Italy

Artisan Lace. Cities throughout Umbria are prized for their master lace makers. You can still find craftspeople at work in the street creating intricate patterns. Visit Aracne de Mari Mirella (Corso Mazzini Vicolo Primo, 2, tel. +39 074 346 085), a shop in the heart of Spoleto, to find selections of locally produced work.

Artisan Olive Oils. The volcanic, mineral-filled soil of the Umbria region ensures that the olives grown here are rich in flavor. Artisanal olive mills, resting in the shadows of Saint Francis' cathedral, produce some of the finest olive oils in all of Italy. Stop in at Enoteca Hispellum (Via Cavour, 13-35,  tel. +39 0742 651766) in Spello and ask the friendly staff to help you pair a fresh loaf of bread with the right olive oil.

Basket and Hemp Weaving. Admire the olive trees that surround Umbria's Bevagna, but be sure you make it into the small hamlet to find a rich tradition of basket and hemp weaving. Arrive during the Mercato delle Gaite festival in June to watch artisans demonstrate their trade streetside, or visit one of the local stores to buy a handcrafted blanket you can fit in your luggage.

Handblown glassware. On the island of Murano, just north of Venice, artisans in local factories such as Mazzega Srl (Fondamenta da Mula, 147) create original hand-blown glass items such as bowls and vases, which are for sale in local shops and factory stores. Countless factories and shops along Fondamenta dei Vetrai (Glass Street) welcome visitors for walk-in tours, which can also be arranged by any Venetian hotel.

Leather goods. Florence is known as a center for leather goods. At the Scuola del Cuoio (tel. +39 055 244 533; e-mail info@leatherschool.com), located in the Piazza Santa Croce, you can take a guided tour of the workshops or drop by to watch artisans at work. Leather items are available for purchase at the shop next door. In Rome handmade briefcases, bags, and wallets in every shape and color are available at Alfonsi Dario (via dei Chiavari 40/41; +39 06 6819 2188).

Majolica Ceramics. Visit the Museo Regionale della Ceramica in Deruta to discover the home of an ancient ceramic making tradition. Handcrafted pottery lines store shelves in this small village on the outskirts of Perugia in Umbria. Watch masters at work in the basement of Ceramiche Sberna (Via Tiberina, 146, tel. +39 075 97 102 06) and then choose a piece to take home from the shop upstairs.

Silk products. The Como region of Italy is known for manufacturing fine silk products. It's possible to get silk for discounted prices at warehouses and outlets, such as major silk producer Ratti's factory stores, at two different locations. There is one larger outlet just outside Como that sells menswear and women's wear (Via Vivaldi 6, Cadorago; tel. +39 031 886 6280). The other location, in Como, sells only ties, scarves, and fabrics (Via Cernobbio 17, Como Villa Sucota; tel. +39 031 576 000).

Woodworking. Master craftsmen in central Italy have long turned the wood from their squat olive forests into artistic masterpieces. Artisans are known for their exquisitely handcrafted musical instruments, highly detailed furniture, and colorful children's toys. Make a stop at Fragile (Via dei Priori, 70, tel. +39 075 573 6120) in Perugia to pick up a locally crafted masterpiece.

Custom-made shirts. Men's dress shirts tailored from Albertelli's (Via dei Prefetti 11, Rome; +39 06 687 3793) vast selection of fabrics; measured, cut, and sewn on the premises. 


Latvia

Amber. The eastern shores of the Baltic Sea have long been considered a natural source for amber, securing the precious stone's symbolic role in Latvian culture. Amber animal figurines date back to the 8th century B.C., while today, sophisticated brooches and tiny beads for little girls are most popular and can be found for sale in Riga squares, parks, and souvenir shops like A&E (Jauniela 17; tel. +371 7 22 32 00) and Rota (in the Konventa Seta hotel, Kaleju 9/11; tel. +371 7 08 75 41). In Old Town, Tine (Valnu 2; tel. +371 7 21 67 28) offers traditional, classy Latvian trinkets like handcrafted amber jewelry and delicate ceramics. Or, browse amber jewelry from the Baltic Region online.

