Treasure hunting

WELL, MAYBE NOT TREASURE IN THE GRAND SENSE OF THE WORD, BUT AT LOCAL ANTIQUES AND FLEA MARKETS YOU HAVE A PRETTY GOOD CHANCE OF PICKING UP A LITTLE GEM THAT IS READY TO BE RELOVED

Words: @LAURA_LOVES_TRAVELLING2021

WE ARE spoilt for choice in Portugal when it comes to municipal markets full to bursting with great fresh produce. Buying your weekly fruit, veg, fish and meat from local producers is absolutely worthwhile, and knowing you are supporting the community and possibly saving on costs adds to the pleasure. You might also pick up the odd artisanal tasty treats, like nutstuffed figs and home-made biscuits, or a box of soaps or candles often more appreciated by your dinner host than a bunch of flowers.

But there is also an often overlooked way of shopping that could spice up your weekly routine, and that is the local flea market. I love a good car boot sale, but always assumed it was weekend treat available only in the (brief) English summertime. So you can imagine my delight when I stumbled across several fantastic offerings here in the sunny Algarve. Go once, enjoy, and it could well become an obsession. Knowing that each week you might discover something wantable is appealing enough, but you cannot overlook the benefit of recycling items in the current climate. Save money and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill by visiting any market in your area. And don’t think that shopping this way is slumming it, you will find loads of brand new items, and you can treat yourself to a great cup of coffee when your feet need a break from all that walking!

There are literally dozens of market choices across the Algarve, from Via do Bisbo in the west to Vila Real de Santo António in the East. Just remember to take loads of shopping bags with you.

For all first timers, I would suggest a visit to the Algarve Stadium (near to Mar shopping) market that usually takes place on the first and third Sundays of the month. A sprawling car boot sale that offers everything from brand new plant pots and trainers to beautiful antique lamps and chairs that need a bit of attention, this is a great place to go hunting. There is ample free parking, several vans set up selling drinks and snacks plus fruit and veg vendors so everyone is catered for.

These markets do open early, you can enter from 07:30 and most vendors start to pack up and head home by 13:00 so don’t make the mistake of arriving too late – regular shoppers get there at the start, intent on picking up the best. Have a look for any bits of furniture that you could envisage upcycling and then head to Kit & Caboodle in Almancil

(@kitandcaboodle_algarve) for help, inspiration and even a full paint job (they are the Annie Sloan Paint distributor). If you are interested in selling on some of your own no-longer-needed treasures, book yourself a pitch in a place of your choice – and get the best of both worlds, by selling and shopping on the same day!

There is an excellent flea market on the first and third Sundays of each month in Portimão, in the Parque de Feiras e Exposições de Portimão, on until 14:00, and another, across the water, in Ferragudo on the second Sunday of the month, 08:00 to 13:00.

If you fancy making more of a day of it, head east to the Tavira. The selling area is near the big municipal market in the heart of the city, so it is easy to find and offers plenty of stops for a refreshing drink and home-made nibbles. This location can become hectic, with regulars getting there early and sifting through the wares on offer, so jump in and enjoy it, ask for prices and haggle when something catches your eye. On the first and fifth Saturday of each month, you will find stands set up with antiques and collectibles such as glass and jewellery, and then on the fourth Saturday it’s a car boot-style flea market. The combination of fresh air, sunshine and the beauty of the location will make the hours fly by, and before you know it, it’ll be lunchtime. From the market wander along the river front where there is a myriad of perfect places for a bite to eat.

For more bargains, Fonte do Bispo in Tavira stages a later starting boot sale, 09:00 to 14:00, on the second and fourth Sundays of the month, where you can find some excellent second hand clothing items, including handbags, scarves, jackets and accessories from labels you are familiar with. There are plenty of sellers who need to have a clear out at home and are hoping to make a bit of money in the process, so you can often find items with the original tags on those that have had minimal wear.

Shopping this way just takes patience and a keen eye. I do feel better rescuing clothing or accessories and buying second-hand, as we keep being told about the pressures facing our world due to overproduction of so many objects. One tip is to never go to a flea market or boot sale with something specific in your head, because I guarantee you will not find it on that day! Keep an open mind, have

Old mirrors, glassware and lighting are among the many flea market finds that once spruced up look a treat. Leather-bound books make for great decoration, too a look at everything, and try to imagine the potential in items that you would usually overlook. Most of all, enjoy the atmosphere and have fun with it.

Fuseta’s flea market to try on the first Sunday of each month, at the Junto ao Parque de Campismo. Wander through the sprawling lanes lined by those peddling a huge array of goodies. This is a great spot to pick up sets of delicate vintage wine glasses and hand painted bowls.

Something that can easily become a guilty pleasure is to buy second hand interesting kitchenware and fill your cupboards with beautiful mismatched bits. You’ll be able to grab good quality brands at bargain basement prices and you don’t need to stick to a certain theme.

I love this look, and it has the huge advantage that if a piece were to get broken, I know I haven’t ruined a complete set! If you are needing to furnish a holiday rental or are planning a big party, then pick up glasses on the cheap when you see them. If you have a crafting project list, always keep in mind things that you might need and get them when you come across them.

Opposite the EB1 school in Quelfes (on the N398 past Olhão) you will find another market worth taking up your fourth and fifth Sundays each month. There are often big pieces of traditional furniture here – sideboards, sets of chairs, hefty frames mirrors, etc, which could be reborn with a fresh paint finish. And in São Brás de Alportel on the third Sunday, there is a large car boot sale at Park Roberto Norte.

It has to be remembered that the fun of car boot sales and bric-a-brac markets is that you never know what you are going to come across, and you could just discover that little gem, bizarre or charming, that makes you smile, and that once cleaned up becomes something of a conversation piece. And that’s what makes the pleasure more so.

And if you are planning a wedding or special party, a market could be the perfect hunting ground for DIY decorations. Pick up vintage suitcases and globes for a travel-themed wedding, or start filling a box with clown wigs, fancy hats and funny props for a kids’ or grown ups’ dress-up party – you will save yourself loads of time and money, and afterwards you can always donate those items to your favourite charity.

In the meantime, good shopping!

Check these websites for listings of all the markets in the region: algarvedailynews.com/algarve-markets taviratoday.com/markets/ pigletinportugal.com/markets/ myguidealgarve.com/usefulinfo/markets-on-thealgarve