10 Best Tile Painting Workshops in Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR TILE PAINTING IN LISBON, PORTO, OR THE ALGARVE?
You’re in the right place, as the best tile painting workshops in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve are all listed here.
Living in Portugal since 2020, I have seen my fair share of azulejos nationwide. From the gorgeous tiles in the Convento de Cristo in Tomar and the incredible Porto rail station all the way down to the Algarve.
And although they are beautiful to look at, what better way to remember your trip to Portugal than creating one for yourself? Tile painting workshops in Portugal offer a unique blend of creativity and culture.
Don’t have time to read the whole article?
One of the best tile painting workshops in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve is this Lisbon Tile Workshop & Private Tour + National Tile Museum, with a near-perfect ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating 😊❤️
This guide will help you navigate the options, from immersive full-day tours to focused, hands-on workshops to the best kids tile painting Lisbon options.
Whether you want a family-friendly activity, a private tour, or a cocktail to complement your workshop, check out these ten best tile painting workshops in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve.
What Are Azulejos?
Azulejos are painted, glazed ceramic tiles from Portugal and Spain, dating back to the 13th century. Influenced by Moorish art, they’ve become a key part of Portuguese culture.
These tiles are found on buildings’ interiors and exteriors, from churches to homes and public spaces. Besides their beauty, azulejos help regulate indoor temperatures.
Azulejos are important in Portugal not just for their aesthetic appeal but also for their storytelling capacity. They capture historical, cultural, and religious scenes, reflecting Portugal’s past and societal evolution.
This tradition, blending Moorish, Flemish, and Italian influences, showcases Portugal’s unique identity and architectural legacy.
How are azulejos Made?
Azulejos are made by shaping clay into tiles, which are fired to harden. A white glaze is applied for the design base. Designs are hand-painted with mineral-based paints. The tiles are fired again to fix the colors and glaze, producing a durable and weather-resistant finish.
Best Tile Painting Workshops in Lisbon, Porto & The Algarve
1. Artisanal Delights Cheese, Wine & Tile painting Experience
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | 📍Lisbon | ⏳ LENGTH: 8 hours | 🎨BOOK NOW
Delve into the charm of southern Lisbon’s landscape on this Cheese, Wine, and Tile Painting Lisbon Experience. This customized tour guarantees a delightful exploration of Portuguese cultural treasures.
Explore the production of three iconic Portuguese products. The adventure starts with a visit to an artisanal Azeitão cheese factory. Here you will see the process of turning sheep’s milk into cheese all by hand.
Really enjoyed this experience. The tour guide was very friendly, personable and knowledgeable.
—BRYAN (READ MORE REVIEWS)
From there, you’ll head to a small tile-making factory. Here, the 17th-century methods are still used, preserving the legacy of the art. The best part? You will have an opportunity to paint your own tiles.
Next, head to the picturesque village of Azeitão for a lunch break. But be aware that lunch is not included in the tour price.
Finally, visit a family-run winery. Taste the carefully chosen selection of local wines. And that’s the end of epic day and one of the best tile painting workshops in Lisbon.
Tile Painting Workshops in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve
2. Lisbon Tile Workshop & Private Tour + National Tile Museum
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | 📍Lisbon | ⏳ LENGTH: 8 hours | 🎨BOOK NOW
Nestled in the countryside south of Lisbon, visit the Azeitão region on this full-day tile workshop. Enjoy a hands-on tile-making workshop with an expert artist. You’ll get to craft your own tile to take home with you.
In addition to the workshop, enjoy the picturesque landscapes of the region. You will have a lunch break either in the fishing village of Sesimbra or back in Lisbon.
We absolutely loved our tour. We couldn’t have asked for a more informed and fabulous guide.
—RICHARD (READ MORE REVIEWS)
Finish your day at the National Tile Museum in Lisbon. The museum azulejos Lisbon location showcases Portugal’s rich tile-making heritage.
This tile factory tour Lisbon is led by a knowledgeable guide. You will surely have an immersive experience with insights into Portugal’s artistic past.
Tile Painting Workshops in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve
3. Porto Tile Painting Workshop in Artist Studio
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | 📍Porto | ⏳ LENGTH: 2 hours | 🎨BOOK NOW
This Porto tile painting workshop is a captivating experience tailored to art enthusiasts. You will get to learn about the world of Azulejo tile glazing.
During the workshop, you will have the chance to craft your own traditional Portuguese tile. Experienced artists will teach you, so you don’t need any prior experience or knowledge.
