The majority of Madeira’s goods are imported; so the best-value items are
those produced locally, notably wickerwork, embroidery, tapestry and
knitwear. Orchid plants and seedlings are increasingly part of the tourists’
mementoes of the island, while conventional souvenirs range from
excellent, skillfully made products to downright tacky. Madeira wine is the most
popular buy, and, although you can find it for sale in most towns across the island, it
is in Funchal that you’ll find the adegas where you can taste before you buy.Funchal’s most trendy and upmarket shopping mall is Galerias São Lourenço on
Avenida Arriaga where you can buy anything from stylish sunglasses to refined
tableware.

Embroidery items, tapestry, leatherwork and souvenirs, can be found along Rua dos
Murças; a narrow, city-centre street off Avenida Zarco, and full of shops offering
good bargains. But the main shopping street is the Rua Fernão Ornelas, a bizarre
mix of chic boutiques, grocers, newsagents and coffee shops.

The best place for wickerwork in Madeira Island is Camacha,which keeps 2000 people employed; goods
are sold through O Relógio, in the town centre. Embroidery is a strong local
tradition, and can be found throughout Funchal; but more often in remote villages,
like Curral das Freiras, where you can be sure it’s authentic.