Santo da Serra Market
A vibrant Sunday market in Madeira's mountains, offering fresh produce, delicious local food, crafts, and a lively community atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & get the best produce
Santo da Serra Market
Best Time
Beat the crowds & get the best produce
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant Sunday market in Madeira's mountains, offering fresh produce, delicious local food, crafts, and a lively community atmosphere.
"Great food at an unbeatable price, with a lively atmosphere and authentic Madeiran flavors."
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Beat the gridlock! Getting there early means easier parking and less crowded stalls.
🧥 Bring a Warm Layer
It's in the mountains, so it can be cooler than the coast. Pack a jacket!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fresh Produce Galore
Market stalls
Stock up on incredibly fresh, local fruits and vegetables at unbeatable prices. A true taste of Madeira!
Authentic Madeiran Eats
Food stalls
Savor local specialties like poncha, espetada, and delicious pasta dishes. Don't miss the crispy chicken!
Local Crafts & Souvenirs
Market stalls
Browse unique handmade crafts, clothing, and knick-knacks. A perfect spot to find a memento of your trip.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Sunday Market Buzz
Mountain Air & Local Flavors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Beat the gridlock! Getting there early means easier parking and less crowded stalls.
🧥 Bring a Warm Layer
It's in the mountains, so it can be cooler than the coast. Pack a jacket!
💰 Unbeatable Prices
Enjoy delicious local food and fresh produce at incredibly reasonable prices. +1
🍹 Taste the Poncha
Don't leave without trying the local poncha, a traditional Madeiran drink. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Beat the gridlock! Getting there early means easier parking and less crowded stalls.
🧥 Bring a Warm Layer
It's in the mountains, so it can be cooler than the coast. Pack a jacket!
💰 Unbeatable Prices
Enjoy delicious local food and fresh produce at incredibly reasonable prices. +1
🍹 Taste the Poncha
Don't leave without trying the local poncha, a traditional Madeiran drink. +1
🚶♀️ Explore Both Sides
Cross the road to find souvenirs and more food stalls beyond the main produce area.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Santo da Serra Farmers Market for its vibrant atmosphere, delicious and incredibly affordable local food, and fresh produce. While some find the souvenir section less appealing, the overall experience is highly positive, offering a genuine taste of Madeiran culture. Arriving early is key to managing crowds and parking.
"Really fun, great food at an unbeatable price. The other side of the market is full of tourist tat but vendors are friendly and not pushy. Get there early if you don't want to get into gridlock traffic and struggle to park. Pico de Ariero is a short drive away (we went after the market at midday and it was easy to park and do the shortened trail)"
Emilie Macmullen
"Open on sundays, this market is aimed for locals but gaining huge attraction with tourists. It’s a bit chaotic ordering the ribs and poncha with no particular line up system. Just gotta get in there. So many fruits and veggies. If you like tremoços get’em here cuz they’re super fresh!! Portuguese fried pork skins are also available here and fresh, i totally recommend (you need sturdy teeth, not like chicharrones) Make sure to cross over the road and check out the rest of the market where they sell souvenirs, clothing, other food stalls and knick knacks."
Lisa Young
"Very small market not much to see, I think it’s good for the locals to visit and hang out around the food stalls and have a few drinks, I tried the sandwiches made from pork cooked in wine and vinegar that I grew up eating but it wasn’t as good as my family made, after we visited a little park that was close by that had a few animals and that was pleasant and a cute little church."
Eon Bettencourt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Santo da Serra Farmers Market is located about 24 km east of Funchal, up in the mountains. It's roughly a 30-minute drive by car. Many visitors rent a car or take a taxi. Some tours also include a stop here.
Parking can be challenging due to crowds, especially on Sundays. Arriving early is highly recommended to secure a spot. There's a car park near the market, and side roads can also offer parking. +1
The Santo da Serra Farmers Market is exclusively open on Sundays. It's a popular weekly event.
The market is well-known and signposted in the Santo da Serra area. GPS navigation will easily guide you there.
While a car offers flexibility, you can reach the market via taxi or by joining an organized tour that includes it. Public transport options might be limited and time-consuming.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is an entrance fee for the La Santa Market, which is held in Santa Cristina d'Aro. The fee is typically €6, but €10 on Saturdays. However, the Santo da Serra Farmers Market in Madeira is generally free to enter. +1
Unlike the La Santa Market, the Santo da Serra Farmers Market in Madeira typically does not have an admission fee, making it an accessible experience for all. +1
Most vendors at the Santo da Serra Farmers Market accept cash. It's advisable to have some Euros on hand, though some stalls might accept card payments.