Linen. Latvia's traditional fabric is linen, used for practical tablecloths, hats, and clothing. Patrol the stalls and stands tucked behind the Dome Cathedral to find deals on handmade linen. Attend a weaving demonstration and view a huge collection of authentic handwoven linens at Livs (Kaleju 7; tel. +371 67 22 90 10).

Woolens. Latvian folk costumes are traditionally red and white, symbolizing purity and vitality, and adorned with embroidered, woven, or knitted geometric designs. A woolen villaine (shawl) is an essential part of the Latvian national costume. Look for cozy hats and sweaters handcrafted in the traditional Latvian style at one of Riga's locations of the Souvenir Bazaar (Audeju 7; tel. +371 67 21 02 85; or Kalku 2; tel. +371 67 22 92 22).

Ceramics. Local artist Daiga Lapsa's workshop (Jeremejeva iela 18; tel. +371 656 21492) in Kraslava features one-of-a-kind, hand-painted ceramics alongside rich tapestries, textiles, and knited dolls. In Old Town Ludza, see more than 100 craftsmen's work and learn from the masters at a ceramics workshop at Ludza's handicrafts center (Talavijas iela 27a; tel. +371 657 07203). Riga's Open Air Ethnograhic Museum evokes pastoral peasant life with its annual fair (held the first Sunday in June), featuring a smattering of handicrafts by local beekeepers, weavers, and potters in an idyllic lakeside setting among pine trees, windmills, and more than 90 historical structures.

Leatherware. Pastalas, the traditional footwear for both men and women, are a model in simplicity. Made from a single piece of leather and tied with laces, they can be found, along with belts and other leather goods, at Riga's souvenir shops, such as Tine (Valnu 2; tel. +371 7 21 67 28).


The Netherlands
 
Delftware. Holland's signature blue-and-white porcelain originated in Delft, where you can still buy tiles, bowls, mugs, and vases decorated with traditional Dutch scenes, windmills, and flowers, in addition to more contemporary designs. Visit Holland's famous delftware factory in Delft, De Porceleyne Fles (tel. +31 [0]15 251 20 30), for tours and hand-painted china. There is also a De Porceleyne Fles store on the premises of Gassan Diamonds in Amsterdam. To avoid purchasing fake copies outside of the De Porceleyne Fles stores, ask for a certificate of authenticity with your purchase, and look for a serial number, workshop mark, and glazer's initials on the underside of the pieces.

Diamonds. Amsterdam remains one of the diamond centers of the world, long after the industry was established in the 16th century. Visitors can shop, take diamond-cutting and polishing tours, speak with craftsmen, and browse showrooms at several Amsterdam stores including Coster Diamonds (tel. +31 [0]20 305 55 55) and Gassan Diamonds (tel. +31 [0] 20 622 53 33).

Crystal. Head to Leerdam for Holland's best crystal. Royal Leerdam Crystal (tel. +31 [0]34 567 16 58) produces exceptional quality crystal from a mixture of silver sand, red lead oxide, and potash. Visitors are encouraged to take a tour of the factory and watch glassblowers, cutters, and designers at work on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Stop at the CrystalShop on the factory grounds for sparkling clear and colored crystal vases, dishes, glasses, and decorative objects.


Poland

Amber-and-silver jewelry. The places to buy this jewelry are shops in larger cities. Gdansk, on the Baltic coast, where the amber is mined, has a reputation for having the widest quantity of shops and the greatest variety of the jewelry. Some good quality jewelry shops can be found on Mariacka Street in the Main Town (Glowne Miasto). In Warsaw, head to the jewelry stores in the Old Town (Stare Miasto) and along the Royal Way (Krakowskie Przedmiescie and Nowy Swiat). For the best buys in Krakow, start off by combing jewelry stands in the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) at the Main Market Square (Rynek Glowny).

Boleslawiec pottery. This pottery comes in an amazing variety of forms, shapes, and designs. It's available in many larger kitchenware stores across Poland, folk art shops (known as Cepelia), and an increasing number of Boleslawiec factory outlets in the large cities.

