Mercado dos Lavradores

Saturday and tuesday morning

Unfortunately, this has become a bit touristy, so the prices are sky-high! We recommend just wandering around, pretending to be interested, and asking for endless free samples! It's best to visit in the morning. There's also a large fish market here. Did you know that Madeira has up to 15 different types of passion fruits? YUM!

Mercadao Santo da Serra

FARMERS' MARKET ON SUNDAYS

It might sound a bit crazy to prioritise this the day after the wedding… but if you're feeling up for it, we highly recommend it! Here, everything is sold at local prices, and local farmers offer food, fresh fruit and vegetables from their gardens, as well as homemade goods. It's open from early morning until 14:00, and the atmosphere is great!

September is peak passion fruit season, so fingers crossed they'll be selling several varieties like at the Mercado dos Lavradores. See the link above for more info.

Sunrise & sunsets

Madeira offers many beautiful spots to watch the sunrise and sunset. Several of these viewpoints are accessible by car and require only a short walk, making them perfect for a quick morning or evening experience.

Sunrise:

Pico do Arieiro – Dramatic mountain peaks with parking right at the viewpoint.
Bica da Cana – A flat and easily accessible plateau with panoramic views.
Miradouro da Ponta do Rosto – Located on the far east coast with parking nearby.

Sunset:

Miradouro da Raposeira – A little-visited viewpoint with easy access.
Cascata dos Anjos – Coastal road with a waterfall and sunset visible right from the car.
Miradouro do Pico Redondo - A beautiful viewpoint great for both sunrise and sunset.

Poncha!

When visiting Madeira, you must try the local drink called poncha. Poncha is a strong alcoholic beverage made with passion fruit, sugarcane brandy, honey, lemon, and ice. You can find it in almost any cafe in Madeira, but we recommend the ones listed.

Nothing tastes better than a fresh poncha!
Here are some places outside Funchal you should try if you are in the area.

A Venda do André - Camera do Lobos (Estr. João Gonçalves Zarco, Quinta Grande).
Joe´s bar - Jardim do Mar (Vereda da Igreja nº12, 9370-413 Jardim do Mar).
Venda do Noé - Caniço (Caminho da Mãe de Deus nº 43, Caniço)
A Vaquinha do Calhau - Camera do lobos (Largo Poço 5/6, Câmara Lobos)
Rei do poncha (R. dos Tanoeiros 4-18, São Martinho, 9000-059 Funchal,)

Other things you should try

Espetadas
These are Madeira's signature meat skewers, traditionally made with marinated beef grilled on large laurel sticks. The smoky flavor and tender texture make them a must-try dish.

Lapas
Lapas are limpets, a type of shellfish often served sizzling in a garlic and butter sauce. Pair them with a slice of bread to soak up the flavorful juices.

Bolo do Caco
A traditional Madeiran flatbread made from sweet potato, bolo do caco is soft and slightly chewy. It's typically served warm with garlic butter—simple yet irresistible.

Prego no Bolo do Caco
This Madeiran-style steak sandwich features tender beef served in bolo do caco bread, often with garlic butter, lettuce, and a fried egg. It's a local favorite for a quick and satisfying meal.

Seafood
Madeira's coastal location ensures an abundance of fresh seafood. Grilled fish, octopus, and dishes like bacalhau (salted cod) are highlights. Tuna steaks with passion fruit sauce are particularly popular. Bacalhau known as salted cod, in Madeira (and Portugal) is far from the tomato-based cod dishes common elsewhere. Portugal has 365 different ways of preparing this dish—one for each day of the year! From creamy baked casseroles to light and flaky grilled options.

Brisa maracuja (Soda)
Madeira's very own soda, Brisa, is a refreshing drink available in glass bottles. Try the maracuja (passion fruit) flavor for a taste of the island's tropical vibe—it's a local favorite. They use fresh pulp!