A memorable trip is often highlighted by the souvenirs we collect along the way. Below, I will list the best souvenirs and gifts to bring home from Madeira.
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Hello 👋 I’m Hazel, a British travel blogger from England, UK. I have travelled around the whole circumference of Madeira (and the middle too!) and completely fell in love with the island.
Madeira, known for its scenic landscapes and local culture, offers many unique souvenirs that go beyond the typical trinkets. Below, I will describe 20 mementoes to consider when visiting this picturesque Portuguese island.
Most of these items can only be bought on the island itself, but I have also included a section for Madeira-themed gifts that you can buy online too.
20 traditional Madeira souvenirs.
I have separated this post into two sections:
So without further ado, let’s get into my list of traditional Madeira souvenirs.
1. Caralhinho (Poncha Stirrer).
The caralhinho is the iconic tool for crafting ‘poncha’, the beloved Madeiran fruit-infused drink with a deceptively potent kick.
While not readily available in souvenir shops, you can buy a “caralhinho” at the Mercado dos Lavradores in Funchal, or at the airport. It’s the essential accessory for recreating that perfect poncha you enjoyed during your stay.
The poncha stick is visible in the photo on the right; it looks similar to a honey stick (but obviously honey sticks are nowhere near as good at the task).
If you forgot to buy your Caralhinho sticks in Madeira, you could look at honey sticks on Amazon instead, or perhaps standard cocktail stirrers.
2. Rum 970.
Madeira Agricultural Rum 970, a longstanding island tradition since the 1970s, is known for its dark amber hue and 40% alcohol content.
Purchase it at the Engenho do Norte distillery, or grab a mini travel-sized bottle at the airport.
If you have forgotten to pick up your rum in Madeira, you can buy rum 1970 online at Vinha or Delicias UK.
3. Rebuçados de Funcho (Fennel Sweets).
These rustic, orange-hued sweets, packaged in simple, clear bags, are a Madeiran speciality.
Crafted from fennel, which thrives on the island’s slopes, they can sweeten your tea or accompany cane sugar brandy. Due to fennel’s natural properties, they also serve as soothing cough lozenges.
Look for these sweets at the Mercado dos Lavradores market or the airport. Unfortunately, I can’t find them anywhere online.
4. Bolo de Mel (Honey Cake).
This honey cake is a must-have for Madeiran holiday tables and is available year-round.
Made from cane sugar honey, it has a lengthy shelf life without hardening or spoiling. In addition to honey, it incorporates ingredients like Madeira wine, fennel, cinnamon, cloves, and various nuts. By tradition, the cake must be broken by hand.
The Fábrica Santo António in Funchal offers this treat in cute cardboard boxes, and it is also available in various sizes at the airport.
You can also buy bolo de mel online at Delicias UK or Tuga Store.
5. Madeira Wine.
Madeira Wine, a globally recognised fortified wine produced on the island, comes in four primary varieties: Malvasia, Boal, Verdelho, and Sercial.
Its rich sweetness and freshness make it a classic souvenir. Prices vary based on the vintage and variety, and you can conveniently purchase it in large bottles at Blandy’s cellar or collect it at the airport.
You can also get Blandy’s Madeira wine on Amazon.
6. Madeiran chocolates.
Chocolates are a delightful choice for indulging on the plane or gifting to loved ones who couldn’t join your journey.
Uau Cacau, an artisanal chocolate factory in Madeira, offers chocolates infused with poncha, rum, and Madeira wine, as well as other options featuring island fruits. Available in Funchal’s city centre and at the Mercado dos Lavradores.
7. Madeiran hats.
Madeira has two unique hats. The first is the simple straw hat of the Carreiros do Monte, which has a “MADEIRA” band.
The second is the traditional carapuça, a conical cap that was worn in the 18th and 19th centuries and reflects medieval Portuguese fashion.
While the latter is now reserved for folklore performances or representations, it can be found in souvenir shops in various sizes.
Locals even say that the way the tip of the hat is positioned can reveal relationship status – taut for single, twisted for engaged.
8. Madeiran embroidery.
If you’re on a budget, you can still appreciate the artistry of Madeiran embroidery without spending a fortune on an entire trousseau or hand-embroidered tablecloth.
Consider affordable options like coasters, available for less than £2, at the Bordal shop, where you can also witness skilled embroiderers at work.
You can buy Madeiran embroidery from Bordal online – direct from their factory on Madeira.
9. Azulejos (decorative tiles).
Portuguese azulejos are famous hand-painted ceramic tiles. Look for Madeiran-themed azulejos featuring local landscapes, flora, and fauna.
These decorative tiles can be displayed as wall art or incorporated into your home décor.
See azulejos designs on Amazon here.
11. Artisanal pottery.
Madeira is home to talented potters who craft unique pottery items such as bowls, plates, and vases. Each piece is handcrafted and may feature intricate patterns or island-inspired motifs.
