelers who want to combine exercise with culinary discovery. The tour also suits those who appreciate a more personalized experience, as it often includes smaller groups and tailored routes.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for a memorable, energetic way to explore Madeira’s flavors and scenery, this bike tour offers a well-rounded adventure.
4. Private Sunset Tour to Pico do Arieiro with Drinks, Food & Music

At number 4, the Private Sunset Tour to Pico do Arieiro offers a personal experience at one of Madeira’s most stunning viewpoints. For about $581.57 per group (up to 8 people), this 4 to 5-hour tour includes a drive through mountain roads to watch the sunset from Pico do Arieiro, Madeira’s third-highest peak.
You’ll start with a relaxed stop in the mountains, enjoying local drinks, food, and music before heading to the summit at 1,818 meters. The guide can accommodate special requests, making this a flexible option for romantic evenings or small groups seeking privacy. During the sunset, the views of the horizon and the changing sky are breathtaking, with potential to see stars emerge afterward. One reviewer calls it “an amazing experience” with “home-cooked food” and highlights the host’s hospitality.
This tour is ideal for couples or small groups seeking a personalized, scenic, and memorable sunset experience. The main advantage is the customization and the exclusivity, though the price can be steep for budget travelers.
Bottom line: If you want a tailored, scenic evening with drinks and music in a mountain setting, this tour is hard to beat.
5. Private Sunset Tour with Food and Drinks in Fanal Forest

In fifth place, the Private Sunset Tour in Fanal Forest offers a unique blend of nature and fine food. Priced at $816.35 for up to 8 people, this 7-hour experience starts in the UNESCO-protected Fanal Forest, famous for its ancient Laurel trees over 100 years old. You’ll explore the forest at your own pace, enjoying peace, meditation, or photography.
After the walk, indulge in local and homemade food paired with drinks, with accommodations for vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free diets—just give notice beforehand. The tour then continues to Levada do Alecrim, where you’ll enjoy spectacular sunset views over Calheta and the southwestern coast from 1200 meters altitude. The guide emphasizes personal attention and flexibility, and the reviews mention a “great dinner” and “blankets for warmth.”
This tour appeals to nature lovers who also want a gourmet touch, combining outdoor serenity with culinary delights. Due to its length and focus on nature, it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with walking and who appreciate a quieter, more contemplative experience.
Bottom line: For a peaceful, scenic sunset combined with nature and gourmet food, this tour offers an extraordinary day in Madeira.
6. Private Walking Food Tour Around Funchal

Finally, the Private Walking Food Tour in Funchal provides a relaxed, city-based tasting experience. Starting at La Vie Funchal Shopping Center, where you’ll taste the famous pastel de nata at Piano Café, this tour is perfect for those wanting to explore the city’s culinary scene on foot. The tour usually ends in Zona Velha, a historic area full of colorful houses, cobbled lanes, and local taverns.
At just $32.41 per person, it offers great value, especially with its private, personalized approach. The guide helps plan your route based on your preferences, making sure you sample the best that Funchal has to offer. The reviews praise the “interesting stations” and the flexibility of the itinerary, allowing for a customized experience.
Ideal for travelers who prefer a more leisurely, city-focused experience, this tour is perfect for those who want to combine sightseeing with food without leaving Funchal’s historic heart.
Bottom line: For a flexible, city-centered tasting adventure at a budget-friendly price, this private walking tour is hard to beat.
How to Choose the Right Food Tour in Funchal
When selecting your perfect Funchal food tour, consider your budget, interests, and fitness level. If you want a cultural evening with stories and local flavors, the Espetada Evening Food and Cultural Tour offers great value. For a special celebration, the Luxury Catamaran or mountain Sunset Tours provide memorable, high-end experiences—just be prepared for higher costs. Active travelers will appreciate the Food & (E) Bike Tour, combining scenery and taste in a fun way.
Don’t forget to book early, especially for popular dates like New Year’s Eve or summer weekends. Think about your preferred pace and setting—quiet mountain vistas or lively city streets—and choose based on what excites your palate and spirit.
Final Thoughts
Funchal offers a surprising diversity of food experiences, from cultural evenings and scenic sunsets to active outdoor tastings. For those looking for rich stories and traditional flavors, the Espetada Evening Food and Cultural Tour hits the mark. If luxury and celebration are your goals, the New Year’s Eve Catamaran or Pico do Arieiro Sunset provide unforgettable moments. Nature lovers should consider the Fanal Forest Sunset Tour for a peaceful yet flavorful escape.
No matter your style, these tours give you a chance to savor Madeira’s best, all while soaking up its stunning sights. To enjoy the most authentic experience, plan ahead and reserve your spot early. Madeira’s culinary delights await—bon appétit!