25+ Authentic Souvenirs from Portugal to Pick Up in 2025
What are the best souvenirs from Portugal to bring home? What is a typical gift from Portugal?
Not all souvenirs are created equal and it can be hard to tell the fake stuff from the authentic products, which is why I’ve created this post on the best Portuguese souvenirs you can buy!
Portugal is one of my favorite countries in Europe with its hypnotic Fado music, diverse landscape, incredible food and wine scene, and of course, its local and authentic products.
To this day, I still have classic blue and white dishes on my book shelves from the streets of Lisbon and an empty bottle of Port from the Douro Valley on my kitchen counter!
Some of the best products that I have ever brought home from abroad have been from Portugal, so I’m very excited to share these amazing products with you!
In this post, you’ll find over 25 of the most authentic gifts and products from Portugal that you can bring home from your trip, information on where to find more souvenirs online, and a list of the best shops to pick up some good trinkets.
Best Souvenirs from Portugal
Despite this being quite a long list of souvenirs, it’s far from all-inclusive. I’m sure that there are likely hundreds of other fun and unique souvenirs you could get while visiting!
1. Portuguese Azulejos
If you haven’t been to Portugal before, get ready to witness some of the most beautiful, elegant facades found across Europe! The big cities and rural villages alike are covered in incredible blue and white (most typical) ceramic tiles known as Azulejos.
You can buy these tiles in different shops around town, but be warned. Some locals spend their days ripping off tiles from the town facades, destroying their beauty in exchange for income.
Avoid buying anything that looks like it has extra cement attached to the back, is worn out, or is clearly old and faded.
Otherwise, they’ll keep destroying the city’s artwork! You’ll be able to tell when it was clearly made for tourism since they’ll be bright, shiny, and neatly made and will make a perfect addition to your home.
Some people buy them by the dozens to make a stunning addition to their own bathroom or kitchen, which is something I plan on doing once I’m a home-owner myself!
2. A Barcelos Rooster
The Barcelos Rooster has become an iconic symbol of Portugal over the years due to a legend that took place back in the Middle Ages. Barcelos is an ancient city located in northern Portugal and dates back to the 12th-century, where the legend originated.
As the story goes (shortened version), a robbery had taken place in Barcelos and a pilgrim who was passing through on his way to Santiago had been wrongly accused and sentenced to hang for his crime.
He begged the judge and his party to believe he was innocent and when they denied, he erupted and pointed to a nearby roosting claiming that it would crow at his hanging. Sure enough, just before the hanging took place, the rooster crowed!
The pilgrim was released along with the rooster, and later the pilgrim returned to Barcelos and built a statue honoring Santiago and the Virgin Mary as he believed they saved him from death.
So, now you can find Barcelos roosters all around the cities of Portugal, with most of them in the north near the city of Barcelos.
3. Soaps and Cosmetics
Strange to think that you could find incredible, handmade soaps in Portugal, but it’s true! Over time, locally made soaps and cosmetics, including toothpaste and makeup products, have become exceedingly popular with both tourists and locals.
You can find numerous variations of scents and ingredients including those made with different types of animal milk, local flowers, and even local produce such as lemons and so forth.
They make for great personal Portuguese souvenirs, as well as great gifts for family and friends.
4. Leather Shoes
Similar to those found in Italy, Portuguese leather shoes are said to be some of the best quality in Europe.
If you need to dress professionally for work everyday, why not pick up one of these unique gifts from Portugal that you can practically guarantee your coworkers won’t have?!
Buying shoes in Portugal isn’t difficult as leather shoes can be found in the popular shopping malls as well as some upscale souvenir shops. But, if you’re looking for authentic leather of genuine Portuguese quality, be sure to check the tag or sticker for proof!
5. Portuguese Jewelry
Not only do the Portuguese create unbelievably gorgeous painted ceramic tiles, but they use their same skills to create beautiful jewelry of all kinds!
