Madeira Culinary Day Tour: Artisan Cheese Farm & Cooking Class

 
 
madeira-culinary-tour-cheese-farm-cooking-class-09.jpg Family Artisan Cheese Farm
madeira-culinary-tour-cheese-farm-cooking-class-19.jpg Fresh Cheese Family Factory
madeira-culinary-tour-cheese-farm-cooking-class-21.jpg Fresh cheese in the making
madeira-culinary-tour-cheese-farm-cooking-class-11.jpg Family style kitchen for cooking class
madeira-culinary-tour-cheese-farm-cooking-class-13.jpg Tasting and Cooking area
madeira-culinary-tour-cheese-farm-cooking-class-24.jpg João cutting the fresh cheese
madeira-culinary-tour-cheese-farm-cooking-class-27.jpg Cheese tasting family made products
madeira-culinary-tour-cheese-farm-cooking-class-15.jpg Madeiran Fresh cheese of SantoQueijo
madeira-culinary-tour-cheese-farm-cooking-class-32.jpg Cheese dessert with passion & red fruits
madeira-culinary-tour-cheese-farm-cooking-class-33.jpg Preparing the Espetada (Beef Skewers)
madeira-culinary-tour-cheese-farm-cooking-class-40.jpg Espetada on the BBQ
madeira-culinary-tour-cheese-farm-cooking-class-38.jpg Espetada ready to serve!
madeira-culinary-tour-cheese-farm-cooking-class-39.jpg Saugages on the fire!
madeira-culinary-tour-cheese-farm-cooking-class-37.jpg Espetada served & ready to enjoy!
madeira-culinary-tour-cheese-farm-cooking-class-36.jpg Atum de Escabeche made to perfection!
madeira-culinary-tour-cheese-farm-cooking-class-16.jpg Terrace rustic outside seating with views!
madeira-culinary-tour-cheese-farm-cooking-class-26.jpg Restored cellar preserving the family history
madeira-culinary-tour-cheese-farm-cooking-class-17.jpg Countryside views of Santo António da Serra
Culinary Day Tour

Full Day (Duration: 6-7hrs approx.)

Funchal

On Request Best Rate

 
A private culinary day tour from Funchal into Madeira´s countryside, featuring an artisan cheese farm visit, fresh cheese tasting, and a hands-on cooking class with a local chef focused on traditional Madeiran cuisine and slow food traditions.
 
Highlights
 
  • Scenic countryside drive from Funchal
  • Visit to an artisan cheese farm in Santo António da Serra
  • Fresh cottage cheese tasting with countryside views
  • Hands-on cooking class with a local chef
 
 

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General Overview


Country: Portugal
Region: Madeira Islands
City: Funchal
Duration: Full Day (Duration: 6-7hrs approx.)
Type: Private Half Day Tours, Private Full Day Tours
Theme: Food & Wine Tours, Green Trails & Coastal Walks, Tasting & Visits, Private Shore and Chauffeur Guided Excursions, Culinary Tours and Cooking Holidays
Group Size: 2 to 8+ People
Price from: 0.00€
Transport: (More details)
 

Introduction

Madeira Culinary Day Tour: Artisan Cheese Farm & Cooking Class - Countryside views in Santo António da Serra

A Slow Food Culinary Day in Madeira's Countryside

This private Madeira culinary tour with a cheese farm visit and hands-on cooking class is designed for travellers who want to connect with local culture through food. Leaving the city behind, you will enjoy a scenic drive into the green landscapes of Santo António da Serra, where tradition, rural life, and Madeiran cuisine remain deeply rooted. Ideal for guests seeking Madeira culinary tours, Madeira food tours, and authentic cultural connections, this experience offers a relaxed and meaningful way to taste the island.

