My husband and I are avid travelers and lovers of unique crafts. During our travels, we’ve made it our mission to explore every nook and cranny of the Algarve, seeking out the best local pottery and ceramics.
One thing we’ve noticed is that there aren’t many places left where you can actually see pottery being made right in front of you. It’s a rare and special experience to watch an artist at work, transforming a simple piece of clay into a beautiful and functional work of art.
List of Best Pottery and Ceramics Shops in the Algarve
In this article, we want to share with you our top three picks for the best pottery and ceramics shops in the Algarve where you can not only find stunning souvenirs but also see the artists in action.
Porches Pottery – Traditional Ceramics Shop
Whenever my husband and I are near the Algarve, a visit to Porches Pottery is a cherished ritual for us. It’s a place where the magic of the region really comes alive. We have a personal tradition of picking up gifts for our mums from there.
Let me take you through a bit of the history. Back in the day, Porches was the heart of a bustling pottery scene. But by the 1960s, things were changing. The old skills were fading, and it seemed like a piece of Portuguese heritage might be lost forever. That’s until Irish artist Patrick Swift and Lima de Freitas, his Portuguese counterpart, stepped in. They founded Olaria Algarve – Porches Pottery in 1968. Their creativity and determination not only revived the local pottery industry but also ensured the survival of this precious craft.
The pottery is handcrafted and hand-painted, making every piece distinct. We love watching the local artists work; their free-flowing brush strokes create patterns that are instantly recognizable as Porches Pottery. No stencils, just pure skill and a steady hand. Seeing a piece of bare pottery transform into a vibrant work of art right in front of our eyes is truly mesmerizing.
The showroom, housed in a traditional Algarvian farmhouse, is a treasure trove. From tea-sets to platters, each item is a testament to the skill of the artisans.
Olaria Pequena
My husband and I have a special fondness for Olaria Pequena, or “The Little Pottery,” located just outside the picturesque village of Porches in the Algarve region of Portugal. Our home has become a small gallery showcasing their pieces; we’ve collected so many of their cups and larger bowls that they now have their own dedicated shelf.
Each piece is a contemporary artwork that brings a fresh and modern touch to our space, contrasting beautifully with the more traditional pieces we buy for our family and friends from Porches Pottery.
Their approach combines traditional craft techniques with a modern design sensibility, creating pieces that are both functional and stylishly contemporary.
The studio was set up by Ian Fitzpatrick, a talented individual from Glasgow, Scotland. After graduating in ceramic design from Dundee Art College, Ian moved to Portugal in 1981 to work with the Portuguese ceramic artist, Jorge Mealha. Initially planning only a year-long stay abroad, Ian found his calling here and, after Jorge moved to Lagos, he took over the studio, renaming it “Olaria Pequena.” It’s been thriving ever since.
Ian’s daughter Molly, who returned to Portugal after completing her Fine Art degree in Falmouth, England, works alongside her father. Their combined talents make the studio’s output truly special.
Al-Tannur Ceramic Art Shop in Silves
Last year, in 2023, my husband and I had the pleasure of staying in Silves for a month, and that’s when we discovered Al-Tannur, a ceramic art shop that’s quite different from Porches Pottery and Olaria Pequena. Unlike the traditional styles of Porches and the contemporary designs of Olaria Pequena, Al-Tannur offers a unique blend that we found absolutely captivating.
Located in the heart of Silves’ Historic Center, Al-Tannur is a charming little shop that immediately stands out. As lovers of art and history, we were drawn to the beautiful ceramics adorned with art paintings, especially the tiles. The craftsmanship here is a testament to Portugal’s renowned tile art.
The artists, Teresa and Luís, bring a unique touch to their creations, combining Portuguese and Arab techniques, a nod to the Algarve’s rich history. Their passion for their craft is evident in every brush stroke, making each piece feel like it contains a part of their soul.
