Shopping in Lagos: From Local Crafts to Surf Shops

Lagos isn't a mall-and-chains kind of town — and that's exactly its charm. The shopping here is the kind you do on foot, wandering the cobbled streets of the old town, where small boutiques, surf shops, craft stores and food shops sit side by side. Here's what to look for and where.

What to buy in Lagos

• Local crafts and ceramics — hand-painted Portuguese tiles, pottery and regional crafts make the most characterful souvenirs.


• Local sweets and food — almond and fig sweets, regional honey, tinned fish and wine: edible gifts that travel well.


• Surf and beach gear — Lagos is a surf town, so boards, wetsuits, swimwear and beachwear are easy to find.


• Fashion and decor — independent boutiques for clothing, jewellery and home pieces with a coastal, Portuguese feel.

Where to shop

The historic old town is the heart of it — the lanes around the main squares are where the boutiques and craft shops cluster, best explored slowly on foot. For fresh produce and a glimpse of local life, the municipal market is worth a visit (closed Sundays and public holidays). The streets just back from the busiest tourist drag often hide the most interesting independent shops.

A few local notes

• Smaller shops keep Portuguese hours — some close for lunch and on Sunday afternoons; plan around it.


• Look for "made in Portugal." Among the generic souvenirs there's genuine local craftsmanship — it's worth seeking out.


• Combine it with a coffee. Shopping in the old town pairs naturally with a pastel de nata break between the lanes.

Browse the shops below by what you're looking for — souvenirs, surf, fashion, food and more — to find the right spot.