1. Have a picnic in the City Park (Parque da Cidade)

Location: Estrada Interior da Circunvalação, 4100-083, Porto, Portugal

Parque da Cidade do Porto is the largest urban park in Portugal, stretching across 205 acres of lush greenery all the way to the picturesque coastline. There are over 74 species of trees and over 6 miles of meandering trails. The park’s design was originally a vision from the 1960s by architect Robert Auzelle and brought to life in the 1990s by Sidónio Pardal.

If your partner enjoys nature and doing something active, this is a great place to start your Valentine’s Day. Grab some pastéis de nata from Manteigaria (Rua dos Clérigos 37) and a nice picnic lunch from the supermarket and head on over to the City Park to go for a long walk along the trails with your partner to find the perfect spot to enjoy your Valentine’s Day lunch.

Finish your City Park adventure at Matasinhos Beach if you really want to go for a long hike. The park ends just south of where this beach begins. 

2. Dinner on the Vila Nova de Gaia side of the Douro River

Cross over the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge from the Ribeira side of Porto to the Vila Nova de Gaia side and start your evening with drinks, most famously the city’s eponymous drink that is everywhere on the Vila Nova de Gaia side – port. Many bars and restaurants along the river here serve port from the local port houses including Taylor’s, Cockburn’s, Sandeman, and Cálem.

You can also go on tours of these houses and try a port tasting if you’d prefer to start your Valentine’s Day with a deep dive into the history of the drink that helped put Porto on the map. 

The view of the Douro River, illuminated by the city lights from the Ribeira side, creates quite a romantic ambiance and promises to be a highlight for any couple hoping to enjoy Porto’s most beautiful views. As for restaurants with some of the most beautiful views on the Gaia side of the river, try Dourum (Av. de Diogo Leite 454) or Taberninha do Manel (Av. de Diogo Leite 308).

3. Climb the Arrábida Bridge’s arch

Location: Via de Cintura Interna, 4400-492, Porto, Portugal

4. 6 Bridges Port Wine River Cruise with 4 Tastings

Location: Rua da Praia 430, 4400-554, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal

5. Helicopter Ride in Porto

Location: R. das Gáveas 51, 1200-206, Lisboa, Portugal

6. Take a trip to the Douro Valley for a wine tour with lunch, tastings, and river cruise

It doesn’t get more romantic than taking a Douro River Cruise in the Douro Valley for Valentine’s Day. The romantic views of terraced vineyards and classic Portuguese architecture climbing the hills create the perfect backdrop for February 14 magic.

Your guided tour of this region includes a wine tour and lunch followed by a short cruise through the Douro Valley. The gentle breeze and sweeping views of the slopes, as you cruise along, create a memorable setting for romance in a place in Portugal where time continues to stand still. This magical experience, combined with the enchanting setting, ensures a romantic and delicious Valentine’s Day.

7. A Day in the Douro Valley

Final Thoughts

When it comes to Valentine’s Day, Porto truly has it all—from its alluring bridges to its delicious local port wine, its sprawling parks, and beautiful beaches. Every corner, from the serene Douro River to the vibrant local cafes, resonates with love, making Porto an unforgettable destination for those seeking a truly special Valentine’s Day.

Carnivals are simply amazing – and they’re for everyone to enjoy. These festivals are known for being a constant explosion of color and rhythm, as well as of food and joy. Luckily for you, explorers of Portugal, this country is no stranger to such festivals.

Contrary to popular belief, carnival has its roots in Europe, specifically in Italy (although we could trace its characteristics as far back as ancient European festivals). Then, it spread to other regions, including Rio, where one can enjoy the world’s largest carnival. However, who said European carnivals aren’t just as good as the famous Rio Carnival? They definitely mustn’t be slept on!

As such, if you’re in Portugal in February and don’t want to miss out on having fun and experiencing Portuguese culture to the core, keep reading!

What Is the Carnival Festival in Portugal?

In Portugal, just like in many countries throughout the world, the carnival marks the end of the winter and the start of Lent – the 40-day period of prayer and fasting that starts on Ash Wednesday.

Various cities prepare for their carnival programs, which include parades with bright costumes and fun activities, parties, and shops with local gastronomic delights.

It is worth mentioning that the Portuguese carnival is not religious in nature. As a result, the festival is not an official holiday, meaning that regular activity (work, school) is not suspended. This also means that, in most cases, the main carnival parades are held during the weekend.

When Is Carnival in Portugal in 2024?

