Friday 8th September and we walked around this historic market in the centre of Funchal. It marks the start of the Zona Velha, Old Town. This iconic building opened on the 24th November 1940. Since then, the Mercado dos Lavradores has been part of the everyday life of Funchal. The market has stalls over two floors, a mezzanine floor overlooking the open plaza below. There are numerous stalls which are laden with neatly tall piles of fruits and vegetables with bunches of herbs and spices dangling from beams. One of the most famous features of the Market are the flower sellers on their colourful traditional costumes. Another notable feature are the large tile panels near the front entrance and near the fishmongers. We were intending to visit the fish area but as we approached the smell was overpowering so we retreated. There is also a meat market here. Have read some other reviews that considered the Market to be expensive and that scammers were at work here. We had no problems as we just walked around enjoying the atmosphere, we bought nothing and we did not buy or sample anything.

Colorful but not cheap. Vast array of dried fruits and nuts. I bought 100 grams of dried hibiscus. Sugary, but no aroma of the flower came through. Don’t miss the attractive open air cafe on the top floor. There is a lift.

Amazing colours of exotic fruit in this market. Expensive but vendors often allow you to sample for free. On Saturdays, farmers come to sell their produce and that makes it a proper market. Fish section has seen better days with under half the stalls being occupied. However still plenty to see especially the local scabbard fish.

This is a typical Market hall. Make sure that you visit at the right time of day as later on the market can be closing or even closed down for the day. Look out for the blue tile murals at the entrances. If you come out of the front entrances of the market hall then turn left and shortly there is a lane with restaurants etc with many decorated front doors.

For me this was one of the highlights of Funchal. A beautiful 1937 Art Deco building housing lots of different market stalls, some in an open courtyard with trees, others on a first floor balcony running round the building. Fish market at the rear with the famous scabbard fish on view. When we first visited Tuesday teatime it was quiet and most of the stalls had packed up, when we went back on the Friday morning it was heaving with activity and dozens of colourful and varied stalls. We didn’t need any fresh produce, maybe as well in view of what other reviewers have said about rip off prices for tourists, but we did buy one or two gifts from some of the traders.

Brilliant place to visit and photograph. Plenty of local fruit and vegetables and flowers all beautifully displayed. The fish market is amazing. Be careful when buying passion fruit etc. they will drop a load of less fresh fruit in the bag before they weigh it . All of a sudden you have more than you thought and some of the quality will be not so good,take care.

The market is fascinating on a Friday, buzzing with activity and sellers flogging everything from fruit and veg, fish, cork bags etc. Friday is definitely a busier day to come to see it at its best. Glad we saw the reviews, and didn’t accept to try any of the goods and just walked through with no hassle. The cafe on the top floor (stairs but I think lift available) is delightful and definitely the highlight of the market.

Worth a look around for the sights and smells (if you go in the fish market next door). Don’t buy any fruit or get tempted by the offers of free samples, you will be ripped off. There’s plenty of small shops nearby in Funchal selling it cheaper. There were however some good stalls selling belts etc, that were reasonably priced.

The Market is worth a visit for the colourful displays of fruit and flowers. Also for coffee and handmade chocolates at a little chocolatier in the south east corner. But beware the sharp saleswomen tempting you with tasters of exotic fruit! We were charged €16.50 for one small dragon fruit and four fresh dates stuffed with a half-walnut. A real tourist trap - best enjoyed with your eyes only!

Very colourful displays of produce, lots of people and a great atmosphere. We entered by walking through the fish market then carried on into the areas selling fruit, veg and local goods. There are 2 upper floors with a restaurant at the top. Actually only ended up buying a tea towel, but it was great to see everything.