8 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 Originally made by retired fishermen, employing techniques they had used to mend their nets, the camisolas are now embroidered by the women in this discreet little mall off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 Portuguese filigree. The Viana heart is perhaps their best-known design, appearing in ear-rings 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.

If you're eating at Enruta, stop in to this cheese shop, which sells locally produced Salamanca cheese. The cheese is made with raw milk from local churra sheep, an Iberian breed. These cheesemongers have been making it for 60 years and, though they've modernized, they adhere to the principles of biodynamic agriculture. Try the semisoft cabra, best aged two to three months, and the firm viejo de oveja, best aged 9 to 12 months.

This hulking remnant of the 15th-century town wall how houses a council-run store selling handicrafts. Ceramic dishes and bowls, often signed by the artist, are generally a good buy. The upper three floors host changing exhibitions, with various crafts represented. For panoramic views, climb yet more stairs to the roof.