In the capital we come across the market "Campo de Ourique". It was renovated in 2013 on the model of the "Mercado de San Miguel" in Madrid and has become a "must" for all visitors to the city. It is located in one of the most charismatic neighborhoods of Lisbon and is especially popular with the French. Although it is small, it offers a wide variety of food and products, an ideal place for those who want to eat and shop in one place.


In 1600, the "Mercado da Ribeira" was founded in "Cais do Sodré". It has already survived an earthquake and a fire and has been redesigned several times over the years. In 2000 it ceased its wholesale activity and in 2001 opened its doors in a new area with a new social aspect. The "Ribeira Dances" and the musical performances are still remembered by all the inhabitants of the city. The "Mercado da Ribeira" has always been appreciated by everyone, but it was not until 2014, when it opened as "Time Out", that it actually became a "fashionable place".


Since then, it has been visited by thousands of people because it combines the traditional with the social aspect. It is 3000 square meters in size and has 500 seats, which are occupied practically at any time of the day. This project has been so successful that this concept of "Time Out" is also being used in other cities such as Montreal and Miami.


In the south of the country, more precisely in Olhão, there is one of the city's ex-libraries. It opened almost half a century ago and is one of the city's must-see postcard motifs when visiting the city. The market of Olhão, which is located on the seafront, has its greatest rush in the morning, and it is fascinating to observe the variety of people and products that can be found here. Also in the Algarve, the completely redesigned Loulé market is the scene of numerous urban activities and events. It is one of the most interesting buildings in the city.


The building, built in the Moorish style, was awarded the "Turismo de Portugal" prize in 2007 and delights not only tourists, but also the inhabitants of the city, for whom it played and still plays an important economic role. The market of Loulé is also a meeting place and a place where many stories and memories of many "Louletanos" (inhabitants of Loulé) are exchanged. We can't talk about markets without mentioning the "Lavradores" market. I dare say that there is no one who visits this market and does not fall in love with the variety of colors and smells (fruit, flowers, fish and typical items). The "Lavradores" market in the old town of Funchal, one of the symbols of the capital of Madeira, offers the visitor a mix of colors, scents and traditions that is a unique experience. This market was opened in 1949 and is the supply center of the city.


Here you will find the most famous fresh and tropical products of the archipelago. Even today, the market is very popular with the inhabitants of the city, but the "king" is undoubtedly the tourist, who can taste the most diverse fruits here and enjoy unprecedented flavors. Be careful and don't let your palate fool you, because the only thing that comes with this market is that the fruit is paid for "in gold". The truth is that the markets are not only fashionable in Portugal! Everywhere in Europe we can find identical markets, with several cities turning their traditional markets into gastronomic and tourist attractions. Each market has its own identity, and as if that wasn't enough, the flavors and smells, the colors are often perfect for a photo. Finally, tasting local food is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in a new destination.


You should definitely visit these markets. Did you already know one of these markets? Were you curious? Enjoy Easter and let yourself be enchanted by some of the best things of our country! Take advantage of our itinerary and enjoy this mix of tastes and aromas that you can't find anywhere else.


Missed part one? click here.

Author

Cláudia Ferreira, who holds a degree in Communication Sciences from Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa, is currently serving as the assistant director and commercial representative at Casaiberia.

Cláudia Ferreira