Known for their lovely, delicate appearance, everything from necklaces to earrings and bracelets are found in the numerous local jewelry stores scattered across Lisbon and Porto (the two major Portuguese cities).
Similar to most souvenirs from Portugal, however, you’ll need to check where it was made to ensure its quality.
6. Pottery
Similar to many countries across Europe, pottery is a big part of Portuguese culture and it forms a basis for income in most rural villages throughout the country.
Since the locals have been practicing these skills for centuries, you can find professionally made dishware, pots, vases, and more!
Sometimes they will look like the jugs shown above, and occasionally you’ll find ones that have been beautifully painted before being fired in a kiln. They can be fragile, so be sure to have a transportation method in mind before purchasing.
7. Ceramic Dishes and Mugs
Everywhere you go from Porto to Faro, you’ll find these intricately designed, beautiful ceramic dishes and mugs. Most will be vibrantly painted with blue, white, and other exciting colors.
We picked up a unique ceramic dish from Estoril during our visit, and it has found a special place in our home to remind us of our travels there.
What is the best part about these souvenirs from Portugal? They look expensive but are actually very cheap! You can find these for as little as €1 from the right seller, and they really gift your home a vibrant lift.
Just be sure to check that the sticker says “made in Portugal” or the like. Otherwise, the seller may be trying to scam you into buying a mass-produced product.
8. Artwork
Whether it’s in a store or by an artist on the street, Portugal is overflowing with amazing artwork everywhere you look.
We typically recommend people give back to the local community rather than purchasing art that was mass-produced, so don’t be afraid to check out a street artist’s work!
We have found some of our absolute favorite pieces of artwork simply by exploring the pieces being handdrawn or handpainted on the city streets of Europe, and Portugal is no exception.
You can find the classic pieces boasting the typical Portuguese blue and white theme, as well as numerous whimsical designs of the city streets and perspectives from the observation decks overlooking different regions.
9. Fado Music
Fado music sits at the heart and soul of Portugal with its beautiful sounds flowing through the streets every night come nightfall. We found it entirely captivating and loved watching the musicians play their unique instruments!
If you love listening to local music when you travel as much as we do, be sure to buy one of the local musician’s CDs. They usually sell them for just a few euros, and they’ll have a basket next to where they are playing.
Better yet, if you’re a musician, there’s no better souvenir from Portugal than an authentic Portuguese guitar! These, of course, cost a lot more than a few euros, but it may just become your most treasured souvenir of all time.
10. A Book from Livraria Bertrand
Located on Garrett Street, a book from Livraria Bertrand is one of the best souvenirs from Lisbon you can bring home!
Even if you typically don’t enjoy reading as a pass time, this bookstore houses thousands of books of every category from cooking to nonfiction, and everything in between!
Even if you don’t plan on buying any books during your trip, a visit to the oldest bookstore in the world should surely make it onto your Portugal itinerary. Books make for wonderful souvenirs for yourself and gifts for others.
If anything, you could always just pick up a small cookbook so you can learn how to make those delicious Pastéis de Natas at home!
11. All Cork Products
Cork gifts from Portugal are one of the most popular items you can find in tourist homes these days.
Did you know that Portugal is the largest producer of cork in the world? It’s true! And because of this, you can find practically anything and everything made out of cork.
Backpacks, purses, picture frames, kitchen gadgets like the ones shown above, and more! It’s a unique, affordable, and easy to transport souvenir from Portugal that you can find almost anywhere in the country.
You probably weren’t thinking you’d bring something home made of cork, but why not?!
12. Beautifully Embroidered Linens and Towels
One of my personal favorite Portugal souvenirs was a white towel that had been decorated with a colorful fish (reminded me of the ocean and its relevance to Portugal) and a stunning blue and white lacey design.
You can find everything from towels and linens to fancy napkins and even curtains! I highly recommend picking up a few hand towels for your bathroom or kitchen. They look very elegant and add beautiful vibrancy to any room.
