High in Madeira’s mountains, a barbecue is more than just a way to prepare lunch. Smoke drifts between the trees as conversations flow around the fire. At Ribeiro da Lapa 2, a Madeiran chef introduced me to this local tradition with grilled beef skewers, warm bolo do caco and caramelised pineapple. Surrounded by rock, forest and cool mountain air, I discovered a rural and deeply welcoming side of the island, where food and landscape bring people together.
Barbecue and Madeiran conviviality
In Madeira, designated barbecue areas form part of the rural landscape. Families and friends gather there to share an outdoor meal. These places have a very different atmosphere from restaurants. The fire, the aromas and the shared preparation immediately bring the moment to life. The surroundings also shape this convivial spirit. In the mountains, trees encircle the tables, cool air settles in and time seems to slow down.
This experience reveals a more intimate side of the island. It brings travellers closer to local customs, away from prestigious hotels and coastal scenery. Every detail becomes part of the memory: the crackle of the fire, the damp forest and the pleasure of waiting together.
My barbecue at Ribeiro da Lapa 2
A Madeiran chef at the grill
I was lucky enough to enjoy this experience with a chef from Madeira, who introduced me to the island’s barbecue tradition.
He began by seasoning generous pieces of beef in the Madeiran style before threading them onto long metal skewers. The grill was fuelled with charcoal and a few small pieces of wood, which gradually gave way to glowing embers. As the meat cooked, smoke curled around the rocky shelter and filled the air with the aromas of the barbecue.
Sunlight streamed beautifully through the trees that day, but the mountain air remained cool. I was glad I had brought a light cardigan with me.
The Madeiran-style beef espetadas were tender, flavourful and perfectly suited to this rustic setting. They were served with warm bolo do caco, Madeira’s traditional bread, generously topped with garlic and parsley butter. Its soft crumb slowly absorbed the fragrant butter, extending the flavours of the barbecue with every bite.
Alongside them, the chef served a lightly dressed salad of tomatoes, cucumber and peppers. Fresh and colourful, it balanced the richness of the grilled meat and garlic butter perfectly.
To finish, we enjoyed pineapple roasted with sugar. The heat gently caramelised the fruit and brought out its natural sweetness, providing a simple yet delicious ending to the meal.
Between the smoky beef skewers, warm bolo do caco and caramelised pineapple, the meal told its own story of Madeira. One shaped by fire, generosity and the pleasure of sharing food in the mountains.
Preparing the barbecue fire at Ribeiro da Lapa 2.
A barbecue partly built into the rock
Ribeiro da Lapa 2 has a remarkable setting. Part of the area sits inside a small rocky cavity. The stone creates a natural shelter around the grill. This layout gives the place a raw, almost secret character. The site has a grill, running water and bins. However, checking the facilities before settling in remains a sensible precaution.
Discovering two mountain barbecue areas
Ribeiro da Lapa 2 barbecue area
Ribeiro da Lapa 2 lies along the ER 107 in the Curral das Freiras area. The road crosses spectacular mountain scenery. Reaching the final section may require extra care. In this terrain, the weather and road conditions can change quickly.
- GPS coordinates: 32.702344939448864, -16.953487492801575
- Reported facilities: grill, running water and bins
- Special feature: part of the barbecue area sits inside a small rocky cavity
Ribeiro Frio barbecue area
Along the way, I also discovered the Ribeiro Frio barbecue area, whose atmosphere immediately appealed to me. Set within a damp and peaceful forest, it is surrounded by trunks, ferns and subdued light reminiscent of the mysterious landscapes of Fanal Forest.
Getting there is easy by car, and once you arrive, much of the charm comes from the tranquillity and woodland setting. Running water is available, although its reliability may vary.
Therefore, bring your own water supply as well as the charcoal you need.
- GPS coordinates: 32.71919253551591, -16.888497451460452
- Access: by car
- Bring with you: charcoal, water and everything needed for the meal
A break near the Ribeiro Frio barbecue area in the Laurisilva forest.
Planning a barbecue in the mountains of Madeira
Finding the exact location
Some barbecue areas remain discreet, and signs can be limited. Save the GPS coordinates before setting off. Downloading an offline map is also worthwhile. Mobile coverage sometimes becomes unreliable in mountainous and wooded areas.
Checking the weather and local rules
The weather changes quickly in Madeira’s highlands. A light jacket and suitable shoes make the experience more comfortable. Before lighting a fire, always check the local restrictions. Wind, drought or wildfire danger may lead to a barbecue ban. Use only designated grills, then extinguish the embers completely. Finally, take your rubbish away whenever waste facilities are unavailable.
Bringing your own equipment
Pack charcoal, suitable firelighters, drinking water and cooking utensils. A tablecloth, napkins and warm clothing can also prove useful. Running water adds convenience, but its availability may vary. Preparing to be self-sufficient helps you avoid unpleasant surprises.
A simple and memorable experience
This barbecue gave me much more than a meal. I discovered genuine conviviality, shaped by a Madeiran chef and a mountain setting. The stop at Ribeiro Frio extended that feeling. Between damp woodland and silence, Madeira revealed another side of itself. These areas reflect a special way of gathering together. Fire brings people closer, the mountains surround them and the meal becomes a lasting travel memory.
FAQ about mountain barbecues in Madeira
It lies along the ER 107 in the Curral das Freiras area. Its coordinates are 32.702344939448864, -16.953487492801575.
Madeira Island Map – Ribeiro da Lapa 2 barbecue area
Bring your food, charcoal, drinking water, cooking utensils and clothes suited to changing temperatures.
Rules depend on the weather and wildfire risk. Check the local restrictions before lighting the grill.
Yes, the site is described as accessible by car. However, save its coordinates before leaving: 32.71919253551591, -16.888497451460452.
Madeira Island Map – Ribeiro Frio barbecue area
They offer the chance to share a meal amid mountain scenery. Their atmosphere also reveals a rural and convivial side of Madeira.