One of the best things to do when spending holidays to Madeira, Portugal is to go shopping! Indeed, Maderia is a shopaholic’s paradise uniquely located just north of the Canary Islands in the North Atlantic Ocean. Shopping centers, booths, bazaars, cinemas, and restaurants usually open at 8 AM and closes at 10 AM. However, many of these establishments remain open past midnight during weekends, assuring that you have a long, pleasant shopping activity.
Visit these places in Madeira for an enjoyable, fulfilling shopping holiday experience.
Dolce Vita
Dolce Vita is a new shopping center in downtown Funchal, the capital of Madeira. The center has 70 shops that sell all kinds of items. There is also a food court that offers a huge variety of cuisines and meals, a health club, a huge Pingo Doce Supermarket, and a parking lot that can accommodate almost a thousand cars. Above the establishment is the Vine Hotel, a tall hospitality establishment that offers spectacular views of the city. Just imagine the convenience: you can stay in a room at the Vine Hotel and, after taking a shower, shop at the Dolce Vita just beneath your floor!
Forum Madeira
An enclosed shopping centre may not be for you. In that case, you can head out to Forum Madeira, a fresco-style shopping area west of Funchal and within the tourist and hotel zone. The area contains 86 shops, 17 restaurants, 6 cinemas, numerous cafes, and a hypermart, all offering magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Madeira Wine Company
If you have a preference for fine wine, then head out to the Madeira Wine company. It is located at Caminho do Palheiro, a charming section in Funchal. You can also good stocks of fine local wines at the Avenida Arriaga.
Mercado dos Lavradores
Mercado dos Lavradores is a busy, lively open-air wet market where you can buy fresh fish caught in the Atlantic waters around Madeira, fresh fruits and vegetables, and other local produce. Don’t forget to purchase some of their Bolo do Mel, or honey cake. A stone’s throw nearby is the Praca do Comercio, which is filled with small shops displaying high-quality, skillfully made handicrafts, leather goods, embroideries, fabrics, and textiles.
