Our top-5 poncha bars
Our favorite local drink is of course poncha. The simple ingredients citrus, sugarcane syrup and sugarcane rum (aguardente) are hard to resist. Just stay with the traditional ones with orange (ponchal regional) or lemon (poncha pescador). We’re sure after your first you will be hooked. Here’s our top-5 poncha bars.
5. Poncha De São Vicente
Highlights: this poncha bar in the north has also a wide range of food options (see photo)
Kids-proof factor: there’s a spacious terrace so kids can run around
Insider tip: there’s a playground close by so a good option if your kids are still full of energy after the dinner
📍 Location Pin: 32.803033925649274, -17.042653858660003
🗺️ Google Maps: [Open in Maps (Link)]
🧩 Plus Code: RX34+5M São Vicente, Portugal
4. Taberna da Poncha
Highlights: located next to the beautiful road from Ribera Brava to Sao Vicente this poncha bar you can’t miss
Kids-proof factor: not so suitable with kids
Insider tip: the floor is covered with empty peanut shells, which is a sign that you’re visiting an authentic bar
📍 Location Pin: 32.71657852788898, -17.032609448882816
🗺️ Google Maps: [Open in Maps (Link)]
🧩 Plus Code: PX88+HQ Ribeira Brava, Portugal
3. Pharmacia Do Bento
Highlights: Pharmacia do Bento is officially a pharmacy but they are world famous in Funchal for their poncha’s. Here local politicians and business men informally meet to discuss about the island
Kids-proof factor: not so recommended for kids
Insider tip: don’t go to their neighbor Rei do Poncha. It’s a tourist trap with pre-mixed poncha’s in all colors of the rainbow. Not the real stuff
📍 Location Pin: 32.64634982862637, -16.907320605211996
🗺️ Google Maps: [Open in Maps (Link)]
🧩 Plus Code: J3XV+5G Funchal, Portugal
2. A Venda do André
Highlights: this poncha bar is tucked away on the hills of Quinta Grande. A bit outside the main areas but well worth it. Inside it looks like a former grocery store and after ordering your poncha is made right in front of you.
Kids-proof factor: not so much to do for kids
Insider tip: you can enjoy your poncha from the terrace
📍 Location Pin: 32.661303658968706, -17.01332495124793
🗺️ Google Maps: [Open in Maps (Link)]
🧩 Plus Code: MX6P+F7 Quinta Grande, Portugal
1. A Mercadora
Highlights: this is a kind of ‘speakeasy’ poncha bar behind a grocery store where they sell herbs and spices. When we were there we were the only non-locals and after the second poncha our Portuguese improved so much that we could join the conversations.
Kids-proof factor: no so much to do for kids
Insider tip: it’s in Funchal next to the market hall and opens in the afternoon till about 7PM to serve the market vendors
📍 Location Pin: 32.64920714521591, -16.903261206558817
🗺️ Google Maps: [Open in Maps (Link)]
🧩 Plus Code: J3XW+JG Funchal, Portugal
