Winston Churchill visited the island of Madeira for 12 days in January 1950 – and the town of Câmara de Lobos still celebrates that memory today.
When Winston Churchill visited the island of Madeira in January 1950, he was already an international hero. That said, even he was taken aback by the warm reception he received from the local people, inspiring him to proffer the immortal words: “I have been greeted by many people in the world for whom I’ve done something, but never in my life have I ever been greeted with such enthusiasm by people for whom I’ve never done anything”.
On 5th January, armed with sun hat, easel and customary cigar, Churchill visited Câmara de Lobos to paint the bay, sea, houses and fishing vessels. The picture he created now forms part of the island and town’s history.
The place he painted is now home to the Pestana Churchill Bay Pousada, which opened in 2019, in a fitting tribute to the British politician and his fondly remembered visit. The building once housed the town hall before being transformed into a fine hotel.
Churchill can be found throughout the pousada, as demonstrated by the bronze sculpture of him and his easel on the Dock Bar terrace, which serves regional dishes, especially petiscos (snacks) and poncha, a famous drink that is said to have originated here. There are panels made from soft drink cans featuring the Englishman’s likeness, dozens of framed photographs, a number of personal belongings, not forgetting his famous cigars and various literary works. (Churchill was a prolific writer and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature). On the ground floor, there’s also a charismatic crockery bulldog, a symbol of Britain and Churchill’s tenacious political style. Many of his famous phrases are written on the walls and in the corridors that lead to the pousadas’ 57 rooms.
In the rooms, which are all south-facing with fine bay views, there’s a reproduction of Churchill’s famous painting on wallpaper at the head of each bed.
The pousada isn’t only about Churchill. One essential stop is the terrace, with its panoramic swimming pool overlooking the bay. Other attractions include a sauna, solarium, gym and massage room (subject to reservation). What with Câmara de Lobos being a fishing village, it’s no surprise that the Pier One restaurant focusses on seafood.
Essentials
Pestana Churchill Bay
Pousada
Winston Churchill visited the island of Madeira for 12 days in January 1950 – and the town of Câmara de Lobos still celebrates that memory today.