7 of the best...


Portugal prides itself on its arts and crafts, with traditional artisanal techniques dating back centuries and still practised today. Here are some of the top picks from each region


Cork products Algarve


Portugal produces around half of the world’s cork and the southern regions are where this is best grown. Cork trees can live for more than 150 years, and the cork is extracted from the tree once every nine years. There’s a huge variety of cork commodities sold in the Algarve, from glasses cases and purses to shoes and umbrellas. Cork can also be used to make paddleboards and surfboards.


Molelos clay Centre of Portugal


Arraiolos tapestries Alentejo


The village of Arraiolos in the Alentejo is renowned for its tapestry rugs. Some of the rugs are among the oldest handicraft items in Portugal, said to date back to the 16th century. The tapestries are embroidered by hand, and can also be hung on the wall as decoration. The village is home to a museum that showcases the best of the craft.


Filigree jewellery Porto and the North


Filigree is the art of handcrafting fine gold or silver wires into a design, particularly for jewellery. While not originally from Portugal, the craft of filigree jewellery is well-practised in Porto and the North, particularly in the municipality of Gondomar. One of the most popular designs is of a heart with the bottom point bent to one side.


Azulejos Lisbon


Famous across the whole country, Portugal’s tiles, or Azulejos, can also be found in a number of places across the capital. The National Tile Museum is a good place to start for those wanting to learn about the history of the tiles and their significance. The most recognisable are those in blues and whites but walk the streets of Lisbon and you’ll spot many other colours and designs decorating the buildings.


Basket weaving Azores


The traditional art of basket weaving is practised in the Azores, where the materials required, most notably willow, are abundant. Historically, there were many types of woven basket; some were used to carry fish and other food items, and some used for decorative purposes. Techniques vary between the islands in the archipelago and visitors can still see some of these traditional practices today.


The small village of Molelos, around 90 minutes southeast of Porto, is where artisans put their own unique stamp on clay pottery. Clay items made in this village are finished with a black sheen. Visitors can purchase pottery items in Molelos and, if they’re lucky, take a look inside some of the workshops for a demonstration.


Embroidery Madeira


Madeira is famous for its embroidery; the craftmanship dates back more than 150 years. Delicate patterns are woven into materials such as cotton and linen, with techniques passed down through generations. There are still thousands of embroiderers on the islands, and visitors can see them carrying out their trade. It’s also possible to take part in an embroidery workshop.


local crafts


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