Shopping in Madeira

This Madeira Shopping Guide tells you about the local shopping scene in Madeira and where to pick up some great souvenirs. Also take some time out and relax in one of the Madeira Restaurants along the city's shopping streets. Be sure to also take a look at our Portugal Shopping Guide to learn more about shopping throughout the whole country.

Madeira Shopping Guide

Opposite the marina in downtown Funchal, you will find Marina Shopping and Avenida Arriaga, a large shopping centre. However, there are now bigger and newer shopping centres, including the ‘Forum’ which is towards the west of Funchal and easily reached by bus, and the newest one, ‘Dolce Vita’, which is very central in town. Within walking distance and further ahead towards the Cathedral on the right hand side is a small but delightful shopping mall — the Galerias de São Lourenço. The Arcadas de São Francisco is nearby as well. The latest shopping mall to be opened, this mall is not very large but houses some good shops, fruit and snack bars, which are worth a visit.

Visit Bazar do Povo which is situated just before Rua 31 de Janeiro and Rua 5 de Outubro (both streets) on the market road. This is Madeira’s only department store. You will be reminded of yesteryears as the wooden floor and wooden stairs still prevalent in the store create a nostalgic ambiance.

Europa is a smaller shopping place which is visited mainly by the locals and has a pleasant local atmosphere to it.

Shopping at Madeira Shopping Centre in Santa Quiteria

One of the largest shopping malls on the island is situated at Santa Quitéria. It is slightly bigger than Dolce Vita with distinctive features and many fantastic offers. It boasts of 83 shops and 20 restaurants in the leisure area. It also has free parking for 976 cars, and can otherwise be reached by bus.

Local Market

A visit to the local market in Madeira should definitely feature in your list of things to see. The market is situated in the old town near the Electricity Museum and sells fresh fruit, vegetables and fish. Buy some flowers from florists decked out in traditional costumes. The local market was initially set up to sell flowers, but later started including various kinds of agricultural produce. There is no cooked food sold in the market, but there are cafés, restaurants and bars around the area.

Most merchandise is available at this local market — vegetables, flowers, eggs and fruit, tapes, toys, music CDs, clothes and food and drink. Visit this market if you want to buy regional handiwork, embroidered handicrafts and souvenirs, rugs and leather goods like boots. Wicker goods can be bought at the market in Camacha. Almost all towns and villages hold weekly markets where you can buy traditional Madeiran crafts and goods. Madeira wine and the well known Madeira cake is available all over the island. You can also purchase embroideries, wickerwork, tapestry and the renowned Madeira wine.

In Porto Santo

Porto Santo is one of Europe’s less developed resorts and offers modest shopping choices. Visitors who are interested in retail shopping can pick up gifts and other main commodities in Vila Baleira. There is a couple of supermarkets in Vila Baleira as well. Fresh and reasonably priced foodstuffs are available at the small market in the town.