The wares sold here tend to be earthier, more rustic, and less influenced by fads than what's usually available closer to Lisbon. In addition to the ceramics and woodcarvings that are widely available in other regions, look for linens and embroideries, sometimes in bewitchingly subtle patterns. The main shopping streets, Rua Manuel Espergueira and Rua da Bandeira, contain shops selling virtually everything you'd need to dress yourself or accessorize a house.
If you're looking for handicrafts, try Casa Sandra, Largo João Tomás da Costa (tel. 25/882-21-55). It carries fine linens and embroideries in all possible degrees of intricacy. The oldest and biggest store in town is Casa Fontinha, Largo João Tomás da Costa (tel. 25/882-22-31). Smaller, dustier, and confusingly arranged is A Tenda, Rua do Hospital Velho (tel. 25/882-28-13). Three more worthwhile choices are Arte Regional, Avenida dos Combatentes da Grande Guerra (tel. 25/882-90-45); O Traje, Rua do Poso (tel. 25/882-54-66); and Arte Minho, Rua de São Pedro 21-23 (tel. 25/882-10-52).
