Farmers' Market — Attraction in Funchal

Notice for all tourists !!! Definitely go there but be very careful !!!

It is a unique experience that you have to do in Funchal. It looks amazing, entrance is free, you get an amazing selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, fish and souvenirs. Just be very careful this is not just a market, this is also a tourist trap. Fruits are crazily expensive!!!

So my recommendation is to go there, enjoy the experience, see it as a guided tour. The guys trying to rip you off actually do have valuable information, so enjoy the tour, listen to what they say, taste all the fruits, you do not even have to insist because they will make you try the fruits one by one. Ask many questions as they are very knowledgeable (which colour is the fruits when ready, when more acid, what is the season where is it produced etc)

With this knowledge you can then :

1. Know back home how to pick your fruits better.
2. Go to other cheaper fruit markets around the city. Where they are not going to rip you off and purchase your fruits there rather than at the Mercado dos Lavradores. (Your wallet will thank me!)
3. Many fruits are actually not locally produced ! (Some of the Maracujas etc) and you will not find them on other markets around the island ! My recommendation is to buy them here, but be mindful they are luxury products of importation and come with a very expensive price tag (4€ a Maracuja Lemon for example) so don't buy 10 of them, and be aware of what you buy!

If the guy has been too pushing not friendly, or trying to force you to buy, move away ! There are about 8-10 fruit sellers and find another friendlier one ! Once you found a friendly one, get the fruit degustation tour and buy some overpriced fruits. Just don't consider it as being ripped of but rather as paying a guide to take you through the tropical fruits and getting a free sample to take with you. The price tag will felt more deserved and you will feel less guilty to have been ripped off.

Remember 4€ per Maracuja in average ! If you would have given a 10€ tip in another situation, then get 2 Maracujas and the...

Well it starts as a lovely story - after years of travelling in Europe and few days of intensive wandering around around island of Madeira, we decided to check out this landmark just before going onto some madeira-style trekking around pico ruivo. And boy, that was our worst decision at this trip. The market itself is lovely, building invites you inside and the atmosphere is just stunning - people shouting, selling, asking for attention - just a sort of commercial chaos but made in a orderly manner. And then, it happened.

We went to ground floor, first stall on the left as you enter from the fish market. A lovely lady approached a me and my wife asking for attention and also to try out the samples she had. I literally don't know what was there, what sort of fruits were there. But I knew one thing - they were bloody amazing. Sweet, heavenly-like, colorful, of different tastes and mixes. The trader spoke some bits of our language so we were even more thrilled. we tried everything, decided to buy some fruits and... Well here the story goes downhill.

Due to covid reasons - obvious scam begins - we were separated, I was inside to pay for our fruits. Suddenly the price and the weight of stuff we chose grew. 10,20,50,70

I asked why the hell the price is steep, got some weird answers, overall it seems some supernatural powers took my mind offline and I've decided to pay that happy to know ill be tasting so many good things soon.

Then I left. Then I knew. Boy, avoid the place, it's just scam attraction. They're there not to make your day great, they're just to rip you off. Literally take those little funny bits of money you have in your wallet out of it. It sickens me a bit knowing that I was tricked as many before as you could read out of the reviews - so be clever, read this and avoid it. Stop and avoid any contact, don't try out anything. Just be there to look around whats there, but don't try anything or buy anything. No one forces you to buy that but you're quite aggressive nagged...

This bustling market is a true paradise for food lovers, offering a cornucopia of fresh produce, local delicacies, and authentic flavors.

As you stroll through the market, you'll be greeted by an explosion of colors and aromas. The stalls are brimming with a diverse array of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices, all locally sourced and bursting with flavor. From juicy tropical fruits like bananas and passion fruit to the earthy aroma of fresh herbs, the market is a sensory delight.

One of the highlights of the Farmers' Market is the selection of exotic fruits unique to Madeira. Taste the succulent maracujá (passion fruit), the tangy pitanga (Surinam cherry), or the sweet and creamy anona (custard apple). These tropical treats offer a taste of paradise and are not to be missed.

The market is not only a haven for fresh produce but also a showcase of Madeiran culture and culinary traditions. Discover a wide variety of traditional snacks, preserves, and artisanal products made by local producers. Indulge in mouthwatering treats such as honey cake, sugarcane molasses, or homemade jams that reflect the island's rich culinary heritage.

The ambiance at the Farmers' Market is lively and bustling, with locals and tourists mingling and sharing their love for food. Engage in friendly conversations with the vendors, who are always eager to share their knowledge and recommendations for the best flavors of Madeira.

Take a break from exploring the stalls and head to one of the market's cozy cafes or food stalls. Here, you can savor traditional Madeiran dishes such as bolo do caco (traditional bread), espetada (meat skewers), or fresh seafood delicacies. Pair your meal with a glass of Madeira wine, a world-renowned...