In Portugal, the famous Carnival Tuesday is on February 13 this year. Every year, the Carnival date changes according to the Catholic Church’s calendar. It always falls on a Tuesday during the week before Lent.

However, as mentioned before, due to it not being an official holiday, carnivals are usually celebrated on the weekend before Carnival Tuesday, although this depends on each city’s program. That’s why we strongly recommend checking every detail before heading to a particular carnival.

These carnivals last for several days (and even weeks!) and have an entire agenda set up, with different activities, music, and parades scheduled every single day.

Nonetheless, long before February, people start preparing for the festivity of the year. Thousands of participants work on their costumes meticulously, combining them to correspond to the chosen theme. That’s the great thing about the Portuguese carnival – it’s a show aimed at making people laugh, have fun, and celebrate life alongside one another!

Weather in Portugal in February

If you’re heading to Portugal in February, you’re probably wondering if you are going to actually enjoy the carnival instead of freezing and hoping to catch some sun rays, right?!

You don’t have to worry – February is quite warm in Portugal, although this depends on what carnival you choose to delight in. Naturally, it will be colder in the north than in the south.

The mean daily maximum temperature in February is 14.5 degrees Celsius, with a record high of 26.9 degrees Celsius.

If we’re lucky enough, the days the main parades will take place will have clear skies. However, rain cannot be completely excluded, as winter in Portugal is very humid. Nonetheless, even if it does rain, we’ll likely still enjoy some sunshine!

Don’t forget to equip yourself with a scarf if you’re heading to a city where the parade can be enjoyed near the shore. It can be quite windy!

Where Is the Best Place to Celebrate Carnival in Portugal?

The thing with the Portuguese carnival is that it takes place all over the country. As such, regardless of the area you choose to explore, if you’re around in February, there’s a very high chance that you’ll come across a carnival.

Of course, you won’t just come across it – the music can be heard from miles away, and it will undoubtedly lure you closer and closer to the heart of the festivity!

While carnival is celebrated across the country, there are a couple of cities that really make an impressive experience out of it. You’ll already find yourself booking your flight to Portugal for February 2025!

The best places to celebrate carnival in Portugal are Torres Vedras, Ovar, Funchal, Loulé, Famalicão, Mealhada, Porto, Macedo de Cavaleiros, Sesimbra, and Lisbon.

Sesimbra isn’t usually mentioned on the list of carnivals that you must see in Portugal, but you simply cannot miss it if you’re there. The street the carnival usually runs on is right next to the shore, making for an authentic experience, especially since you can enjoy the sunset afterward.

Each of the locations mentioned above runs a carnival, but bigger cities like Lisbon and Porto can have several festivities at the same time. In 2024, for example, you have the chance to experience not one, not two, but a total of seven carnival festivals in Lisbon.

Let’s talk a bit about each of them. Included in the description, you’ll also find a link to the official website of each carnival – there, you can find out more information about what the carnival will include, as well as its schedule.

Torres Vedras

Known as the most Portuguese carnival in the country, Carnaval de Torres Vedras has a rich history, first taking place way back in 1923. The festival there lasts for a total of 6 days, and it showcases carnaval specifics such as – floats, cabeçudos and gigantones (giant puppets), matrafonas (men who dress up in women in a hilarious way), and the Zés Pereiras (a group of musicians).

Each carnival figure travels the streets, bringing joy and laughter to everyone there to see them. Like the carnival in Sesimbra, the one in Torres Vedras takes place mostly near the shore.

Ovar

In 2024, the carnival party in Ovar will last for almost a month – from the 20th of January until the 13th of February. This year also marks 72 years of carnival activity in this town, as well as more than 20 unique floats. The word goes that, in 1952, when the carnival was first held, only eight floats could be seen on the streets – imagine its grandiosity this year!

Ovar’s carnival is known for the street it takes place on or, better said, for the atmosphere that makes its way on it shortly after the carnival starts. Multiple concerts and a samba school parade will adorn this year’s festival.

Funchal

What better way to celebrate the incredible carnival than on the island of Madeira? For those eccentric enough to trek this island during the carnival, one of their main stops should be the city of Funchal.

On the island, the carnival lasts for two full weeks – it begins on the 7th of February and brings joy until the 18th of February. It culminates with the Cortejo Trapalhão parade, full of color, comedy, and laughter, as well as a healthy amount of satire – everything best noticed in the outfits worn by the entertainers.