Embroidery has become one of Portugal’s most cherished tools, so an embroidered souvenir is a great way to give back to the local community and remember your visit.
Cheap Souvenirs from Portugal
13. A Refrigerator Magnet
A classic souvenir that you’ll find in cities all over the world from New York City to Amsterdam to Hong Kong.
Refrigerator magnets may seem like a silly tourist scam, but they’re actually very affordable for people staying on a budget, unique to the city selling them, are easy to transport home, and make for a cute, travel-themed addition to your kitchen!
They go for between $2-6 each depending on how intricate they are, and can be found in practically every shop across Portugal.
14. Picture Frame
This is another one of those classic tourist souvenirs from Portugal you can buy, but you can’t deny that they’re popular for a reason.
Picture frames are great for decorating your home or apartment and telling a story along with the picture inside. You can usually find them in typical tourist shops scattered across Lisbon and Porto, in the airports, and in tons of different styles and designs.
If you’re going to get one, consider something with the year and location on it so you can commemorate your trip!
15. Clothing
I’m not sure about you, but when I’m abroad, I love picking out a new shirt, hoodie, or dress to add to my wardrobe.
It’s always fun having someone compliment your outfit and being able to respond with “Oh, this old thing? I got it in Portugal!” – hopefully, you’ll say it a bit less cheesy though, of course.
The main cities of Lisbon and Porto have loads of clothing shops selling “authentic” t-shirts, sweatshirts, and so forth. Though, you’re really only going to find everything that has “Lisbon”, “Lisboa”, or “Portugal” printed across it in giant block letters.
If this is your style, you’ll easily be able to find a good souvenir in the main cities. However, if you enjoy picking out real authentic souvenirs when traveling, then I suggest checking out the souvenirs from the local street sellers in the smaller towns such as Lagos and Óbidos.
Here, you’ll find locally crafted Portuguese clothing that the local villagers will actually be wearing themselves!
16. Coffee Mug or Tea Set
If you love a good cup of tea or coffee in the morning, what better way to commemorate your trip than with a new mug?
In Portugal, you can find tons of beautifully decorated tea sets and mugs like the one shown above. Intricately detailed and usually ceramic or made of glass, these delicate collectibles are an easy way to remind you of your wonderful trip to Portugal.
Not only do they make good souvenirs from Portugal for yourself, but also great gifts for the holidays, birthdays, and “just because” gifts!
17. Post Card
Postcards are a classic souvenir to bring home from Portugal. I happen to love mailing postcards from whichever country I’m in while I’m abroad to my family as a unique little surprise for them!
They also make perfect gifts for grandparents who love being able to see where you were and what you did.
Wondering “what to buy in Portuguese supermarkets?“ Well, you can easily find them in most general stores, supermarkets, and even in the airports on arrival or departure.
It’s fun to find unique ones that were hand-painted before being printed as it makes them a little bit more special than the standard mass-produced ones.
They come in a variety of colors and styles, but just be sure to have the right postage before putting it in the mailbox! Otherwise, it might not get returned to you and it could get lost.
Food Souvenirs from Portugal
If you’re a foodie traveler like me, you’ll appreciate this list of the best food souvenirs from Portugal! Just be sure to check with your airline and country entrance requirements before purchasing anything.
Most items including fruits, vegetables, livestock, and so forth cannot be brought over international borders or on airplanes, so keep this in mind when making your purchases.
18. Portuguese Cheese
Portugal has long been known for its incredible cheese making, though it often gets overlooked due to its more popular neighbor of France. But, don’t let that stop you from picking out a block or two for your journey home!
Known as the “King of Portuguese Cheese”, the Serra da Estrela is a must-try on your next visit to Portugal. Other popular types include São Jorge, Rabaçal, Évora, and Azeitão cheeses among many others.
Just be sure to buy a block that is clearly labeled for TSA, or simply get the name of the store you wish to buy from and order some online once you return home.
