The market of Funchal

The covered market of Funchal is located in the old town: a place to discover for its atmosphere and its 1000 colors, but beware of the tourist trap: many come out unhappy to have been ripped off! We explain you everything in this article!

The most beautiful market of Madeira

The mercado dos lavradores, literally translated as "farmers market", was built in 1940. The building houses on 3 floors stalls of exotic fruits, vegetables, plants of all kinds, but also a fish and shellfish market.

The different stores are particularly decorated and showcase the treasures of the island: passion fruit, delicacies, plants of various varieties, but unfortunately the prices are often really excessive. The sellers sometimes force your hand and the prices are not always displayed. So beware of the unpleasant surprise of paying 10 times the usual price for fruits and vegetables. However, according to various articles, one should not generalize and there are honest merchants. You just have to look carefully beforehand. Finally, in terms of atmosphere, between the stalls of all colors and the salesmen dressed in typical costume: it's the time to take the camera! Ok it's a cliché, but it's also part of the folklore of the island!

Our advice for a pleasant visit:

1) If you really want to buy good fruits and vegetables, then first make a first tour in the different floors without buying. Beware of the salesmen who will make you taste products and who will be insistent.

2) If you want quality fruit and vegetables at a lower price, choose the small ephemeral stands that are present in the streets of the capital. The products are often much better!

3) On the 3rd floor, a restaurant welcomes you and proposes simple and affordable dishes.

4) Get your camera out! The scenery is really magical, and if you don't buy souvenirs in this market you will be able to take pictures of the beautiful colors of the fruits, and you will remember later the deafening noise of the market and the different aromas that come out of the stands.

What products are available at the traditional market in Funchal?

In the fish market you will find fresh tuna, espada (one of Madeira's specialties), and other more traditional fish and shellfish. There are also a few stalls selling cold cuts, poultry or even cheese!

As far as fruits and vegetables are concerned, there is something for everyone: banana, mango, lemon, even local fruits such as banana-apple or banana-pineapple. Their taste is specific and you should not hesitate to taste them during your stay. We will not forget the famous passion fruit: maracuja. There are also many tropical vegetables that are not easily found on the mainland, such as cassava or chayote, which are cooked in gratin. The list is certainly long. Another example is the presence of Madeira pepino on the stands: a kind of pear-melon. In short: be curious and dare to try new flavors during your stay on the island.

Finally, on the souvenir side: you will find wicker baskets, Madeira's specialties. For flower lovers, you will find many local plants (or herbs) that you can bring back from your stay. There are also bottles of alcohol or rum, and more traditional souvenirs available (postcards, magnets...)

When and how to go to the market in Funchal?

The market is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm. Saturday from 8:30 am to 2 pm.
It is closed on Sundays. The entrance to the building is wheelchair accessible.

To get to the mercado dos lavradores, you have to go to the old town, very close to the port. This is a good opportunity to discover the narrow cobblestone streets around the place, called zona velha. There are many restaurants in this area, but also small stores, museums and art galleries. Finally, the rua de Santa Maria: an emblematic street of Funchal for its various facades and decorated doors.