15 Best Souvenirs from Portugal: What to Buy in Portugal

LOOKING FOR SOME PORTUGUESE SOUVENIRS?

You’re in luck, I live in Portugal, and I’m going to highlight the best souvenirs from Portugal! If you’re wondering what to buy in Portugal — stick around. I’m going to show you the 14 most unique Portuguese souvenirs to buy on your trip.

Portugal is full of unique and memorable items that will not only make for great gifts but also serve as a reminder of your time in this beautiful country. From traditional Portuguese ceramics and textiles to locally produced wine and gourmet treats, there are plenty of options to choose from. 

Ready to discover what to buy in Portugal? Let’s get to this list with the Top 14 Portuguese souvenirs to buy in Portugal.

In this article, we will highlight some of the best authentic Portuguese souvenirs to buy when you are in Portugal. So, whether you are looking for something for yourself or a loved one, these souvenirs are sure to please.

What to Buy in Portugal: Food & Drink

Piri Piri 

Piri Piri is a spicy sauce made with hot chili peppers, garlic, lemon juice, and other spices. It is commonly used as a marinade or condiment for chicken and other meats, and it is a key ingredient in piri piri chicken, a popular dish in Portugal and beyond.

Piri Piri sauce originated in Angola and Mozambique, former Portuguese colonies in Africa, and it was introduced to Portugal by Portuguese immigrants. Today, Piri Piri sauce is a popular condiment in Portugal and is used in many traditional dishes.

In addition to being used as a condiment, Piri Piri sauce is often sold in bottles or jars as a ready-to-use sauce. It can be found at many supermarkets and specialty food stores in Portugal.

A bottle of Piri Piri is a great souvenir for anyone who likes spicy food and is sure to add some heat to any meal.

Portuguese olive oil

Portugal is home to some of the finest olive oil in the world, and a bottle of Portuguese olive oil is a perfect souvenir for anyone who loves cooking or appreciates high-quality ingredients.

Olive oil is an important part of the Portuguese culinary tradition, and the country is home to many high-quality olive oil producers. Portugal is a medium-sized producer of olive oil, ranking in the top 20 global producers.

The majority of olive oil production in Portugal occurs in the country’s southern and central regions, where the climate is warm and dry.

The most common olive varieties in Portugal are the Cobrançosa, Cordovil, and Galega, known for their high-quality oil. Portuguese olive oil has a distinct, robust flavor that is perfect for drizzling over salads, dipping bread, or for cooking.

Sardines

Portuguese sardines, or sardinhas, are a beloved delicacy in the country and are often enjoyed as a snack or as part of a larger meal. They are known for their small size and delicate, flavorful flesh and are usually served grilled or canned.

A tin of Portuguese sardines from a reputable producer or grocery store, such as Conserveira de Lisboa, is a perfect gift for someone who loves seafood or is interested in trying traditional Portuguese products. Sardines also come in different flavors.

🐟 Want to learn more about sardines and where to buy them? Read our article: A Guide To The Best Canned Sardines from Portugal

Portuguese Cheese

Portugal produces many delicious and unique cheeses, many of which make excellent souvenirs.Ready to learn about Portugal’s famous cheese? Let’s go

• Serra da Estrela: a creamy and rich cheese made from the milk of sheep graze in the mountains of the Serra da Estrela region. It is one of the most famous cheeses in Portugal and is known for its sharp and pungent flavor and soft, velvety texture. Serra da Estrela is often served as a table cheese or used in cooking, and it pairs well with red wines and crusty bread.
• Queijo da Serra: made from the milk of sheep that graze in the mountains of the Serra da Estrela region. It is a semi-soft cheese with a natural rind and a slightly sharp and tangy flavor. Queijo da Serra is often aged for several months, which gives it a deeper, more complex flavor.
• Queijo de Azeitão: a soft, creamy cheese made from the milk of sheep or goats in the Azeitão region near Lisbon. It has a delicate, slightly salty flavor and a smooth, spreadable texture and is often enjoyed as a table cheese or used in cooking.

To find the perfect unique Portuguese souvenirs, there are many local shops, like Vida Portuguesa, located in downtown Lisbon.

Pastel de Nata

Pastel de nata, also known as pasteis de nata or pastel de Belém, is a type of Portuguese custard tart that is a popular sweet treat in the country. It is a small, round pastry filled with a creamy, egg-based custard and dusted with cinnamon and powdered sugar.

Pastel de nata has a long history, with roots dating back to the 18th century. It is said to have been created by the monks at the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém, a suburb of Lisbon. 

The monks were known for their baking skills and used egg whites to starch their clothes, which left them with a surplus of egg yolks. They came up with the idea of using yolks to make pastries, and the pastel de nata was born.

Today, pastel de nata is a traditional Portuguese product that is enjoyed all over the country. It is often served as a snack or dessert and can be found at pastry shops, cafes, and markets throughout Portugal. 

The most famous place to try pastel de nata is at the Pastéis de Belém bakery in Belém, which has been making the tarts since 1837.

Pastel de natal vs. Pastel de Belem 

Pastel de nata and pastel de Belém are both Portuguese custard tarts that are popular sweet treats in the country. However, there is a distinction between the two.

Pastel de nata is the generic term for Portuguese custard tarts. Pastel de Belém, on the other hand, is a specific type of pastel de nata that is made at the Pastéis de Belém bakery in Belém, a suburb of Lisbon. This bakery has been making pastel de Belém since 1837 and is known for using a secret recipe.

Vinho Verde or “Green” Wine

Vinho Verde is a type of white wine produced in the Vinho Verde region of Portugal–in the north of Portugal. It is one of the country’s most famous and popular wines, known for its fresh, crisp flavors and delicate aromas.

The Vinho Verde region is located in the north of Portugal and is known for its rolling hills, picturesque villages, and ancient vineyards. It has a long history of wine-making, dating back to Roman times, and it is home to some of the best wine estates in the country. 

One of the things that makes vinho verde special is its unique blend of grape varieties. It is made from a combination of indigenous grape varieties, such as Alvarinho, Loureiro, and Trajadura, which are grown in the cool, wet climate of the Vinho Verde region. 

The resulting wine is light, dry, and refreshing, with a distinctive character that is hard to find in other wines.

One of the reasons why people should consider buying vinho verde as a souvenir is that it is a high-quality wine that is representative of Portugal’s wine-making traditions. 

A Bottle of Port Wine

Want to buy a bottle of Portugal’s most famous wine? Are you a fan of port?

The origins of Port wine can be traced back to the 16th century when the region was under the control of the Portuguese monarchy. At the time, the wine produced in the Douro Valley was rough and needed to be improved for export. 

To achieve this, the winemakers began adding brandy to the wine before it was fully fermented, which increased the alcohol content and gave it a sweeter taste. This process, known as a fortification, became the hallmark of Port wine and is still used today. 

Today, Port wine is enjoyed worldwide for its rich, complex flavor and long-lasting finish. When choosing port wine as a souvenir, there are a few things you should consider: 

• Type of port: There are several types of port wine to choose from, including ruby, tawny, vintage, and white. Each type has its distinct flavor profile, so choosing one that fits your taste preferences is important.
• Age: Port wine can be aged for many years, and the aging process plays a significant role in its flavor and complexity. Younger port wines tend to be fruity and full-bodied, while older ones are more mellow and refined.

Popular Brands of Port

First thing, port is considered a dessert wine. And there are many excellent brands of port wine in Portugal, each with its unique style and flavor profile. Some of the best-known and highly regarded brands include:

• Taylor’s: This is a classic port wine producer with a long history dating back to the 18th century. They produce a wide range of port wines, including vintage, tawny, and ruby, and are known for their high quality and consistent flavors.
• Dow’s: one of the world’s top port wine producer, is known for its vintage port wines, which are made from the best grapes and aged for many years. They also produce tawny and ruby port wines, which are equally well-regarded. 
• Warre’s: known for its vintage port wines, aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two years before being bottled. They also produce a range of tawny port wines that are aged for longer periods of time, giving them a more mellow and complex flavor.
• Graham’s: a well-respected port wine producer, is known for its vintage port wines, made from the finest grapes and aged for many years. They also produce tawny and ruby port wines and a range of other fortified wines.
• Niepoort is a smaller, family-run port wine producer known for its innovative and unique styles. They produce a range of port wines, including vintage, tawny, and ruby, and are known for their high quality and distinct flavors.

These are just a few of Portugal’s many excellent port wine producers. Whether you prefer vintage, tawny, or ruby port, you will find a brand that suits your taste and budget. If you are looking to buy some port, there are plenty of shops in major Portuguese cities that sell different port brands.

Other Wines: Red, White & Rosé

While the Douro and Vinho Verde are certainly two of the most well-known wine regions in Portugal, they are by no means the only ones.

There are 13 wine regions in Portugal, divided into four main categories: Norte, Centro, Lisboa, and Alentejo region. You can also get wine from the islands, including the Azores and Madeira wine.

🍷 Want to learn more about Portuguese wine? Read our article: The Wines of Portugal: An Introduction to Portuguese Wine

There is also Portuguese rosé. These wines are typically made from different varieties of red grapes, such as Touriga Nacional, Syrah, and Aragonez. They are made using the saignée method, which involves bleeding off some of the juice from the grape must before it has a chance to ferment fully.

In terms of taste, Portuguese rosé wines are known for their bright, fruit-forward flavors and balanced acidity. They tend to be medium-bodied, with flavors of red berries, cherries, and herbs and have a refreshing and clean finish.

Which do you prefer white, rosé or red wine? Let us know in the comments.

🍷 Looking to buy some wine in Lisbon wine shop? Read our article: A Guide To The Best Canned Sardines from Portugal

Ginja

Ginja is a traditional Portuguese sour cherry liqueur that is a popular souvenir among tourists visiting the country. 

Made from small, tart cherries called ginjas, the liqueur has a sweet and fruity flavor balanced by a slight bitterness. It is often served chilled as an after-dinner drink or mixed into cocktails.

One of the reasons why people should consider buying a bottle of ginja as a souvenir is that it is a natural product made from fresh, locally grown ginja cherries. The cherries are harvested at the peak of ripeness and quickly processed to retain their natural flavors and aromas. As a result, ginja is a unique and authentic product that captures the essence of Portugal.

Ginja is also an affordable and practical souvenir, as it is small and easy to transport. It is available in different sizes, from miniature bottles that make for a cute gift to larger bottles that are perfect for sharing with friends and family.

A Ginjinha 

If you are in Lisbon and looking to try ginja, one bar you may want to visit is A Ginjinha. Located in the city’s historic center, A Ginjinha is the oldest bar in Lisbon and is known for being the first bar in Portugal to serve ginja. Established in 1840, A Ginjinha has a long history of serving this traditional Portuguese liqueur. 

At A Ginjinha, you can order a shot of ginja served in a small glass or opt for a ginja with a twist, which is mixed with ice cream or fruit. The bar also serves traditional Portuguese drinks and snacks like port wine and pastéis de nata.

If you are a fan of ginja or are interested in trying this unique and flavorful liqueur, A Ginjinha is one of the best things to do in the city and a must-visit destination in Lisbon. 

What to Buy in Portugal: Art & Handicrafts

Portuguese Azulejos

Portuguese ceramic tiles, or azulejos, are known for their intricate patterns and vivid colors and are considered a unique and memorable art form. 

They have a long history in Portugal, with roots dating back to the 15th century, and are an essential part of the country’s cultural heritage.

One of the things that makes Portuguese tiles unique is their diverse range of styles and motifs. From traditional blue-and-white patterns to more modern and abstract designs, there is a style of tile to suit every taste. The tiles are also hand-painted and fired in kilns, giving them a unique and individual character that is hard to find in mass-produced ceramics.

To find authentic Portuguese tiles, it is best to shop at a reputable store or gallery specializing in traditional azulejos. These stores often carry a wide range of tiles, from antique pieces to modern reproductions, and can help you find the right tile. 

Alternatively, you can also visit a local market or shop in a tourist area, where you may find traditional ceramics at a lower price–the perfect place to find azulejo souvenirs for a great deal.

Whether you are looking for a decorative piece or a functional item, such as a tile coaster or trivet, there is a tile that is sure to suit your needs, making it one of the best souvenirs to buy.

Portuguese pottery

One of the things that makes Portuguese pottery special is the attention to detail and craftsmanship that goes into each piece. Many pottery studios in Portugal use traditional techniques and hand-crafted methods to create unique and beautifully made pieces.

When shopping for pottery souvenirs in Portugal, it is a good idea to look for pieces that are made by local artisans or produced by reputable studios. This will help ensure that you are getting authentic quality pottery souvenirs.

Fábrica Sant’anna

Fábrica Sant’Anna is a Portuguese company that produces a wide range of ceramic products, including tiles, pottery, and decorative objects. The company was founded in 1952 and is based in Caldas da Rainha, known for its ceramic tradition.

Fábrica Sant’Anna is known for its high-quality ceramics, which are made using traditional techniques and natural materials. The company’s products are hand-painted and decorated with intricate patterns and designs inspired by Portuguese folklore and culture.

In addition to its ceramic products, Fábrica Sant’Anna also produces a range of other items, including kitchenware, furniture, and home decor. The company’s products are sold in its own stores (one of which is in Bairro Alto) and galleries, as well as in other retail outlets in Portugal and around the world.

Cork Products

Cork products make great souvenirs from Portugal for several reasons. Portugal is a producer of cork, and the country is home to over 40% of the world’s cork oak forests. These forests are an essential part of the country’s landscape and are carefully managed to ensure the sustainability of the cork industry.

Cork is an important natural resource in Portugal, and it is used in a wide range of products, including wine corks, floor tiles, and handbags.

As a result, cork products are natural and authentic souvenirs from Portugal that are representative of the country’s culture and traditions.

Another reason cork products make great souvenir is that they are often made by local artisans who use traditional techniques to create unique and beautifully crafted items. From handbags and wallets to coasters and fridge magnets, there is a cork product to suit every taste and budget.

Soaps

Portuguese soaps are a popular souvenir among tourists visiting the country, and for a good reason. They are known for their high quality, natural ingredients, and unique fragrances. They also have a long history in Portugal.

Ach Brito is one of the oldest and most respected producers of Portuguese soaps. Established in 1887, this family-run business has been making traditional soaps using traditional methods for over 130 years. Their soaps are made from natural ingredients, such as olive oil, almond oil, and shea butter, and are free of synthetic fragrances and colors. Ach Brito soaps are known for their gentle, nourishing properties and are a favorite among those with sensitive skin.

Another well-known producer of Portuguese soaps is Claus Porto. Founded in 1887, this company is known for its luxurious soaps and toiletries made using natural ingredients and traditional techniques. Claus Porto soaps are known for their rich, fragrant lather and are available in a wide range of scents, from floral to spicy.

Whether you choose a traditional brand like Ach Brito or a more luxurious option like Claus Porto, you are sure to find a soap that is perfect for you.

Tea Towels

Portuguese tea towels, also known as guardanapos or pano de prato, are a traditional and popular souvenir from Portugal. These towels are made of lightweight cotton or linen and are decorated with colorful, intricate designs inspired by Portuguese folklore, nature, and culture.

Portuguese tea towels are popular for souvenirs because they are affordable, practical, and beautiful. They can be used as decorative kitchen towels or to add a touch of Portuguese style to your home.

When shopping for Portuguese tea towels, it is a good idea to look for ones made by local artisans. This will help ensure you get a good quality, authentic and well-made product.

The Barcelos Rooster Statue 

The Barcelos Rooster, also known as the “Galo de Barcelos,” is a traditional Portuguese ceramic figurine popularly associated with the town of Barcelos in the Minho region of Portugal. 

It is a cultural symbol that represents the country’s folklore and traditions. The legend behind the Barcelos Rooster says that a rooster’s crowing saved a man who had been wrongly accused of theft. The story goes that the man was sentenced to be hanged, but the rooster’s crowing convinced the judge of his innocence. As a result, the rooster has become a symbol of justice and good fortune in Portugal.

The Barcelos Rooster is traditionally made of clay and hand-painted in bright colors. It is often depicted with its wings spread, standing on one leg, and holding a small object in its beak. 

The figurine is a popular souvenir among tourists visiting Portugal and can be found at markets and souvenir shops throughout the country.

A Book from Livraria Bertrand

Fernando Pessoa was a renowned Portuguese poet, writer, and translator closely associated with Lisbon.

He lived during the early 20th century and was known for using multiple pen names, including Alberto Caeiro, Álvaro de Campos, and Ricardo Reis, each of which had their own distinct writing style. Pessoa was an important figure in the modernist movement in Portuguese literature and significantly influenced the country’s literary scene. Despite his fame, Pessoa lived a relatively quiet and humble life in Lisbon.

If you’re looking for a great gift for a reader, consider buying an edition of Pessoa’s works or a biography about the man himself.

One of the best places to buy books in Lisbon is Livraria Bertrand, located in the Chiado district. This bookshop is considered the oldest in the world, having first opened in 1732 and then relocated to its current location in 1755 after the original store was destroyed in an earthquake.

In addition to a wide selection of Portuguese-language books, Livraria Bertrand also has a large collection of English-language books, making it a great place to find the perfect gift for a reader.

Final Thoughts: Best Souvenirs from Portugal

There are many wonderful and unique souvenirs that you can buy in Portugal to take home with you or give as gifts. From traditional pottery and ceramics to high-quality olive oil and wine, there is something for everyone.

The Portuguese people are known for their creativity and craftsmanship, and you can find many products made by local artisans using traditional techniques. Whether you are looking for a great gift for a foodie friend or a special souvenir for yourself, Portugal is a good place to find authentic and high-quality products.

When shopping for authentic Portuguese products, it is a great idea to look for products made by reputable companies or local artisans. Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations or do some research to find the best shop or market.

Try to steer clear of touristy gift shops. With so many popular souvenirs, you will surely find something perfect for you or your loved ones.