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Skip the Fridge Magnet: 5 Authentic Portuguese Souvenirs That Support Local Businesses
The real souvenirs in Portugal aren’t in crowded shops—they’re in artisan studios, workshops, and family-run stores. Here’s what to bring home.
After spending THE BEST week wandering through Lisbon’s tiled streets and soaking up the Algarve sun, I learned something major: the best souvenirs from Portugal are definitely not found in the crowded tourist shops lining Rua Augusta. They’re tucked away in local studios, family-run stores, and artisan workshops where real Portuguese makers are keeping centuries-old traditions alive.
So put down those mass-produced sardine magnets—here are my recs on where to spend your euros and bring home something truly special while supporting local communities.
1. Handmade ceramics 🥣
This one is a must—ceramics in Portugal have a long history of significance in their trade industry, plus you’ll find some of the most unique pieces in the world here.
One of my fave spots was Clay Lisboa in Chiado, where contemporary Portuguese artists create stunning functional ceramics. Think hand-painted mugs, sculptural vases, and modern tableware with fresh designs, and each piece is even signed by the artist who made it.
For something more traditional, Cerâmicas na Linha showcases artisans who work with Portugal’s iconic blue and white patterns, but with a twist. Their variety and selection are also unbeatable…we probably spent an hour going through the store!
☝️Why it matters: When you buy from these studios, you’re supporting individual artists and small workshops, not factory production lines.
2. Tinned fish (yes, really) 🐟
I know what you’re thinking: canned fish as a souvenir? But it’s not the seafood you’re imagining. This is gourmet, sustainable, small-batch production that locals actually eat and gift to each other. Brands like Conserveira de Lisboa (operating since 1930) hand-pack sardines, mackerel, and octopus in olive oil and different spices with traditional methods.
Visit shops like Loja das Conservas in Lisbon where you can browse beautifully designed vintage-style tins that are as much art as food. They’re lightweight, TSA-friendly, and give you a literal taste of Portugal to enjoy back home.
☝️Why it matters: Many tinned fish companies work directly with small fishing communities and practice sustainable fishing. You’re supporting coastal economies that depend on these traditional industries.
3. Vintage fashion 🛍️
Portugal’s vintage scene is thriving, and it’s the perfect antidote to fast-fashion tourism.
Pop Closet curates incredible vintage finds—think 70s leather jackets, retro dresses, and unique accessories you won’t find anywhere else.
Ás de Espadas and Arquivos Vintage offer similar treasures, each with their own carefully curated aesthetic.
Shopping vintage in Portugal means you’re finding authentic European pieces, often at prices that would make vintage shops in New York scream.
☝️Why it matters: Vintage shopping is the ultimate sustainable choice. You’re giving clothes a second life, supporting local small business owners, and avoiding the environmental cost of manufacturing new souvenirs.
4. A custom perfume that captures your trip 🥰
This one is extra special since scent is a powerful memory trigger for me.
Next Memory in Lisbon offers custom perfume creation experiences where a professional perfumer helps you blend a scent that captures your trip. You’ll leave with a bottle of fragrance that’s uniquely yours—maybe notes of Portuguese orange blossom, Atlantic sea breeze, and pinho (stone pine).
It’s not just a souvenir, it’s a sensory memory you can revisit whenever you want to be transported back to cobblestone streets and sunset over the Tagus.
☝️Why it matters: You’re supporting Portuguese perfumers and experiencing a traditional craft as a participant, not just a consumer. Plus, you avoid bringing home another generic cologne from a duty-free shop.
5. Portuguese wine from actual wineries 🍷
Portugal produces some of the world’s most underrated wines, from Vinho Verde to Douro reds to fortified Port. Skip the supermarket tourist section and visit actual wineries or specialized wine shops run by people who know their vintners personally.
In Lisbon, shops like Garrafeira Nacional have been family-run since 1927, offering expert recommendations and bottles from small producers. If you’re in the Algarve, take a day trip to a local quinta (wine estate) where you can taste at the source.
☝️Why it matters: Small Portuguese wineries are competing with massive global brands. When you buy from them directly or through shops that champion local producers, you’re keeping family vineyards and traditional winemaking alive.
Net-net:
That keychain shaped like a rooster or that t-shirt with "Lisboa" in a generic font? It was probably made thousands of miles away and does nothing for the Portuguese people who welcomed you to their country.
The ceramic bowl, the tin of sardines, the vintage jacket, the custom perfume, the local wine? Those are pieces of Portugal made by Portuguese hands, carrying Portuguese stories. They cost a bit more, take a bit more effort to find, and you can’t carry quite as many home. But they’re worth infinitely more.
Your trip to Portugal is already supporting the local economy through hotels, restaurants, and tours. Why not extend that impact to the souvenirs you bring home? After all, the best way to remember a place isn’t through mass-produced merchandise—it’s through authentic pieces that remind you of the real people and traditions you encountered.
👀 Traveling with EF Ultimate Break soon? Ask your Tour Director about local shopping recommendations. They often know the best spots to support local communities in every destination.
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