Looking for the perfect souvenirs to bring back from Spain? Look no further! Spain is a lively country full of vibrant colors, delicious food, deep-rooted traditions, and rich history. Whether you’re walking through the busy streets of Barcelona or exploring Andalusia, you’ll find endless souvenirs to remember your trip.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most iconic and popular souvenirs in Spain to help you make the best choices.
Best Traditional Souvenirs to Buy in Spain
Traditional Spanish Ceramics
If you go shopping in Spain, you are sure to see many colorful hand-painted ceramic items. Decorative ceramics are a centuries-old handicraft tradition in Spain. Nowadays a small community of artisans across the region upholds this ancient tradition by crafting pots using the techniques and styles of their ancestors. Some regions are famous for their beautiful handpainted wares.
Ceramic goods trade in Purullena, Granada province. ANAGSPC, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
If you want to buy this souvenir, Toledo and Valencia are two such regions, the latter being famed for their floral motifs. The most popular ceramic items souvenir to buy in Spain are numerical tiles that can be used as house numbers, and decorative bowls.
Handcrafted Souvenirs
Handcrafted souvenirs from Spain capture the country’s rich culture and traditions. They make perfect keepsakes for travelers looking to take home a piece of Spanish heritage.
Sevilla is the birthplace of flamenco. In its streets, you’ll find a wide range of flamenco-related items such as castanets, shawls, earrings, and Flamenco music CDs. Embrace the spirit of flamenco with these beautiful Spain souvenirs.
On the other hand, you can buy castanets. Flamenco dancers often use them as part of their accessories. It is held in the hand and when clacked together they produce a rhythmic sound characteristic of flamenco dance in Andalusia. You can find it for sale in markets and music shops across Spain, but more frequently in the south of the country, where Flamenco is still an integral part of the local culture.
The manila shawl is another traditional Spain souvenir. The shawl is made of silk and decorated in bright colors with birds, flowers, or fantasies and finished with bangs. It is one of the main resources of the grace of the “bailaora”. Seeing the shawl in movement is like seeing a work of art in itself.
Other handmade souvenirs from Spain include bullfighting items like small bull figures, matador capes, posters, and keychains. These items show Spain’s bullfighting tradition and are popular with tourists, especially in places like Andalusia and Madrid.
Other handmade souvenirs from Spain include bullfighting items. Photo by Justin Fincher is licensed under CC BY 2.0
You Might Also Like: 12 Best France Souvenirs Your Friends Will Love
Spanish Gourmet Souvenirs
Spanish gastronomy is full of delicacies such as tapas, tortillas, ham croquettes, paella, pata negra, and oxtail, among others.
One of its most famous souvenirs is turron, a traditional nougat candy typically associated with festive occasions such as Christmas or Easter. Turron comes in various forms, the two most common types being “Turrón de Jijona” and “Turrón de Alicante”. Turrón de Jijona is a soft and chewy variety, while Turrón de Alicante is a harder and more brittle version. The best places to buy turron are the “Sabor a España” stores, which you will find scattered throughout the main cities of Spain.
Spanish Turron Jonathan Pincas from Leon, Spain, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Olive oil is also famous in Spain. It is well known as liquid gold, and its nutritional properties open the doors to the culinary treasures of Spain. Don’t forget about saffron, a prized spice used in many Spanish dishes like paella. What better souvenirs to take back home from Spain than these flavors?
Famous Spanish gourmet souvenirs.
Spanish Wines and Spirits
Spain is known worldwide for its high-quality wines, a bottle of Spanish wine is among the best souvenirs to take home with you. There are little Spanish provinces that provide wine like La Rioja, Priorat, Ribera del Duero, Penedes, and Galicia. This souvenir is easy to find in Spain.
You can pick up a great selection of Spanish wines at local supermarkets or if you’re looking for something a little special, pay a visit to a specialized wine shop or bodega.
Fashion and Textiles
You won’t regret buying fashion and accessories “made in Spain”. Madrid is home to the most renowned Spanish firms such as Ailanto, Balenciaga, Manolo Blahnik, Zara, Lladró, Suárez, Rabat, Tous, and The Puig, among others, where you can buy a wide variety of clothes, bags, shoes, accessories, jewelry and home decorations of the highest quality.
Of course, in Madrid, you can also find the world’s top luxury brands: Chanel, Dior, Yves Saint-Laurent, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and many others have established shops in the Spanish capital. Most of these brands are located along Serrano, Ortega, and Gasset streets, and other adjoining streets in Barrio de Salamanca.
The Corte Inglés on Castellana also has a unique space in the form of luxury streets where the leading brands of luxury accessories can be found (Cartier, Bvlgari, Dior, Gucci, Hermés, Loewe, Louis Vuitton), as well as an exclusive space devoted to fine jewelry and watches.
Las Rozas Village is just 25 minutes from the center of Madrid, with more than 100 boutiques of leading national and international fashion and lifestyle brands. They include names like Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Jimmy Choo, Carolina Herrera, Breitling, Gucci, Chloé, Ferragamo, and Michael Kors.
