Stylemum / 23 December 2024 / Categories: Shops, Markets

Quarteria Gypsy Market Portugal 🇵🇹

Didn’t buy anything

I love the markets in the south of France where I holidayed with my family as child. My father wouldn’t fly so we went everywhere by car and ship which meant exploring European markets whilst on holiday became a bit of pastime.

I have been to Portugal a few times for golf, I don’t play but friends do so this time instead of going with them I decided to do some exploring of my own.

After a few people told me the market was walking distance from the Marina I set off in the direction I had been told. I had google maps but that wasn’t helping.

After walking for about 15 minutes I found myself in a town, I think was Quarteria adjacent to the Marina but still no sign of the market.

I ended up jumping in a taxi and after about an additional 15 minute drive I was dropped off at my destination.

It’s called the Gypsy market and it looked to me like the main things for sale were very cheap clothes and tourist souvenirs. I didn’t see any quality leather goods, a few poor quality copy designer hand bags and designer sunglasses but non of the local artisan pottery, baskets, embroidered linens or lace we have come to expect from European markets.

It didn’t have the energy and excitement of markets I have visited before. I arrived about 9.15am usually everyone arrives early to get the best deals and avoid the heat of the day but I was pretty much the first customer of the day and only half the stalls were actually set up and ready to trade.

I walked the whole market in 10 - 15 minutes, I was pounced on by eager (desperate for a sale) traders pitching goods I hadn’t even looked at. I felt bad for them in a struggling economy trying to sell goods to a few random tourists.

The best thing about the market was the seat in the shade where I waited 45 minutes for a taxi to take me back to the Marina.

I am not sure who would shop here. I didn’t see any locals, there is no food, plants, flowers, antiques, junk the kind of things you find at markets in France.

They had stalls with boxed shoes, jewelled and brightly coloured and football jerseys; lots of jewellery; from glamour to hand home made. Quite a few tablecloths hanging up but I don’t remember much else.

I didn’t buy anything. Not even an ice cream.

When you check Google and trip advisor, check how long ago the pictures were posted. I think this was my mistake. It was clearly once bustling and busy but as the offering and stall holders has gotten smaller so too have the customers.