Some places are a must-visit if you love pottery and want to visit places where the finest ceramics are crafted. All over the world, there are places where pottery is an essential part of the locale and traditional history.
Whether you’re drawn to the soft lines of Japanese porcelain, the colorful tiles of Spain, or the famous Boleslawiec pottery handmade in Poland, there are plenty of places to discover and special pieces to bring home.
In this guide, we’ll highlight top spots for pottery fans and explain what you’ll find in each place.
Why Travelers Love Visiting Pottery Towns
Pottery is one of the oldest art forms, dating back thousands of years. Its long history means visiting pottery towns and museums isn’t just about seeing beautiful objects.
An opportunity to be initiated in the histories behind locally made crafts, observe the professionals at work, and even have a feel of the craft process. Whether it is a family-owned studio or a prominent museum, there are stories to be told using clay in each one of these places.
It is something when you can see things done by the ground of local folks and shaped by local people. It is not only about shopping, but a ceramic destination enlightens you with the region’s traditions and way of life.
These destinations are famous to visitors because of the pottery made locally, exclusive designs, and workshops carried through generations. Here, one can observe the process of pottery making—from preparing the clay to baking the products- and this is where they get to know the craft to a personal liking.
Many pottery centers have a strong sense of tradition. You might watch potters working with old tools, see kilns used for decades, or even join in and make something yourself. These experiences engage all your senses and let you take part in history.
What Makes a Pottery Region Stand Out?
Great pottery regions often have a few things in common:
- Good local clay – Some areas have natural clay that’s perfect for certain types of ceramics.
- Longstanding traditions – Many skills and techniques are passed down in families or through apprenticeships.
- Special methods or styles – Unique firing techniques, glazes, or decorations set places apart.
- A community of potters – Groups of skilled makers can strengthen an area’s tradition and help it develop further.
How Pottery Shows Culture
Pottery is more than just dishes or decorations. The shapes, patterns, and drawings often mention local history or beliefs. You can usually see how nature, religion, or daily life have influenced the designs.
Styles may also change as new ideas emerge through trade or migration, making each piece a record of old and new influences.
Is It Worth Buying Pottery When You Travel?
Definitely! Handmade pottery makes a meaningful souvenir. Each piece reflects where it was made and the people who made it. You’re also supporting local craftsmen and helping to keep traditional skills alive.
You need only purchase authentic, handcrafted products and pack them securely to take them back home.
Top Pottery Regions Around the World and What to Seek Out
Ready to explore? Here are some of the world’s best-known pottery towns and what you’ll find there:
| Region | Specialty | What to Buy |
| Arita & Imari, Japan | Porcelain, blue and white ware | Plates, bowls, and vases with fine painted designs |
| Mashiko & Shigaraki, Japan | Folk-style, rustic pottery | Simple bowls, cups, tea items, and tanuki (raccoon dog) figures |
| Deruta, Italy | Colorful majolica wares | Hand-painted plates, serving dishes |
| Talavera de la Reina, Spain | Brightly glazed majolica | Tiles, plates, bowls with floral or historical scenes |
| Triana, Seville, Spain | Hand-painted tiles and tableware | Azulejos tiles, pitchers, vibrant plates |
| Iznik & Kütahya, Turkey | Ottoman-style tiles and plates | Tiles, vases, plates with floral and geometric patterns |
| Bolesławiec, Poland | Hand-painted ‘Polka Dot’ pottery | Dinnerware, bakeware, and mugs with blue dot patterns |
| Rorke’s Drift, South Africa | Contemporary Zulu-inspired ceramics | Sculptural pieces, everyday ware with local designs |
Other Great Pottery Places
- Morocco: Tamagroute’s green-glazed pottery, family workshops
- Portugal: Caldas da Rainha’s whimsical ware, Lisbon’s azulejo tiles, São Pedro de Corval’s ceramic strip
- Mexico: Oaxaca’s colorful wares, San Bartolo Coyotepec’s black clay pottery, Guanajuato’s Talavera tiles
- France: Rouen’s pottery traditions, Caltagirone in Sicily for tiled staircases, and unique jars
- Netherlands: Delft’s blue and white plates and tiles
- Peru: Mochica area for pre-Columbian inspired ceramics
- Spain: La Bisbal d’Empordà’s terra cotta
- Azores: Sao Miguel’s Cerâmica Vieira studio
Pottery Museums and Festivals Worth Visiting
Museums and festivals can give you a deeper look at pottery from across the ages.
