MARKETS
Street markets are an integral part of Portuguese life.
Most are held in the town's main square on a weekly basis, and sometimes more frequently. They sell a wide range of goods from food, antiques and handicrafts to household items and clothes.
The majority of markets take place in the morning, although in tourist areas they often continue through until the late afternoon. Portugal's most famous market happens every Thursday in Barcelos, Northern Portugal. Here, visitors can pick up all kinds of souvenirs, including locally-made pottery, lace, embroideries and rugs.
Other markets to look out for include Albufeira (held on the second Saturday of each month), Carcavelos (Thursdays), Cascais (Wednesdays), Coimbra (on the last Saturday of each month), Estremoz (Saturdays), Lagos (first Saturday), Loulé (Saturdays), Oeiras (first Sunday) and Portimão (Sundays). Sintra’s Feira de São Pedro takes place on the second and fourth Sundays of each month, while Lisbon's most famous flea market, the Feira da Ladra held each Tuesday and Saturday morning in the Alfama district, is good for antiques, bric-a-brac, jewellery, clothes and all other kinds of curiosities.
Most Portuguese towns and cities also have covered markets which are open in the mornings from Monday to Saturday, selling a great variety of produce such as fish, meat, fruit and vegetables, and sometimes handicrafts and clothes. Almost every smaller town and village has a weekly market, as well as some stalls selling fruit and vegetables throughout the rest of the week.