When it comes to souvenirs, one of the absolute top things we recommend taking a look at are Portuguese ceramics. Whether artisanal handmade, or well-known factories, there is something for everyone when it comes to ceramics in Portugal. In this guide, we’ll introduce to you some of the best brands, and places to buy some wonderful pieces of Portuguese ceramics.
Get in touch if there’s a ceramic brand or shop you think would make a good addition to this article!
Portuguese Ceramic Brands
Let’s start with perhaps the most famous and some of the biggest brands that are widely available across Portugal.
Vista Alegre
Vista Alegre is Portugal’s most famous brand, and perhaps answer to some of the well-known English brands of fine porcelain like Royal Dalton. You’ll find their pieces online at the webstore, or across Portugal in many shops. Alternatively, and for bargain hunters you’ll also find them at outlet villages like Lisbon’s Strada Outlet. Well worth stopping for some excellent deals on their ceramic pieces!
For people more interested in the history and artwork of Vista Alegre you’ll find their factory and museum in a town called Ílhavo near Aveiro. The museum shows over 200 years of Vista Alegre’s history and details the entire factory process, it’s not just for pottery lovers we recommend it for any visitors heading to Aveiro!
Bordallo Pinheiro
Bordallo Pinheiro is famed for their artistic and clever designs. At any premium souvenir shop you’re bound to have come across these eclectic designs, cabbage leaves, fruits like tomatoes, and even pieces of Bacalhau. They are amazingly colouful, eccentric and Portuguese. They date back the 19th century from the mind of a Portuguese artist and cartoonist – Raphael Bordallo Pinheiro. He began ceramic production in Fábrica de Faianças in Caldas da Rainha in 1884. Many of his designs were inspired by the ceramic traditions of Caldas da Rainha, taking inspiration from flora and fauna of the local environment.
If you’re interested in viewing some of his early works and creations then the Bordalo Pinheiro Museum in Lisbon is well worth a visit and again it’s not just for ceramic lovers – it’s filled with other pieces of art. Alternatively, if you’re looking to purchase the eye catching designs you can from their webshop or their stores located in major cities like Lisbon, Porto and Aveiro.
Costa Nova
Costa Nova is another factory and brand based near Aveiro and takes it’s name from the village on the Atlantic coast there. Its pieces are often described as being more rustic, handmade, and organic. Costa Nova is proud of its sustainable and ethical heritage using local resources. You’ll find their elegant pieces in their stores in Lisbon, Porto, and Aveiro, and available to order on their website.
Casa Cubista
Casa Cubista was founded in the small town of Olhão in the Algarve, Casa Cubista which takes its name from the traditional houses of Olhão are collectors of artisanal producers of fine Portuguese Ceramics among other traditionally produced items. The styles are typically contemporary, you won’t find gaudy lettuce leaves or lemons here. What you will find are simple, beautiful designs, handpicked from the region’s studios. You’ll find Casa Cubista pieces at stores across Portugal, and their website even lists an interactive map for you to browse your closest location!
The Best Towns and Places for Ceramics in Portugal
If you’re not looking to shop online and want to experience browsing through stacks of pottery then here’s a few of our favourite destinations in Portugal for browsing for ceramics!
Lisbon
Yes, the capital, its chock full of shops where you can find both artisanal and the bigger factories ceramics. The Chiado area is one of our favourite places to go browsing for items. With artisanal designers like Anna Westerlund. To the more rugged and factory oriented Cerâmicas na Linha. Cerâmicas na Linha is an absolute must visit for anyone in the area. Where else can you buy Portuguese ceramics by the kg? It’s surprisingly easy to walk out of the shop with handfuls of plates, bowls, and cups. As well as the Chiado district, you’ll find shoos for Bordallo Pinheiro, Costa Nova, and Vista Alegre, and you’ll also find them at Lisbon’s outlet village for any bargain hunters looking for factory seconds!
Aveiro and Ilhavo
Aveiro, Portugal’s canal city is located around halfway between Lisbon and Porto. The nearby village of Ilhavo (almost a connected to Aveiro) is the home of Vista Alegre. It is the historic location of their five Star luxury accommodation, and museum in a beautifully restored part of one of their old factories. Here you’ll find both an original store, and a factory outlet selling reduced products. In Aveiro itself you’ll find Bordallo Pinheiro and Costa Nova shops, as well as souvenir shops selling many other brands!
Caldas da Rainha
Caldas da Rainha is a small town in the central region of Portugal. The abundance of clay in the region resulted in it being a hot spot for ceramic production with a number of factories springing up. Most notable in 1884 was the opening of Rafael Bordallo Pinheiro’s original ceramic factory which would kick start the brand Bordallo Pinheiro as a Portuguese institution of ceramics.
For anyone with an interest in Portuguese ceramics you’ll find the popular Rota Bordaliana – a ceramic trail through the city. There’s 22 of Bordello’s creations to find while learning about the heritage of the city. As well as the trail, the city goes beyond Bordallo and you’ll find many other pieces and history in the Museu da Cerâmica. With the 19th Century palace and estate you’ll find tiles and artwork from the 16th to the 20th century.
Sagres, Algarve
To the absolute other end of the country is Sagres and the nearby town of Porches. It’s an incredible road trip to the end of Western Europe. Along the road to Sagres you’ll find Ceramica Paraiso, the now insta-famous ceramic destination. Its outside walls are completely covered in eye catching and colourful ceramic plates.
The inside is stacked high with every ceramic item possible, from your typical plates and bowls to tourist souvenirs like swallows and sardines. If you’re exploring the West Algarve we absolutely recommend stopping! Heading to the central Algarve region, you have the small town of Porches. Here you’ll find Olaria Pequena and Casa Algarve. Both beautiful buildings filled with local ceramics, pottery, and artwork!
Will you be adding Portuguese Ceramics to your souvenir bag? This list is really just a taster of a few of the artisanal ceramic brands you can find across Portugal. If you know of any that you think should be added leave a comment below!
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Visit Espaco Luzitano in Faro, lovely Portuguese ceramics