I can’t recommend this highly enough! Egle is a great artist and a wonderful host, and painting the tiles was such a unique and rewarding experience.
—Daniel (READ MORE REVIEWS)
The workshop is held in a ceramic studio in Porto. The session lasts for two hours. You can go for a traditional tile design or go totally off-script. There are stencils if you have doubts about your drawing abilities.
All materials are provided, including one tile per person. Following the traditional technique, your tile will be fired once it’s ready. You can then either pick it up later or have it delivered.
This hands-on workshop promises a memorable journey into the beautiful art of Azulejo tile glazing.
Tile Painting Workshops in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve
4. Full-Day Tile Workshop and Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | 📍Lisbon | ⏳ LENGTH: 8 hours | 🎨BOOK NOW
Discover the fascinating world of Azulejos through this full day Tile Painting class Lisbon Tour. The tour combines a Lisbon tile factory tour with a tile-making class.
Start the day by heading south to Azeitão. There, the Azulejos de Azeitão workshop will show you centuries-old tile-making techniques.
The factory was amazing and we enjoying seeing the process of hand making tiles. The best part was painting our own.
—GYG Traveler (READ MORE REVIEWS)
You’ll then take part in a hands-on tile-making class. You can paint your own tile. Afterward, it will be sent to your Lisbon hotel or home address.
After the workshop, head to Seimbra for lunch. In the afternoon, you will go to Madre de Deus Convent, where the Azulejo Museum is located. It has a stunning collection of tiles from the 15th century to contemporary works.
Tile Painting Workshops in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve
5. Lisbon Tile Painting Workshop with Wine Tasting & Sesimbra Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | 📍Lisbon | ⏳ LENGTH: 7-8 hours | 🎨BOOK NOW
Dive into a day of creativity, culture, and wine with this exclusive tour to Azeitão and Sesimbra, hidden gems of Southern Lisbon.
Kick things off with a Traditional Tiles Making Workshop, where you can paint your tile masterpiece. Then, savor the flavors of the Península de Setúbal wine region with a wine-tasting session amidst picturesque vineyards.
We did a lot but our favorite was the tile factory. Such a unique experience to learn about tile making from a factory still in production that does it in an authentic way.
—CHRISTINE (READ MORE REVIEWS)
The adventure continues in Sesimbra, a coastal gem with stunning beaches and a medieval castle, home to a church decorated with 10,000 16th-century handmade tiles.
Wrap up with panoramic views of the “Cristo Rei” statue. With private pick-up and drop-off included, this tour is perfect for anyone from solo travelers to couples and groups looking for a unique experience.
Get ready for an unforgettable journey through Southern Lisbon’s cultural treasures on one of the best tile painting workshops in Lisbon.
Tile Painting Workshops in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve
6. Tile Painting Workshop in Downtown Porto
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | 📍Porto | ⏳ LENGTH: 2 hours | 🎨BOOK NOW
For a creative adventure, check out Domus Arte’s 2-hour Azulejos Porto workshop.
You’ll start with an introduction to the history of Portuguese tiles, focusing on Porto’s unique traditions. Then, your instructors will help you paint your own tiles. You can use Porto’s iconic designs for inspiration.
Such a fun experience! I went to this solo but didn’t feel alone for long. Fernanda facilitated an inclusive environment and guided even the most novice artist to create a beautiful tile.
—Ikiah (READ MORE REVIEWS)
The workshop is customizable and is great for groups. All materials are provided, including a painted tile as a souvenir. You can enjoy coffee, tea, or a glass of wine as you paint.
Tile Painting Workshops in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve
7. South of Lisbon’s Wonders – Arrábida, Wine & Tile Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | 📍Porto | ⏳ LENGTH: 7-8 hours | 🎨BOOK NOW
This Arrábida, Wine & Tile Tour offers a full day of Portuguese culture and tile-making workshop in Lisbon.
Starting from Lisbon, you’ll venture into the mountains of Parque Natural da Arrabida. There you will stop for a visit to Palmela Castle. The journey will continue to Azeitao, where you will learn more about the art of Portuguese tile techniques.
Great tour with Alex and Alex. Very knowledgeable, safe driver, saw everything promised. Relaxing way to see area outside of Lisbon.
—Michael (READ MORE REVIEWS)
After you’ve crafted your tile, you will continue on to a winery. There, you will have a one-hour tour and tasting. Finally, the day finishes at the Santuario Nacional de Cristo Rei. This is where the Jesus Christ statue stands. You can see great views of Lisbon.
This tile painting workshop Lisbon includes private transportation, pick-up/drop-off, and entrance fees.
