Madeira Sweet Rituals: curd cheese, queijadas and herbal tea tasting

Indulge in an authentic taste of Madeira with this unique cheese-tasting experience designed for true gourmets. Just a 40-minute drive from Funchal, in the charming village of Santo da Serra, you’ll visit a family-run dairy that has been crafting traditional cheeses since 1995. This small artisanal factory began by producing Requeijão da Madeira, a soft curd cheese with PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) status, known for its rich flavor and creamy texture. Using around 90% local cow’s milk, the family has carried forward recipes passed down through generations, dating back to the 1950s. Once made in iron pans and wrapped in cabbage leaves before being sold in Funchal’s grocery stores, the cheese has evolved into a signature product of Madeira.

After the cheese tasting, continue to a nearby family bakery specializing in traditional queijadas—small, sweet tarts made with 70% cottage cheese, flour, and sugar. Watch the process of making these treats and enjoy tasting them warm from the oven. The experience concludes with a relaxing visit to a small tea house overlooking the valley and the sea, where you’ll enjoy freshly brewed herbal tea from the garden, accompanied by homemade tarts, jams, sweet potato bread, and tropical fruits.