Peter's Grutas (Peter's Poncha Faial) — bars in Madeira
Sister bar to Peter's Poncha in Caniço de Baixo, this roadside poncha stop sits on the ER101 at Sítio da Degolada / Lombo de Baixo in Faial, just by the new Faial bridge. Poncha regional and poncha à pescador shaken to order, plus fruit versions such as strawberry and tangerine — the natural pause on a north-coast drive between Santana and Machico.
About Peter's Grutas (Peter's Poncha Faial)
Peter's Grutas (Peter's Poncha Faial) is a traditional poncha bar in Faial
Poncha is Madeira's traditional drink — white sugar-cane rum (aguardente), bee honey and fresh lemon, shaken by hand with a wooden mexelote. Order a copo and pace yourself; the second one always tastes like a good idea.
What to know before you go
- Contactless is standard now, even at the older tasca-style spots.
- Closes around midnight on weekdays, later on weekends.
- Outdoor seating fills first; arrive before 21:30 in summer for the best chance at a terrace table.
- There's no real bar cluster around here, so plan to drive or taxi in and out rather than hopping between venues.
Best time to visit
Year-round. Funchal nightlife is most lively Thursday through Saturday; Sunday and Monday are quietest.
Location
Faial, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.78620, -16.85310
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Frequently asked
Is Peter's Grutas (Peter's Poncha Faial) good for poncha?+
Yes — Peter's Grutas (Peter's Poncha Faial) is one of the recognised poncha specialists on the island, with the traditional rum-honey-lemon recipe served at the counter.
How late does Peter's Grutas (Peter's Poncha Faial) stay open?+
Peter's Grutas (Peter's Poncha Faial) usually closes around midnight, a little later on Friday and Saturday.
Does Peter's Grutas (Peter's Poncha Faial) accept cards?+
Yes — cards and contactless are accepted, alongside cash.
Does Peter's Grutas (Peter's Poncha Faial) have outdoor seating?+
Yes — Peter's Grutas (Peter's Poncha Faial) has outdoor seating, which fills first on warm evenings.
Is there a dress code at Peter's Grutas (Peter's Poncha Faial)?+
Casual. Smart-casual is more than enough — Madeira nightlife rarely turns anyone away on what they're wearing.
Plan around Peter's Grutas (Peter's Poncha Faial)
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