In short, if you plan to travel to another region of Spain you can find a wide variety of stores with a quick search on the Internet. These are some of the most recognized brands and firms in which you can shop in Madrid and which you can easily reach using Google Maps.
Cultural Souvenirs From Spain
One of the most traditional souvenirs is the Spanish fan, known as abanico. This is one of the most useful Spain souvenirs to buy if you travel there during the summer. You’ll find these fans for sale in boutiques, bric-a-brac stores, and markets throughout Spain and they come in many designs and colors.
One of the most traditional souvenirs is the Spanish fan, known as abanico.
“Alpargatas”, also known as espadrille, is a traditional souvenir in Spain. It is a type of footwear, with different designs and colors, spun with natural fibers such as cotton, animal skins, or canvas. They are a must-have item in your closet this summer.
Esparto grass crafts are traditional Spanish items made from strong, woven fibers. Popular products include baskets, rugs, and sandals. These eco-friendly crafts are mainly found in regions like Andalusia and Murcia.
Another item in Spanish culture is the traditional bota bag, a leather container to hold any liquid, traditionally wine. Despite originating from the country folk who used them to refresh themselves during a hard day’s work in the fields, today they are synonymous with get-togethers, fiestas, and parties, for sharing among friends and family. In general, this is an original, useful, and very typical Spanish gift, perfect for sharing wine with your loved ones while you tell them about your adventures in Spain.
Shopping Tips and Best Locations
- Plan for Siesta and Holidays: Most shops close for a midday break (siesta) from around 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM and may close earlier on Sundays and public holidays. Check opening hours in advance.
- Tax Refunds: Spain’s standard VAT rate is 21%. Ask for a tax refund form (“tax-free form”) when making purchases.
- Try Before You Buy: Feel free to try on clothes, shoes, and accessories before purchasing.
- Payment Methods: Major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, but carry some cash for smaller purchases or local markets.
- Explore Local Markets: Visit local markets, specialty stores, and boutiques for unique and authentic items.
- Understand Sizing: Familiarize yourself with the local sizing system and ask the store staff for assistance if needed.
- Friendly Customer Service: Spanish customer service is generally friendly and many staff members speak English, especially in tourist areas.
- Keep Receipts: Hold on to your receipts for any exchanges, returns, or warranty claims during your trip.
Best Locations to Buy Authentic Spain Souvenirs
Here are some suggestions on what to buy in each of these cities:
What to buy in Barcelona?
-
Traditional Catalan items: castells (human towers) figurines, caganer (a unique Christmas figurine), and espadrilles.
-
Gaudí-inspired souvenirs: ceramic tiles, mosaic lizard replicas.
-
Catalan food and drinks: local olive oil, turrón (nougat), jamón ibérico, and cava (sparkling wine).
What to buy in Cartagena?
- Nautical-themed gifts: model ships, sailor fashion, maritime home decor.
- Roman-inspired items: miniature Roman sculptures, Roman-themed jewelry.
What to buy in Cordoba?
- High-quality leather goods: handbags, wallets, belts.
- Handwoven textiles: blankets, rugs, shawls.
What to buy in Málaga?
- Sweet fortified wines: Moscatel, Pedro Ximénez (from local wineries).
- Andalusian pottery: hand-painted plates, bowls, tiles.
What to buy in Marbella?
- Luxury fashion: high-end boutiques in the Golden Mile area.
- Exclusive jewelry and watches: Traditional Spanish jewelry, such as Majorica pearls, and luxury timepieces.
Stay Connected in Spain with a Yoho Mobile
Make your shopping experience in Spain even more convenient with Yoho Mobile. Browse bodega and store websites, check offers, and buy products from the comfort of your room. Use Google Maps to navigate Spain without worrying about data. At Yoho Mobile, we offer the best deals and prices. So, avoid roaming charges and stay connected effortlessly across Spain and beyond.
- Use the code YOHO12 at checkout for a 12% discount!
.jpg){kind=link}
FAQs
What luxury items to buy in Spain?
Spain offers a wide range of luxury items worth considering. High-quality Spanish leather goods like handbags, wallets, shoes, and belts are renowned and easily found in cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Designer fashion is also a highlight, with many famous Spanish designers showcasing the latest trends. Spain is celebrated for its fine wines and cava, making a bottle of Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Priorat wine, or high-quality cava a great purchase. Likewise, gourmet food products such as Jamón Ibérico, Manchego cheese, saffron, olive oil, and traditional sweets like turron are also great choices.
What souvenirs to buy in Spain cheap?
In Spain, clothing is generally 8% cheaper than the EU average. You can also find affordable wine for 2-3 euros at local shops or supermarkets, often with good quality. Likewise, beer is inexpensive at most bars, and the tapas culture often includes free tapas with your drink.
Can you bring food from Spain to the USA?
Bringing food from Spain to the USA is restricted. Prohibited items include fresh, dried, and canned meats like Serrano ham and chorizo. Allowed items include chocolate, nougat, canned fish, and hard or semi-hard cheeses. All food may be subject to inspection upon arrival in the United States, so check the Customs Service website for specifics before purchasing souvenirs in Spain. If you are in doubt about a particular product, please consult the Customs Service website.