Best Authentic Portuguese Souvenirs From Portugal

Welcome to my guide on the best authentic Portuguese souvenirs! If you’re looking to take home a piece of Portugal with you, you’ve come to the right place. From delicious food items to handmade crafts, Portugal has a wide variety of unique souvenirs that are sure to please. Whether you’re looking for something to remember your trip by or a gift for a loved one, I’ve got you covered with my top recommendations. So let’s dive in and explore the best authentic Portuguese souvenirs!

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Cork products from Portugal​

Cork products from Portugal

Did you know that Portugal is one of the largest producers of cork in the world? Not only does this provide a lot of diversity in cork products, but it also has a great range of Portuguese souvenirs. From cork tree items (such as bark, leaves, and even cork oak trees) to cork furniture, accessories, and even shoes, you’ll be sure to find anything and everything made out of cork while in Portugal.

Among the most popular items are cork handbags. These bags come in classic and modern styles, ranging from small purses to larger backpacks. They’re lightweight yet durable, making them perfect for traveling or everyday use. Furthermore, their eco-friendly nature makes them an excellent choice for a more sustainable accessory.

Apart from cork handbags, other items like wallets and coin purses are also popular. Even unique home decor pieces, such as picture frames or wall art made from cork, can bring some extra charm to your living space! As if this wasn’t enough, many kitchen gadgets are also made of cork, such as bottle openers or cutting boards – perfect if you’re searching for some exciting presents!

The best part about all these items is that they’re easy to find and relatively affordable too! So why not get some unique Portuguese souvenirs while being conscious about our planet? Cork products are definitely worth considering when shopping for gifts or souvenirs – something special that won’t break the bank!

Traditional Ceramics

Portuguese azulejos ceramic tiles make for an ideal souvenir from Portugal. These Portuguese tiles are known for their decorative, brightly colored patterns. They often feature iconic Portuguese themes like flowers, ships, and the country’s coat of arms. Azulejos ceramic tiles have a very long history in Portugal. Some of the oldest examples date back to 16th-century convents and churches.

Nowadays, it’s just as common to see them decorating modern buildings or homes – representing a diverse range of Portuguese culture. Of course, when buying ceramic tiles as a souvenir, it’s important to remember they can be pretty fragile, so keep that in mind when packing!

Whether you buy ceramic tiles to hang on your wall or give as a gift, Portuguese azulejos ceramic tiles make for a unique souvenir that will remind you of the beautiful country of Portugal.

A Barcelos Rooster

The Galo de Barcelos, or the Barcelos Rooster, is a popular souvenir in Portugal. It’s an iconic symbol of Portuguese culture. It can be found in museums, markets, churches, and tourist shops throughout the country. The rooster is typically made from wood or ceramic, and its bright colors make it stand out among other items.

Legend has it that the Barcelos Rooster represents justice. It tells the story of a man accused of a crime he didn’t commit but was sentenced to death anyway. As his final request, he asked for a Barcelos Rooster to be placed on his coffin after his execution – when this happened, it immediately cawed and proved his innocence. Since then, the rooster has become a symbol of good luck and justice in Portugal.

Today, many tourists buy Galo de Barcelos as souvenirs from their trip to Portugal. These little roosters bring back fond memories for those who have visited the country and give them something unique to remember.

A Book from Livraria Bertrand (oldest book shop)

A Book from Livraria Bertranddeclared the oldest operating bookstore in the world by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2011, is the perfect souvenir for any book lover. It offers a plethora of books and magazines in all genres. It has a long history as one of the oldest bookstores in Europe. Founded in 1732, this charming bookstore is located at Rua Garrett, 73-75 in Lisbon, Portugal. Its proximity to the iconic Santa Justa Elevator makes it the perfect place to spend an afternoon exploring its wares.

At Livraria Bertrand, visitors can find everything from classic literature and scientific works to mysteries and romance novels. There are even exclusive editions of some titles that cannot be found elsewhere! With over 200 years of knowledge helping customers find the perfect book, visitors can be sure to get great advice and find the correct title.

Moreover, guests can take home one of the store’s unique souvenirs, such as original postcards, notebooks, and other memorabilia, so they will always have a special reminder of their visit to Livraria Bertrand.

Read also: Top Interesting Facts About Portugal.