Tile Painting Workshops in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve
8. Tile Painting & Cocktails in Porto
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | 📍Porto | ⏳ LENGTH: 2 hours | 🎨BOOK NOW
Welcome to this delightful tile painting workshop in Porto. Your vacation will become a Portuguese culture and creativity class on this tour. This two-hour workshop is designed for beginners and offers a blend of history and hands-on art.
You’ll learn about the significance of Azulejos, their history, and where to see them around Porto. This workshop allows you to create a personalized souvenir from Portugal.
Daniella and Manuel were amazing teachers. We had a great time with adults and kids doing tile painting.
—BRYAN (READ MORE REVIEWS)
This is one of the best tile painting workshops in Porto because you’ll also be treated to cocktails—either a Port Tonic or a glass of champagne.
Tile Painting Workshops in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve
9. Tile painting workshop in the Algarve
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | 📍Silves (Algarve) | ⏳ LENGTH: 3 hours | 🎨BOOK NOW
This tile painting workshop in the Algarve is a unique, authentic Portuguese experience.
Led by a local artist skilled in various techniques, you’ll learn about the intricacies of tile painting with hands-on guidance.
The tile painting workshop was amazing! We really had a good time with our family and a great memory to keep! I would definitely recommend it!
—GRIET (READ MORE REVIEWS)
You’ll learn about the Algarve’s cultural nuances and Portugal’s broader heritage. You’ll also enjoy some local treats as well as the painting.
This is an immersive experience in the Algarve. It blends creativity and culture. This is a great addition to any visit to Portugal.
Tile Painting Workshops in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve
10. Ecotourism experience And art workshop in Albufeira
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | 📍Albufeira (Algarve) | ⏳ LENGTH: 7 hours | 🎨BOOK NOW
Dive into the heart of Silves with this unique ecotourism experience that takes you on an archaeological journey, treats you to local gastronomy, and caps off with a tile painting workshop.
Starting with a local guide, you’ll explore the distinct landscapes of “Barrocal” and the hills, discovering the area’s diverse ecosystems. The adventure includes a 7 km interpretative walk, where you’ll get up close to nature and learn about the local vegetation.
It was without a doubt a top experience and one that I will repeat in the future. I strongly recommend this complete program!
—revsg21 (READ MORE REVIEWS)
Refuel with a lunch of regional Algarve flavors, then express your creativity in a tile painting session led by a local artist, creating your own piece of art.
This experience perfectly blends nature, culture, and artistry, leaving you with memories and a personalized souvenir to take home.
Tile Painting Workshops in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve
How to choose a tile-painting workshop
So, how do you choose the best tile painting workshop in Lisbon, Porto, or the Algarve? There are a couple of things that you need to consider.
When choosing a tile-painting workshop, you need to first consider location. Other important factors are time and, of course, what you expect from the experience. Some workshops are geared toward beginners, while others include extra perks like a cocktail or wine.
Some workshops are part of a larger day tour. You may be able to combine tile painting workshops in Lisbon with a winery visit, for example. Make sure to look at reviews to see if others have enjoyed the experience. Of course, cost is another factor to consider, as it can vary greatly.
Where to Buy Tiles in Portugal
Where to buy tiles in Lisbon
There are several places to buy tiles in Lisbon. For a modern twist on traditional designs, Surrealejos is a unique destination, while Cortiço & Netos is ideal for those looking to match or replace a specific tile.
Solar Antiques offers a vast selection of historical pieces, catering to antique enthusiasts. One of the best places to buy tiles in Lisbon is Solar Antiques, the oldest and largest antique store in Portugal and the world’s largest antique dealer.
Other stores include A Vida Portuguesa, which offers tiles alongside traditional Portuguese crafts. Then there’s Loja dos Descobrimentos, known for its exquisite reproductions celebrating Portugal’s exploratory history.
Mosaico Lisboa‘s modern designs bring a contemporary flair, while Azulejos de Azeitão (located in the town of Azeitao around 40km (24 mi) south of Lisbon) specializes in hand-painted tiles that honor centuries-old techniques.
You’ll be able to find Portuguese tiles for sale at the Tile Museum Lisbon location.
⛔️ A word of caution, I don’t recommend buying tiles from flea markets like the Feira da Ladra. Most of the tiles might be stolen and then sold again. This is a problem because stealing tiles takes away from the history and look of Lisbon’s buildings. Buying from places that are known to be good and honest helps protect the city’s history and prevents the wrong kind of selling.
