Hello everyone, I hope you’re feeling fantastic today. In this post, I want to take you along for something that might seem very ordinary — but when you live on a remote island, it’s actually quite an adventure: grocery shopping on Madeira.

Living in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean has its charms, but it also means that shopping isn’t always straightforward. Sometimes it’s tricky to find specific ingredients, and prices can be higher than on the mainland. Over time, though, I’ve created my own little routine. It usually takes four or five different stops to get everything I need for the week, and somehow that has become part of the rhythm of island life.

So join me on a shopping reset here on Madeira, from organic markets and Indian spices to the big supermarkets — plus, of course, a few cozy breaks along the way.

Starting the Day: Snacks for Lara and Making the List

Before I can head out for groceries, I always take care of the most important job first — Lara’s morning snack. She waits so patiently for it, and it’s become a sweet ritual for us. It’s like a toothbrush for dogs, helping her teeth while also giving her a little joy to start the day.

With Lara happy, it’s time for me to prepare too. I’ve learned the hard way that if I don’t make a shopping list, I’ll come home missing half of what we need. Living on an island means I can’t always just “pop back out” for something I forgot — sometimes it takes multiple trips across town. So the list is my safety net, making sure I don’t forget the essentials.

Normally I’d take the car on a day like this, but Joen needed it for golf practice. Carrying a golf bag on the scooter isn’t exactly an option, so today I’ll take the scooter. Honestly, it makes parking so much easier anyway — one of the perks of island living.

With my list ready and my backpack packed, the grocery adventure begins.

First Stops: Indian Ingredients and Organic Finds

My first stop was in the city center, where I always go for Indian ingredients. Joen and I try to eat according to Ayurvedic principles, and that means a lot of spices and staples that aren’t easy to find in regular Portuguese supermarkets. Luckily, this little shop has become my go-to. From lentils to masala blends, it’s where I stock up on the flavors that keep our cooking both nourishing and exciting.

Next, I headed to one of my favorite shops on the island — a small organic store. If you’ve seen some of my other posts or videos, you might recognize it. They carry so many wonderful items that are otherwise difficult to find on Madeira, from pantry staples to eco-friendly products. The staff here are always so kind and helpful, which makes the experience even better.

It’s not a cheap store — the prices reflect the fact that everything has to be shipped here — but when I can, I like to support them. It feels good knowing I can bring home high-quality, organic food even while living in the middle of the Atlantic.

With bags already filling up and strapped onto the scooter, I decided it was time for a little pause before continuing.

A Coffee Break with Pastéis de Nata

Before tackling the rest of my shopping list, I made a little detour — one that always feels like a treat. There’s a small café near one of my favorite parks, and they serve Pastéis de Nata, the pride of Portuguese pastries.

If you’ve ever tried one, you’ll know why it’s hard to resist. The flaky crust, the creamy custard filling, the slight caramelized top — and when paired with a strong coffee, it’s pure heaven. I don’t stop for them often, but on days like this, when I’ve already been running around on the scooter with bags of groceries, it feels well-deserved.

Sitting there with my coffee and pastry, overlooking the park, reminded me once again why I love island life. Even on the most practical days, there’s always room to slow down and savor a moment.

Refueled and happy, it was time to head back to the scooter and continue the grocery hunt.

Local Frutaria: Fresh Produce and Island Goods

After my little pastry break, I drove over to my local frutaria. This is where I buy most of our fruits and vegetables, and it’s one of my favorite stops. The shop mainly sells local produce, often grown right here on Madeira, and sometimes even organic.

What I love most is how beautifully organized everything is. Rows of ripe tomatoes, piles of fresh greens, sweet bananas, and seasonal fruits — it all feels so vibrant and alive compared to the sterile aisles of a big supermarket. You can really taste the difference when food is grown close to home.

Shopping here also makes me feel connected to the island and its rhythms. What’s available depends on the season, which means our meals shift with nature. It’s such a grounding way to shop and eat.

With my backpack now getting heavier, it was time for the final stop to gather the last few essentials.

Supermarket Run: Pingo Doce

The last stop on my list was Pingo Doce, one of the leading supermarket chains in Portugal. It’s not as charming as the smaller shops, but it’s reliable — and it’s where I can usually find the items I couldn’t pick up elsewhere.

This time, it was the practical things: pantry staples, cleaning products, and a few household essentials. I’m so glad I brought my backpack, because by the time I was done, it was full to the brim. Carrying it all on the scooter was a little bit of a balancing act, but honestly, that’s part of the fun of island life.

Riding home with groceries strapped on, I couldn’t help but think how different this feels compared to shopping in Denmark. It takes more effort, more stops, and a little more planning — but it also makes me appreciate the food we eat so much more.

Back Home: Haul, Prices, and Restocking the Kitchen

Finally back home, it was time for my favorite part — the grocery haul. Lara was waiting at the door, so excited to see what I had brought back. I wish I could take her to the shops with me, but instead she gets to inspect everything once it’s laid out on the table.

In total, I spent about €134, which should cover us for the entire week. Some things, like baby wipes for Lara’s paws, baking sheets, and cleaning products, will last much longer. Fresh produce and pantry items usually need topping up mid-week, but this big restock sets the foundation.

I love the ritual of cleaning out the fridge and starting fresh. It feels like a reset — a small but satisfying rhythm of home life. My grandmother taught me how to store herbs so they stay crisp and crunchy, and I still do it her way. Little habits like that keep me connected to my roots, even here on Madeira.

With everything in place, I brewed a pot of chai, poured a cup, and sat down with Lara, who of course was hoping for a bite of my cookies.

Closing Rituals: Chai, Cookies, and Cozy Island Life

With the fridge freshly stocked and the kitchen reset, the day ended on a cozy note. I brewed my favorite chai tea, and as always, Lara was right there beside me, waiting patiently for her share of the cookies. It’s our little ritual — hers as much as mine.

Sipping my tea, I reflected on how something as ordinary as grocery shopping on Madeira feels like such a big part of island life. It takes more planning, more stops, and sometimes a bit of creativity when certain items are missing. But it also comes with small joys: friendly shopkeepers, fresh local produce, a flaky pastel de nata by the park, and the satisfaction of carrying it all home on the scooter.

Life here is different from the mainland, but that’s what makes it special. Even the simple routines hold beauty if you take the time to notice them.

Thank you for joining me on this shopping day. I hope you enjoyed it as much as Lara enjoys her new toys and treats. Until next time — hugs x

And as always, feel free to connect with me on Instagram @DearJamilaa.