Funchal walking tour: market, Zona Velha and Madeira wine
The 1940 market, the painted doors of the Zona Velha and a Madeira wine tasting in a historic wine lodge, all on foot.
In short. Half a day on foot in central Funchal: the Mercado dos Lavradores farmers’ market (closed on Sundays), the Zona Velha (Old Town) with the painted doors of Rua de Santa Maria, and a Madeira wine tasting at Blandy’s Wine Lodge, from €17. Everything is free to visit except the tasting.
- year the Mercado dos Lavradores opened
- 1940
- Blandy’s Premium tour, with 3 wines
- €23
- market and Zona Velha, free to visit
- €0
- Duration
- Half a day
- Route
- Around the city
- Level
- 1 of 5, easy
- Where
- Central Funchal
In this guide: 8 sections
What it is
The Mercado dos Lavradores opened on 24 November 1940, designed by Edmundo Tavares, and is still the island’s fruit market.
Nearby, the Zona Velha has the doors of Rua de Santa Maria, one of Funchal’s oldest streets, painted by artists for the “Portas Pintadas” (painted doors) project, as well as the Igreja do Socorro and the Capela do Corpo Santo. In the centre, on Avenida Arriaga, is Blandy’s Wine Lodge (Adegas Blandy’s).
Before you go: booking and rules
- Market hours. Monday to Thursday from 7:00 to 19:00, Friday from 7:00 to 20:00 and Saturday from 7:00 to 14:00. Closed on Sundays.
- Blandy’s Wine Lodge. Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 18:30, Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00 and Sunday from 10:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 18:00; open on public holidays, closed on Easter Sunday and on 25 and 26 December.
- Premium tour in Portuguese. Monday to Friday at 11:30 and 15:30, Saturday at 11:30 and 15:45 and Sunday at 11:45 and 15:45. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.
What it costs
| What | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Mercado dos Lavradores | Free | Visit Madeira |
| Zona Velha and Rua de Santa Maria | Free | Visit Madeira |
| Blandy’s: Lodge tour (30 mins, 2 wines, English only, weekdays at 12:30) | €17 | Blandy’s |
| Blandy’s: Premium tour (45 mins, 3 wines and museum) | €23 | Blandy’s |
| Blandy’s: Vintage Premium (1 hr 30, 5 wines) | €59 | Blandy’s |
| Blandy’s: ages 6 to 17 (free up to age 6) | €8.40 | Blandy’s |
Shall we arrange it all?
We walk the route with you and book the wine tasting.
Ask for a proposal on WhatsApp
We’ll reply with a proposal and a fixed price, with no obligation.
How to get there
In central Funchal, on foot. Blandy’s Wine Lodge is at Avenida Arriaga 28 (phone 291 228 978).
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
What if the weather changes?
If it rains, spend more time inside the market and the wine lodge.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the Mercado dos Lavradores opening hours?
- Monday to Thursday from 7:00 to 19:00, Friday from 7:00 to 20:00 and Saturday from 7:00 to 14:00. It’s closed on Sundays.
- How much is a Madeira wine tasting at Blandy’s?
- €17 for the Lodge tour (30 minutes, 2 wines, English only), €23 for the Premium (45 minutes, 3 wines and museum) and €59 for the Vintage Premium (1 hr 30, 5 wines). Children up to 6 go free; ages 6 to 17 pay €8.40.
- What are the painted doors?
- On Rua de Santa Maria, one of Funchal’s oldest streets, artists painted doors and façades for the “Portas Pintadas” project. It’s free to visit.
- Is the market open on Sundays?
- No. And on Saturdays it closes at 14:00.
Sources and review date
The facts on this page were checked against the official sources below on 11 October 2026. Rules, opening times and roads change: always check the latest status of the route before you set off.
Shall we arrange it all? Just tell us the day.
We walk the route with you and book the wine tasting.
Ask for a proposal on WhatsApp
We’ll reply with a proposal and a fixed price, with no obligation.
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