Loulé

The Loulé carnival will take place between the 9th and 13th of February on Avenida José da Costa Mealha. Loulé is found in the Algarve region, not far from central Lisbon – meaning you can take a short detour during your adventures to the region’s famous carnival and have some fun!

Much is already known about the upcoming festival – 3 samba schools will show their moves, a total of 9 animation groups will entertain you, as well as 14 incredible floats that you must have your camera ready for!

Furthermore, the cabeçudos and gigantones caricaturing Portuguese and international politicians and celebrities will put up quite an impressive and funny show. Over 600 entertainers are expected to spread joy on the streets of Loule, just imagine the atmosphere!

Famalicão

The northern region of Porto is home to the carnival of Famalicão, often chosen by locals and adventurers due to its rather calm nature. Although it does have scheduled parades, this carnival isn’t as large as the others but just as impressive nonetheless. It peaks on the night between the 12th and the 13th, when people go out in the street and have the party of their lives!

In 2024, the carnival of Famalicão will take place between the 9th and 13th of February. It’s a short drive from Porto, so if you want to experience a unique, more relaxed carnival, this is the ideal destination for you.

Mealhada

Between Lisbon and Porto sits the Mealhada municipality, another location known for its carnival but especially for bread, wine, water, and piglets (often called the four wonders of this region). Here, the carnival has a more relaxed atmosphere and focuses on showing appreciation for local products.

Of course, there’s no carnival without a parade. Rest assured that wherever you go, you’ll find a samba school displaying its skill in the middle of the street!

Porto

In 2024, there are two main carnival festivities in Porto – on the 3rd of February and on the 11th of February. The first one is Bloco Tá Fixe, an event held in Brazilian style. Make sure you’re at 302 Antonio Carneiro Street at 9 p.m. if you want to be a part of this festivity.

The second carnival is Bloco Carnavrau Porto, which is the more official one, and it is also closer to the agreed carnival dates. At 5 p.m. on the 11th of February, the carnival will kick off at Restaurante Brasileirão.

Macedo de Cavaleiros

The town of Macedo de Cavaleiros offers you the traditional carnival experience, full of ancient festivities and customs. Taking place in Terras de Trás-os-Montes, this particular carnival is recognized by UNESCO as representative of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

In short, if you want to take a deep dive into Portugal’s carnival history, this is where you want to be. The festivities include parades of Careto costumes, pretend marriages, masquerade nights, and parades of matrafonas.

This year, the Macedo de Cavaleiros carnival begins on the 10th of February and lasts until the 13th of February.

Sesimbra

In Sesimbra, people can delight in the colorful views provided by the main parades of the carnival on the 11th and 13th of February. Music and dance rule the carnival in Sesimbra. The one-kilometer-long parade showcases samba schools, a variety of costumes, masquerade balls, Cegadas (singers), and Cavalhadas (recreations of medieval tournaments).

Sesimbra is a must-visit during carnival because of its Clown Parade, reported as one of the world’s largest parades involving clowns. Over four thousand attendees and twice as many balloons can be seen during this parade!

This year, the municipality went the extra mile and organized nighttime activities on the shore with several concerts and a DJ who will make sure you have fun until the sun rises!

Lisbon

If you want to see the Lisbon carnival, you have some serious trekking to do. In 2024, you’ll be able to enjoy carnival festivities in the following contexts – Parade of Chapitô, Bloco de Carnaval Baque Virado, Baile do Viva o Samba Lisboa, Colombina Clandestina Block, Carnival Bue Tolo, Carnival of the LU.CA (Teatro Luís de Camões).

Most of these events take place around the same dates as the carnivals in other cities, so there’s quite enough time to see a bit of each. In short, if you visit Lisbon in February, you won’t even have to use travel guides to outline your itinerary. The whole city’s celebrating, and you’ll have fun like never before! Simply breathe in the local atmosphere and let the streets guide you!

1. Have a deep conversation at the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara after dinner in Príncipe Real

Location: R. de São Pedro de Alcântara, 1200-470, Lisboa, Portugal

In my opinion, Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara is the most beautiful miradouro, or viewpoint, in the city. Not only is it one of the largest observation points in the city with ample benches on multiple levels and impressive views of Castelo de São Jorge and Avenida da Liberdade, but it is also located in Príncipe Real which has a host of delicious restaurants including pizza at M’arrecreo, tacos at Coyo Taco, or a range of Mediterranean-Asian fusion dishes at Lost In Restaurante & Bar.

Valentine’s Day will be quite a memorable evening if you pay a visit to this viewpoint.