Woodcarving. This popular form of folk art, created by homegrown artisans, has seen a strong revival over recent years. The products are mostly carved and painted religious figures (sometimes charmingly naïve), such as Madonnas, saints, and angels, but also secular sculptures of persons and animals. Buy them at Cepelia folk art shops, folk art galleries, folk culture festivals, or directly from the artisans. One of the best-known folk culture festivals is the Festival of Folk Bands and Singers in Kazimierz Dolny, during which stalls in the main square sell crafts, including woodcarvings. The festival occurs annually in late June.


Portugal

Arraiolos carpets. Although the art of Arraiolos carpetweaving was not documented until the 16th century, it is believed that these carpets have been handwoven from pure wool by women in southern Portugal since the 12th or 13th century. The best place to buy these carpets is in the village of Arraiolos, in the southern Alentejo region, which is also known for its colorful furniture.

Woven goods. The Algarve people in sunny southwestern Portugal skillfully weave flat baskets and hats from strips created from the leaves of the dwarf palm. Watch local craftspeople at work at the open-air market in the town of Loulé, or check out the August festival in Lagoa for its handicrafts fair.

Madeira embroidery. Located off the coast of Portugal, Madeira Island is an incubator for elaborate hand-stitched embroidery, especially since wealthy English women popularized the fineries in the 1850s. Shop at Patricio & Gouveia (Rua Visconde de Anadia, 33; tel. +351 291 22 49 07) for high-quality linen and cotton embroideries as well as Portuguese tapestries, wickerwork, and pottery. At madeir Superbia (Rua do Carmo 27; tel +351 291 22 40 23), some of the modern embroideries and tapestries are based on 17th-century designs. Watch for embroidery with a lead seal attached to ensure the authenticity of the goods.

Ceramic tiles. Called azulejos, rich ceramic tiles cover Portugal's churches, palaces, houses, park seats, fountains, and more. Though the Moors brought the decorative inlay with them to the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th century, today's tile work stems more from 15th-century Spanish influences. Ideal for home or garden decor, glazed souvenir tiles hand-painted by contemporary artists can be found throughout the country, especially in Lisbon, Sintra, and Algarve.

Pottery. The south-central region of Alentejo has long been considered a hub for cheery, rustic Portuguese pottery. Find the best selection of the brightly colored plates, bowls, and figurines Saturday mornings at the Estremoz town square, where local vendors sell terra-cotta jugs embedded with marble chips from local quarries.

Gold. Portuguese craftsmen work with the intricate design of filigree, transforming gold and silver wires into delicate spiral pieces that mimic traditional styles. Take home stunning earrings, bracelets, and necklaces from the northern coastal Minho region, where gold jewelry is a prominent accessory of the regional costume. In Porto, browse the shops along Rua das Flores and Rua de Santa Catarina.

Russia

Russian nesting doll (matryoshka). Famous around the world, these intricately painted wooden dolls represent one of the most popular and endearing examples of Russian folk art. The dolls are sold in markets and shops everywhere in Russia, but larger stores or souvenir shops in nice hotels are good places to find authentic dolls. Look for the painter's signature or a certificate of authenticity.

Lacquer boxes (shkatulka). Another ancient and famous craft, the art of lacquer miniature painting on papier-mâché continues in four Russian centers: Palekh, Fedoskino, Kholui, and Mstera. Though each of these small villages practices a unique style, all of the styles can be purchased throughout Russia. Again, look for the painter's signature or a certificate of authenticity.


Slovenia

Beehive panels. One of Slovenia's quintessential folk-art handicrafts, beehive panel paintings stem from the 19th century. Rummage for attractive hand-painted replicas of original beehive panels, decorated with religious themes as well as everyday life and folktale motifs, in Ljubljana's marketplace (located in Mestni trg [Old Town]) and throughout the Gorenjska region.

Woodwork. The Slovene people have long maintained an intimate relationship with the wood of the land, crafting fine suha roba (literally "dry goods") with the Emperor's written permission as early as 1492. The most traditional of goods—wooden spoons, ladles, bowls, clogs, and pocket-size sundials—can be found in villages like Salka vas in the Kocevje region and in markets throughout Slovenia. Also watch for toothpicks hand-carved from hazel wood, dogwood, barberry, and beech wood.

