Visit the towns where centuries-old craftsmanship thrives in Portugal.
Visiting Portugal presents the traveler with many delights—from the friendly people to the delicious food, to the world class surfing, to the incredible wine, to the stunning architecture. And of course the handicrafts. The country is thick with the work of skilled artisans in many different crafts. With that in mind, we’ve created this guide to where to find the best Portuguese crafts, their history, and their importance to the preservation of Portuguese culture.
Portugal's artisanal traditions date back to the Roman and Moorish periods when the Iberian Peninsula was a melting pot of cultures and influences. Over the centuries, Portuguese artisans adapted ancient techniques and motifs and created unique handicraft traditions that reflect the country's multicultural heritage. From the intricate azulejos (tiles) to the delicate lacework patterns, Portugal's crafts vividly express the country's rich cultural legacy. They are a source of national pride and a draw for travelers seeking authentic and sustainable experiences.
Azulejos
The tradition of azulejos, the iconic ceramic tiles of Portugal, began in the 14th century during the rule of the Moors, and the patterns and motifs we see today still reflect their influence. The tiles have become a defining feature of Portuguese architecture. But azulejos are more than just decoration; their depictions of historical events, religious scenes, and everyday life create a shared narrative of Portuguese history and are a source of great pride in the country.
You can see the Moorish influence in the floral and geometric motifs of today's azulejos.
Where to see azulejos: The National Tile Museum in Lisbon offers a comprehensive look at the history and evolution of this craft. But just walking through Lisbon, especially in the Alfama district, you will notice the stunning tilework everywhere—on buildings, metro stations, churches, palaces, and even sidewalks. Porto is also known for the tiles. There the Sāo Bento train station displays elaborate azulejo tilework consisting of approximately 20,000 individual tiles, depicting important events in the country’s history.
Pottery
You can find excellent pottery throughout the country, but the Alentejo region, with its rich clay deposits, is particularly renowned. The pieces are often characterized by vibrant colors and intricate designs. Traditional motifs include flowers, animals, and geometric patterns dating from the Moorish occupation.
Where to find pottery: The towns of Barcelos, Nisa, Redondo, and Caldas da Rainha are important pottery producers. At the Bordallo Pinheiro factory in Caldas da Rainha, where whimsical pottery and distinctive azulejos are still made by hand, you can tour workshops, meet artisans, and even take part in ceramic-making classes. Redondo is known for its pottery workshops.
Azulejos aren't just decorative. They often depict important religious scenes or historical events like this one in Porto. Photo by Dominik Kuhn on Unsplash.
Cork
Here’s a fun fact; Portugal is the largest producer of cork in the world. The cork oak forests, known as montado, are a vital part of Portugal's landscape and economy, and cork artisanship has deep historical and cultural significance in the country. From cork handbags and wallets to home decorations, Portuguese artisans have found innovative ways to utilize this ecofriendly resource.
Where to find cork crafts: The town of Évora, located in the Alentejo region, is a hub for cork production. You can tour cork factories and witness the intricate process of harvesting and transforming cork into a wide range of products, including bags, wallets, coasters, and even flooring.
Embroidery
Embroidery is a cherished tradition in Portugal, with each region having its own unique style. Skilled embroiderers use fine threads to create intricate patterns on various textiles, such as tablecloths, pillowcases, and clothing. These designs often feature floral motifs, geometric patterns, and religious symbols, depending on the region.
Embroiderers create intricate patterns on textiles using fine threads. Photo by Thea Hdc on Unsplash.
Where to find embroidery: Lying approximately 600 miles off the west coast of Portugal, the island of Madeira is particularly famous for its exquisite embroidery and high-quality craftsmanship. Funchal, the capital of Madeira is the best place to explore this craft. The Madeira Embroidery Museum offers insights into the history and techniques of this delicate art form. For a visit to a renowned embroidery town on mainland Portugal, head for Viana do Castelo in the northwest corner of the country.
Lacemaking
Lacemaking, known as renda, is a delicate and time-consuming craft that has been practiced in Portugal for centuries. The town of Vila do Conde just north of Porto, is celebrated for its production of bobbin lace, a technique that involves weaving threads around pins set in a pattern.
Lacemaking is a delicate and time-consuming craft that has a centuries-old history in Portugal.
Where to experience lacemaking: Vila do Conde hosts an annual International Lace Festival, where visitors can see demonstrations, participate in workshops, and purchase handmade lace products. Peniche, 60 miles north of Lisbon, is also well-known for lacemaking and is worth a visit. (Peniche is also the location of Supertubos Beach, famous for its powerful waves.)
Filigree
Portugal excels in making filigree jewelry, an ancient form of metalwork that involves twisting fine threads of gold or silver into intricate lace-like shapes. The heart-shaped filigree pendant known as "Coração de Viana" which symbolizes love and devotion, is a well-known and popular shape. Filigree jewelry is highly prized for its craftsmanship, elegance, and timeless beauty.
Where to find filigree jewelry: The town of Gondomar, near Porto, is famous for its filigree artisans and offers many chances to tour filigree studios and participate in workshops. Porto itself has several shops where you can watch the fascinating process.
Basket weaving
Basket weaving is a traditional but less well-known craft practiced in the rural areas of Portugal, particularly in the Algarve region. The baskets are both functional and decorative and made of natural materials like willow and straw.
Where to see basket weaving: The town of Castelo Branco is renowned for its basketry tradition, with the weavers expertly crafting a wide variety of baskets, from sturdy shopping baskets to intricately designed decorative pieces.
Are you ready to set off on your Portugal tour? We want to help you. Contact us to get started planning.
Opening photo of characteristic Portuguese tilework on building facade by Thierry Chastagner on Unsplash.
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