🎁 Top 15 souvenirs from Portugal

I’ve never understood why people give others magnets with the names of cities and countries they haven’t been to? Why not bring your loved ones souvenirs that will be more useful, interesting and tasty, especially if they are symbols of Porto Gagili? In this article I will tell you what this country is famous for and what souvenirs you need to buy in Portugal.

Port wine

How can you not take away a bottle or two from the homeland of this divine drink? In the Middle Ages, the Portuguese figured out how to make sweet red wine more resistant to transportation – which is how port wine was born.

Nowadays you can buy “vinho port” in any supermarket, but there are special stores, including in production, where you can find truly rare and incredibly tasty specimens. 

Drinks come in different types: 

• Ruby (ruby) – red port with flavors of berries, fruits and chocolate.
• Tawny (reddish) is also red, but it is aged longer in an oak barrel, which gives the wine an aroma of hazelnuts, dried apricots, licorice and spices.
• Rose (pink) – is produced using a simplified technology with aging in barrels for no more than two to three months, so the drink has a lighter, fresher, fruity taste.
• White (white) – produced like red, but from other grape varieties, it has a peach flavor and citrus aroma. By the way, this is the only type of port that can be not only sweet, but also semi-dry and dry.
• Vintage (vintage) – made from the most valuable red wines. This kind of port can be stored in a bottle for decades: the longer, the more complex and rich the taste becomes. 

The most popular brands of port: Taylor's Port, Caves Ferreira, Caves Cálem, Sandeman. A bottle of a standard drink will cost 5-10 euros, more aged varieties – from 50.  

There are other interesting Portuguese drinks: young, slightly carbonated green wine (Vinho Verde) and cherry liqueur with chocolate cups (Ginja).

Canned sardines 

There is a cult of sardines in Portugal! In June, when the massive catch begins, a series of festivals are held across the country, the centerpiece of which is this little fish. Of course, you can’t bring fried sardines on a plane, but you can take a few cans of canned ones.

Store shelves are filled with a variety of this fish: it comes in olive oil, spicy, or in tomato sauce. In the supermarket, a pack of sardines costs about 1 euro.  

Souvenir shops and specialty stores sell very beautiful tins. They depict Portuguese cities and bright symbols of the country. Sometimes jars are wrapped in craft paper and tied with ribbon as a valuable gift. The cost of such a canned tart starts from 8 euros.

Olive oil 

Many European countries make olive oil, but Portugal is special. Here it even has a different name – azeite, which is translated from Arabic as “olive juice”. Behind the name lies a production trick: the oil is pressed not from seeds, but from pulp, like juice from berries and fruits.

You can buy olive oil in every store. A liter will cost from 5 euros. But it’s cool to buy homemade azeit – it’s made in many wine factories.  

Azulejo tiles

Even those who have not been to Portugal know this type of ceramics. Blue and white painted tiles are known throughout the world. Azulejos lined the facades and interiors of ancient temples and palaces. Until the 19th century, this type of tile was available only to a select few, and then industrial production began.

Since traditions are honored and preserved in Portugal, hand-made azulejos are still in demand. Newlyweds, for example, order tiles with their names and wedding date and give them to their parents.

You can buy painted tiles in ceramic workshops and souvenir shops. Azulejo is used in hot pots, cutting boards and trays. Such a product will cost from 10 euros. 

Miniature tiles are also found in the form of jewelry. Azulejo motifs are used to decorate everything in the world: from fabrics to packaging.

Skincare cosmetics

Tourist cosmetics in Portugal are made according to ancient recipes. Such products do not last long – up to 3 months, but they are magical! American TV presenter Oprah Winfrey called local handmade soap the best in the world.

Pay attention to the following brands: O Boticario, Claus Porto, Ach Brito, Castelbel and Confiança. They are worth taking as a gift. By the way, you can look into the pharmacy and ask about natural local cosmetics – they will definitely recommend you something worthwhile.

Another cool Portuguese product: natural salt. It is extracted from the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The crystals have a high iodine content. You can buy salt, for example, in the form of a bath bomb or skin scrub.

Jewelry

Portuguese gold is considered the purest in Europe. It has an unusual standard for us – 800. You should buy jewelry only in branded stores – they are on the central streets of every city and in every mall. 

I would like to draw your attention to jewelry made using filigree technique. Such earrings, pendants, and brooches are literally woven from the finest gold threads. Jewelry in the shape of the “Heart of Viana” is very popular in the country. This symbol represents the flame of love. Gold lace earrings cost about 150 euros.

Expensive? There is silver or jewelry made “to look like filigree.” 

Cork products

I’m unlikely to surprise you with cork products. But since Portugal is the world's largest producer of this material, it makes sense to purchase cork accessories here.

Football souvenirs

The Portuguese cannot imagine their life without football. Even in tiny places you can find a football field and a themed bar. 

Souvenir shops with sports paraphernalia are sure to catch your eye. There you will see a lot of little things with the emblems of the clubs “Porto”, “Benfica”, “Sporting”. And in branded stores you can find goods with autographs of famous Portuguese football players. Price categories for such souvenirs vary – from a few euros to several hundred euros.

Surfer paraphernalia

I separately talked about Portugal as one of the best places for surfing in Europe. Here I’ll just note that the coast is full of surf camps and surf shops. Stylish and high-quality clothing, swimsuits, equipment and various themed items, including home decor, can also be a great gift for friends and family.

Cockerels

I couldn’t pass by Barcelos, a rooster decorated with hearts and flowers. You will meet this bright character everywhere, so I have to tell you about him. 

In the Middle Ages, in the town of Barcelos, which is located in the north of the country, a crime occurred – what exactly it is is not clear, there are different versions. But all the legends end the same way: a pilgrim who spent the night in the city was blamed for the incident. He was innocent and told the judge: “If I’m not lying, let the roasted rooster get up from your table and start singing!” And, lo and behold, the rooster crowed! And it became a symbol of justice and mercy.

From a practical point of view, the Barcelos figurine is no better than a magnet. Take something more useful – kitchen textiles or dishes. For example, a tablecloth with colorful roosters will cost about 10 euros. 

On your journey, you will come across souvenirs that are specific to certain places. In Aveiro, striped paraphernalia is popular, in the mountains – sheep cheeses and prezunto (Portuguese version of jamon). And from Lisbon, of course, bring yellow trams. Well, remember the sweets: pasteis, ovush molos, bola de berlim. Now you have a good list of what to bring from Portugal.

If you are excited about the idea of ​​going on a trip to this sunny country, then keep in mind that you will need to open a visa. Many tour operators offer tours to Portugal.