Idrija lace. A tradition several centuries strong, the famous handicraft of bobbin lace still thrives in Idrija (west of Ljubljana), where a lacemaking school was established in 1876. The intricate lace is a popular local gift. Curtains, tablecloths, and bed linens can be found in shops in the Idrija area and Ljubljana, such as at the Ljubljana Castle's Galerija Rustica gift shop, as well as at Idrija's Lace Festival held annually each summer. After decades of declining interest, the handicraft saw a resurgence of popularity in the 1980s.

Ironworks. Drawing from a 700-year blacksmith tradition, the town of Kropa is Slovenia's iron-forging epicenter. In the village of Bilpa, the Verderber blacksmithing workshop—one of Slovenia's last water-powered blacksmiths—continues to operate and offer guided tours (+386 1 893 14 60). Buy artistic ironworks such as candleholders and lighting fixtures, unique jewelry, or well-crafted knives by artisans and blacksmiths.


Spain

Ceramics. Just outside Valencia is the town of Manises, the key manufacturing center for Manises ceramics (also called Majolica) since the 14th century.  The famous ceramics, which have varied in style throughout time and are now characterized by bright coloring and floral designs, can be purchased throughout Valencia.  However, outlets in the town of Manises offer the best prices for the ceramics. Renowned Lladró porcelain is also produced just outside of Valencia.

Shoes and other local crafts. Barcelona is well-known for shoes and designer clothes. Find more traditional fashions at the La Manual Alpargatera store (Avinyó 7), which has been making Catalan-style espadrilles since 1941. The shoes, which are constructed of hemp, jute, cotton, and linen, are made on the premises and come in a variety of colors. For other local crafts, visit El Poble Espanyol, an open-air museum featuring buildings modeled after architectural styles specific to different Spanish towns and villages. Over 40 workshops offer visitors views of artisans at work. To avoid the price of admission to El Poble Espanyol, visit the tiny boutiques and specialty shops in the Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) and Born neighborhoods.

Damascene jewelry.  Brought to Spain from Damascus by the Moors, the technique of Damascening refers to inlaying gold and silver threads into other metals. Toledo is famous for its Damascene jewelry, which can be purchased in many shops all over Toledo's old town. Damasquinados Suárez (Circo Romano 8; tel. +34 925 280 027) is a factory outlet near the gates to the old town where you can find good prices on anything from jewelry to chess boards to sword handles decorated in the Damascene style.


Sweden

Swedish Dala Horse. These wooden horses are hand-painted in bright colors. Made in the province of Dalarna, they can be bought all over Sweden, in department stores or in gift stores, and at every airport. See them made at Grannas A. Olsson Handicraft Exhibition, Nusnäs, or at Nils Olsson Hemslöjd AB, Nusnäs.

Textiles designed by Joseph Frank. Urban planner, architect, and designer Joseph Frank is considered to be one of the most influential artists in interior décor. His bright, bold fabric patterns are used to produce curtains, lampshades, cushions, and bedspreads, and can be purchased at interior design company Svenskt Tenn's store in Stockholm, along the elegant boulevard Strandvägen (Strandvägen 5, Stockholm).

Crystal from Orrefors and Kosta Boda. The leading designs in Swedish glass production are created under the brand names Orrefors and Kosta Boda, the former characterized by its clear crystal and colorful glassware, and the latter by distinctly artistic designs using colored glass. The glass products can be bought all over the country, but the best prices are found in the southeastern district called Kingdom of Glass, home to the Orrefors and Kosta Boda factories. Both Orrefors and Kosta Boda offer guided tours of the factories and bargain prices in their shops. There is also a shop carrying Orrefors and Kosta Boda in Stockholm (Birger Jarlsgatan 15, Stockholm; tel. +46 [0]8 545 040 84).


Switzerland

Farm-fresh Swiss Cheese. Try Emmenthaler, Gruyère, Sbrinz, or famed Fromage D' Alpage L'Etivaz, which is made in a small creamery in south-central Switzerland. Look for wheels made fresh by farmers at alpine markets or shops like Zermatt's Josi Cheese and Wine (tel. +41 27 966 24 30). 

