Madeira.Vacations

Mercado dos Lavradores

The workers' market: flowers, tropical fruit and the scabbard fish counter.

Fruit and flower stalls in the galleries of Funchal's Mercado dos Lavradores
Photo: Dietmar Rabich · CC BY-SA 4.0

Funchal's 1940s market building, with a flower-lined courtyard, a fruit gallery upstairs and a fish hall downstairs where the black scabbard fish is laid out in rows. Busy, theatrical, and worth going early.

How to handle the fruit sellers

Upstairs, sellers offer slices of passion fruit, custard apple and pitanga. This is genuine hospitality and also a sales technique: agree the price per kilo before you accept a bag, and be comfortable saying no.

Prices at the market are higher than at a supermarket. You are paying for the setting and the variety.

The fish hall

The lower level is the real thing: espada (black scabbard), tuna, limpets and octopus, sold to restaurants and locals from 7am. The espada is caught at 800–1,200 m off the coast and looks alarming — buy it, or at least photograph it.

Local tips

  • — Friday morning is the biggest market day and the most crowded.
  • — Closed Sunday; Saturday afternoons wind down early.

Guided trips here

Bookable tours that include or focus on this spot.

  • Colourful produce stalls at Funchal's Mercado dos Lavradores
    3.5 hours Funchal

    Madeira Wine & Food Tour

    A guided walk through Funchal's old town tasting Madeira wine, local dishes and market produce, with the stories behind each stop.

    from €95

    Check availability
  • Funchal waterfront and old town at golden hour
    2 hours Funchal

    Funchal Old Town & Monte Toboggan Tour

    A private tuk-tuk through the painted doors of the Zona Velha, up to Monte and the famous wicker toboggan ride back down.

    from €80

    Check availability
  • Private Tour Nun's Valley Halfday in Madeira
    3 hours Madeira 5.0(46)

    Private Tour Nun's Valley Halfday

    Our half day starts at Pico dos Barcelos viewpoint, a very nice view of all Funchal, where we can see different locations of the city and have an amazing sight for lovely pictures.

    from €160

    Check availability
  • Funchal & Monte: Private Sidecar Tour with Toboggan Stop in Madeira
    2 hours Funchal 5.0(35)

    Funchal & Monte: Private Sidecar Tour with Toboggan Stop

    Embark on an unforgettable journey through Funchal's downtown with a passionate local guide, cruising in style on a classic motorcycle with a sidecar.

    from €110

    Check availability
  • Funchal highlights 5h Private Tour in Madeira in Madeira
    5 hours Funchal 5.0(30)

    Funchal highlights 5h Private Tour in Madeira

    Experience the essence of Madeira in just 5 hours. This immersive tour takes you through breathtaking landscapes, vibrant local culture, and scenic viewpoints, offering a true taste of island's unique charm.

    from €200

    Check availability
  • Funchal Christmas lights sightseeing night tour in Madeira
    1.2 hours Funchal 4.9(79)

    Funchal Christmas lights sightseeing night tour

    Enjoy the Christmas decorations all around Funchal. View the magnificent light decorations. Experience the nostalgia of our classic cars.

    from €35

    Check availability

Stay nearby

Where to base yourself for this part of the island.

Nearby

Within a short drive, so they combine into one day.

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