Shopping in Spain: what you’ll find

What are the best areas for shopping in Spain? In most of the cities and towns you visit, the best options are in the centre. Also, most large cities have more specific shopping areas, some of which are quite specialised: the luxury shopping neighbourhoods like the Salamanca district in Madrid or Passeig de Gracia in Barcelona; places with modern, alternative design and fashions, like Soho in Malaga and Malasaña in Madrid; areas full of traditional shops, such as around Plaza Redonda in Valencia, and Barcelona’s Gothic quarter; and artisan workshops, in neighbourhoods like Triana in Seville. Another option, especially if you’re looking for fashion and accessories, perfumes and cosmetics, or electronics, is a visit to the large shopping centres and department stores you’ll find in many cities.

You won’t regret buying fashion and accessories “made in Spain”. From exclusive lines by Spanish designers of international prestige to the pret-à-porter Spain exports to half the planet and which you’ll look just as chic in at home. And if you fancy yourself as a coolhunter, have a wander in the hip districts of the big cities (Malasaña in Madrid, Raval or Gràcia in Barcelona, Russafa in Valencia, Soho in Malaga…), where local designers have their own small boutiques and you can find unique, original items. If you’re looking for a more traditional souvenir, don’t forget that each region has its traditional local costume, from the world-famous flamenco dresses of Andalusia, with their ruffles and bright colours, to the white cottons of the ‘Ad Lib’ style in Ibiza, the silk damasks of Valencia, the Basque txapela (beret), the traditional San Fermín waist sash of Navarre, or the parpusa (flat cap) of Madrid’s chulapos.

If you’re looking for gourmet souvenirs you’re in luck. Spanish cuisine is a prime exponent of the Mediterranean diet, and these foods and wines are an excellent choice to buy for yourself or as gifts. Every region has something unique to tempt you, so take a little Spanish flavour home with you, starting with Iberian ham in any of the four Designations of Origin (Dehesa de Extremadura, Guijuelo, Jamón de Huelva and Los Pedroches), or delicious local cheeses: manchego (Castilla-La Mancha), cabrales (Asturias), torta del Casar (Extremadura), Idiazábal (Basque Country and Navarre), and many more. Another essential purchase is a local wine (the most famous wines might be Rioja or Ribera del Duero, but almost every Spanish region has a Designation of Origin which you’ll enjoy exploring) or olive oil, the liquid gold of the Mediterranean. And the list goes on, with traditional spirits and liqueurs (such as orujo from Galicia or patxaran from the Basque Country), sweets (tarta de Santiago cake in Galicia, candied fruit in Aragon, honey in Castilla-La Mancha…) and even some gourmet tinned foods (asparagus from Navarre or anchovies from Cantabria, for example).