Portuguese Cheese​

Portuguese Cheese

Portuguese cheeses make a great souvenir and are the perfect way to remember your Portuguese holiday. Portuguese cheeses come in wide varieties, from the hard and salty Serra da Estrela cheese to soft, creamy Azeitão cheese. Portuguese cheese is made with raw milk heated for pasteurization, then cultured and coagulated with rennet. It is left to age from two weeks to several years and can be flavored with spices like paprika, cumin, or pepper.

When deciding which Portuguese cheese to take home as a souvenir, it helps to know what flavors you prefer. If you like sharp flavor notes, try Sao Jorge or Azores cheese; if you’re looking for something mellow, Abade de Priscos or Queijo da Serra might be more your style. Portuguese cheeses are often served with Portuguese bread, marmalades, and olives, so don’t forget to pick up these items for an authentic Portuguese cheese platter experience at home.

Peri-Peri Sauce

Portuguese Peri-Peri Sauce is an authentic Portuguese souvenir that would make an excellent gift for any food lover. Its sharp, spicy flavors delight the taste buds, and its unique recipe has been passed down through generations in Portugal. This fiery sauce can be used as a condiment on just about anything, from grilled fish dishes to salads or even as a dip for chips. It’s also incredibly versatile; some recipes call for it blended with olive oil and herbs, while others may need it cooked down with garlic and tomatoes into a richer sauce.

Portuguese Ginjinha Sour Cherry Liqueur

Ginjinha, also known as ginja, is Portugal’s most beloved liqueur and one of the most famous Portugal souvenirs. This unique and fragrant alcoholic beverage is made from morello cherries and other mouthwatering ingredients. It has a sweet yet tart flavor that many find irresistible. As such, it has become a favorite among locals and tourists.

Ginjinha is usually served in a small shot-sized glass that’s sometimes made of chocolate. However, it is not meant to be gulped down or consumed quickly; instead, it should be slowly sipped and savored for its nuanced flavor. To get the most out of the experience, some people add a little bit of sugar to give the liqueur an extra sweetness.

In terms of brands, Ginjinha Espinheira is among the more popular ones available today. It can be found in shops throughout Portugal, particularly in Lisbon and Obidos. Anyone looking for one of the best Portugal souvenirs should consider buying a bottle (or two!) of this delightful elixir.

For those visiting Lisbon and wanting to sample this delicious drink in person, A Ginjinha bar is just the place to do so! The bar offers up several varieties of Ginjinha, and visitors can even purchase bottles of their favorite brand to take home with them afterward. And while you’re at it, why not check out Igreja de Sao Domingos? It’s located just next door, and admission is free!

Aside from drinking it straight up or mixed with club soda (and/or sour cherry), Ginjinha can also be used as an ingredient in various recipes such as cakes and desserts like cherry mousse or crepes filled with cherries soaked in ginjinha syrup! Furthermore, many restaurants offer special dishes showcasing ginjinha – think steamed mussels bathed in ginjinha sauce or pork tenderloin marinated overnight in ginjinha wine – that is simply divine.

Freshly Pressed Olive Oil

Portugal is known for its abundant fertile vineyards, making it the perfect place to find excellent olive oil. Portuguese olive oil is a staple in Portuguese cuisine, and you’ll find a wide variety of options ranging from light-bodied types used for baking to full-flavored, robust varieties that pair perfectly with bread. Deli markets and supermarkets across the country offer bottles of high-quality olive oil at an affordable prices. If you’re looking for something special to take home as a souvenir from your trip to Portugal, why not pick up a bottle of Portuguese olive oil?

The quality and flavor of Portuguese olive oils are second to none and rival those produced in countries such as Spain, France, and Italy. The tastes vary depending on the type of olives used and where they are grown. Light-bodied oils are made from olives that tend to be grown in the south of Portugal, while rich varieties come from olives grown further north. Each region boasts unique flavor profile, so there’s something for every palate!

When buying Portuguese olive oils, it’s important to remember that they do expire eventually, so make sure you use them before the expiration date stated on the packaging. You can find artisanal bottles which offer unique flavors. Still, if you’re looking for something more accessible, supermarkets also have a great selection.

It’s hard not to love Portuguese olive oil; its versatility makes it suitable for everything from salads and marinades to dipping sauces or drizzling over freshly baked bread. Its distinctive flavor pairs well with many other ingredients, adding depth of flavor without overpowering a dish.