2. An afternoon walk along the Tagus River starting at Docas in Santo Amaro and finishing at the Belém Tower – 1 hour

Location: Doca de Santo Amaro, Avenida Brasília, 1350-353, Lisboa, Portugal

Tell your date to bring a nice pair of walking shoes and start at the line of restaurants at Docas in Santo Amaro at the edge of the Tagus River. You can go for Mexican at Restaurante Lat.a or sushi at Izanagi. You also have Portuguese options at Restaurante Doca de Santo or the higher-end 5 Oceanos.

Once you’ve enjoyed a lunch at Docas (maybe even paired with an afternoon boat cruise), take the path at the end of Docas that passes under the Ponte 25 de Abril and continue walking along the Tagus River for one hour until you reach the iconic Belém Tower.

You will pass several restaurants and museums along the way with the highlight being the Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology (MAAT) designed by Amanda Levete Architects. Have a drink at the cafe at the entrance to MAAT as another option instead of stopping at Docas. This cafe is open until midnight from Sunday to Wednesday and 1:00 AM from Thursday to Saturday.

Enjoy a cocktail served from a pineapple or a glass of wine from one of the food carts when you reach the Belém Tower. There is often classical music being performed by buskers in front of the tower, adding an extra romantic touch to your Valentine’s Day.

3. Valentine’s Day Dinner Cruise along the Tagus River

Location: Rua da Cintura do Porto de Lisboa, 1350-355, Lisboa, Portugal

There are a huge number of sunset cruises that leave the Docas area in Alcântara on a daily basis, but we found this special Valentine’s Day dinner cruise departing at 8:00 pm on Valentine’s Day that includes cocktails and a full dinner. For four hours, you will traverse up and down the Tagus River, passing by the main highlights of the waterfront including Belém Tower, MAAT, and Praça do Comércio.

Tables for two on the aisle start at 88€ and tables next to the window will be 98€. Every table seats four people so you can book with another couple or meet new friends on Valentine’s Day. This cruise includes a live DJ and the option to add some romantic extras such as a flower bouquet or bottle of Moet & Chandon to surprise your partner.

For those looking for a more private experience, you can also hire a sailboat for two and cuddle up under a blanket while watching Lisbon go by on your own personal tour.

4. Dinner at the Mercado de Campo de Ourique + Drinks at Procópio

Location: R. Coelho da Rocha 104, 1350-075, Lisboa, Portugal

Mercado de Campo de Ourique is the much quieter and more elegant version of Time Out Market Lisboa in Cais do Sodré. Because it is more off the beaten path, there are fewer tourists to deal with on your romantic Valentine’s Day evening. Choose from a number of high-quality stalls in the market and sit down with your partner to enjoy a meal together surrounded by locals in a relaxed but sophisticated atmosphere.

After your meal, go for a walk in the beautiful (and mostly flat) neighborhood of Campo de Ourique and head over to Procópio Bar, which is about 20 minutes away. Walking into this bar feels like you’re stepping back in time to the 1920s. Enjoy the plush seating and vintage table lamps as you choose from a large selection of cocktails. I recommend the “Procópio.” Spend the remainder of the evening enjoying each other’s company in the low light of this cozy bar. 

5. Dinner and Fado at A Severa

Location: R. das Gáveas 51, 1200-206, Lisboa, Portugal

Hours: 8:00 pm – Midnight

If you truly want to give your Valentine’s Day that special Portuguese touch, I highly recommend making a reservation for dinner at A Severa, the oldest fado house in Lisbon. Run by the same family since 1955, A Severa plays an active part in Fado’s history.

The soft lighting and soul-stirring sound of fado combined with the excellent service and delicious traditional Portuguese food make for a truly unforgettable romantic evening. During the course of your evening at A Severa, you will likely hear 3 to 4 different fado performers, and each time the fado begins, the lights go out and everything goes quiet. Your Valentine’s Day date will hopefully be impressed by an evening spent enjoying such a unique part of Portuguese culture.

6. A Walk Along the Other Side of the River Tagus with Dinner at Ponto Final

Location: R. do Ginjal 72, 2800-285 Almada, Portugal

Ponto Final, a restaurant at the edge of the Tagus River with gorgeous sunset views of the Ponte 25 de Abril, will be quite the Valentine’s Day adventure to reach, but the effort will be well worth it. Let me first start by saying that you should try to book Valentine’s Day at Ponto Final for sunset as soon in advance as possible. This place is extremely popular due to its romantic setting.

