The visual record
Rei da Poncha — bar in Madeira
A classic Funchal poncha bar serving the island's signature drink — sugarcane rum (aguardente de cana) whisked with honey and fresh citrus or passion fruit — best taken standing at the bar with a cup of boiled peanuts.
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About Rei da Poncha
Rei da Poncha is a traditional poncha bar in Funchal
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.
Poncha is Madeira in a glass: aguardente de cana, honey and lemon (the fishermen's original) or one of the fruit versions — passion fruit, tangerine and maracujá are the usual rotation. It arrives foamy from the whisking and is deceptively easy to drink.
The classic accompaniment here is a cup of peanuts boiled in their shells — salty, soft and nothing like the roasted kind. This is a local's bar more than a cocktail lounge: order at the counter, drink it fresh, and treat it as the start of an evening rather than the whole one.
What to know before you go
- Cards accepted; rounds of poncha or beer are usually paid for at the end.
- Closes around midnight on weekdays, later on weekends.
- Compact indoor space — busy weekend nights can mean standing.
- Taxis around central Funchal run all night and rarely cost more than €6; Bolt is the cheaper backup.
Best time to visit
Year-round. Funchal nightlife is most lively Thursday through Saturday; Sunday and Monday are quietest.
Visitor reviews
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Frequently asked
Is Rei da Poncha good for poncha?+
Yes — Rei da Poncha is one of the recognised poncha specialists on the island, with the traditional rum-honey-lemon recipe served at the counter.
How late does Rei da Poncha stay open?+
Rei da Poncha usually closes around midnight, a little later on Friday and Saturday.
Does Rei da Poncha accept cards?+
Yes — cards and contactless are accepted, alongside cash.
Does Rei da Poncha have outdoor seating?+
No — Rei da Poncha is an indoor venue.
Is there a dress code at Rei da Poncha?+
Casual. Smart-casual is more than enough — Madeira nightlife rarely turns anyone away on what they're wearing.
Where Rei da Poncha fits
The town guide it belongs to, and the lists it earns a place on.
More Madeira bars & nightlife
Browse the full directory or step out to the wider nightlife guide.
Plan the rest of your trip
The four guides most first-time visitors reach for.