Madeira Cheese & Tea Tour with Madeira Exquisite Food on Foot
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal physical exertion needed; suitable for most fitness levels including families with children 7 years and older.
Overview
Taste the heart of Madeira on a four-hour tour featuring artisanal cheese-making, fresh-baked tarts, and herbal teas—all set in the serene village of Santo da Serra just outside Funchal.
Madeira Cheese Tasting & Tea Tour
Adults and Children • 4 hours • Ages 7+
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on a unique culinary journey in Madeira, where you'll learn to make Curd Cheese Tarts in a charming village. Discover artisanal cheese production, taste traditional delicacies, and enjoy a refreshing tea with stunning views. This intimate experience promises a memorable day filled with local flavors and rich heritage.
Do you want to learn how to make Curd Cheese Tarts?
Duration
4 hours
Start: 09:00 Wednesdays
A must for visiting gourmets, this intimate tasting session will introduce you to the highlight cheeses of Madeira. At about 40 minutes drive from Funchal, there is the small village of Santo da Serra, where you will find a family business dedicated to the production and selling of dairy products originating on Madeira Island, using around 90% cow's milk, coming from local producers. This company began its activity on June 1, 1995 as a small artisanal cheese factory that produced only Requeijão da Madeira, locally known as curd,a product currently certified as PGI (Protected Geographic Identification) as it is unique in the country and characteristic of RAM.
This product dates back to the 1950s, when the owners' great-grandparents cooked it in iron pans, heated with wood and stirred with a wooden spoon. It was then packaged in cabbage leaves, transported by bus and sIt was then packaged in cabbage leaves, transported by bus and sold in grocery stores and some hotels in Funchal. It is called requeijão, although technically it is a cheese, it has the same proteins as a cheese, since there is no separation between the rennet and cheese.
Over the years, the company grew and adapted the traditional method to market demands and trends, innovating new products that we will try, such as fresh cheese, passion fruit delight, soft cheese, among others.
After this visit, we will proceed with a visit to another small family business that produces delicious "queijadas", tarts made with 70% cottage cheese, flour and sugar. You will watch the preparation and taste this freshly made delicacy. 5m. away, there is a small tea house, with a stunning view over the valley and the sea, where we will enjoy a refreshing pot of tea made with fresh herbs from the garden, accompanied with local homemade tarts and jams , fresh sweet potato bread and delicious selection of tropical fruit. This experience guarantees visits to very traditional places that are completely off the beaten track. It will certainly be a memorable day.
Say cheeseeeee...
Transportation is included Pick up at your accommodation located in Funchal or Caniço.
Please inform us about the name and address of your accommodation in order to be picked up.
Adventure Tips
Book Ahead
This intimate tour has limited spots; reserve early to guarantee your place.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Light walking around artisanal shops and tea house requires supportive footwear.
Inform About Allergies
Notify your host if you have dairy or gluten sensitivities before booking.
Pick-up Included
Transportation from Funchal or Caniço accommodations is part of the tour package.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Madeiran wall lizard often seen sunbathing in village gardens
- Various endemic bird species such as the Plain swift in the area
History
The requeijão cheese tradition dates back to the island’s 1950s rural life, originally cooked in iron pans and wrapped in cabbage leaves for local markets.
Conservation
The tour promotes sustainable local food production by sourcing ingredients from nearby farms and supporting family-owned businesses.
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Adventure Hotspots in Funchal
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive shoes are ideal for light walking and navigating village terrain.
Light jacket or sweater
Layers help manage changing temperatures, especially during cooler months.
spring|fall|winter specific
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated during the day, especially in warm weather.
summer specific
Camera or smartphone
Capture the scenic views and craft of cheese-making and tea serving.