Madeira isn’t just about lush landscapes and scenic vistas; it’s also a haven for shopping and market tours that reveal the island’s authentic character. Whether you’re eager to sample fresh local produce, learn traditional recipes, or browse colorful stalls, Madeira offers a variety of experiences. We’re especially fond of the Cooking Experience & Market Tour because it combines hands-on culinary fun with a lively market visit, making it a perfect way to understand Madeiran flavors and ingredients. Plus, with Portuguese wine included, it’s a full sensory immersion.
If markets are your thing, you’ll appreciate the Santo de Serra Farmers’ Market half day trip, where friendly farmers sell tropical fruits, vegetables, and homemade liquors. For a more relaxed exploration, the Sunday Market and Gardens Tour offers a taste of village life paired with scenic garden walks. For those who love adventure along with shopping, the Levada Walk and Santo da Serra Market Tour combines a scenic hike with browsing stalls filled with handmade crafts and traditional delicacies. Whatever your budget or schedule, Madeira’s variety of tours won’t disappoint.
Quick Overview
Our list covers everything from immersive cooking classes combined with market visits (like Cooking Experience & Market Tour) to guided farmers’ markets, scenic half-day tours, and full-day excursions focusing on local villages, viewpoints, and traditional markets. Each offers a different slice of Madeira’s vibrant shopping scene, perfect for food lovers, cultural explorers, or scenery enthusiasts alike.
1. Cooking Experience & Market Tour
At number 1, this 4-hour experience offers a full immersion into Madeira’s culinary secrets. Starting with a visit to a lively local market, you’ll see unusual fish, tropical fruits, and exotic flowers—an eye-opening introduction to island ingredients. Then, you’ll head to a hotel rooftop to make dishes like fish ceviche, guided by expert chefs. The highlight? You get to enjoy a generous lunch paired with Portuguese wine.
What makes this tour stand out is its hands-on nature and focus on local ingredients and traditional recipes that you can recreate at home. Reviewers praise Anna’s knowledge and the delicious food, with one calling it “delicious and informative.” The $113.49 price includes everything, making it good value for an engaging culinary lesson and market walk.
Bottom line: Ideal for foodies wanting an authentic, interactive Madeira experience that combines shopping, cooking, and tasting in one neat package.
2. Madeira: Santo de Serra Local Farmers’ Market half day trip
This 3.5-hour guided trip takes you to the Santo da Serra farmers’ market on Sundays, where you’ll meet local vendors selling fruits, vegetables, homemade liquors, and baked goods. It’s a great way to see what everyday Madeira life looks like beyond the tourist spots.
What makes this tour special is the small group size (up to 8 persons) and the chance to chat with friendly farmers directly. The tour also includes a 4×4 off-road track which adds a bit of adventure. For $47, it’s a budget-friendly way to get a genuine taste of local produce and customs.
Guests love the opportunity to interact with locals and pick up unique souvenirs like homemade liquors or fresh fruits. Some wish the tour was longer, but it’s perfect for those wanting an authentic, leisurely market experience.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers wanting to connect with local farmers and get a taste of traditional Madeira rural life.
3. Half-Day Country Market Tour on Madeira Island
This 4-hour tour visits the Santo da Serra Market and Park, showcasing local products, flowers, crafts, and traditional Madeiran goods. It’s a relaxed way to enjoy the island’s culture and gastronomy.
The itinerary includes a visit to Santa Cruz, with options for photo stops and sightseeing, then a walk through Santo da Serra’s vibrant market. The tour combines scenic views with a chance to browse handmade crafts. Reviewers note spending around two hours at the market, making it an unhurried experience.
For only $28, it offers good value, especially for those interested in local food, flowers, and crafts. Its moderate size makes it accessible for most fitness levels and interests.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers wanting a quick yet authentic look at Madeira’s traditional markets and local culture.
4. Madeira: Levada Walk and Santo da Serra Market Tour
This 4-hour tour combines a scenic Levada walk in Porto da Cruz with a visit to Santo da Serra’s bustling market. Set out on a 2-hour walk along the island’s famous irrigation channels, taking in panoramic views and lush scenery. Afterwards, browse stalls filled with fresh produce, handicrafts, and traditional foods.
What sets this tour apart is the combination of outdoor activity and market shopping, appealing to those who want both nature and culture. The small group size ensures a personalized experience, and reviews highlight how easy and enjoyable the walk is, even for beginners.
The visit to the weekend market provides a genuine chance to see local artisans and sample regional specialties. Priced at $37, it’s a good value for the mix of scenery and shopping.
Bottom line: Best for active travelers who want to explore Madeira’s countryside plus enjoy local market culture.
5. Sunday Market and Gardens Tour
Spend a relaxed 3 hours exploring the Santo da Serra market and lush gardens with this tour. You’ll see farmers, vendors, and producers selling fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and craft items. After visiting the market, stroll through beautiful gardens lined with blooming camellias before heading to Santa Cruz’s seaside promenade.
