15 Essential Souvenirs to Buy in Funchal

On your European cruise, you'll have the chance to explore Funchal, a stunning city in Madeira, Portugal’s autonomous region known for its unique charm and independence.

During your day in Funchal, enjoy strolling through the town, soaking in the sights, and picking up memorable keepsakes.

While Portugal is famous for its port wine, there are many other delightful souvenirs perfect for sharing with loved ones or keeping as a reminder of your trip.

From fairy-tale-like towns to vibrant gardens, Portugal exudes rustic beauty, offering hidden treasures and off-the-beaten-path finds you'll want to bring home.

Here are 15 unique items to discover in Funchal’s quaint shops and vibrant open-air markets.

1. Traditional Madeiran Boots

For a durable, long-lasting pair of boots, look no further than traditional Madeiran boots in Funchal. Available in both classic and modern designs, these sturdy, waterproof boots are perfect for daily wear and long walks. A must-have souvenir!

2. Cork Products

While many wineries globally are shifting to cork-free alternatives, Portugal remains steadfast in using genuine cork. As the leading cork producer worldwide, Portuguese wineries continue to seal all their wines with authentic cork from their lush cork forests.

Portuguese artisans have innovated over the years, creating a variety of everyday items from cork beyond just wine bottles. Thanks to cork's lightweight, flexible, and waterproof properties, you'll find an array of modern products made from genuine Portuguese cork, including handbags, wallets, tablet cases, shoes, and even umbrellas.

3. Jewelry Made with Dried Flowers

Funchal boasts vibrant gardens filled with colorful flowers. A beautiful way to take a piece of the island's charm home is through exquisite dried flower jewelry.

This jewelry is crafted by drying and preserving flowers, then coating them in resin to ensure longevity. You can discover dried flower necklaces in the jewelry shops scattered throughout Funchal.

4. Wicker from Camacha

In Funchal, you'll find a variety of wicker baskets, stunning furniture, and other decorative wicker pieces. For an authentic experience, travel to the quaint village of Camacha, known as the willow-growing capital of the world, to buy wicker directly from the source.

Camacha is just a short bus or taxi ride from Funchal, making it a worthwhile excursion. Here, you can witness artisans skillfully transforming willow rods into beautiful, functional pieces. If you intend to buy larger items, many vendors offer shipping directly to your home.

5. Natural Beauty Products and Soaps

Portuguese beauty products and soaps are often crafted from all-natural ingredients. If you're a fan of French beauty items, you'll find that Portuguese products boast a similar quality. Available throughout Funchal, these fragrant soaps and beauty bars come elegantly wrapped in decorative paper, making them perfect for gifts.

6. Decorative Pottery

Funchal is home to numerous ceramic shops and potteries, showcasing a wide range of decorative items, from intricately carved plates to beautifully handcrafted and hand-painted pitchers. If you're a ceramics enthusiast, this is the ideal destination. Plus, many vendors offer shipping services, so you can have your treasures sent directly to your home without the hassle of carrying them back to your ship—just be sure to inquire.

7. Artisanal Chocolates

Combining Funchal’s artisanal chocolates with port wine creates an unforgettable gourmet experience for you and your loved ones back home. The town boasts a variety of chocolate shops, where artisans even provide personalized gifts. Just ask the chocolatiers to engrave your chocolates with a unique design.

Ensure that you select chocolates that are pre-packaged and sealed for the safety of all guests.

8. Embroidery

Funchal’s shops are renowned for their exquisite embroidered items, crafted by talented artisans who work from their homes to create beautiful pieces. From elegantly embroidered tablecloths to stylish napkins, you’ll discover practical gifts that add a touch of elegance to any dining occasion.

Genuine Portuguese embroidery available in Funchal comes with a label confirming its quality. Investing in Funchal’s embroidered items is sure to be one of the finest luxury purchases you make.

9. Sugar Cane Honey Cookies

Gifting Madeiran sugar cane honey cookies represents the sharing of wonderful memories. Although these cookies are simply made with wheat flour, eggs, and honey, they can be enhanced with unique spices like anise or fennel. Every bakery in Funchal has its own special recipe.

Be sure to buy cookies that are pre-packaged and unopened to ensure they are safe to bring aboard the ship.

10. Music

Funchal is alive with music for every occasion and setting. You might encounter street musicians performing live or traditional folk dancers spinning through the streets. You could also discover a band playing in one of the Old Town's restaurants or Fado singers in local music bars.

Capture the musical essence of Funchal at home by picking up a CD featuring traditional folk tunes or the soulful sounds of Fado while you're in town.

11. Drink Sticks

To prepare poncha, the traditional drink of Portugal, you'll need a special stirring stick to mix in all that sugar cane before you begin enjoying it.

Poncha originated as a warming drink crafted by fishermen to combat the chill on cold coastal days. The classic recipe includes sugar cane aguardente, or firewater, along with white rum, lemon, and honey.

In modern versions, fruit juices have replaced lemon. Locals believe that the essence of the drink lies in the 'pau de poncha,' a specially carved stick made from orange tree wood, which is used to blend and infuse the drink with flavor.

Grab a set of pau de ponchas for your next cocktail gathering, and be sure to share the poncha recipe—it will surely impress your guests back home.

12. Azulejos

Brightly colored Portuguese ceramic tiles, known as azulejos, adorn the exterior walls and interior floors of buildings throughout Funchal. You'll also find shops offering new, replica, or antique tiles, ranging from individual pieces for home decor to azulejos jewelry.

Azulejos, often depicting scenes inspired by Madeira, are also crafted into festive Christmas ornaments, making for delightful keepsakes and gifts.

13. Portuguese Shoes

If you're not a fan of boots, consider a pair of classic yet elegant Portuguese leather shoes. Competing with Italian footwear in craftsmanship, these shoes are made from renowned Portuguese leather and are built to last a lifetime.

Portuguese shoes tend to be cut larger than their Italian counterparts, which is great news for those with uniquely shaped feet. If you're interested in purchasing a pair, seek out hand-sewn options at one of the many shoe stores in Funchal.

14. Wine

If you're still pondering what to bring back from Funchal for friends and family, consider the renowned port wines of Madeira. Dinogo permits you to carry one 750-ml bottle per adult over 21 years of age, but it's wise to confirm with the cruise staff first.

Fell in love with Portugal after visiting Funchal and eager to explore more? Beyond Funchal, you can embark on a European Dinogo cruise to the vibrant city of Lisbon, the historic port of Leixões (Porto), or the volcanic wonder of Ponta Delgada (Azores).

15. Portuguese Preserves

Take a piece of Funchal home with you by picking up some delightful Portuguese preserves. Pumpkin, fig, and tomato jams are among the beloved favorites in Portugal.

Ensure you buy preserves that are pre-packaged and sealed. You’ll be able to enjoy them once you reach your home port.

At the end of your day, no matter which part of Portugal you've explored, indulge in a little retail therapy before savoring a freshly baked Portuguese pastel de nata as you prepare for the next leg of your cruise.