Shopping in Graciosa - authentic goods, best outlets, malls and boutiques

As you decide to go to Graciosa Island, remember that it’s far not the biggest island of the Azores, so there are not that many shops here. It won’t be a problem to buy basic necessities or souvenirs here, of course, but if you’re intended to buy purchases by famous trademarks, then it’s better to get to the continent or a bigger island for a couple of days. Nevertheless, there are still clothes, shoes, cosmetics, and perfumes, but the selection is not really rich and rather expensive. It’s probably better to save money for stuff made by local craftsmen and farmers.

Islanders don’t really like bargaining. You’d probably succeed bringing a price down when on the market, but a seller should not allow it in a store. However, there is an unspoken rule: if you buy more than one thing from one particular seller, you’ll get a slight discount. In case if a seller doesn’t offer it, you can politely ask about it yourself.

The middle of a day is not the best time for shopping. Siesta takes place on the Azores (naturally including Graciosa Island) from 12 p.m. till 3 p.m. Besides, going for souvenirs on Sunday is also not the best idea. Almost all the stores are closed and the ones opened are not really cheap. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Just a few decades ago Graciosa could boast itself for developed whaling. Presently, the whaling industry is forbidden and all the companies are closed here. Still, many locals still remember the times when these giant mammals were providing the income of the island. Various hand-made things from baleen are highly popular here. Whales are depicted on the pictures by local artists as well who can also sell their works for quite a good price. In addition, you can find shapes, magnets, caps, and t-shirts with whales.

A little statue of a rooster is a peculiar local kind of memento. There is some kind of irrational love to that bird here on the island. The depict roosters on paintings, plates, create wooden and teddy toys for children. Usually, the bird is portrayed very colourfully. Anyway, you can buy a figurine of any animal or bird you like here on the island.

Embroidered pillowcases, tablecloths and towels by local needlewomen would be an extremely nice souvenir too. Embroidery traditions appeared here with the first settlers. The craft lives since then. Furthermore, lace is also purchased here in great amounts.

Local men inherit secrets of wood carving through generations, so there is a bunch of diverse wooden things as well. You can buy easily anything – from a comb to a trunk. A painted plate created by local potters would also be a really special present. Another unusual memento is a straw box which you can find in any gift shop. Moreover, local masters create various cork things for hot stuff. They use the same material making different postcards and umbrella handles. People of Graciosa Island love colourful patterns and they often draw local sceneries, plants, animals, and just abstract pictures on service sets. You can buy a china for 12 persons and a small souvenir plate or mug if you’d like to.

If you decide to get a «tasty» gift here, then you can start from a local canned tuna. It’s fished near the island’s coasts in large numbers, so it’s rather cheap. In addition, you can buy locally produced sausages. However, buy only vacuumed products in order to bring it home safe and fresh. Above all that, you can also buy a bottle or two of the local wine from grapes which were grown right here on Graciosa, even if you’re not fond of alcohol.

Qualitative cezves are also purchased here. Locals really love coffee so all the coffee making accessories are famous for their high standards. What is more, you can easily find coffee for every taste in any, even the smallest, shop. And you can buy for a nice price.

Another good and universal gift is a pack of tea. It’s really hard to find it somewhere across the Portugal border. Cakes and orange roulade would be especially tasty with it. Just don’t forget to specify the storage conditions.