19. Paupério Cookies
Normally found in a vintage-looking tin that’s been decorated with the classic blue and white designs, paupério cookies are some of the most famous in all of Portugal.
You can usually find these assorted crunchy cookies in deli shops and upscale supermarkets. They make for a perfect after-dinner dessert or as a nice gesture for when you have guests over.
20. Portuguese Ginjinha Cherry Liqueur
The sweet cherry liqueur known as Ginjinha is one of the most popular alcoholic drinks in Portugal.
It has the flavor of Morello cherries which are both sweet and tart, so the alcohol is pleasant on its own, but once it is paired with boatloads of sugar, it can become a bit overwhelming.
Thus, most people opt to drink it in very small amounts served with a sour cherry or mix it with club soda or the like.
21. Portuguese Wines
It’s no secret that Portugal is a high competitor of nearby France and Spain for locally produced wines. This especially goes for their incredible port wine, found in the northern reaches of the country just east of Porto.
The vineyards of Portugal in the Douro Valley produce award-winning wines year after year and lure travelers in from around the world to taste their unique blends.
If you love wine, don’t fool yourself into thinking you won’t need to check a bag. Bottles can be very cheap, so you might want to check an empty suitcase with the goal of filling it up with several bottles of the good stuff for your return home!
Just be sure to pack lots of bubble wrap.
22. Freshly Pressed Portuguese Olive Oil (Extra Virgin)
Due to Portugal’s extensive terrain that is overflowing with fertile vineyards, olive groves are popular throughout the country. Because of this, you can find impeccable freshly made olive oil in most regions!
You can find everything from light-bodied types used for baking to savory, full-flavor variations that are best paired with bread to highlight their bold taste.
You can find bottles of the good stuff in deli markets and fancy supermarkets throughout the country.
Just remember that good olive oil does expire, so if you plan on buying a bottle for yourself as a souvenir from Portugal to bring home, be sure to use it!
23. Olives
Whether you’re in the capital of Lisbon, in the northern port city of Porto, or in the southern reaches of the Algarve, olives are a big part of Portuguese culture.
At any restaurant you visit, you’ll notice olives, olive oil, and bread are often brought to the table before drinks are even ordered. The Portuguese pair olives with lunch and dinner as olive growing is taken very seriously throughout the country.
Pick up a jar (or a few) for yourself and your friends to bring home! They pair very nicely with different meals, work as appetizers, and even make a great before-bed snack.
24. Canned Portuguese Sardines
Canned sardines have never been a personal choice of mine, but for my dad, they are all the rage! If you love pungent flavors bursting with a salty brine and slippery texture, these are just the thing.
They are often eaten as a snack or blended into salad dressings (caesar is most popular in the U.S.) or sauces and poured over a main meal. Canned sardines, among other fish, have become an icon in Portugal.
You can visit Conservas Pinhais where you’ll see them canning over 30,000 different fish per day just northwest of Porto!
25. Pastéis de Belém (custard tarts)
Pastéis de Belém or Pastéis de Nata are easily the most popular dessert in Portugal. You’ll see locals and tourists alike enjoying these custard tarts at breakfast, as snacks, with their dinner, and as dessert!
A flaky, crispy, buttery tart shell is paired with a deliciously creamy custard center in these bite-size mouthfuls. Luckily for us, you can find TSA-approved to-go boxes of these babies all over Lisbon and Porto!
I recommend buying two since you’re very likely to eat at least one box before you make it home if you’re anything like me.
Best Souvenirs Shops in Portugal
When it comes to buying souvenirs from Portugal, there are hundreds of places you could look.
In the airports, tourist shops, general stores, supermarkets… but, in reality, most of these places aren’t going to provide you with very high-quality souvenirs nor will they provide you with souvenirs that were actually made in Portugal.
Instead, we recommend checking out the different markets and stores listed below.
They’ll give you the best options for different locally-made products and you can almost always find everything in good quality.