- British Ceramics Biennial, Stoke-on-Trent, UK: Biennial event plus the Gladstone Pottery Museum’s industrial history exhibits
- Japan Folk Crafts Museum, Tokyo: Focus on traditional Japanese ceramics
- National Museum of Ceramics, Valencia, Spain: Showcases Spanish and world ceramics in a historic palace
- Faenza Museum of Ceramics, Italy: Features centuries of Italian majolica and international ceramic art
- Bolesławiec, Poland: Factory tours and events highlight regional pottery
- Rouen, France: Notable museum and workshops
- Ceramics Museum of Cambodia, Phnom Penh: Historical and modern works
- Museums in Mexico City and Guadalajara: A Wide range from ancient to modern ceramics
- Also: British Museum (London), National Palace Museum (Taipei), Met Museum (New York), Rijksmuseum (Amsterdam), National Museum of Iran (Tehran), National Museum of Korea (Seoul), Museum of Oriental Ceramics (Osaka), Gardiner Museum (Toronto)
Check local calendars for pottery fairs or artisan markets in the regions you visit-you’ll meet makers and see one-of-a-kind work.
Pottery Classes and Meeting Local Artists
To get even more practical experience, consider a local pottery workshop. Most studios provide classes at every level, from shaping your fingers into the clay to stretching your skills.
These classes often include throwing on a wheel, working with hand-building techniques, and glazing. You’ll walk away with your piece and new skills.
Visiting potters in their studios during open days or fairs, or just visiting and meeting potters, adds an added dimension to your visit. You get to know how they do it, and you can purchase work directly from their hands. Sometimes, you can purchase a work that has meaning or significance.
Packing and Shipping Your Pottery
Fragile pottery needs attention when you’re bringing it home. Many shops are used to shipping ceramics and can pack and send your purchases. If you must do it yourself, use plenty of bubble wrap, sturdy boxes, and label everything as “FRAGILE.”
For multiple pieces, separate each one with plenty of padding and, if possible, ensure your package.
Things to Think About When Buying Pottery Abroad
Buy pieces that are truly handmade, not mass-produced. Check for small signs that a pot was made by hand, such as slight differences in decoration, tool marks, or a maker’s signature. Ask about how the piece was made or the origin of the clay. Buy from potters’ studios or trusted galleries to avoid poor-quality knockoffs.
Decide if you want functional pottery (dishes, cups, bowls you’ll use) or decorative pieces for display. Everyday items should be sturdy and food-safe. Art pieces can be more fragile or unusual-choose what suits your needs and tastes.
To keep your pottery looking good, hand-wash delicate items, avoid harsh cleaners, and keep decorative items out of strong sunlight. Displays like stands or padded shelves can help show off your pieces and keep them safe.
New Pottery Destinations and Trends
The ceramic field keeps changing. New places are getting noticed, and modern artists use fresh ideas and materials. Many today use recycled or local clay, eco-friendly kilns, or safer glazes to make pottery that’s good for the environment.
Potters often combine old methods with new designs, creating traditional and modern pieces. Look for studios and artists who merge time-tested skills with a modern look or message.
Planning Your Pottery-Focused Trip
Now that you know some top pottery destinations, museums, and experiences, you can plan a trip that suits your interests. Do you like old traditions, modern art, hands-on experiences, or a mix? Arrange your stops to fit your preferences, giving yourself time to visit studios, explore markets, and try a class or two.
Focus on one country’s pottery towns for a deep dive into local styles, or travel to a few different regions to see many traditions. For collectors, places like Japan (Arita, Imari, Mashiko, Shigaraki, Kyoto), Italy (Faenza, Deruta), Spain (Talavera de la Reina, Triana), Poland (Bolesławiec), Turkey (Iznik, Kütahya), Mexico (Oaxaca, Guanajuato, San Bartolo Coyotepec), and China (Jingdezhen) are especially rewarding.
Why Every Art Lover Should Explore Pottery
You don’t have to be a pottery expert to enjoy these trips; ceramics offer a different way to experience local culture, history, and creativity. Visiting pottery towns and museums shows how humans use the earth to create beautiful and practical items, blending skill and imagination. Learning about art, culture, and communities worldwide is a great way.