Wood Carvings. Browse the charming Boutique zur Matze, where 72-year-old Vinzenz Abgottspon crafts Swiss suns, angels, animals, and traditional Lötschental masks out of local timber. Located on Bahnhoffstrasse, these handcrafted keepsakes have been sought by travelers for the past 40 years (tel. +41 27 967 52 50).

Timepieces. Cuckoo clocks are beautiful and boast Bavarian heritage. Look for the handcrafted clocks in Zermatt at Wega (Tel. +41 27 967 21 66).

Chocolate. Daniel Peter of Switzerland invented the first milk chocolate using Henri Nestlé's invention of condensed milk, laying the foundation for other successful Swiss chocolatiers. Candy-lovers can buy these morsels at Zermatt shops like Hörnli (+41 27 967 4457) and Biner (tel. +41 27 967 6167).

Alphorns. Local craftsmen carve and paint these traditional cow-callers. Made exclusively with pine found in the Swiss Alps and with techniques passed down from generation to generation. See alphorns being built by hand at the Atelier fur Alphornbau (Design Studio of Alphorns; tel. 41 41 340 88 40, e-mail info@baertschi-alphorn.ch) in Luzern. The owner, Tobias Bartschi gives group tours; advanced appointments necessary. You can also purchase alphorns here, but must order them advance. 

Embroidery. Hand-embroidered blouses, aprons, oven mitts, and hand towels feature scenes of chalets, Alpine peaks, milkmaids, and Switzerland's serene farm life and varying heritage (Bavarian, French, Italian). Browse Zermatt's Bahnhofstrasse boutiques for these refined fashions and linens.


Turkey

Jewelry. The most well-known spot to buy jewelry is the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, particularly the Kuyumcular Carsisi section (Jeweler's Bazaar). Boutique jewelry stores here blend Ottoman and Turkish fine arts in their unique designs. Tourists are advised to ask for a certification and look for the stamp of authenticity on gold goods. 

Kilims and carpets. Whether knotted or flat woven (kilim), carpets are among the best known products of Turkey. Categorized according to the location where they are made, the Sindigi, Isparta, Bunyan, Kars, Kayseri, and Ladik carpets are the most famous types. Each of the different carpet styles are sold throughout Turkey.

Leather products. Fine leather and suede goods are manufactured in Turkey, including clothing, handbags, belts, and shoes in both classical and modern designs. These items can be purchased in both boutique and larger stores throughout Turkey's main cities.


Wales

Lovespoons. As early as the 17th century, young Welsh men carved lovespoons as tokens of affection for their sweethearts. Today, artists carve symbols (chains for eternal companionship, diamonds for wealth, crosses for faith, flowers for affection, dragons for protection) into spoons of sycamore, oak, beech, or rowan woods to create the classic souvenir of North Wales. Buy them in gift shops throughout Wales, or at Welsh Country Crafts, 37 Castle Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire, (tel. +44 1978 861540). 

Pottery. In the outskirts of Ewenny, near the town of Bridgend, South Wales, sits the oldest known potteryworks in Wales, owned by seven generations of the Jenkins family since 1610. Visit the workshop to watch Alun or Caitlin Jenkins throw traditional Ewenny pottery, then head to the showroom to buy mottle-glazed earthenware pitchers, bowls, candlesticks, and mugs. Ewenny Pottery, Ewenny, Bridgend, South Wales. (tel. +44 1656 653020).

Woolen goods. Sheep outnumber people in this land known for its centuries-old tradition of woven goods. Head to the Cambrian Woollen Mill in Llanwrtyd Wells, Central Wales for a tour of wool production, from carding to weaving. For excellent handspun, handwoven woolen rugs, visit the Slender Thread Workshop (tel. +44 1547 550693) in Bleddfa, Knighton, Powys, where Shirley Elwell weaves rugs from local Welsh wool. Melin Tregwynt (tel. +44 1348 891225) in Pembrokeshire uses rapier and flying shuttle looms to produce colorful blankets.


Published in March 2006. All content accurate as of press time.