Sarah Monares
Markets are a big part of Portugal’s history and continue today as a popular and effective way to shop with local farmers and vendors. The vast variety of markets to choose from is one of my favorite perks of living on the Silver Coast. I appreciate the access to the freshest fruits and vegetables, as well as handmade items, antiques, and other goods. Caldas da Rainha and cities and villages all over Portugal offer markets that take place regularly, as well as pop-up markets that are based around holiday events or festas. No matter the time of year, it’s easy to find a market close by.
The importance of shopping at local markets
Through my conversations with Portuguese locals who have seen the markets change over time, they have expressed the impact that the arrival of grocery stores and big chain
supermarkets has had on the survival of markets and their vendors. For many people, it can feel easier to run down to the supermarkets whenever you want, rather than wait for the hours the market is open. Shopping at markets not only supports local farmers and members of the community but helps to carry on the history and survival of the markets we have come to value so much. Shopping small and local is an important way to continually give back to the communities we live in.
Top market tips
My most commonly shopped market is the daily market in Caldas. The praça da fruta is an example of a market bustling each morning with vendors selling fruits, vegetables, flowers, and local crafts. It stands as a symbol of the city’s enduring community spirit and has been operating since the end of the 15th century. Markets like this will only continue if we support them by using them regularly. Market shopping can be fun and effective, here are some of my biggest tips for your next visit to the market.
1. Bring a reusable bag: market vendors will usually provide a plastic bag for produce but it is more sustainable and convenient to have a good, sturdy reusable bag to carry all your items in. Many people use the bags on wheels which will definitely save the body from having tired shoulders.
2. Establish relationships with your favorite vendors: now that I am a regular at the fruit market, I am beginning to create cordial relationships with the owners of the stalls I frequent. It is a great feeling to be happy to see each other each visit and it is also a great place to practice my progress with learning Portuguese.
3. Try something new each time you go: coming from Colorado in the United States, the climate here is very different than what I am used to. There are many fruits and vegetables I have never seen before. Rather than sticking with what is familiar, I believe it is important to be adventurous and try something new. Each market visit is unique with the savoring of local flavors.
4. Plan for rain: it goes without saying that at different times of the year in Portugal, you always plan for rain. The expectation is that even if rain is present, the show must go on. I have visited the Praça da fruita many times in a downpour. The vendors are out there in the rain so we can be too. Put on your rain gear and make it an adventure.
5. Write a shopping list for markets and supermarkets: it helps me to better shop local markets when I’ve thought ahead about what I can prioritize buying at a local market.
Caldas da Rainha markets
Praça da fruta: open daily from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Monday Market: every Monday near Campo de Padel offering a wide variety of items from home goods to clothing and produce.
Antique and craft market: this occurs on the 2nd Sunday of each month at Dom Carlos Park, starting at 10:00 am.
Monthly antique market: this is held on the 3rd Saturday of every month from May to November, near Leroy Merlin.
Mercado do peixe: the fish market is open Monday through Saturday from 7:00 am – 2:00 pm.
Silver Coast markets
Santana market: Mercado Santana is in Rio Maior, Portugal. This is a popular and large open-air flea market open Sundays from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm weekly.
São Martino de Porto: produce market open Tuesday to Sunday from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm.
Obidos: Antique market that takes place on the 1st Sunday of every month.
Foz Do Arelho: antique market that takes place on the 3rd Sunday of every month.
Peniche: produce market open Tuesday to Sunday from 7:00 am – 1:00 pm .
Lourinha: produce market is open Monday to Saturday from 7:30 am to 1:00 pm.
This is not an exhaustive list of all the markets the Silver Coast has to offer but, it is a great place to start. Remember, the markets of Portugal are often the heart of each community, bringing together history, culture, and the freshest produce from land and sea. Doing our best to support this tradition is a great way to support the local community.
Acknowledgements: Lucy Gray (Feature editor). ■