Mercado dos Lavradores is a historic building in the old quarter of Funchal, an island in Madeira. It is a bright space with elegant arcades.
Its colours and scents (fruits, flowers, fish and island-specific items) continue to draw many tourists.
- Coordinates: 32.648505, -16.904235
To gain a deeper understanding of the city, read the article ‘Things To Do In Funchal‘. To discover the best things to see and do on the island of Madeira, click ‘Madeira Things To Do‘.
Opening Hours, Mercado dos Lavradores
- The market is open from Monday to Saturday.
- From Monday to Friday from 07:00 to 19:00;
- Saturday from 07:00 to 14:00
- Closed on Sundays and holidays
Address:
Mercado dos Lavradores, 9060-158 Funchal
Phone: 291098756
The main entrance of the Mercado dos Lavradores boasts elegant arcades and features striking tile panels.
It depicts typical market activities: vegetables and fish sales.
The building boasts a blend of Art Deco, characterized by geometric elements, and Modernist, minimalist design.
Inaugurated in 1940, designed by the architect Edmundo Tavares, a Lisbon Fine Arts School graduate and a protégé of José Luis Monteiro.
Inside
The ground floor is occupied by stalls selling fresh fruits, vegetables, and other local produce.
The region’s fruits and vegetables are displayed in large baskets.
There is a fountain in each corner for fruit washing.
We also see flowers: orchids, camellias, roses, and many other flowers.
The Farmer’s Market is decorated with the Madeira typical flower, the “Crane Flower”, which can be bought at the market.
The vendors offer samples of exotic fruits: passion fruit and soursop, dressed in traditional Madeiran costumes.
The upper floor has a balcony that surrounds the entire building, from which there’s a panoramic view.
Price, Mercado do Lavradores
The primary attraction is fresh fruits. However, the prices are steep, with no plausible explanation other than its location as a tourist hotspot.
It is worth noting that some vendors add sugar to the fruit samples, thereby encouraging the purchase.
This is not a common occurrence, but worth mentioning…
Similarly, when poor service is provided by a single staff member in a restaurant, the entire establishment is poorly rated, even if the chef holds two Michelin stars.
This isolated issue reflects poorly on the entire Mercado dos Lavradores.
On the other hand, the fish market, at the back of the market, offers good fish at acceptable prices.
Here we find the black scabbard fish, a typical fish of Madeira that reproduces in cold waters.
The market butcher section is being accessed from one of the side streets: at very reasonable prices.
O que Visitar Perto no Funchal:
One street leads us to Rua de Santa Maria (300 meters) and the yellow São Tiago Fort (500 meters).
Rua de Santa Maria is one of the oldest and most colourful Funchal streets. It is in the old town, pedestrianized with many restaurants and cafes.
The street is recognized for its street art-decorated doors. São Tiago Fort is a fortification built in 1614 to protect the city against pirate attacks.
Later expanded in the 18th century. Today it houses a popular restaurant.
