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

The Azores are not distinguished by a variety of large shopping centers and fashion boutiques. You can take a walk around local shops in search of some great souvenirs and delicacies. In the Ponta Delgada area is an original Louvre Michaelense coffee shop, that will appeal to all great fans of coffee. Here, you can taste wonderful desserts and a variety of coffees, as well as purchase interesting souvenirs. The store sells popular coffees in gift sets, local sweets and costume jewelry in national style, which will surely be appreciated by ladies.

Lovers of cheese should visit the island of Terceira. Here, in the city of Tretya is a brilliant Queijo Vaquinha eatery shop. You can taste and purchase cottage cheese from local farmers, as well as wine and locally produced beer. Special tables are set there for visitors. The store is extremely popular with local residents. All farm products presented here differ not only by high quality, but also by very attractive prices.

Parque Atlantico is one of the largest shopping malls in the archipelago. This is a beautiful center with lots of playgrounds for children, original jewelry, and an artificial waterfall. Among dozens of shops of the complex there are branded clothing and footwear pavilions, several sports departments, as well as cosmetics and accessories stores. Many people come here to take a picture against the background of original ornaments and taste specialties at one of the local cafes. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

In the city of Ribeira Grande there is an old Fabrica de Licores Mulher de Capote, on whose territory operates an excellent store nowadays. Visitors are offered an interesting excursion and tasting of popular drinks. In this store you can buy beautiful gifts for your family and loved ones. It sells gift packages of liqueurs, beautiful dishes of local production. The most popular product is traditional passionfruit liqueur.

In Ponta Delgada is located one of the largest markets of the archipelago - Mercado da Graça. This is a colourful market offering plenty of goods, including seasonal vegetables and fruits grown on local farms. The most popular national products such as farm cheese, liqueurs and wines are sold here, as well as potatoes grown on fertile volcanic soils. According to experienced gourmets, the latter is characterized by incredible taste qualities.

For traditional memorable T-shirts and other souvenirs, look into Atlantic Souvenir store, which is located in the city of Angra do Heroismo. It is housed in a beautiful national building with a white and blue facade. In this store, customers are offered a large choice of T-shirts, mugs, beach bags, toys and pottery. Many souvenirs depict cute cows - the main symbol of the island of Terceira.

Traditional hand-painted pottery will turn a wonderful memorable gift. In the city of Lagoa there is a historical Ceramica Viera workshop, where you can purchase your favourite ceramics and watch a master at work. The opening of the factory, in whose territory the store is located nowadays, was held back in 1862. It produces traditional blue-and-white Azulejo tiles and a lot of miniature handicrafts. Miniature painted plates are especially popular among tourists.

On the island of Saint Mary there is an original Água-Viva souvenir shop, where one can purchase excellent T-shirts with national symbols. This store features a large choice of women's T-shirts. Still, they sell original notebooks with Azorean symbols, wood carvings and a lot of other unique souvenirs that can not be found in other stores. Affordable prices are also worth mentioning. You can surely expect a discount when buying several things.