5 must-try foods and drinks in Portugal

Sardines have always been a popular catch in Portugal and, although shoals have diminished over the years, this fish remains a prominent emblem and beloved local dish, especially in the Algarve. Sardines are typically grilled, sprinkled with salt and served on a slice of rustic bread with a chunk of lemon. The local way to eat sardines is with your fingers, like a cob of corn, so no cutlery is required and messy fingers are guaranteed!

Port is a sweet fortified wine that is often served as an after-dinner aperitif or alongside a board of delicious artisan cheeses. Port wine derives from the verdant vineyards of Portugal’s Douro Valley, but it is in Porto where the crushed grapes are fortified with an aguardente spirit, aged in barrels, and bottled. Visit a traditional port lodge in the city to learn about the history and production of white, ruby and tawny port varieties and savour the different flavours in a tasting session.