There’s a wonderful shop in Funchal called Lillie Ceramics – check out their designs here.
12. Local art and paintings.
Support local artists by purchasing paintings or artworks inspired by Madeira’s stunning scenery. You can find galleries and art markets in Funchal showcasing a wide range of styles and themes, allowing you to bring a piece of Madeira’s beauty home with you.
13. Traditional espetada skewers.
Espetada is a delicious Madeiran dish consisting of marinated meat skewers cooked over an open flame. You can buy a set of traditional espetada skewers as a practical and unique souvenir. They are also pretty good conversation starters during your next barbecue.
You can get traditional hanging espetada skewers on Amazon.
14. Madeiran embroidered shoes (Chinelo Madeirense).
These distinctive hand-embroidered slippers, known as “Chinelo Madeirense,” are a pretty and comfortable souvenir option.
They are available in various sizes and designs.
15. Lavender and aloe vera products.
Madeira is known for its lavender and aloe vera cultivation.
Look for lavender sachets, essential oils, or aloe vera skincare products to enjoy the soothing and healing properties of these island-grown plants.
16. Local gourmet products.
Explore Madeira’s culinary delights by bringing home some of its gourmet products.
Consider purchasing bottles of local honey, fruit preserves, or exotic spices like Piri-Piri, a chilli pepper seasoning that adds a spicy kick to your dishes.
17. Traditional straw baskets (Cestos de Vime).
Madeiran straw baskets, known as “Cestos de Vime,” are cute and practical.
These handwoven baskets come in various sizes and shapes and are perfect for carrying groceries, picnics, or beach essentials.
18. Madeiran literature and music.
Immerse yourself in Madeira’s culture by bringing home a book by a local author or a CD of traditional Madeiran music. These can be purchased at local fairs, markets and festivals.
19. Cristiano Ronaldo souvenirs.
For fans of the renowned football star Cristiano Ronaldo, Madeira offers a special treat.
You can find a variety of Cristiano Ronaldo souvenirs, including posters, keychains, jerseys, and other memorabilia featuring the famous footballer.
You can find these items in sports shops, souvenir stores, the Cristiano Ronaldo museum and even dedicated Cristiano Ronaldo fan shops in Funchal.
20. Madeiran embroidered lace (Renda Madeirense).
Madeiran embroidered lace, known as “Renda Madeirense,” is a delicate and intricate craft that has been practised on the island for generations.
Madeiran lace can be found in various forms, including tablecloths, doilies, handkerchiefs, and even clothing items like shawls and blouses.
Look for Madeiran embroidered lace at local markets, boutiques, or specialised stores in Funchal or other towns on the island.
You can also buy Madeiran lace from Bordal online – direct from their factory on Madeira.
This brings me to the end of my list of Madeira souvenirs you can buy on Madeira Island.
Now I will show you some online Madeira souvenirs you can purchase from Amazon!
11. Madeira gifts and souvenirs from Amazon.
Of course, the best option is to buy your Madeira souvenirs in Madeira. However, you can also find a variety of Madeira-themed gifts and memorabilia on Amazon.
These could be good if you are planning a surprise trip for someone and want to get them a little gift as a hint about where they are going – or perhaps a gift to accompany their plane ticket!
Amazon souvenirs are also good if you didn’t manage to pick anything up during your time on Madeira but still want a memento of your trip. You can click the links below or on the images to go straight to Amazon.
1. Madeira art prints.
Adorn your walls with Madeira-inspired art prints and canvases showcasing the island’s natural beauty.
Top picks:
2. Madeira travel journal.
A Madeira travel journal can help you capture the beauty and memories of your trip to this lovely island.
Top picks:
3. Madeira magnets.
Lots of people love to collect fridge magnets to show where they have been. What better way to adorn your fridge at home.
Top picks:
4. Madeira T-Shirts and apparel.
Find Madeira-themed t-shirts, hoodies, and apparel celebrating the island’s unique culture and beauty.
Top picks:
5. Madeira wine.
You don’t have to travel to Madeira to enjoy its renowned wine. Amazon offers a selection of Madeira wines, bringing the flavours of this exceptional fortified wine right to your doorstep.
Choose from various Madeira wine varieties, such as Malvasia, Boal, Verdelho, and Sercial, each with its unique taste profile.
Top picks:
6. Madeira puzzles.
Enjoy hours of entertainment with a Madeira-themed jigsaw puzzle featuring captivating island landscapes.
Top picks:
7. Madeira souvenir jewellery.
Capture the essence of Madeira’s natural beauty and culture with Madeira souvenir jewellery. These are wearable memories of your island adventure!
