7 Best Places to Shop in Northern Portugal, Portugal

The sprawling fishing port and resort of Póvoa do Varzim, four metro stops north of Vila do Conde, is known around the world for its camisolas poveiras—sweaters made of rough white wool, with striking black and red embroidered maritime-themed designs. Originally made by retired fishermen, employing techniques they had used to mend their nets, the camisolas are now embroidered by the women in this discreet little mall off the main shopping street.

The region is known for its traditional embroidery and colorful printed fabrics, and this shop in the center of Viana stocks an unrivaled range of table linen, as well as blouses, shawls, head scarves, and other clothing with a strong local flavor.

With some of the best local textiles, Chafarica offers handmade pieces for the kitchen, bedroom, and bath.

Chestnuts, a traditional regional product, are the main event at this store in the historic center. It showcases the nuts in every form imaginable, stocking 400 different lines, ranging from flour and candy to liqueurs and beer, and even soap. Try a brigantino, a delicious local tart with a chestnut filing, topped with icing.

This cultural center serves as a showroom for the best designs produced by an embroidery cooperative that's run by a group of local artisans.

Gold and silver filigree, made by twisting and plaiting metal and then shaping it into decorative forms, is a technique that is thought to have Phoenician origins, but Minho is the home of the Portuguese craft. The Viana heart is perhaps their best-known design, appearing in earrings and other jewelry. Ourivesaria Freitas, founded in 1920, is the ideal place to pore over these and myriad other designs. The attached museum houses some beautiful antique pieces.

This hulking remnant of the 15th-century town wall how houses a municipal store selling local handicrafts that is also usually staffed by someone from the tourist office. Colorful ceramic figurines, dishes, and bowls, often signed by the artist, are generally a good buy. The second and third floors host changing exhibitions, with various crafts represented, as well as pottery and other workshops (for which you must book well ahead). For panoramic views, climb yet more stairs to the roof; there is an elevator from ground level for those with mobility problems, but you still need to climb 30 steps after that.