Camara de Lobos

Travel Guide
Camara de Lobos featuring a coastal town
Visit this old-fashioned fishing village, known for inspiring one of Britain’s greatest politicians with its charming scenery.

Câmara de Lobos is a traditional Madeiran village, the landscape of which was famously painted by Winston Churchill during the 1950s. Go for a stroll along the harbour, where multicolored boats are lined up against the shore, or walk amid the whitewashed cottages of the town, stopping at one of the quaint restaurants to try some local dishes.

Be sure to visit the town’s rocky beach, which is overlooked by some of the highest cliffs in Europe. Take a few photos of the bright boats contrasting against the beach’s grey stones. Visit the beach in the evening to see fishermen returning with the daily catch. See children playing and old men chatting or playing cards on overturned boats.

Keep an eye out for a plaque marking the spot where Winston Churchill set up his easel to paint this seaside scene. Although the legendary statesman only visited Câmara de Lobos once, it was enough to make the town famous and increase Madeira’s popularity as a holiday destination.

Walk into town to see the small fishermen’s chapel, called Nossa Senhora da Conceição. Believed to be the second-oldest chapel on the island, the building was founded in the 15th century and was rebuilt 3 centuries later. Notice how the chapel’s interior is decorated with depictions of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of seafarers. The wives of fishermen would traditionally come here to pray for their husbands at sea.

Head down Rua Joao de Deus, an attractive street lined with traditional shops, restaurants and bars. Be sure to sample one of the dishes made with black scabbardfish, a species commonly caught by local fishermen. 

Take a look inside Igreja de São Sebastião, an 18th-century parish church. Admire the church’s fine azulejo tiles, its Baroque gilded wood altarpiece and its blue ceiling decorated with clouds.

Câmara de Lobos is located in west-central Madeira, about 3 miles (5 kilometres) away from Funchal. Most buses heading west from Funchal stop in the village.

Eira do Serrado Hotel & SPA
Eira do Serrado Hotel & SPA
4 out of 5
Curral Das Freiras, Camara de Lobos
The price is S$156 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
S$156
per night
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Camara de Lobos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Pico do Ariero and Funchal Ecological ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (130 reviews)
"Wonderful experience."

Reviewed on 26 Mar,2024

Eira do Serrado Hotel & SPA
Village Cabo Girao
Village Cabo Girao
4 out of 5
Rua 1º de Julho, nº 2, Camara de Lobos
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Camara de Lobos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the property condition in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (142 reviews)
"The views were incredible. The drive up was always interesting, it would have been easier if I had put Cabo Girao into my GPS from the start."

Reviewed on 18 Feb,2024

Village Cabo Girao
Pestana Churchill Bay
Pestana Churchill Bay
4 out of 5
Rua Nossa Senhora da Conceicao 17, Camara de Lobos, Madeira
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$223 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
S$223
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Camara de Lobos. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (71 reviews)
Good hotel, great location. Good staff
"Great hotel, very nice staff. Good breakfast. Pool and sauna is situated on roof with lovely view of bay. The sauna door needs fixed however. Parking is tricky in the local area. Would stay again."

Reviewed on 12 Jan,2024

Pestana Churchill Bay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Florasol Residence Hotel
Florasol Residence Hotel
3 out of 5
Estrada Monumental 306, Funchal
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly aparthotel in Funchal. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a children's pool. Popular attractions Lido Bathing Complex and Ponta ...
8/10 Very Good! (144 reviews)
Florasol Hotel
"Clean, comfortable and excellent food. Good value"

Reviewed on 5 Mar,2024

Florasol Residence Hotel
Village Cabo Girao
Village Cabo Girao
4 out of 5
Rua 1º de Julho, nº 2, Camara de Lobos
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Camara de Lobos. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the property condition in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (142 reviews)
"The views were incredible. The drive up was always interesting, it would have been easier if I had put Cabo Girao into my GPS from the start."

Reviewed on 18 Feb,2024

Village Cabo Girao
Terrace Mar
Terrace Mar
3 out of 5
Travessa do Valente 7, Funchal
Stay at this 3-star spa aparthotel in Funchal. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and room service. Popular attractions CR7 Museum and Funchal Farmers Market ...
9/10 Wonderful! (73 reviews)
Lovely hotel in Funchal
"The Terrace Mar was a great choice for iur four night stay in Funchal. It is located in a inice area,with plenty of restaurants and bars within a short walking distance. The airport bus stop is just around the corner, which was really convenient. We booked a junior suite,which was huge,with everything ..."

Reviewed on 26 Nov,2023

Terrace Mar
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Camara de Lobos

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
5
" "5 - Excellent 71.42857142857143%
4 - Good
2
" "4 - Good 28.571428571428573%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
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" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
7 Dec 2019

Good local fish in restaurants, don't bother with the Steak House. Cheaper to get a pre-booked limo to & from airport than a yellow taxi.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
12 Mar 2019

The drive from the main road is about 4KM you will need a hire car, or a taxi, but it is worth it, Go on the garden tour as this was a wonderful couple of hours seeing all the garden. The staff were all lovely and helpful and views were superb.