• Shopping

Madeira Island and especially its capital Funchal have transformed in recent years, not only with its more modern infrastructure and hotels but also with its diversities. Tourists should be warned that Madeira now has all the modern chains of shops you would find in any high street and also many more of the classic boutique style shops it was once known for, so don’t think you will get away without a “trip around the shops” or a purchase or two!

Many large commercial centres have opened their doors within the past few years bringing with them not only the major clothing brands but also electronics and even fast food restaurants. You will also find that many of the large chains are cheaper here in Madeira than at home.

These commercial centres are all open late, normally 9.00 - 23.00 but most open until midnight at the weekend making shopping an easy activity day or night. Also with the advent of the modern shopping mall, Madeira now has a couple of cinemas showing all the latest movies in English.

Madeira Souvenir Shopping
Wicker products are offered everywhere in the city of Funchal – you will find one of the biggest shops in ‘Rua do Castanheiro’ – and all over the island, but the main centre for wicker products with the biggest choice is located in the village of Camacha.

Embroidery shops – often connected with a factory – are to be found everywhere in the city centre of Funchal. For example, Bordal, at Rua Fernão de Ornelas, or Patrício & Gouveia, Lda, at Rua Visconde Anadia.

There are several specialised Madeira Wine Lodges and Shops in Funchal and surrounding areas where Madeira Wine tasting is offered and where your purchases will be professionally packed for safe transport home (such as Madeira Wine Company, Pereira D'Oliveira, both in Funchal, or Henriques & Henriques, in Câmara de Lobos).

Madeira flowers, such as orchids, birds of paradise, king proteas, flamingo flowers etc… are the favourite souvenir to take back home to make the holiday feeling last a little bit longer. These flowers can be purchased anywhere in Funchal; at the local market, the flower stands in the city centre or the flower shops. In all these selling points they will pack your flowers in special boxes for safe transport for you to enjoy them back home as long as they last.