Funchal Old Town Petiscos & Poncha Walking Tour

The Funchal Old Town Petiscos & Poncha Walking Tour is an evening, guide-led walk covering five stops along and around Rua de Santa Maria in Funchal's historic old town, over roughly three and a half hours. The route balances savoury and drink stops: a petiscos taberna serving small-plate Portuguese classics, a dedicated poncha bar, a cheese and cured-meat counter for a tasting board, a bolo do caco stall for warm griddled flatbread with garlic butter, and a Madeira wine bar to close the evening with a pour of the island's fortified wine. Between stops, the guide traces the old town's history from working dockside quarter to its current mix of tabernas, street-art-covered facades and evening bars. Portions at each stop are tasting-sized rather than full meals, so the overall effect is closer to a five-course grazing walk than a single sit-down dinner. Groups are kept small, generally under 12 people, walking at a relaxed pace with seated breaks at most stops; the tour runs in English. Dietary substitutions such as a vegetarian petisco or a non-alcoholic pour can usually be arranged at individual stops if flagged to the guide at the start. Not included are extra drink rounds beyond those in the five stops, or hotel transfer — the route is entirely walkable within the old town.