I never understood why people give others magnets with the names of cities and countries they haven’t been to? Why not bring loved ones souvenirs that are more useful, interesting, and tasty, especially if they are symbols of Portugal? In this article, I will tell you what this country is famous for and what souvenirs you should buy in Portugal.
Port Wine
How can you leave the homeland of this divine drink without taking a bottle or two? In the Middle Ages, the Portuguese figured out how to make sweet red wine more transportable, which led to the creation of port wine.
Nowadays, you can buy “vinho do porto” in any supermarket, but there are special stores, including those at production sites, where you can find truly rare and incredibly delicious specimens.
The drinks come in different types:
- Ruby: Red port with a taste of berries, fruits, and chocolate.
- Tawny: Also red, but aged longer in oak barrels, giving the wine aromas of forest nuts, dried apricots, licorice, and spices.
- Rose: Made using a simplified technology with aging in barrels for no more than two to three months, resulting in a lighter, fresher, fruity-berry taste.
- White: Produced the same way as red but from different grape varieties, with flavors of peach and citrus aromas. This is the only type of port that can be not only sweet but also semi-dry and dry.
- Vintage: Made from the most valuable red wines. Such port can be stored in a bottle for decades: the longer, the more complex and richer the taste becomes.
The most popular brands of port wine: Taylor’s Port, Caves Ferreira, Caves Cálem, Sandeman. A bottle of standard drink will cost 5-10 euros, more aged varieties — from 50 euros.
There are other interesting Portuguese drinks: young slightly sparkling green wine (Vinho Verde) and cherry liqueur with chocolate cups (Ginja).
Canned Sardines
In Portugal, sardines are a cult! In June, when the mass catch begins, a series of festivals dedicated to this little fish sweeps across the country. You can’t take fried sardines on a plane, but you can bring back several cans of canned ones.
Store shelves are filled with a variety of this fish: it comes in olive oil, spicy, in tomato sauce. In the supermarket, a pack of sardines costs around 1 euro.
In souvenir shops and specialized stores, very beautiful tins are sold. They feature Portuguese cities and bright symbols of the country. Sometimes the cans are wrapped in craft paper and tied with a ribbon, like a valuable gift. The cost of such a can starts from 8 euros.
Olive Oil
Many European countries make olive oil, but Portuguese oil is special. Here it even has a different name — azeite, which translates from Arabic as “olive juice.” The name hides a production feature: oil is pressed not from seeds but from the 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 azeite — it’s made on many wine estates.
Azulejo Tile
Even those who have never been to Portugal know this type of ceramic. Blue and white painted tiles are famous worldwide. Azulejos adorn the facades and interiors of ancient temples and palaces. Until the 19th century, this type of tile was only available to a select few, but then industrial production began.
Since Portugal honors and preserves traditions, handmade 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. Azulejos are used in hot pads, cutting boards, and trays. Such an item will cost from 10 euros.
Miniature tiles are also found in jewelry. Azulejo motifs decorate everything: from fabrics to packaging.
Skincare Cosmetics
Natural cosmetics in Portugal are made according to old recipes. Such products have a short shelf life — up to 3 months, but they are magical! American TV host 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. These are worth giving as gifts. You can also check pharmacies for natural local cosmetics — they will surely recommend something worthwhile.
Another great 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 bath bombs or skin scrubs.
Jewelry
Portuguese gold is considered the purest in Europe. It has an unusual assay 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 want to draw your attention to jewelry made using the filigree technique. Such earrings, pendants, and brooches are literally woven from the thinnest gold threads. Very popular in the country are “Heart of Viana” jewelry. This symbol signifies the flame of love. Golden lace earrings cost around 150 euros.
Too expensive? There is silver or costume jewelry made to look like filigree.
Cork Products
Cork products may not surprise you. But since Portugal is the world’s largest producer of this material, it makes sense to buy cork accessories here.
The selection will amaze you: wallets, hats, shoes, bags, suitcases, fans, decor, and furniture — to suit any taste and budget. You can buy souvenirs at markets or in branded designer stores, such as Pelcor and Cork & Co.
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 many items with the emblems of clubs like Porto, Benfica, and Sporting. In branded stores, you can find items with the autographs of famous Portuguese football players. The price range for such souvenirs varies — from a few euros to several hundred euros.
Surfing Gear
I have separately talked about Portugal as one of the best places in Europe for surfing. Here, I will just mention that the coast is full of surf camps and surfer shops. Stylish and high-quality clothing, swimsuits, equipment, and various themed items, including home decor — can also make great gifts for friends and family.
Roosters
I couldn’t pass by Barcelos roosters, decorated with hearts and flowers. You will encounter this bright character everywhere, so I must tell you about it.
In the Middle Ages, in the town of Barcelos, in the north of the country, a crime occurred — what exactly is unclear, as there are different versions. But all legends end the same way: a pilgrim who spent the night in the town was accused of the crime. He was innocent and told the judge: “If I am not lying, let the roasted rooster rise from your table and crow!” And, lo and behold, the rooster crowed! And it became a symbol of justice and mercy.
Practically speaking, a Barcelos rooster figurine is no better than a magnet. Take something more useful — kitchen textiles or dishes. For example, a tablecloth with bright roosters will cost around 10 euros.
On your journey, you will encounter souvenirs specific to certain places. In Aveiro, striped items are popular, in the mountains — sheep cheese and presunto (Portuguese ham). And from Lisbon, of course, bring yellow trams. And remember the sweets: pastéis de nata, ovos moles, bola de Berlim. Now you have a good list of what to bring from Portugal.