Your day begins with a special visit to SantoQueijo, a family-run artisan cheese farm in Madeira. Learn about the local family business producing cheese and dairy products 100% Madeiran since 1995. Madeira Requeijão (PGI-certified) was first created using iron pots heated by firewood and stirred by hand with a wooden spoon, following a fully artisanal process. Discover the craft behind their fresh cottage cheese and the role of traditional dairy in Madeira's gastronomy. The visit concludes with a fresh cottage cheese tasting enjoyed with countryside views, reflecting the values of slow food, slow travel, and support for local producers.

Family-run artisan cheese farm visit in MadeiraTraditional cheese-making process at SantoQueijo in MadeiraFresh Madeiran cottage cheese tasting at SantoQueijoTraditional Madeiran cooking class setting in the countryside

Rustic Madeiran Menu & Hands-On Experience

Under the guidance of our local chef, trained at Madeira's renowned Escola Profissional de Hotelaria e Turismo and inspired by recipes passed down from his grandmother, you will prepare a full traditional Madeiran meal. Guests work together to create regional classics such as bolo do caco (named after the basalt stone 'caco' on which it was originally baked), handmade garlic butter, seasonal starters like marinated tuna 'de escabeche' or tomato soup with egg, and the island's iconic mains: black scabbard fish (filleted from fresh whole fish shown on-site) with coal-baked sweet potatoes, and espetada, Madeira's celebrated beef skewers. For dessert, you will prepare a comforting tarte de requeijão, made using fresh cottage cheese from SantoQueijo, baked while guests enjoy the main meal.

Traditional espetada skewers grilling during a Madeira cooking class

An Authentic Culinary Tour with Local Producers

This culinary day tour is designed for travellers looking for more than just a meal. It is an immersive gastronomic experience in Madeira that brings guests closer to the island's food culture through direct contact with local producers and hands-on participation. From the peaceful countryside setting to the shared cooking moments, this experience reflects the essence of slow food, traditional Madeiran cooking, and genuine cultural exchange with locals, making it one of the most authentic Madeira culinary tours available.

Traditional Madeiran house prepared for hands-on cooking classesEspetada ready to eat during a Madeira culinary experienceAtum de escabeche tuna served during a Madeiran cooking class

Day by day itinerary

DAY 1:
FUNCHAL - SANTO ANTÓNIO DA SERRA - FUNCHAL

  • 09:00 AM: Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Funchal or from the cruise ship port.
  • Scenic drive along Madeira Island's countryside roads to the village of Santo António da Serra (approximately 35 minutes).
  • Welcome and introduction at the family-run artisan cheese farm SantoQueijo.
  • Guided visit of the facilities to learn how traditional Madeiran cheeses are produced.
  • Fresh cheese tasting featuring different types of locally made cheeses.
  • Time to roll up our sleeves as the local chef introduces the traditional Madeiran recipes prepared for lunch.
  • Hands-on rustic Madeiran cooking class, including bolo do caco, garlic butter, seasonal starters, black scabbard fish, sweet potato, espetada, and a dessert tart made with SantoQueijo fresh cottage cheese. All ingredients are locally sourced.
  • Lunch based on all dishes prepared during the cooking class, served with beverages.
  • Return journey to Funchal after an authentic day in the Madeiran countryside spent with local producers.
  • 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM approx.: Drop-off at your hotel or cruise ship in Funchal and farewell from your driver.

L

END OF PRIVATE SLOW FOOD TOUR SERVICES

Prices and Dates

Select date to show availability
 
 
From
0.00€
(Price per person)
 
 
 

Included

  • English-speaking driver for the duration of the tour.
  • Transportation in a fully-equipped vehicle, depending on the group size (See Transportation)
  • Visit to SantoQueijo artisan fresh cottage cheese farm
  • Fresh cottage cheese tasting
  • Hands-on traditional Madeiran cooking experience with a local chef born and raised on Madeira Island, learning all the gastronomic secrets from his grandma, and professional training at the culinary school in Funchal. 
  • Chef guidance throughout the experience.
  • (L): Lunch based on all dishes prepared during the cooking class, including (NOTE: Menu subject to changes depending on season, intolrances, etc...):
    • Bolo do caco with handmade garlic butter
    • Seasonal starter: marinated tuna de escabeche or tomato soup with egg
    • Black scabbard fish demonstration, preparation, and tasting with coal-baked sweet potato
    • Traditional beef espetada
    • Dessert: tarte de requeijão made with SantoQueijo fresh cottage cheese
  • Beverages served during lunch
  • 1 E&W Gift Arpon with a PDF of recipes prepared.
  • Civil Liability insurance
  • Local taxes

