32. What (Not) to Bring Back from Madeira

Skip Bottled Poncha – Take the Real Taste Instead

f you think that a bottle of “Poncha” from the supermarket or airport will bring the true taste of Madeira home with you, I’ve got some bad news. That factory-made liquid has about as much in common with real Poncha as instant coffee does with Italian espresso. Which is to say— absolutely nothing.

Real Poncha isn’t born in plastic bottles on store shelves. It’s crafted by hand, mixed with care using a traditional “caralhinho”—a wooden stirrer that blends fresh lemon and orange juice with Aguardente de Cana, Madeira’s sugarcane rum, and honey. That’s the magic combination that makes Poncha truly special.

So, if you want to take home an authentic taste of Madeira, skip the plastic imposters and grab a bottle of Aguardente de Cana instead. It’s the soul of Poncha, and you won’t find this locally distilled sugarcane rum anywhere else in the world. Make your own Poncha at home using the traditional recipe at the end of this guide—it’ll taste a thousand times better than anything from a factory.

And if you’re looking for another great souvenir, Madeira wine is also a fantastic choice—it’s a centuries-old classic with a rich history and flavour to match. Or just get both. Because why not?

Souvenirs Worth Packing

🥃 For the Drinks Enthusiasts

• Aguardente de Cana

  • Caralhinho (Poncha Stirrer)

• Madeira Wine

• Licor de Maracujá

• Rum 970

🍯 For the Sweet Tooth

• Bolo de Mel (Madeira honey cake)

• Broas de Mel (honey cookies)

• Rebuçados de Funcho (fennel sweets)

🌿 For the Nature Lovers

• Flower seeds and bulbs (many local species available)

For fun and affordable souvenirs, head upstairs at Mercado dos Lavradores in Funchal. The top floor has stalls with handmade crafts, gifts, and small treats that are perfect for bringing a piece of the island back with you. Just steer clear of the overpriced fruit traps downstairs 😉.