For those visiting Porto on a city break, it’s easy to get swept up in the city’s famous port wine and forget about the many other unique gifts and souvenirs the city offers. While a bottle of port wine may make a great gift or memory of your trip, there are plenty of other options. Porto has something for everyone, from textiles to canned sardines, artisanal soaps, and chocolates. In this article, we’ll look at the top 10 unique gifts to buy in Porto, so you can find the perfect souvenir to take home with you.
Port Wine
Every trip to Porto is complete with trying the city’s famous port wine. But why not take it further and bring a bottle or two home as a souvenir? Port wine is a fortified wine produced exclusively in the Douro Valley, and Porto is the perfect place to find a wide variety of port wines. Some popular brands include Sandeman, Graham’s, and Taylor’s. You can find port wine in many supermarkets and shops throughout the city. Still, for a truly authentic experience, head to the cellars of the port wine houses in Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the river from Porto.
Linen and Cotton Home Textiles “Made in Portugal”
The north of Portugal is home to many textile factories, and Porto has a great selection of shops selling linen and cotton home textiles. One recommended shop is Casa Dos Linhos, located on Rua Fernandes Tomás, close to the Bolhão Market. They offer a wide range of high-quality linen and cotton products, including tablecloths, napkins, towels, and bedspreads. You’ll find a variety of patterns and designs, so there’s something to suit every taste.
Canned Sardines
Canned sardines are a quintessential Portuguese product and make a great gift or souvenir. Portugal is known for its sardine canning industry, which dates back to the 19th century. To avoid the overpriced tourist traps, head to traditional Porto shops like Conserveira do Bolhão, located in Mercado Do Bolhão, or Loja das Conservas, located in Rua Mouzinho da Silveira. They offer a variety of sardine cans in different flavors and packaging, so you can find the perfect one to take home.
Artisanal Soaps: Claus Porto
Claus Porto is a luxury soap brand founded in Porto in 1887, known for its beautiful packaging and high-quality ingredients. Their shop on Rua das Flores offers a wide range of soaps, bath salts, and other toiletries. Each product is made using traditional methods and features unique scents and designs. Claus Porto is the perfect place to find a unique and luxurious gift for someone special.
Coffee
Coffee culture is deeply ingrained in Portuguese life, and Porto has no shortage of great coffee shops. However, if you’re looking to bring home some of Porto’s best coffee to brew at home, Pérola do Bolhão is the perfect place to shop. Located on Rua Formosa, this iconic café has been serving up some of the city’s finest coffee beans since 1917. They offer a wide range of coffee blends and roasts, which you can purchase to take home with you. Whether you prefer a rich, full-bodied espresso or a smooth and creamy latte, Pérola do Bolhão has something to suit every taste. So, if you’re a coffee lover, be sure to stop by this iconic shop and take home some of Porto’s finest coffee beans.
Olive Oil
Portugal is known for its high-quality olive oil, and Porto has several shops where you can find the best. One recommended shop is OLIVA & CO, located on Rua Ferreira Borges. They offer a wide range of olive oils, including some of Portugal’s finest extra-virgin olive oils. You can also find other gourmet products like vinegar, honey, and spices.
Galo de Barcelos
Barcelos is a town near Porto, and the Galo de Barcelos symbolizes Portugal. Legend has it that a pilgrim on his way to Santiago de Compostela was accused of stealing a silver rooster in Barcelos. Despite his protests of innocence, he was sentenced to hang. Just before the execution, the rooster suddenly stood up and crowed, proving the pilgrim’s innocence. Since then, the Galo de Barcelos has become a symbol of good luck and is a popular souvenir. You can find it in many souvenir shops, but for an authentic artisan piece, head to Casa do Galo on Avenida Diogo Leite in Vila Nova de Gaia.
Chocolates
Who doesn’t love chocolate? Porto has some excellent quality chocolate shops producing locally made chocolates. One of the best is Chocolataria Equador, founded in 2009 and located on Rua Sá da Bandeira. They offer a bean-to-boutique concept, producing chocolate from the bean to the finished product. You can find a variety of chocolates, including milk, dark, and white, as well as unique flavors like port wine and salted caramel. Another recommended shop is Arcadia, located on Rua de Santa Catarina. They have produced high-quality chocolates since 1933 and offer many chocolates and other sweets.
Tiles
Portugal is known for its beautiful tiles, and Porto is a great place to find them. Head to Mercado do Bolhão, where many shops sell traditional Portuguese tiles. From intricate patterns to colorful designs, there’s something for every taste. You can find tiles for use in your own home or as a decorative piece to take home as a souvenir.
Cork Products
Cork is a unique material that is commonly used in Portugal for various products, including bags, wallets, and accessories. One recommended shop is Cultura Portuguesa Cork Fashion & Arts, located on Rua de Mouzinho da Silveira. They offer a wide range of cork products, including handbags, wallets, and shoes. Each product is made using high-quality cork, which is both eco-friendly and durable. Cork products make for a unique and sustainable gift that is sure to be appreciated.
Douro Wine
If you’re a wine lover, you’ve likely heard of port wine, but have you tried Douro wine? Douro wine is produced in the same region as port wine but is a different type of wine. It is made using the same grapes as port wine but is not fortified, meaning it has a lower alcohol content. Douro wine has gained popularity recently, and Porto is a great place to find it. You can find Douro wine in many wine shops throughout the city, and several wine tours allow you to sample different varieties.
In conclusion, Porto offers a wide range of unique and authentic gifts that are perfect for souvenirs or gifts for loved ones. There’s something for everyone, from port wine to artisanal soaps, chocolates, and cork products. So next time you’re in Porto, check out some of these great shops and take home a piece of Portugal with you.
Photo by Bruno Martins on Unsplash