Portugal
Arraiolos carpets. Although the art of Arraiolos carpetweaving was not documented until the 16th century, it is believed that these carpets have been handwoven from pure wool by women in southern Portugal since the 12th or 13th century. The best place to buy these carpets is in the village of Arraiolos, in the southern Alentejo region, which is also known for its colorful furniture.
Woven goods. The Algarve people in sunny southwestern Portugal skillfully weave flat baskets and hats from strips created from the leaves of the dwarf palm. Watch local craftspeople at work at the open-air market in the town of Loulé, or check out the August festival in Lagoa for its handicrafts fair.
Madeira embroidery. Located off the coast of Portugal, Madeira Island is an incubator for elaborate hand-stitched embroidery, especially since wealthy English women popularized the fineries in the 1850s. Shop at Patricio & Gouveia (Rua Visconde de Anadia, 33; tel. +351 291 22 49 07) for high-quality linen and cotton embroideries as well as Portuguese tapestries, wickerwork, and pottery. At madeir Superbia (Rua do Carmo 27; tel +351 291 22 40 23), some of the modern embroideries and tapestries are based on 17th-century designs. Watch for embroidery with a lead seal attached to ensure the authenticity of the goods.
Ceramic tiles. Called azulejos, rich ceramic tiles cover Portugal's churches, palaces, houses, park seats, fountains, and more. Though the Moors brought the decorative inlay with them to the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th century, today's tile work stems more from 15th-century Spanish influences. Ideal for home or garden decor, glazed souvenir tiles hand-painted by contemporary artists can be found throughout the country, especially in Lisbon, Sintra, and Algarve.
Pottery. The south-central region of Alentejo has long been considered a hub for cheery, rustic Portuguese pottery. Find the best selection of the brightly colored plates, bowls, and figurines Saturday mornings at the Estremoz town square, where local vendors sell terra-cotta jugs embedded with marble chips from local quarries.
Gold. Portuguese craftsmen work with the intricate design of filigree, transforming gold and silver wires into delicate spiral pieces that mimic traditional styles. Take home stunning earrings, bracelets, and necklaces from the northern coastal Minho region, where gold jewelry is a prominent accessory of the regional costume. In Porto, browse the shops along Rua das Flores and Rua de Santa Catarina.
