Madeira Island Shopping - Shops, Stores, Best Buys & Inside Tips

Madeira Island is a memorable vacation destination, and has been recently transformed into a modern shopping must-visit. With classic boutiques, mega-malls, flower markets, and designer stores, Madeira Island has something special for everyone.

Ten minutes from the city center in Santa Quitéria is one of the most splendid shopping centers on the island. Built in a modern, appealing style with interesting Madeiran features, this spacious shopping mall contains 83 shops, 20 restaurants, coffee shops, snack bars, and seven movie theaters. In Portugal, movies are shown in their original language, but with Portuguese subtitles. Like ice cream? Try the great ice cream parlor. It caters to all, and as a bonus has marvelous views of Madeira. An underground garage has 970 free parking spaces.

Located in the old town Funchal, Mercado dos Lavradores Farmer's Market is alive with local sound, color, smells, and wonderful tradition. Built in 1940, the market aimed to provide the island's inhabitants with a central location to buy and sell local products, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, and textiles. The main entranceway is decorated with hand-painted azulejos (tiles) that display regional artistic themes. Women dressed in traditional Madeira costume sell flowers. Fresh, exotic fruits, vegetables, spices and herbs are treats to treasure.

For a special treat, try the Bolo de Mel, authentic Madeiran Honey Cake. It's traditionally made with molasses instead of honey, which gives it a dark color and spongy, sticky texture. Plus, it can be stored for 5 years. The custom is not to cut the cake, but to tear pieces off using your hands. Delicious!

Editor's note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about Madeira Island shopping.