Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmer's Market), Funchal, Madeira
The Mercado dos Lavradores (Farmer's Market) in Funchal on Madeira should definitely be on any visitor's must-see and experience list.
The market is a bustling scene of exotic flowers, fresh fish and local vegetables. Come early in the morning to experience the market at its best.
History
The market building opened in 1940 and was designed by Edmundo Tavares (1892-1983) in the prevailing Estado Novo style of the Salazar regime of the time.
Large blue and white azulejos tiles by João Rodrigues decorate the exterior and entrance of the building. They depict stall holders selling their produce and the coat-of-arms of Madeira.
Overall, the red-basalt and grey colors of the building recall those of traditional Madeiran architecture.
The interior of the market is organized into various sections with different floors selling different products.
On December 23 just before Christmas is a traditional Night Market with much seasonal merriment, eating and drinking.
Layout
The ground floor sells traditional crafts and products including basket ware, leather bags and local wine. Farmers in for the day from rural parts of the island will sell bread, herbs and fruit.
The first floor is the main fruit and vegetable market with an incredible variety on offer including bananas, guava, mango, passion fruit, pomegranate, quince, sugar cane and tamarillo. On this floor you will also find herbalists selling fresh and dried herbs as local medicines such as fennel and eucalyptus.
In the basement is the fish market, again with a huge variety of locally-caught sea creatures on sale. These include huge tuna and espada (black scabbardfish), a local delicacy.
In the streets and alleys around the market are numerous butcher's shops selling fresh, cooked and dry meat. Here you will also find many atmospheric bars and cafes.
Other vendors in and around the market sell shoes and sandals as well as the island's amazing flowers, sold by women in brightly-colored traditional dress.
Accommodation
Reid's Palace Hotel Madeira
Estrada Monumental 139
Funchal, Madeira
9000-098
An historical, world famous legend of luxury first opened for British aristocrats in 1891. Breathtaking views and beautiful sub-tropical gardens. 5 stars.
Other top end hotels on Madeira include the LTI Pestana Grand Ocean Resort Hotel, with spa, steam baths, saunas and indoor pool, the Pestana Casino Park Hotel & Casino, overlooking the Bay of Funchal, the Pestana CR7 Funchal above the Museu CR7 and the The Cliff Bay - PortoBay boasting indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a 2-Michelin star restaurant and free Wi-Fi.
Budget options in Funchal include the 3 star Hotel Monte Carlo, the Hotel Catedral, also 3 star with air-conditioned rooms and terrace and the excellent, value for money Hotel Madeira.
See a full listing of hotels in Funchal and hotels in Madeira as a whole.
Access
Mercado dos Lavradores
Rua Brigadeiro Oudinout
Funchal
Madeira
Tel: 291 214 080
Hours: Monday to Thursday 8 am - 7 pm, Friday 7 am to 8 pm, Saturday 7 am to 2 pm; Closed on Sundays and public holidays.
The market is a short walk from both the Museu de Electricidade Casa da Luz and Museu do Brinquedo with its collection of toys, model cars and dolls.
The Museu de Arte Sacra do Funchal (Sacred Art Museum) and Funchal Cathedral are also in the Zona Velha (old district) of Funchal.
Gallery
