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Intel: Portuguese Souvenirs

What’s in our suitcase returning from Portugal.

I fly back and forth between Portugal every 3rd month, and this is the only trip I actually ever check-in baggage. As a result, I’ve gotten really good at bringing home things that are meaningful (and indulgent–like big bottles of liquids!). While I’m ferrying peanut butter, Tylenol, and Dr. Bronner’s soap from the US to Portugal, it’s the European goods that I’m bringing back to the states that are the keepsakes you’ll want for yourself or to give to friends. Here are some favorites:

Olive Oil

Finding a good olive oil in the States can be tricky and pricey! I bring back larger bottles for my own kitchen, and smaller bottles as gifts for friends. My personal favorite is Herdade do Esporão from the hot, vineyard-covered farms of the Alentejo. You can find it in many of the local grocery stores including Continente or Pingo Doce. The Bolhão Market in Porto also has a stand with a great selection of souvenir olive oils, including small souvenir packages in tins that provide extra shipping protection (vs. breakable glass).

Tinned Tuna and Sardines

There is likely no other country more famous for it’s canned tuna and sardines, mostly wild caught off the Atlantic Coast and in the pristine Azores Islands. While you can buy a standard brand (Minerva or Bom Petisco) in the grocery store for 1-2 euros, some makers have created fun, artistic labels that add to their souvenir value.

Wine

It’s surprisingly difficult to find a decent selection of Portuguese wines in the States. Most of the makers of Vinho Verde and other varietals are just too small to export internationally, as the local market buys most of what they can produce. This is all the more reason to bring some wine (or port wine) back home. Some of our favorite labels include Soalheiro, Q&M Quintas de Melgaço (Vinho Verdes), Ferreira’s Dona Antonia port (Douro) and Cartuxa (Alentejo), which can be found in the grocery stores for as little as 4 euros per bottle.

Pottery

If you find a good pottery store, it’s hard to resist the handmade quality of the plate ware and ceramics you’ll find for extraordinarily reasonable prices. But don’t be tempted to buy “antique” tiles: more often than not, they have been pried off of buildings illegally, and buying them only encourages this sad practice.

Linens

Portuguese cotton is of excellent quality, and the towels, sheets, and even clothing you find here is sourced by luxury brands around the world, including Balenciaga and Sferra. The local markets often have a bounty of lovely (unlabeled) offerings like plush robes and patterned blankets that fit well into your suitcase and cushion all your fragile items.

Wine Bottle Luggage

How do I transport all of these liquids? I’ve found this great mini suitcase that can be checked by itself, or stacked 4 to a larger suitcase, and it holds 2 large bottles of wine (or olive oil). The best part: it’s shatter resistant, and it’s relatively affordable. Find it on Amazon, $49.