Following on from my last post dedicated to the glorious variety of food and drink available to take home from Portugal, I’m going to concentrate on accessories in this one.
I have to admit, I really enjoy browsing the tourist shops whenever I go on holiday, as aside from the garish and often overpriced items placed front and centre, you can definitely find hidden gems! There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself to something that will remind you of your holiday for years to come, even if it’s just trinket that makes you smile.
Some may question my taste, but I love the Rooster of Barcelos! Based on a Portuguese legend, they come in all shapes and sizes, suitable for even the smallest of spaces. Mine is very small, but holds pride of place on my bookshelf.
Moving on to another classic souvenir, if you’ve been to Lisbon you will instantly recognise the iconic Route #28 yellow trams that criss-cross and climb the many steep hills of the city. Luckily, it’s possible to buy a rather stylish miniature tram to take home. They come in many sizes and different materials (plastic or metal), but all capture the spirit of Lisbon and it’s vintage charm.
Another lovely option is to purchase an item made of cork. Portugal is the biggest producer of cork in the world, and manufactures not only bottle stoppers but bags, shoes, purses, wallets, phone cases, hats, yoga mats – you name it! Cork is sustainably produced and vegan friendly, as well as being waterproof (particularly interesting for those of us living with the British weather). I bought myself a small coin purse, which is great for holding cash and change when travelling.
Last but not least, if you’re in the mood for a bit of a treasure hunt and fancy splashing a little more cash, Portugal can boast some of the most incredible ceramics and tiles in particular. As you will notice, many buildings are covered in colourful, intricately designed tiles on the inside as well as the outside, and over time due to development and renovation, many of these tiles are removed and re-sold to the public. During my rummaging, I came across tiles that were over a century old, and remarkably well preserved. Unfortunately I couldn’t justify splashing quite so much cash, but hopefully next time!
Are there any Portuguese souvenirs I’ve missed that you would recommend?
