Venda da Donna Maria
Old-school grocery-shop-turned-poncha-bar in Câmara de Lobos. Pungent, shaken-by-hand poncha (rum, honey, lemon) served over the original wooden counter. The classic stop before or after a fish lunch.
About Venda da Donna Maria
Venda da Donna Maria is a traditional poncha bar in Câmara de Lobos. Old-school grocery-shop-turned-poncha-bar in Câmara de Lobos. Pungent, shaken-by-hand poncha (rum, honey, lemon) served over the original wooden counter. The classic stop before or after a fish lunch.
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
- 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.
- Funchal Old Town (Rua de Santa Maria) is the easiest neighbourhood to bar-hop on foot; taxis to and from elsewhere are cheap.
Best time to visit
Year-round. Funchal nightlife is most lively Thursday through Saturday; Sunday and Monday are quietest.
Location
Câmara de Lobos, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.64930, -16.97740
Frequently asked
Is Venda da Donna Maria good for poncha?+
Yes — Venda da Donna Maria is one of the recognised poncha specialists on the island, with the traditional rum-honey-lemon recipe served at the counter.
How late does Venda da Donna Maria stay open?+
Venda da Donna Maria usually closes around midnight, a little later on Friday and Saturday.
Is there a dress code at Venda da Donna Maria?+
No formal dress code. Madeira nightlife is casual — smart-casual is more than enough for any of the recommended bars.
Nearby on Madeira
Other places within easy reach of Venda da Donna Maria.