Some of the designs are reminiscent of old French Quimper pottery, but most are brighter and fired on a red clay base. The pottery costs about the same at the market as in the small towns where it's made. Older pieces show up in the stalls of the antiques dealers. Locals and tourists alike also buy handsome white lace in sturdy traditional Portuguese patterns. Some of the lace is old, and some contemporary, made by a local lace maker who sits out in the sun during market and crochets very fast.
Prices are relatively low in Portugal and throughout the market.
Bargaining is expected, but the Portuguese are very polite about it. They are an extremely courteous, friendly people, and many went out of their way to help us when we tried our pitifully few words of Portuguese. Settled in the early Middle Ages by Moors, the Alfama quarter is an exciting place to explore and shop. It still has the old exotic narrow winding cobblestone streets and stairs, although the houses are mostly more recent, dating from the 15th century, when Portugal ruled the seas, up to the 19th century. Many are covered with colorful patterned tiles, which the Moors introduced from North Africa, and you can still buy some of the old ones from dealers today.