The 5 souvenirs to bring back from your trip to Portugal

Exploring Portugal means discovering a rich history imbued with tradition and culture.

The memories we choose to carefully take with us then become treasures full of authenticity and charm. Here are the 5 that I would bring back from a road trip in Portugal. 
 

#1. Cork accessories 

Cork is a lightweight, easily moldable material, and found in abundance in Portugal. Besides the traditional bottle corks that top bottles of vinho verde or Porto from the Douro Valley, today we discover a wide range of cork products, such as shoes, handbags, or wallets, often painted by hand with delicate and colorful patterns.  

Just like the country, they are perfect for reminiscing about good memories or for giving to your loved ones. In addition to being splendid, they are quite affordable. They deserve a little space in your suitcase! 

#2. An item in azulejos 

Azulejos represent a centuries-old craft in Portugal, a manufacturing tradition that has become one of the country's emblems. These small faience tiles are hand-painted in a characteristic blue tone, featuring arabesques and floral patterns. 

You will surely see them in the historic districts, as some house facades are adorned with them, a true postcard scene. 

You can certainly bring back a small tile or an object decorated with azulejos from your trip to Portugal, since creators are very inventive in applying this ancestral process to everyday concepts! 

#3. Port wine 

The Douro Valley, a picturesque destination in the inland of Portugal, has been producing wine since antiquity. This millennia-old tradition is perpetuated by a network of small producers each owning a plot of land called “quinta”.

The manufacturing processes have evolved through the ages, allowing us today to appreciate a rich and sweet Port wine. 

Choose a “tawny” aged in oak barrels, or a “ruby” bottled directly after production. Their differences in colors and flavors call for a tasting before making a choice (with moderation, always ). 

#4. Some pastéis de nata 

Portuguese gastronomy gives pride of place to local products, simple and tasty, like the pastel de nata. This delicacy consists of a puff pastry filled with cream, served in small individual portions. 

Historically, it’s a monastery in Belém in Lisbon that is credited with the creation of these little wonders. The pastéis from this neighborhood are still very famous, and you can slip one or two into your suitcase for a trip to Portugal.

However, be warned, you must consume them very quickly for optimal flavor. But, I won’t lie to you, it’s not too hard of a constraint to respect.  

#5. A tune of fado 

It’s up to you to choose your medium: CD, vinyl, digital… But do not leave Portugal without being able to retrieve at any moment the sweetness of fado. Listed as part of UNESCO’s World Heritage, this musical art so characteristic is considered a true national treasure. 

Traditional fado, carried by the legendary voice of Amalia Rodrigues, mixes with more contemporary versions from Ana Moura, Mariza or Carminho. 

Melancholic by excellence, its guitar chords touch the heart, and its vocal variations will transport you to Portugal in an instant, again. With just one listen, you will understand the definition of the word Saudade!

There you go!  Do you have another souvenir from Portugal to suggest? Share it in the comments section below!