Maskay guide

Where can you try poncha in Funchal’s Old Town?

Between a recreated old venda and a specialist bar, two stops on Rua de Santa Maria offer poncha and a different way to experience Funchal’s evening life.

Maskay editorial team Updated

Funchal’s Old Town is best understood at a slow pace: painted doors, restaurants spilling onto the pavement and the sweet scent of sugarcane spirit from the bars. The signature drink is poncha, a blend of sugarcane spirit, citrus and honey stirred with a mexelhote and often served with a small snack. Madeira’s tourism board traces the fishermen’s version to Câmara de Lobos; on Rua de Santa Maria, two venues offer a taste of the tradition without leaving the historic centre: Venda Velha and Poncha do Pescador.

Venda Velha, at number 170, recreates the old vendas that functioned as both shops and neighbourhood meeting places. Its decor brings together period furniture and objects, while the menu focuses on fresh poncha and local drinks. Reviews often highlight the atmosphere, location and outdoor seating; during busy periods, the bar can grow noisy and service may move more slowly. Its afternoon opening makes it a natural stop before or after a walk among the painted doors.

A little farther along, Poncha do Pescador at number 188 offers a smaller, specialist-bar format. Online comments mention a friendly welcome and flavoured poncha, but the limited space and conflicting directory hours make a phone call advisable. There is no need to choose a “better” drink: ask about the day’s recipe and its sweetness or strength, particularly if you are not used to aguardente. The bar may close on weekdays, so do not leave it until the last moment.

Both venues are on the same street and can be part of one Old Town loop, which also takes in São Tiago Fortress and the waterfront. Venda Velha suits anyone seeking an evocative setting and outdoor tables; Poncha do Pescador is for those who prefer a more intimate counter. Either way, pace yourself: poncha is alcoholic, and the centre is best enjoyed with water breaks and a proper dinner.

Read the profiles of Poncha do Pescador and Venda Velha to choose your stop.

Bottom line

Venda Velha offers the setting of an old venda and outdoor tables; Poncha do Pescador is smaller and more specialised. Check the latter’s hours before you go.

Editorial selection

Restaurants to compare

These restaurants match the question. Check menus, prices and recent reviews before visiting.

01
Poncha bar in Funchal’s Old Town

Poncha do Pescador

Rua de Santa Maria 188, 9060-291 Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

4.5 /5 55 reviews

On Rua de Santa Maria, where painted doors and bars turn Funchal’s Old Town into a walk that stretches into the evening, Poncha do Pescador offers a small, specialist stop. Its name points to the drink most closely associated with the bar: poncha à pescador, a Madeiran blend of sugarcane spirit, cit

Why it made the selection

Poncha à pescador and other blends of sugarcane spirit, citrus and honey

Hours: The listings consulted do not fully agree; some show opening concentrated on Friday and Saturday. Call before setting out to confirm this branch’s hours and availability. Verified: October 11, 2026
View Maskay profile →
02
Madeiran poncha bar in the Old Town

Venda Velha

Rua de Santa Maria 170, 9060-291 Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

4.3 /5 1,437 reviews

Venda Velha does not claim to be an untouched old tavern: it recreates the Madeiran venda, the early twentieth-century shops that mixed trade, messages and neighbourhood conversation. Madeira’s tourism board describes it as a contemporary tribute to that meeting place, with period furniture and obje

Why it made the selection

Freshly made poncha, sugarcane spirit and a setting inspired by Madeira’s old vendas

Hours: Daily from 3:00 pm; until midnight Sunday to Thursday and until 1:00 am Friday and Saturday, according to listings consulted. Check for changes before visiting. Verified: October 11, 2026
View Maskay profile → Official website ↗
Verification

Sources & references

Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.

  1. Official website of Poncha do Pescador ↗ Primary source Visit Madeira · Accessed October 11, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  2. Official website of Poncha do Pescador ↗ Primary source Restaurant Guru · Accessed October 11, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  3. Official website of Poncha do Pescador ↗ Primary source Wanderlog · Accessed October 11, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  4. Official website of Venda Velha ↗ Primary source Visit Madeira · Accessed October 11, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  5. Official website of Venda Velha ↗ Primary source Restaurant Guru · Accessed October 11, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  6. Official website ↗ Primary source Visit Madeira · Accessed October 11, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  7. Official website ↗ Primary source Visit Madeira · Accessed October 11, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  8. Official website ↗ Primary source Restaurant Guru · Accessed October 11, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  9. Official website ↗ Primary source Restaurant Guru · Accessed October 11, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  10. Google rating and review count ↗ Secondary source Restaurant Guru · Accessed October 11, 2026

    Google data displayed for Rua de Santa Maria 188: 4.5/5 and 55 reviews, checked 11/10/2026.

  11. Public rating data ↗ Secondary source Restaurant Guru · Accessed October 11, 2026

    Google rating for the exact Funchal branch: 4.3/5 from 1,437 reviews, checked 11/10/2026.

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