It is open Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 20 p.m., Friday from 7 a.m. to 20 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 14 p.m. The best day, however, is Friday, because on this day the farmers come from the villages and there is a particularly lively hustle and bustle.
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In the 'old city' of Funchal you'll find the Mercado dos Lavradores (workers' market): numerous stands selling various fruits, vegetables, spices and flowers. Madeira cultivates a variety of fruits, and you can find all of those at Mercado dos Lavradores.
One of the most iconic places to go shopping in Funchal is Rua Dr.Fernão de Ornelas, named after the mayor who, in the first half of the 20th century, prepared the city to welcome tourism.
The capital of Madeira is the perfect city to explore at your own pace. Walking around Funchal is always a pleasant experience, as the green of the mountains and the blue of the ocean accompany you while you discover this city by the sea.
Walking in Madeira, especially Funchal is easy, although there are streets such as Rua de Santa Maria and others in the Zona Velha (Old Town) that are cobblestoned. We recommend comfortable walking shoes and take water with you.
Delicious dishes in Madeira include espetada, a beef brochette; battered black scabbard fish, which is similar to sword fish; bolo do caco, bread with butter and garlic; grilled limpets; and bolo de mel, a dense sponge cake with nuts and spices.
Weather in FunchalThe average temperature is around 26°C, which lowers to around 20°C to 25°C from October to March. The best time to go to Funchal for the most heat is in the summer. August is the hottest time of the year with just nine rainy days spread over the month.
Most places in Madeira do take cards, but you'll need some cash for buses, and I've heard that some of the cable cars only take cash too (the cable car from the promenade in Funchal does take cards). The small shops and cafes I visited all took cards but it's best to have some money just in case.
With grand botanical gardens and impressive ocean panoramas from weathered palaces, the city rises up the mountainous hills to make the most of the splendid natural setting. Funchal is also the gateway to the rest of Madeira island's nature-laden attractions, with the archipelago's principal port and airport.
Funchal is generally considered safe for female travelers. The city is known for its friendly locals and low crime rate. Women should still take the usual precautions when traveling, such as avoiding walking alone at night and keeping valuables out of sight.
For those searching for somewhere to stay in Funchal with easy access to the city's attractions, the Old Town – also known as Zona Velha – is your best option. This historic district is made up of ancient streets and traditional Madeiran buildings, many of which date back to the 15th century.
Poncha is the most well-known alcoholic drink on the island, made with sugar cane brandy, sugar and lemon juice. But, in addition to the traditional version, there are other versions that are worth trying.
With both rent and restaurant prices being around 25% cheaper than in Lisbon, Funchal allows you to live your island dream without paying the more expensive prices of mainland Portugal.
Funchal´s Old Town is known to locals as Zona Velha. It is a picturesque setting of narrow cobblestone streets lined by aged buildings with some dating back to the 15th century.
Funchal´s Old Town is known to locals as Zona Velha. It is a picturesque setting of narrow cobblestone streets lined by aged buildings with some dating back to the 15th century. An area that is full activities with a variety of shops, bars and restaurants.