Portuguese artisans: 10 traditional crafts from the Alentejo
I love meeting local artisans, watching them work, and hearing their stories. Here in Portugal, I regularly visit craft fairs and workshops to meet the people who work with their hands, often continuing a family trade many generations in the making. One Portuguese region that stands out for its strong traditional crafts and artisans is […]
Where to shop Portuguese ceramics by weight (cerâmica ao kilo) & pottery outlets
Portugal makes tonnes of ceramics, from small-scale artisanal pieces thrown on a wheel through to industrial pottery output at a large scale. At factory scale that includes making ceramics for big companies abroad, so there are local ceramic stores and pottery factory outlets where you can scoop up seconds, overproductions, and certified bargains. The newest […]
Meet Portugal’s last cowbell makers: Chocalhos Pardalinho
Saving the voice of the fields The Alentejo is a land of slow living, where the beautiful landscape unfolds like a painting. The soundtrack to the ancient olive groves and frozen centennial cork trees is the gentle ding, ding, ding of cowbells. It’s not uncommon to cross paths with a shepherd, letting his flock roam free […]
Made in Portugal: 20 Portuguese T-Shirt Brands
There’s no better basic than the humble T-shirt. Whenever I take a vacation, I often pack fancy linen shirts and colourful dresses, but more often than not I just wish I’d packed a few more classic T-shirts. Portugal is well known for its production of jersey fabrics. After buying my first Portugal-made T-shirt four years […]
Where to shop in Évora: artisans & boutiques
Whenever I visit a destination I always want to explore what is made there. In the Alentejo that means a rich heritage of terracotta pottery, wool capotes (coats), cork products, folk-art painted furniture, rugs, wine and more. Évora, the Alentejo capital, is a small and charming city with a historic core that is a joy […]
Made in Portugal: 24 Best Portuguese Sneaker Brands
From classic kicks with a modern twist to eco-friendly leathers that don’t compromise on sustainability to custom-made kicks complete with an NFT – these Portuguese shoe brands have something for every type of sneaker enthusiast. Portuguese shoes are well known for their quality, style, and detail, and it’s no different when it comes to sneakers […]
Made in Portugal: 28 sustainable Portuguese fashion brands
Updated Feb 3, 2025 While I talk a lot about food, travel and tiles here, I’m also passionate about sustainable Portuguese fashion and ethical brands producing things here in Portugal. This small, highly-educated country is one of the world’s top 10 shoemaking countries and is pushing innovation in textile technology and clothing. But of course, […]
Made in Portugal: 33 Best Portuguese Menswear Brands
There’s no better country to look to for high-quality, sustainable menswear than Portugal. This small nation is well known for its production of high-quality jersey fabrics, textile innovation, and luxury shoemaking – all key factors for great men’s clothing and basics. If you’re after a simple black tee you can reach for again and again, […]
Where to buy authentic souvenirs in Lisbon
Souvenirs don’t have to be tacky fridge magnets or novelty mugs. Take home gifts with a little more heart when you visit Lisbon. From ceramics made in Portugal and works by local artists to traditional brands and objects, here are 13 stores you can browse for authentic Portuguese souvenirs in Lisbon. Of course, as with […]
Lisbon Shopping: The Best Sustainable Stores & Boutiques
That awful feeling when you rip open a package, hold up the pants and realise they’re the wrong size? That doesn’t happen when you go shopping in real life. Step out on the streets of Lisbon and hunt out these ethical and sustainable shops and boutiques. You’ll not only feel good about the planet and […]
Where to shop for tiles (azulejos) in Portugal
Portugal’s azulejos or tiles seem to be everywhere you look across Lisbon, Porto and Portugal’s smaller cities. It’s hard not to fall in love with the unique patterns and colours that blanket whole buildings and make this small European country and its streets beloved for their beauty. Of course, if you’re visiting Portugal you’ll want […]
Made in Portugal: Where to shop for Portuguese ceramics
While I love all things made in Portugal I have a particular soft spot for Portuguese handmade ceramics. There are simply so many incredible small artisans and bigger factories producing truly beautiful, high quality and affordable plates, jugs, cups, bowls and more. In this guide I’ve listed a bunch of my favourite Portuguese ceramic brands, […]