Fortunately, there is another restaurant next door called Atira-te ao Rio with online booking if you can’t get through to Ponto Final. While the views are not quite as good, they are almost the same and you can always walk for a couple of minutes, catch the view, and sit back down.

The easiest way to reach Ponto Final is to take the 10-minute ferry from Cais do Sodré. Ferries leave every 20 minutes. You can also get dropped off somewhere on the Almada side by car and walk over from there. This will probably take you a minimum of 20 minutes on foot from the drop-off point.

The absolutely unforgettable way to do it? Hire a small fishing boat from the Cais do Sodré side and get the boatman to drop you off on the small beach right next to Ponto Final. Where are you going to find the fishing boat and the fisherman to take you there? That’s all part of the Valentine’s Day fun!

7. A Day in Sintra

Sintra really needs no introduction in regards to why it should be on your Valentine’s Day itinerary. It is one of the most enchanting places you will ever see. It literally looks like a fairy tale come to life. To see the most popular fairy tale castle, also known as Pena Palace, I would try to come in the early afternoon for a drink on the terrace. Don’t bother with trying to go inside. The sheer size of the crowds will remove any romantic feelings you had before joining the line to get in.

My suggestion would be to visit Monserrate Palace and its sprawling gardens or the enigmatic and much quieter Biester Palace for a drink at its charming tea house before going back to Lisbon for a delicious dinner and a moonlight stroll along the Tagus.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to celebrating Valentine’s Day in Lisbon, you are spoiled for choice. Although the weather can still be quite cold and you will need to bundle up for the outdoor activities, the city’s beauty will do most of the work for you in terms of creating a romantic ambiance. Whether you decide to stay in the city center and enjoy some of the many elegant restaurants and bars or venture further to Almada or Sintra for some incredible views, romance will certainly be in the air in the incredible city of Lisbon on Valentine’s Day.

Have you booked your tickets to Portugal for Valentine’s Day this year? That’s great, you’ve made an excellent choice! We’re sure you’ll return home from your mini-holiday with some truly unforgettable memories!

If you haven’t chosen a gift for your significant other, we’re coming to your rescue! There’s no need to buy something before leaving for Portugal. You can find the perfect gift on the spot. Even more so, it will have a Portuguese touch and remind you both of your romantic getaway in Portugal.

So why don’t we get down to business?! Keep reading to find 8 Portuguese-inspired Valentine’s Day gift ideas that you’ll absolutely love! We’re sure your significant other will appreciate them just as much as they’re proof of how much effort you’ve put into finding them!

1. Paint Your Own Azulejos

If you’re spending Valentine’s Day in Portugal, you simply have to paint your own azulejo tile! Anyone who has at least once visited Portugal knows it’s a country of tiled buildings, each with its unique design that somehow still contributes to the country’s architectural uniformity.

Well, imagine spending an afternoon with your significant other painting your own tile! You can paint something symbolic for your relationship that will stand as a tangible memory of your Valentine’s Day in Portugal.

You can look for local tile manufacturers, as they sometimes offer tourist programs and allow you to paint your tile for a small fee. For example, you can go to Azulejos de Azeitão. It’s located very close to Lisbon, only about half an hour away. You’ll be able to see and learn first-hand about the process of creating azulejo tiles and then have an amazing time mastering your own handicraft technique!

However, you must consider the fact that you probably won’t be able to take the tiles with you right away, as they have to be burnt at high temperatures before being ready. The staff will likely ask for an address to ship them when they’re done. Once your handmade tiles arrive, you can use them as home decor – always there to remind you of your quality time together!

2. Filigree Jewelry

Have you ever heard of filigree jewelry? It’s a form of metalwork of gold and silver created using threads, which are arranged in artistic motifs.

It is believed that the filigree “method” dates from as early as 3,000 BC, originating from Mesopotamia. In the Iberian Peninsula, archaeological finds point to 2,000-2,500 BC as the earliest period of filigree production.

In Portugal, the method started being used extensively in the 8th century, and, compared to Spain, where the tradition started becoming increasingly less relevant, Portuguese people perfected it. The filigree jewelry-making tradition still stands as one of the country’s most valued treasures and arts, having acquired, over the years, unique motifs and shapes.

As such, offering your significant other filigree jewelry is possibly the most thoughtful and inspired Valentine’s Day gift that bears a Portuguese touch.

If you’re in Lisbon, you can check out Joalharia do Carmo located on R. do Carmo 87B. The shop’s handmade jewelry pieces stand as a bridge between the art of jewelry-making and the country’s most iconic cultural and historical aspects.