Canned Sardines

Canned sardines have long been a Portuguese favorite, and an important part of the country’s culture has become an icon in Portugal. Canned sardines are extremely popular as snacks and to make sauces or salad dressings such as caesar, making them one of the most iconic Portugal souvenirs.

In fact, you can visit Conservas Pinhais just northwest of Porto, where they process over 30,000 different fish per day! Here, you can find colorful cans decorated with your birth year for a touristy option or simple supermarket cans for something more traditional.

No matter which type of canned sardine you choose, you’re sure to get something delicious! The savory flavors bursting with a salty brine and slippery texture make these sardines an amazing snack. Plus, since they are so affordable and easy to transport home, they make for the perfect take-home souvenir from your trip to Portugal.

Not only that, but there are other seafood options besides the sardines, such as octopus and mackerel, if you’re looking for something a little different. You’re sure to find something that suits your tastes if you spend enough time browsing through all the available cans!

At home, many people keep a few cans of sardines in their pantry, ready to be used in whatever dish they fancy. They are incredibly versatile and can be cooked in many ways – grilled, baked in tomato sauce, or even served cold on toast! So why not give them a try? Who knows – maybe canned Portuguese sardines will become your new favorite too!

Pastéis de Belém (Pasteis de nata)

Pastéis de Belém, also known as Pasteis de Nata, are a souvenir from Portugal that tourists should not miss out on. These sweet custard tarts are a trendy pastry treat in Portugal. They have become world-renowned for their delicious flavor. They dated back to the early 19th century and were originally created by monks at the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém. The traditional recipe is still being used today. However, many bakeries have put their own twist on them. Whether you’re buying souvenirs for yourself or loved ones back home, pasteis de Belem makes the perfect souvenir from Portugal!

These treats can be found all over Portugal. Still, they’re especially popular in Belém, where you can find souvenir boxes filled with creamy custard tarts. The custard is made from a combination of sugar, butter, eggs, flour, and cinnamon baked into a delicate puff pastry crust for an unbeatable flavor. Plenty of bakeries around Lisbon and other cities sell pasteis de Belem to tourists as souvenirs. So if you’re ever in Portugal and looking for souvenirs to bring home, be sure to pick up some pasteis de Belem! They make the perfect treat and souvenir from your trip.

Port Wine

Port Wine is definitely one of the most popular Portuguese souvenirs you can buy in Portugal. Port wine or Vinho do Porto in Portuguese, is a fortified wine produced exclusively in the Douro Valley of Portugal. It has a rich and sweet taste from the grapes grown there, which have been cultivated since ancient times. Port wine is enjoyed worldwide, and its production follows specific guidelines to ensure consistent high quality.

Tourists visiting Portugal can purchase Port Wine from many wineries in the Douro Valley. There’s also a wide variety of types available, from dry to sweet, so everyone can pick their favorite style. Port Wine is an excellent gift that will remind recipients of your trip to Portugal and serve as a great memento of your time there. Port Wine is also reasonably priced, making it an accessible and affordable souvenir for all budgets.

Portuguese Soaps

Portuguese soaps are a great souvenir to take home from Portugal. Made with natural ingredients, they provide beautiful aromas and nourishment for the skin. And because they are made in Portugal, you can be sure of their quality – these are not mass-produced items like others you might pick up on your travels!

Some of the most popular Portuguese soaps include lavender soap from the Alentejo region and olive oil soap from the Douro Valley. These two types of soap represent two very different aspects of the culture: lavender is associated with relaxation, while olive oil has historically been an important part of Portuguese cooking, nutrition, and skincare. So by taking one or both, you can get a real sense of the culture at its best.

A Portugese Fado guitar

aA Portuguese Fado guitar is an iconic souvenir for tourists who want to take a little of Portugal home. This type of guitar, used in the traditional style of Portuguese folk fado music, teached in Fado ao Centro in Coimbra, has a distinctive sound and can be heard in cafes and bars on the country’s cobbled streets. The body of a Fado guitar usually consists of two parts – a hollow neck and an oval-shaped soundbox – that are joined together by strings. It has twelve strings grouped into 6 courses and tuned differently than other, more familiar guitars.