Reviewers mention that the market and park could be longer, but overall it provides a peaceful, authentic snapshot of village life. The inclusion of garden walks and seaside stops makes it suitable for travelers who enjoy gentle exploration.
At $27.78, it’s an affordable way to see Madeira’s local life and nature without a packed schedule.
Bottom line: Ideal for those looking for a slow-paced, picture-perfect day with a focus on local markets and garden scenery.
6. Funchal: Sunday Market – South East Tour
This 4-hour small-group tour takes you along Madeira’s southeastern coast to visit the Santo da Serra market and Ponta de São Lourenço, the island’s easternmost point. Along the way, enjoy magnificent coastal views and stop at Santa Cruz’s colorful fish market.
The tour emphasizes scenic vistas and authentic shopping, with time allocated for browsing at the market. Guests particularly note the personalized experience and the chance to see the fishermen’s market and gorgeous coastlines.
For $28.91, the tour offers a good balance of sightseeing and shopping, especially for those interested in coastal scenery and local markets.
Bottom line: A strong choice for travelers wanting a scenic, small-group experience with a focus on local markets.
7. Sunday Market Tour – Madeira Island Excursion
This 3.5-hour tour takes you to the Santa da Serra market, where you can browse fresh fruits, flowers, crafts, and regional food. You’ll also visit public parks and the Cristo Rei statue, making it a well-rounded cultural day.
The tour is perfect for those who want to combine market shopping with sightseeing. The itinerary’s highlights include walking through the market and enjoying the local atmosphere. Reviewers mention the sufficient time at the market and the overall value for money.
For $28.94, this tour provides a compact but immersive cultural experience.
Bottom line: Suitable for travelers who want both shopping and sightseeing bundled into a half-day tour.
8. Madeira: East Coast, São Lourenço & Local Farmers’ Market
Our top-rated tour at $74 per person covers a full 8-hour day exploring Madeira’s east coast, villages, and Santo do Serra farmers’ market. Highlights include photos above the clouds at Pico do Arieiro, scenic views at Miradouro São Lourenço, and a visit to Cristo Rei in Caniço.
This tour gives ample time at each site, making it ideal for travelers wanting a comprehensive day of local sights and markets. Reviewers praise the full itinerary and the friendly guide, with the Santo da Serra market being a key highlight.
Bottom line: Best for travelers wanting a full-day adventure that combines culture, scenic viewpoints, and local markets.
$74 per person
9. Madeira: Sunday Market in Santo da Serra
This 4-hour group tour emphasizes the Sunday market experience, where you’ll taste regional foods and learn about local traditions. It also includes a visit to the vibrant Santo da Serra market with a guided tour and food tastings.
Priced at $136 per group up to 4, it caters to small groups looking for an intimate experience. Reviewers highlight how much they enjoyed sampling regional foods and the lively atmosphere.
Bottom line: Perfect for small groups seeking an authentic, immersive market experience with food tastings.
$136 per group up to 4
10. Madeira: Sunday Market Tour with Cristo Rei Viewpoint
This 4-hour tour combines visits to the Santo da Serra and Santa Cruz markets with the iconic Cristo Rei viewpoint in Garajau. You’ll enjoy scenic walks, shopping, and spectacular views of Funchal bay and the Atlantic.
Guests love the variety of stops and the chance to see both markets and panoramic vistas. The guided tours and walks help you appreciate Madeira’s culture and natural beauty.
At price varies, this tour is a flexible option for those wanting a comprehensive day blending shopping, sightseeing, and stunning scenery.
Bottom line: Well-suited for travelers who want a full, scenic day touring markets and viewpoints with a comfortable pace.
How to Choose Your Madeira Shopping & Market Tour
When deciding which tour suits you best, consider your budget, interest in food and crafts, and how active you want to be. If you love hands-on experiences, the Cooking Experience & Market Tour offers the most engaging approach. For those seeking a more relaxed visit to local markets, the Sunday Market and Gardens Tour is perfect. If scenic views combined with market browsing appeal, consider the East Coast, São Lourenço & Local Farmers’ Market.
Booking early is recommended, especially for tours with limited availability or those in high season. Think about whether you prefer a full-day experience or a shorter, focused visit. Budget options are available starting around $28, while more comprehensive or private tours can cost up to $136.
The Sum Up
Madeira’s shopping and markets offer much more than just souvenirs—they’re a window into local life, flavors, and traditions. For a hands-on culinary adventure, the Cooking Experience & Market Tour tops our list. For authentic market browsing with minimal fuss, the Santo de Serra Farmers’ Market is a winner. And if you want a full day of scenic views, villages, and markets, the East Coast tour is hard to beat.
Whether you’re a foodie, a culture seeker, or just looking to pick up a handcrafted souvenir, Madeira’s diverse tours promise a memorable taste of island life. Be sure to reserve your spot early—these popular experiences fill up quickly. Happy shopping!