Where to buy tiles in Porto
For tiles Porto you can find them at specialized boutiques. Prometeu Artesanato is known for its custom, hand-painted designs, perfect for personalized projects. Gazete Azulejos offers a broad selection, from vintage finds to modern patterns, catering to diverse preferences (they also have workshops).
For those interested in sustainability and unique finds, Arte em Parts specializes in reclaimed tiles from old buildings, offering an eco-friendly choice.
Another great place to shop for tile in Porto is at the Oficina Cobalto, they even have workshops.
Where to buy tiles in the Algarve
Several towns in the Algarve offer distinctive tile selections, perfect for infusing their spaces with the region’s sunny charm.
In Lagos, Olaria Nova, and A Guilda are known for their handmade tiles featuring traditional Portuguese designs. Moving to Albufeira, Porches Pottery stands out for hand-painted tiles inspired by the Algarve’s natural beauty.
Algarve Terracotta, located in São Brás de Alportel, is a family-run enterprise specializing in terracotta creations, renowned for its terracotta tiles for floors and roofs. In addition to its signature terracotta offerings, Algarve Terracotta collaborates with a community of artisans nationwide to produce hand-glazed tiles.
For those in Porches, Olaria Pequena (The Little Pottery) offers artisanal, custom-made tiles, and in Vilamoura.
Azulejos: Frequently Asked Questions
What are Portuguese tiles called?
Portuguese tiles are known as Azulejos. They are hand-painted ceramic tiles. You can spot azulejos on buildings, in the streets, and all over public spaces across the country.
Which group of people introduced tile-making to what is known as Portugal?
The Moors first introduced tile-making to Portugal. They brought the practice during their occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. The Moors had a great deal of influence on the development of this art form.
What do the azulejos symbolize?
Azulejos, the traditional Portuguese tiles, symbolize a blend of cultural influences, including Moorish, Spanish, and Dutch. Initially, they were used for temperature control in homes but evolved to serve decorative and storytelling purposes, depicting historical, religious, and cultural scenes.
Azulejos also reflect Portugal’s history, art, and architecture, becoming a national identity symbol. They embody the country’s aesthetic heritage, showcasing craftsmanship and style evolution from the 15th century onwards.
Why is there so much tile in Portugal?
The widespread use of tiles in Portugal, mainly azulejos, stems from historical, climatic, and cultural reasons. Introduced by the Moors in the 15th century, these tiles suit Portugal’s climate by keeping buildings cool.
Their durability also made them a popular choice for decorating both inside and outside. Azulejos have become a key part of Portuguese architecture, used for their practical benefits and to add beauty.
They also tell stories and celebrate the country’s history and culture, marking a unique aspect of Portugal’s identity and architectural tradition.
Why are the tiles in Portugal blue?
The blue color in Portuguese tiles, particularly in azulejos, became popular in the 17th century, influenced by the Dutch Delftware.
This was a period when the Portuguese tile-making industry sought new inspirations and techniques, adopting the blue and white palette from imported Dutch tiles. The color blue was favored for its aesthetic appeal and ability to depict detailed scenes and patterns.
It also symbolizes the sea, reflecting Portugal’s maritime history and cultural connections. Over time, blue azulejos became a characteristic element of Portuguese architecture, valued for their beauty and storytelling capacity.
What is the ceramic capital of Portugal?
The ceramic capital of Portugal is Caldas da Rainha. This city is renowned for its ceramic and pottery tradition, which dates back to the late 15th century.
It became a hub for ceramic production due to the influence of Queen Leonor, who established a hospital there with thermal baths. The abundance of clay in the area and the therapeutic properties of the thermal waters contributed to the development of a flourishing ceramic industry.
Caldas da Rainha is famous for its artistic and functional ceramic pieces, including decorative figurines, tableware, and azulejos, showcasing a rich heritage of craftsmanship and creativity.
Final Thoughts: Best Tile Painting Workshops in Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve
These great tile painting workshops in Lisbon, Porto, or Algarve are such a fun Portuguese experience. From tile painting in Lisbon to visiting an azulejo learning site, you’ll have a great trip with any of these painting classes.
The tile painting workshops in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve not only offer a chance to engage hands-on with this traditional art but also provide an enriching cultural immersion.
By participating in tile painting workshops in Lisbon again, you can deepen your understanding and appreciation of this unique craft. The experience is further enhanced by a visit to the Lisbon tile musuem, where the history of Portuguese tiles unfolds in a vivid display.
Moreover, these tile painting classes are a gateway to exploring the broader context of Portugal’s street art and culture through an engaging walking tour, connecting historical craftsmanship with contemporary artistic expressions.