You can also find a Joalharia do Carmo shop in Obidos and Ponta Delgada.

3. Heart of Viana Necklace or Earrings

The heart of Viana is a highly valued symbol in Portugal. It was first created in the 18th century at the request of Dona Maria I, the Queen of Portugal between 1777 and 1816, after she had given birth to her son. The heart of Viana was crafted in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

At first, this crowned golden heart had religious connotations only. It also pointed to the connection between the mother and the child. The heart symbolizes female fertility, while the rounded shape surrounded by the so-called crown is the link between the child in the womb and the mother.

Over the years, however, it gained more and more popularity, having become a symbol of love, faith, and friendship. Offering your significant other a heart of Viana necklace or piece of earrings stands as evidence of your commitment to the relationship and appreciation for the traditional Portuguese culture.

4. Lenço dos namorados

The Lenço dos namorados tradition, which translates as Valentine’s (or lover’s) handkerchief, originates from Vila Verde, Portugal. It is believed that the first handkerchiefs of this kind date from the 19th century. They were handcrafted by women and given to their lovers who would keep them as symbols of commitment when they were apart.

Sometimes, these handkerchiefs were offered as a kind of courtship ritual. A woman put her soul into crafting it and subsequently offered it to the man she intended to start a relationship with. If the man agreed to the relationship, he wore the handkerchief in public. If he did not want to be in a relationship, he returned the handkerchief.

These handkerchiefs weren’t simply proof of women’s embroidery talents. They embroidered various symbols, quotes, verses, dates, or names. Some of the most common symbols were keys, hearts, doves, crosses, and even agricultural motifs like baskets or parting symbols like ships or doves with letters.

Today, some people return to the art of lenço dos namorados, relying on them as proof of their love and appreciation, offering such handkerchiefs as Valentine’s Day gifts. You can either create one yourself if you’re passionate about handicrafts or buy one, as there are plenty on the market with various motifs and verses. It will definitely make for a unique gift that will surprise your partner!

5. A Swallow as a Symbol of Love

Once you explore a few souvenir shops in Portugal, you’ll find yourself wondering what’s with the swallows… Well, this story takes us back to 1891, when Rafael Bordallo Pinheiro, one of Portugal’s most well-known and widely recognized artists, created some ceramic swallows. Did he know back then that these swallows would survive for more than a century as a pillar symbol of Portuguese culture?

Considering that the swallow, a migratory bird, always returns to the same place to nest and, besides this, mates for life, it’s unsurprising that people have come to associate the bird with family, home, love, and loyalty.

As such, it has become one of the most symbolic gifts lovers exchange. So, if you want to show your partner how much light and tranquility they bring into your life, pick a ceramic swallow! It will serve as proof of your commitment and appreciation.

6. A Cork-Made Gift

Yet again – if you’re looking for souvenirs in Portugal, you quickly start asking yourself why cork is so popular in Portugal. Cities are filled with cork-made products – bags, shoes, hats, coasters, wallets, and whatnot.

The thing is – Portugal is actually the world’s largest producer of cork. The other thing is – cork-made products are sustainable, as no trees are cut down or damaged in the process.

So, if you’re looking for a unique, Portuguese-inspired, eco-friendly gift, don’t hesitate to choose something made of cork. Luckily, there are plenty of choices on the market for any preferences!

7. Espresso Cups

Once you set foot in Portugal, you become increasingly aware that locals have mastered the espresso-drinking tradition. You can master it yourself in no time, even if you’ve never liked espressos! That’s how tasty Portuguese coffee is!

So why not look for a quality set of espresso cups (go for handmade ones if the budget allows it!) as a Valentine’s Day gift for your significant other? You’ll bring back the espresso-drinking habit to your home country (that is, if this hasn’t already been a tradition, depending on where you’re from) and spend a few minutes every morning together, immersing yourself in happy memories of your Valentine’s Day spent in Portugal!

8. A Literary Gift

Is your significant other a literature enthusiast? Luckily, Portugal has given rise to quite a few literary geniuses!

You can go for a new edition of one of the country’s most acknowledged authors like Jose Saramago or Fernando Pessoa. If you want to go the extra mile, however, find an older or even first edition of their most famous works.

Even if it’s in Portuguese and your partner won’t understand it – the book will make for an awe-striking gift for any bibliophile! The mere fact that they’ll hold it in their hands will be a breathtaking experience. But taking it back home, finding it a perfect spot on the bookshelf – a true delight!