Shopping in Pico Island - authentic goods, best outlets, malls and boutiques

Ilha do Pico is ideal for buying authentic souvenirs and goods from local manufacturers. There are several quite large shopping centres, but still, it is better to go to the mainland of Portugal for good discounts and a large selection of products from European brands. If you are going to visit the shops on the island, remember that siesta plays an important role for Pico inhabitants. All small shops are closed from 12 to 3 o’clock. Sometimes you can buy some goods in large supermarkets during this period of time. You should also remember that you can ask for a discount in small shops for a few one-time purchases if the seller does not offer it himself.

Whaling was incredibly popular on the island. A variety of paintings of ships, inhabitants of water and coastal scenery are cut out on the hard teeth of the sperm whale here. Small sculptures, earrings, rings, brooches or pendants are made of their teeth. A straw hat is not only authentic but also a very useful item that you can buy at the very beginning of the holiday on the island. Locals make not only straw hats but also all kinds of mats, baskets and panicles.

Local laces can be a very interesting purchase. Residents of Ilha do Pico crochet lace for many years. Only the motives that determined the pattern are changing over the centuries. An embroidered bedspread, a towel or cloth are nice souvenirs that you can bring from the island. Embroidery of different types is sold here in any souvenir shop. The main thing is not to buy the cheapest good because you can buy a Chinese counterfeit instead of an original product. You can see many statues depicting a bright cockerel on the shelves of local souvenir shops. The brightly coloured Barcelos cockerel (Galo de Barcelos) is an unofficial national symbol of Portugal. This symbol is very popular on the Azores. The rooster appears in the form of a child's toy, and carved from wood or made of clay. It can be found in the form of images on t-shirts, magnets or caps. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Do you want to buy beautiful and useful things? Leather items made by local workers are famous among tourists. It can be a stylish bracelet, clutch, handbag or backpack, and even shoes – all of these are made with great care. Portuguese leather shoes are said to be some of the best, right up there with Italian ones. A variety of cork products are famous among tourists. From postcards and pens to umbrellas and many other useful things.

Cheese will be also a good gift for your family. If you want to try the local cheese from the producers, you can find a shop Queijo Vaquinha, which also offer to taste homemade beer and wine of good quality. Here is a big choice of cheese – both goat, cow, hard, and soft. Buy what you like most, but in any case, try São Jorge cheese, which is almost not sold outside the Azores. You should also buy a pack or two of local tea. Coffee lovers should also get acquainted with the range of local shops. Residents of Pico Island love coffee and buy only the highest quality products, so here you can easily find the best product. A bottle of olive oil is a nice gift for talented housewives.

Do not pass by local hard drinks. Home-made beers and wines can be found everywhere on the island. Moreover, you can find port, cherry liqueur, and, of course, green wine in the local shops. Remember that green wine is always served chilled. Another popular souvenir that you should buy on Pico is local ceramics. Salt shakers, spoons, forks, saucers, and all sorts of cakes, salad bowls and large dishes are sold here. Porcelain figurines and decorative tiles are also popular here.