Information on specific group or family discounts is not widely available. However, the market's generally low prices make it affordable for everyone.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to check with local regulations or market organizers regarding pets. Many outdoor markets allow well-behaved pets on leashes.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find a fantastic array of local Madeiran food, including fresh fruits, vegetables, poncha, espetada (skewered meat), crispy chicken, and delicious pasta dishes. +1
While the market is popular, vendors are generally friendly and not overly pushy, especially compared to some tourist-focused markets.
Beyond produce and food, you can find local crafts, clothing, flowers, plants, and various souvenirs. +1
Some TikTok videos mention live music and a vibrant atmosphere, suggesting there might be occasional entertainment.
The atmosphere is lively and community-oriented, with locals and tourists mingling. It's a great place to soak in the local culture. 
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Don't miss the poncha, espetada, crispy chicken, and fresh local fruits. Portuguese fried pork skins are also a unique local treat. +2
While the market is heavy on meat and fish, you'll find plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and some pasta dishes that can be adapted. It's best to inquire at individual stalls.
Food prices are exceptionally reasonable, offering great value for money. Many consider it an unbeatable price for the quality. +2
Ordering can be a bit chaotic, especially for popular items like ribs and poncha, as there isn't always a clear queuing system. You might need to be assertive to get served.
While there are food stalls for immediate consumption, there are also highly-rated, cheap restaurants at the end of the market where you can enjoy a meal.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture vibrant shots of colorful produce, bustling food stalls, local vendors, and the lively community atmosphere. The market's energy is very photogenic.
It's generally polite to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their specific products, especially if they are busy.
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the market's activity. However, the market is vibrant throughout the day.
The market itself is the main attraction, but the surrounding mountain scenery of Santo da Serra can also offer picturesque views.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both wide scenes and details. A prime lens can also be useful for low-light situations or creating bokeh.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that the market can get crowded, so holding onto little ones' hands is essential. The food stalls offer a range of options, and while some might be adventurous for kids, there are usually simpler choices like pasta or fruits available. Bringing snacks and drinks from home can also be a good idea, though the market's prices are very reasonable.
💰 Budget Travelers
Instead of expensive tourist traps, immerse yourself in the local scene and savor authentic Madeiran flavors without breaking the bank. Buying fruits and vegetables here is also a cost-effective way to supplement your meals if you have self-catering accommodation. The market provides a genuine taste of Madeira that is both affordable and memorable.
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers from Funchal
Combine your market visit with other nearby attractions. For instance, Pico do Arieiro, one of Madeira's highest peaks, is a short drive away and offers breathtaking views.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Santo da Serra Farmers Market Experience
+2Visitors can expect to find an abundance of fresh, locally grown produce, from exotic fruits to seasonal vegetables, all at remarkably affordable prices. Beyond the produce, the market is a culinary adventure. Indulge in traditional Madeiran delicacies like poncha (a potent rum-based cocktail), espetada (beef skewers cooked over open flames), and delicious crispy chicken. Don't miss out on other local treats like Portuguese fried pork skins, which are a unique and tasty experience.
While the focus is on food and produce, the market also offers a selection of local crafts, clothing, flowers, and souvenirs. It's a great place to pick up a unique memento of your trip. Remember that the market is located in the mountains, so it can be cooler than the coastal areas, making it advisable to bring an extra layer of clothing.
The market's popularity means it can get crowded, so arriving early is key to enjoying a more relaxed experience and securing good parking. Navigating the Market: Tips for First-Timers
When it comes to food, be prepared for a bit of delightful chaos. Ordering popular items like poncha or espetada might involve a bit of friendly jostling as there isn't always a strict queuing system. Embrace the lively atmosphere and be ready to assert yourself politely to get served. The prices are incredibly reasonable, offering fantastic value for the delicious local fare.
Don't limit yourself to just the produce stalls. Make sure to explore the other side of the road where you'll find a variety of souvenirs, clothing, and additional food vendors. This area offers a different perspective of the market and can be less crowded. Lastly, remember that Santo da Serra is in the mountains, so even on a sunny day, it can be cooler than the coast. Bringing a light jacket or sweater is a wise precaution.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit