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Key takeaways, what to buy in Portugal
- To drink: Port wine, ginjinha, Douro and Alentejo wines.
- To taste: tinned fish, olive oil, flor de sal, almonds.
- To keep: azulejos, ceramics, cork goods, a Galo de Barcelos.
- To wear: wool, leather, filigree jewellery.
- Tip: buy from markets and family shops, not airport stalls.
Portugal is a paradise for thoughtful souvenirs: handmade, edible, drinkable and often beautifully packaged. Here are the twelve things we recommend bringing home, and where to find the authentic version rather than the mass-produced one.
Food and drink
1. Port wine, the classic, ideally bought at a Gaia cellar after a tasting. 2. Table wines from the Douro, Alentejo or a crisp Vinho Verde. 3. Ginjinha, the cherry liqueur, especially from Óbidos. 4. Tinned fish (conservas), sardines, mackerel, tuna, in gorgeous retro tins. 5. Olive oil and flor de sal from the Alentejo. 6. Almonds, figs and queijadas for sweet teeth.
Crafts and homeware
7. Azulejos, the painted ceramic tiles, sold as singles or coasters (buy from licensed workshops, never chipped off buildings). 8. Ceramics and pottery from Caldas da Rainha or the Alentejo. 9. Cork goods, bags, wallets, hats, light, durable and uniquely Portuguese. 10. The Galo de Barcelos, the colourful rooster that is the country’s good-luck emblem.
To wear
11. Filigree jewellery, a delicate gold and silver craft from the north. 12. Wool and leather, from Serra da Estrela blankets to handmade shoes and bags.
Where to buy (and what to avoid)
Favour city markets (Lisbon’s Mercado da Ribeira, Porto’s Bolhão), family-run shops and producer cellars over airport kiosks and tourist-strip stalls. For wine and Port, buying after a tasting guarantees both quality and a story to tell. Looking for the best local addresses and tastings on your trip? See our tailor-made trips or get in touch.
Frequently asked questions
What should I buy in Portugal?
Port and Douro wine, tinned fish, cork goods, hand-painted azulejo tiles, Castelo Branco embroidery and a tin of quality sardines.
What is a typical Portuguese souvenir?
The azulejo tile and the rooster of Barcelos are the classics, along with port wine and cork bags or wallets.
Can you bring wine and tinned fish home from Portugal?
Yes. Wine travels in checked luggage with padding; tinned fish is allowed and keeps well. Check your airline’s allowance for liquids.
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English-speaking Lisbon partner: to complete your planning, check Visit My Lisbon, a trusted Lisbon travel blog.