Câmara de Lobos
It was this traditional fishing village, situated five kilometres from Funchal, which inspired the late Sir Winston Churchill to paint its lovely surroundings. The village was given its name by the explorers João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira because of the shape of its bay and the many sea lions (‘lobos’) living there at the time.
Câmara de Lobos, apart from its wonderful bay, has several points of interest such as Pico da Torre, Curral das Freiras, Boca dos Namorados, Boca da Corrida and Cabo Girão.
Coming from Funchal, when you arrive at this recently designated ‘city’, you will be faced with a dazzling bay, the full beauty of which can only best admired from Pico da Torre.
Going towards Estreito de Câmara de Lobos parish, you will see that the banana plantations give way to vineyards and then, a little further up, to cherries.
Once in Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, you should visit the mother church and move forward to Jardim da Serra parish, where you have two options: go to Boca dos Namorados and admire the dazzling landscape of Curral das Freiras or pass through Boca da Corrida and finally stop at Quinta do Jardim da Serra.
Not easy to be missed, the Cabo Girão (second highest cliff in the world) will present you with breathtaking panoramic views. Absolutely amazing...
Câmara de Lobos is also home of the ‘poncha’, a mixture of lemon juice, honey and sugarcane spirit, available at the many local taverns.