✔️ A Vida Portuguesa
A Vida Portuguesa is easily one of the most popular shopping stores for both tourists and locals in Portugal. You can find those upscale food items I was talking about as well as high-quality merchandise in a clean and well-organized setting.
They have four different locations in Lisbon, so be sure to stop into one of them after you arrive or before you depart for the airport. If you’re looking to do some luxury shopping in Portugal, this is the street to pop into!
✔️ Arte Rustica – Lisbon
This genuine Portuguese craft store boasts its high-quality merchandise including ceramic tea sets, pottery, and home goods.
Everything made in Arte Rustica is of the highest standard, thus making items from here on the more expensive side.
But, if you’re looking for a genuine make and true authenticity, look no further than Arte Rustica.
✔️ Manuel Tavares
Remember all of those gourmet foods I was telling you about? The cheese, wine, Ginjinha, Paupério cookies… they’re all found at Manuel Tavares! This gourmet grocery store has all of the popular Portuguese favorites and more.
The assistants will help you wrap all of the products for easy transportation home so you can be sure you’re getting authentic goods directly from Portugal to your front door!
✔️ Feira da Ladra
Lisbon’s most popular flea market is known as the Feira da Ladra. Located on Campo de Santa Clara, this market is open only on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9:00am-6:00pm.
Here, you can find eclectic mixes of antiques, books, movies, clothing, and home goods at far cheaper prices than the previously listed locations. However, you’ll need to decide on the quality with each product you look at.
Most products will have been pre-owned or used, so they won’t always be top-quality like you’ll find in other stores.
Souvenirs from Portugal Online
Not all of us have room in our luggage to fit everything we want to bring home, and some of us have a hard time making decisions in the moment. Whatever the reason may be, don’t fret… you can always buy some gifts from Portugal online.
I actually did this on my most recent trip to Europe when I couldn’t figure out which shot glass I wanted for my collection, and decided to pick it up online a few months later when I had time to decide which one would be best.
I used Amazon for my souvenir since it provides free shipping for prime members and I was able to return it without hassle if I felt it wasn’t what I was expecting.
FAQ
What is the Most Popular Souvenir from Portugal?
The most popular souvenir from Portugal is tied between variations of wine and the locally produced ceramic tiles and dishes.
These are the most authentic of the souvenirs you can buy on your trip to Portugal, which makes them extremely popular among tourists.
What is the Best Thing To Buy in Portugal?
Portuguese tiles known as Azulejo and port wine are some of the best things that you can buy in Portugal! But, Portugal happens to be known for several different products versus just one product, in particular.
In addition to these famous Portugal products, Portugal is also known for its incredible freshly-pressed olive oils made from the extensive olive vineyards in the Alentejo, Terra Quente, and other regions.
What Souvenirs from Portugal are Worth Bringing Home?
To be honest, we found dozens of souvenirs from Portugal that we believed were worth checking an extra bag for when we came home.
We didn’t end up buying as many as we would have needed to fill the bag, but we did manage to come up with a rather extensive list of souvenirs that we believe should be on everyone’s radar when they visit Portugal.
However, if we had to pick just one or two (which we did), we would recommend bringing home either a ceramic dish or tile with the intricate blue and white designs found all over the stunning facades located around the country or a linen or towel that has been embroidered with beautiful designs and multicolored threads.
Both of these make for wonderful, authentic souvenirs that are handcrafted in Portugal that are unique to the local community and region.
What Can You Get from Portugal?
You can bring back almost anything from Portugal as long as it follows your country-specific re-entry guidelines.
That means for the U.S., no produce, animal meat, live animals, and so forth will be allowed to enter the U.S. from Portugal.
These regulations vary from country to country, so be sure to check your local restrictions before purchasing anything.
What to Gift Someone from Portugal?
If you want to get someone from Portugal a gift, a small piece of home is always a safe bet! Hand-painted Portuguese ceramics and pottery, a jar of local olives, a bottle of wine, and even a small Barcelos Rooster would be a fun idea!