This unique instrument has become a symbol of Portugal’s culture, history, and spirit. Whether chosen as a gift or bought to keep at home as a memory, the Fado guitar is an iconic souvenir that tourists can take home with them and enjoy for years to come. It’s also a great way to share some of Portugal’s culture with friends and family back home. With its unique sound, beautiful design, and rich history, a Portuguese Fado guitar will surely be cherished as a special reminder of your time in Portugal.

Portuguese Jewelry

Gold filigree jewelry is the perfect souvenir to bring home from Portugal and show off to your friends. Crafted with fine gold wires, this artisanal jewelry features intricate patterns and designs that are unique and eye-catching. Each piece of gold filigree jewelry is handmade by experienced artisans who have been practicing their craft for generations.

The skillful workmanship of these artisans produces pieces of heirloom quality that will be cherished for years to come. Not only does each piece serve as a reminder of your travels in Portugal, but it’s also a beautiful addition to any wardrobe or collection. With so many stunning options available in all shapes, sizes, colors, and styles, there is something for everyone, no matter their taste. So if you’re looking for a unique and special souvenir from your time in Portugal, look no further than gold filigree jewelry! With pieces that are sure to become treasured family heirlooms, this is truly the perfect way to commemorate your travels.

And don’t forget that there are silver filigree pieces available too – these are just as beautiful and intricate as their gold counterparts but more affordable. Silver filigree jewelry is perfect for those on a budget or wanting something simple yet elegant. Whether you opt for gold or silver, each piece will be an exquisite reminder of the wonderful time you had on your trip to Portugal. And no matter how far away you may be, it’s sure to bring you back to special memories each time you wear it. So don’t hesitate to pick up a piece of this beautiful Portuguese jewelry on your next trip! You won’t regret it!

Where to buy Portugal souvenirs?

When you are in Portugal, souvenirs are easy to find. Whether in the big cities or small towns, there is a wide variety of stores and markets with unique, traditional handicrafts that are quintessentially Portuguese. For those who want something special that stands out from the rest, some renowned retailers offer high-quality products with authentic Portuguese roots.

Vida Portuguesa is one of the top souvenir shops in the country. Having multiple locations in Lisbon and Porto, they offer an extensive range of handmade gifts, crafts, and time-honored food and beauty brands that have been carefully packaged for presentation. If you only have time to visit one store, A Vida Portuguesa should be your go-to place.

Silva and Feijoo is another popular store known for its vintage soaps, pastries, and other souvenirs presented in elegant packaging. Meanwhile, The Lisbon Shop specializes more towards tourists but still provides excellent quality products while Ó! Galeria has branches in Lisbon and Porto selling posters and paper goods created by local artists and graphic designers.Loja Portugueza also has two stores located in Lisbon stocking foodstuffs like jams, cookies, and Port wine, among others, as well as items from Manuel Tavares – a gourmet grocer established in 1860 which sells the iconic Pasteis de Belem.

For those looking for a more unique shopping experience, head over to any of Portugal’s flea markets, such as Feira da Ladra (‘Thieves Market’) or Mercado de Santa Clara, both located in Lisbon or Vandoma Fleamarket at Porto where haggling can give great rewards when you find one of those hidden gems such as Azulejos tiles or Barcelos rooster figurines or even a traditional Portuguese guitar.

Authentic Portuguese Souvenirs FAQ

Are Souvenirs Cheaper in Portugal?

Yes, souvenirs are cheaper in Portugal than in other parts of Europe. There are many stores and markets where you can find great deals on souvenirs, with prices ranging from inexpensive items to more expensive ones. Shopping around is the best way to find the best deal for your desired souvenir.

Can I Buy Souvenirs from Portugal at the Airport?

Yes, you can buy souvenirs at the airport in Portugal. Several shops are usually filled with items such as traditional pottery, locally-made jewelry, and handcrafted gifts. These souvenirs make excellent presents for friends and family back home or souvenirs to remember your stay in Portugal! If you’re short on time and don’t have the chance to visit local markets or stores, buying souvenirs from the airport is an easy way to take home some unique pieces with you.

What is the Most Popular Souvenir from Portugal?

The most popular souvenir from Portugal is usually hand-painted or Portuguese ceramics. These tiles come in various colors and designs, often used to decorate walls, floors, or kitchen backsplashes. Other popular souvenirs include:

  • Port Wine.

  • Cork products like purses and furniture.

  • Figurines of saints or royal family members.

  • Jewelry pieces with religious symbols on them.

  • Portuguese glassware.

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