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More and more new shopping centers and supermarkets are opened all over the island of Madeira to satisfy the consumers' needs. Yet, there's nothing like the ambience of a typical market!
Originally, these regional markets were set up for selling flowers but with the time they expanded to all kinds of agricultural products and local food specialties (such as ‘bolo de caco’ bread, grilled chicken and wheat soup) to be consumed there or to take away.
On today’s local markets you will find almost everything from flowers, vegetables, fruit and eggs to toys, clothes, music CD’s and tapes, food and beverages.
With the exception of the ‘Mercado dos Lavradores’ in Funchal, these open markets are mainly frequented by the local population living in the area who do their weekly shopping there.
Usually taking place during the weekends, you will find these typical markets a bit everywhere on the island, but the most established ones are those in Santa (Porto Moniz), Santa Cruz, Ponta Delgada and Santo da Serra.
Opening times of the 'Mercado dos Lavradores' historic center of Santa Maria in Funchal Old Town: Monday to Friday from 07.00 to 20.00 h; Saturday from 07.00 to 14.00 h (Sundays and on bank holidays closed). It is a must-see and most preferred by tourists, as you will find characteristic and traditional aromas present in the most exotic fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers of Madeira. Tourists often get to taste the fruit, such as English tomato, passion fruit, anona or papaya. On the lower floor there is the fish market.
You want to experience something really local? Then look out for one of these traditional markets on your tour around the island!
