Places to eat

Poncha do Emanuel

A village bar in Arco da Calheta pouring seven versions of Madeira's poncha.

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AI illustration of this part of the island, not a photograph of Poncha do Emanuel

The place

Poncha is Madeira's sugarcane-rum answer to a cocktail, traditionally muddled with honey and lemon or passion fruit, and this small bar in Arco da Calheta serves seven variations including a rosemary and a fisherman's-style version. It's a locals' stop rather than a polished tourist bar, with peanuts and lupini beans on the side.

When to come

Early evening, as a stop between Calheta's beach and dinner.

Worth knowing

Order the regional (rum, honey, lemon) if it's your first poncha
Small, informal, cash is safest
On Caminho Cales e Chada, just off the main road in Arco da Calheta
Pairs well with a stop at Engenhos da Calheta down the hill

The place

When to come

Worth knowing

Nearby