Top picks:
8. Madeira calendars.
Stay connected to the stunning beauty of Madeira year-round with Madeira-themed calendars. These calendars feature captivating photographs showcasing the island’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant festivals, and unique cultural heritage.
9. Madeira travel guidebooks.
Before your trip, consider purchasing a Madeira travel guidebook to help you plan your adventure and discover the island’s hidden gems.
Top picks:
10. Madeira language guides.
Learn Portuguese or the local Madeiran dialect with language guides and phrasebooks to enhance your travel experience.
Top picks:
11. Madeira placemats & coasters.
Elevate your dining experience with Madeira placemats and coasters. Featuring captivating island imagery, these practical yet stylish accessories protect your table from spills and add a touch of Madeiran charm.
Top picks:
- Madeira photographic glass placemat and coaster set
- Silver Glass Madeira Coaster
- 2 Madeira Cork Coasters
- Madeira Mountains Glass Placemats and Coaster Set.
When shopping for Madeira-themed gifts and souvenirs on Amazon, be sure to read product reviews and check shipping options to ensure your items arrive in time for your trip or special occasion.
FAQs about Madeira souvenirs.
Below are some frequently asked questions relating to Madeira Souvenirs.
A: Madeira offers a wide range of souvenirs, including traditional embroidered linens, artisanal pottery, decorative tiles (azulejos), local art, and hand-embroidered shoes (Chinelo Madeirense). Other options include local products like honey, lavender items, and Madeira wine.
A: You can find Madeiran souvenirs in various places in Funchal, including souvenir shops along the seaside promenades, markets like Mercado dos Lavradores, and artisanal boutiques throughout the city.
A: Yes, Madeira is known for its gourmet products. Consider bringing home local honey, fruit preserves, Piri-Piri spices, or traditional sweets like “Rebuçados de Funcho” (fennel sweets) and “Bolo de Mel” (honey cake).
A: Madeira is renowned for its fortified wines. You can buy Madeira wine in various varieties such as Malvasia, Boal, Verdelho, and Sercial. Look for these wines at local wine cellars or ask for assistance at the airport to purchase and pack them securely for your journey.
A: Traditional hand-embroidered linens and textiles can be found at shops specialising in Madeira embroidery. You can visit places like Bordal, where you can not only purchase these beautiful items but also observe skilled embroiderers at work.
A:“Chinelo Madeirense” refers to traditional Madeiran hand-embroidered slippers. These slippers are known for their intricate designs and are often crafted in bright colours.
A: Madeira offers unique accessories like the traditional Carreiros do Monte straw hat, as well as the iconic carapuça cap. These items are distinctive to the island’s culture and can be found in souvenir shops.
A: Yes, you can find artisanal chocolates filled with local flavours such as poncha, rum, and Madeira wine. Look for these chocolates at places like the Uau Cacau artisanal chocolate factory in Funchal or the Mercado dos Lavradores.
A: Madeira’s commitment to sustainability extends to its souvenirs. Look for eco-friendly items like straw baskets (“Cestos de Vime”), which are both practical and environmentally friendly, as they are handwoven from natural materials. They’re also great value for money.
A: You can explore Madeira’s cultural heritage by purchasing books by local authors or CDs featuring traditional Madeiran music. Bookstores, music shops, and local markets are great places to find these items.
Madeira Quick Links
My last visit to Madeira was in the summer of 2023. I spent a week travelling all around the island and crammed as much into one week as possible. This included visiting all of the main towns, sampling the local cuisine, going on levada walks and meeting the locals. It was a solo trip, but Madeira is also ideal for couples and families. I have also visited Madeira in the spring and winter time too.
Here are some helpful links which may help you plan your trip to Madeira, Portugal.
- Reserve your Madeira Hotel early, before they sell out.
- Remember to pack decent sunscreen and a packable sun hat.
- Book Madeira tours in advance (no payment required up front).
- Take a quick-dry sand-repellent beach towel.
- Packing cubes are a traveller’s best friend. I recommend these ones.
- Going hiking? These are the best hiking socks.
- If you need a rental car, book one at Discover Cars and pick it up at the airport.
- Need something to read on the beach? 20 Best Books For Travellers.
Related Posts for Madeira Souvenirs
Here are some more blog posts related to Madeira souvenirs.
Pinterest Pin – Madeira Souvenirs
If you have enjoyed reading this guide to the best Madeira souvenirs or found it useful, please use the images below to pin this article to your Pinterest boards.
General Travel Resources:
Booking.com is the best site for hotels with free reservation and cancellations.
Viator and Get Your Guide are the best sites for tours and activities.
Discover Cars is the best comparison site for car rentals.
Trip.com is good for booking flights and packages.
See my Travel Resources page for a full list of helpful booking links.
Popular Destinations: London | Edinburgh | Malta | Scotland | Madeira | Cyprus | Italy | Canary Islands
Tags: Europe, Islands, Madeira
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