Portugal is a country steeped in tradition, from its food and wine to its architecture, music, and handmade crafts. While some traditional crafts have become endangered, pottery and ceramics have stood the test of time to become a symbol of Portuguese artistry.
From north to south, you will find artisans spinning their wheels to create an array of both decorative and utility pieces. Some of the most beautiful pieces of Portuguese ceramics we came across were in Portugal’s sunny southern region, the Algarve! In this guide, we will share with you some of my favourite places to buy Portuguese ceramics in the Algarve.
Porches Pottery: ‘Olaria Algarve’
The municipality of Porches is considered a pottery hub in the Algarve. One of the oldest and most renowned workshops in the area is Porches Pottery. This family-run pottery was founded in 1968 by two artists, Patrick Swift and Lima de Freitas, who together sought to revive the pottery tradition in the area. Over fifty years later, they are still producing high quality hand painted ceramics with unique designs that honour the region’s history and flora. Their pieces are made with red clay glazed using the majolica technique and range from decorative and tableware items to bespoke tile panels.
If you are visiting central Algarve, then a visit to Porches Pottery is a must! Even if only to admire the shop, built in the style of a traditional Algarve farmhouse, and an absolute heaven for those who admire hand painted tiles and ceramics! Porches Pottery is located just off the N125 road, near the town of Lagoa.
Olaria Pequena ‘The Little Pottery’ – Porches
Also located in Porches, Olaria Pequena has some of the most beautiful pieces I’ve seen in Portugal! Operating since the early 80s, they focus on tableware and decorative tiles all handcrafted and produced on a small-scale by father and daughter.
They draw inspiration from typical Algarve motifs such as oranges, olives, and lemons, and although these are common themes in the universe of Portuguese ceramics, Olaria Pequena manages to use them tastefully and originally. Both the studio and the shop share the same building, just off the Porches roundabout. Be prepared to fall in love with everything in the shop!
Casa Grade – Porches
Still in Porches, Casa Grade sells arts and crafts from all over Portugal. In their large collection you will find faience and terracotta pieces, bespoke tile murals and signs, as well as traditional embroidery and tapestry, cork objects, and even large garden decorative pieces such as statues and vases.
Casa Grade started in 1974 with a Portuguese couple that shared a passion for arts and crafts and everything ceramics. They travelled the country curating the best pieces they could find. Now over fifty years later Casa Grade is still a family-owned business focused 100% in Portuguese products. Their building is impossible to miss, sitting right on the EN125 almost right across from Porches Pottery.
Ceramica Paraíso – Raposeira
As the name suggests, Ceramica Paraíso is an absolute paradise for the ceramic aficionados. The shop’s instafamous façade covered in bright ceramic plates and bowls it’s just a hint of what you will find inside. Collections and collections of ceramics, mostly table and kitchenware, ranging from traditional pieces to contemporary designs.
Since Ceramica Paraíso is an outlet for Portuguese brands, some pieces might have minor cosmetic defects. The quality, however, is excellent! I own several pieces that I use on daily basis, and they still look brand new. The prices are reasonable, but make sure to take cash when you visit as they don’t accept card payments. Ceramica Paraíso is located along the N125 near Raposeira.
Armazém Português – Tavira
If you are in Tavira then a stop at Armazém Português is a must! They stock ceramics from Bordallo Pinheiro, Costa Nova, and the Algarve brand Casa Cubista. There you will find an array of gifts and local crafts beautifully curated. Armazém Português is located on Rua António Cabreira 15, just a few step from the Roman bridge.
Òkilo – Almancil
For a more affordable option check out Òkilo, a Portuguese ceramics outlet where you will find pieces of all styles at a wholesale price. As you can guess by the name, the ceramics are sold by the kilo, with a set price of €3.99 per kilo. It’s a great place to buy tableware, you will find plates, bowls, mugs, serving dishes, and so on. They even have scales available for you to check the final price of each piece. It’s definitely worth a visit, they have several locations in Portugal, in the Algarve they are located in Almancil.
This is just a little taster of all the great ceramic shops you will find in the Algarve. If you know any other brands or shops that you think should be included in this list, let me know in the comments!
More to Discover
- Where to Shop for Portuguese Ceramics – Across all of Portugal and not just the Algarve!
- 7 Day Algarve Itinerary – A perfect seven day itinerary for you to explore the Algarve
- Loulé: The Ultimate Guide – Discover one of my favourite market towns in the Algarve and a great place to look for souvenirs!