Excluded

  • Transportation not specified in the itinerary.
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary.
  • Guided Tours not specified in the itinerary.
  • Any other expenses not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Gratuities to Drivers & Guides (Not mandatory, but given if you have enjoyed the service).

Why Book This Private Madeira Culinary Tour

  • Private, immersive culinary experience in Madeira´s countryside, away from mass tourism.
  • Direct contact with local producers and a family-run artisan cheese farm.
  • Hands-on cooking class with a Madeiran chef, using traditional recipes passed down through generations.
  • Authentic farm-to-table experience focused on slow food and local gastronomy.
  • Ideal for food lovers, couples, families, and small groups seeking meaningful cultural experiences.
  • Perfect balance of scenic countryside, culinary learning, and relaxed dining.

Frequently Asked Questions?

  • What is included in this private culinary tour?
    English-speaking driver, comfortable transportation (by group size), SantoQueijo artisan fresh cottage cheese farm visit, fresh cheese tasting, chef-led hands-on cooking class, lunch (L) based on all dishes prepared with beverages, Civil Liability insurance, and local taxes.
  • Where is pick-up and drop-off?
    Pick-up and drop-off are available from Funchal city centre hotels and the Funchal cruise ship port. Other locations on request.
  • What time does the tour start and finish?
    Pick-up starts at 09:00AM. Drop-off is approximately 03:00PM to 04:00PM.
  • What happens at SantoQueijo?
    Visit the family-run artisan cheese farm, enjoy a guided visit of the facilities, learn how fresh cheeses are produced, and finish with a fresh cottage cheese tasting with countryside views.
  • Is the cooking class hands-on?
    Yes. Guests actively cook as a team with the local chef, preparing a rustic Madeiran menu including bolo do caco, garlic butter, seasonal starters, black scabbard fish, sweet potato, beef espetada, and tarte de requeijão made with SantoQueijo fresh cottage cheese.
  • Is lunch included and what is the menu?
    Yes. Lunch (L) is included and based on all dishes prepared during the cooking class, served with beverages. Menu is subject to changes depending on season and dietary requirements.
  • Can you accommodate allergies or dietary restrictions?
    Yes, when possible. Please advise allergies, intolerances, and dietary requirements in advance.

Pick up

  • Funchal city centre hotels.
  • Funchal cruise ship port.
  • Other locations on request.

Drop off

  • Funchal city centre hotels.
  • Funchal cruise ship port.
  • Other locations on request.

Cancellation policy

  • Up to 72 hrs before: Fully Refundable
  • Under 72 hrs: 100% Non-Refundable

Lodging

Transport


  • Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan Car (groups of 2-3 People)
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan Car (groups of 2-3 People)

  • Mercedes-Benz V-Class Minivan (groups of 4-8 People)
Mercedes-Benz V-Class Minivan (groups of 4-8 People)

  • Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Minibus for (9-18+ People)
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Minibus for (9-18+ People)

    *NOTE: Or similar vehicle types.

Map

(15 January 2026)
 
The SantoQueijo cheeses are so tasty, we had to come back and buy more to bring home with us. Such an amazing family story and keeping the gastronomic heritage alive in Madeira!
 


AWARD-WINNING TOUR OPERATOR RECOGNIZED BY TRIPADVISOR & WORLD FOOD TRAVEL AWARDS

 
Eat & Walkabout: TripAdvisor - Travelers Choice - Certificate of Excellence 2025
Eat & Walkabout: 2024 Global Culinary Travel Award Winners