People from Portugal are extremely hospitable and patriotic, and will be very welcoming of practically anything that comes from their home country. With a strong love for local ingredients and wine, you can’t go wrong with an edible souvenir.
Or, if you think they would prefer something longer lasting, an embroidered towel or perhaps even a jersey from the Portugal Football Club (Ronaldo is one of my favorite players of all time!)
Or if you want to get really authentic, then some poetry from the iconic Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa could be great if you know they enjoy literature.
What Crafts is Portugal Known For?
Portugal is known for a variety of beautiful and unique craftsmanship. From hand-painted tile to intricate religious sculptures, Portugal has something for everyone!
Azulejos (tiles) are some of the most popular Portuguese crafts, and you can find them all over Portugal in homes and churches. Each tile is crafted with care and painted with traditional Portuguese designs.
Portugal is also known for its laces, cork crafts, ironwork and silverware, ceramic art, woodcarvings, pottery, leather goods, marquetry, and much more!
So if you’re looking for a truly authentic souvenir from Portugal that speaks to the culture of the country, a local piece of craftsmanship is a perfect choice.
What Jewelry Is Portugal Known For?
Portugal is renowned for its beautiful gold filigree jewelry. This delicate and intricate art form involves twisting and curling thin threads of gold or silver into elaborate designs, often inspired by nature or religious symbols.
These pieces are handcrafted by skilled artisans using techniques passed down through generations. The heart of Viana, a popular motif in Portuguese jewelry, exemplifies the filigree’s intricate detailing.
This unique style of jewelry makes a great souvenir and a testament to Portugal’s rich heritage in jewelry making.
What Sweets to Bring from Portugal?
For a truly authentic Portuguese treat, consider bringing back some Pastéis de Nata – a beloved custard tart with a crisp, flaky pastry shell. My husband has nearly made himself sick by eating too much of these!
Another popular delicacy is the Pão de Ló, a soft, moist sponge cake often served at Christmas and Easter celebrations.
Chocolate lovers might appreciate a box of chocolates from one of Portugal’s renowned chocolatiers, such as Arcádia. For a unique regional delicacy, the Algarve region’s almond and fig sweets, made from locally grown produce, are a must-try.
Are Things Cheaper in Portugal?
Yes, for the most part, things in Portugal are cheaper from the accommodations to the food. I am, however, comparing the local prices to those in the U.S. where prices tend to be far higher than other places around the world, including Europe.
So, this will depend on what you are used to, but we found a beautiful, authentic Portuguese ceramic dish for €2 and a blue and white embroidered towel for my dad for €1.
Many Portugal souvenirs are both cheap and authentic, so don’t be fooled into thinking something has to be expensive for it to be real.
The prices will naturally be higher in the cities, but we found these two items in smaller towns like Cascais where the prices were far lower than what we were seeing in Lisbon.
Can I Buy Souvenirs from Portugal at the Airport?
You can absolutely buy some souvenirs at the airports in Portugal. There are three international airports in Portugal and they’re located in Faro, Lisbon (the capital), and Porto.
All of them contain gift shops where you can pick up last-minute souvenirs before your departing flight back home.
Fair warning, however, you are likely to spend nearly double on souvenirs at the airport than in the local towns and cities. Plus, they are much more likely to have been shipped in from mass producers like China versus the products made in Portugal locally.
Depending on what you are looking to get for a souvenir, you may be able to easily pick it out at the airport, or you might want to set aside some time after sightseeing to pick out a souvenir.
Portugal is a radiant country that is overflowing with incredible art, history, architecture, food, culture, music, and hospitable people.
We found every moment of our time in this European country to be magical, and we decided to commemorate our trip with some of these amazing Portugal products!
Whether or not you have visited before, be sure to pick up some souvenirs from Portugal on your next visit for yourself and your loved ones. With hundreds of unique and authentic products to choose from, it’s an amazing way to remember your special visit.
