- Souvenirs that you can bring home to remember your trip to Spain

Posted June 6th 2025

All images are courtesy of the Spain Less Traveled team.

A vibrant display of blue and white pottery, highlighting various shapes and decorative styles.

For many, shopping in Spain is not on the top things to do in Spain. But Spain has fantastic shopping, and offers so many fun and unique goods you can bring home with you to always remember your trip to Spain. Therefore many travelers to Spain like to save time for shopping in between visiting all of the wonderful historical sites and soaking up Spanish culture.

But what to look for, where to go and what to buy are all important things to know. In this guide, the Spain Less Traveled team will help you find where to find the perfect souvenirs from Spain!

And don’t forget, we are here to help you plan your dream trip to Spain. Through our varying levels of professional Spain travel planning services, we can work with you personally to help you plan your Spain travel itinerary!

Where should I go shopping in Spain?

There are so many answers for this depending on what you are looking for and what kind of shopper you are. Here are a few key places and types of neighborhoods to be on the look out for if you want to do some shopping in Spain.

Local markets of Spain

A vibrant market scene, Valencia, with people mingling and savoring delicious food from different vendors. — Mercat Central in Valencia

We love a good, local market in Spain! You will find these types of markets in just about every Spanish city and town. These markets are great for picking up food products, especially local to the city or region you are visiting. Some markets also have other local products such as kitchenware, ceramics, and more.

Just a note of caution, there are local markets and there are tourist markets. While places such as Mercado San Miguel in Madrid and La Boqueria in Barcelona can be fun to visit, these are tourist markets with tourist prices. They do not carry the best variety of products. It is best to visit a local market, here are some of our favorite markets in Spain!

Major shopping streets

A bustling street, Madrid, filled with people walking and shopping, showcasing a lively urban atmosphere. — Calle Fuencarral in Madrid

In just about every city in Spain, there is a main shopping street or area. In some cases, these streets are pedestrianized. Calle Fuencarral in Madrid and Calle Larios in Málaga are good examples of these shopping streets. Usually around the main street, you can also find shops off the smaller side streets.

These streets tend to be full of stores of big Spanish, European, and international brands, but sometimes you can find more unique shops in these areas too.

There are also streets known for luxury shopping and brands such as Paseig de Gracia in Barcelona .

Neighborhoods and streets with unique shops

A gift shop, Madrid, filled with various items on display, showcasing a diverse collection of objects and decorations. — Unique gift shop in Madrid

Skip the tourist souvenir shops ubiquitous to every city all over the world and scope out boutique shops. These are usually found tucked away in small alleyways or in specific neighborhoods on specific streets.

For example in Barcelona, the El Born neighborhood has a great variety of small, boutique shops selling unique souvenirs. And in Madrid, check out the Malasaña and Barrio de las Letras neighborhoods. Both have great shopping!

El Corte Inglés

The exterior of El Corte Ingles, featuring bright signage and people entering and exiting the store. — Facade of El Corte Inglés in Málaga

Looking for THE one stop shop for just about everything Spanish? Look no further than El Corte Inglés. Often colloquially called “El Corte” by locals, this is Spain’s largest department store chain.

You will find an El Corte Inglés in just about every Spanish city. Larger cities in Spain often have several branches and one “flagship” El Corte, which is the biggest in the area.

What exactly can you buy at El Corte Inglés? Really almost everything. Clothes, shoes, cosmetics, home goods, accessories, electronics, and more, of course! Many branches of El Corte have supermarkets, usually in the basement. These supermarkets have a great variety of Spanish wines, olive oils, liquors, cheeses, and more! And some stores have a section called “Gourmet Experience” that carries upscale foodstuffs.

Can you even say you’ve been to Spain if you haven’t checked out a branch of El Corte Inglés?

Local artisan shops

People relax at outdoor tables in a small village, with vibrant blankets draped in a store. — Artesian shop in Pampaneira

All over Spain, if a town or region is famous for something, you can bet you will find local artisan shops carrying it!

Some examples of these are ceramics, local crafts, woven goods, and more. If you are in a region that makes it, you can buy it! Many of these local artisan shops can be found in smaller towns. And many of them keep very Spanish hours, for example are closed in the afternoon during siesta.

But these types of shops are really the best places to pick up regional crafts and specialties, especially if you will be traveling to some of Spain’s smaller towns.

What should I buy in Spain?

Now that you have a few ideas of where you can shop in Spain, here certain things to keep on the lookout for when you go shopping in Spain!

Abanicos - Spanish fans

A shelf displays five different styles of fans, highlighting their unique shapes and colors. — Abanicos on display

Looking for a classic Spanish keepsake that’s equal parts stylish and cultural? Find a perfect abanico, traditional Spanish hand fan, just for you. You’ll spot them everywhere, especially in Andalucía.

Abanicos have been part of Spanish life since the 16th century, originally brought over from Asia, abanicos once had their own “language”! In the 18th and 19th centuries, women used specific fan gestures to send secret messages—flirting, saying no, or even arranging a meeting—all without saying a word. Over time they’ve become a staple in every day life, flamenco, and ferias and other festivals of Spain.

Not only do they make for great souvenirs from Spain, but abanicos are practical during your trip to Spain. You will want to have one with you for those hot summer days!

You will find abanicos in souvenir shops all over Spain. If you buy one there, just make sure it’s made in Spain if this is important to you. For a more unique (and usually pricier) abanico, try looking for shops that stores that specialize in flamenco and ferias.

Ceramics - every region has a different style

A glass case features a delightful assortment of colorful, ceramic plates and bowls, highlighting their artistic styles. — Spanish ceramics for sale

If you’re a fan of beautiful, handmade souvenirs, Spanish ceramics are a must. You’ll see them all over the country. Spain has a rich ceramic tradition that dates back centuries, with different regions known for their own unique styles and techniques.

In Andalucía for example especially in places like Seville and Córdoba, you’ll find bold, Muslim-inspired geometric patterns in bright and vibrant colors. And Granada has its own special style with greens and blues and images depicting birds and the pomegranate flower (literally Granada in Spanish). And in the province of Jaén the ceramics are glazed in a shinny green.

Outside of Andalucía, in Talavera de la Reina (near Toledo in Castilla-La Mancha), the ceramics often feature softer colors and floral or pastoral scenes—styles that later influenced the famous Talavera pottery of Mexico. And the town of Manises near Valencia feels like an open air ceramics museum.

Many shops will ship, but pieces like tiles or small dishes can be carefully wrapped and packed. Whether you’re decorating your home or just want a handmade memento, Spanish ceramics are a great way to bring a little bit of Spain back with you.

Prints, paintings, photographs, and postcards for your walls

A collection of framed artworks arranged on a wall, showcasing diverse artistic styles and vibrant colors. — Prints from Barcelona and Madrid

If you want to hang some of your memories from Spain on your wall, keep on the lookout for prints, paintings, and photographs.

Whether you’re inspired by Spain’s architecture, cityscapes, or Spain’s natural landscapes and coastlines, you can find artwork depicting it to bring home. Often easy to pack, prints and paintings are the perfect way to show off Spain all over your home (or office).

And if you are a light packer or are out of luggage space, you can often find prints in postcard size.

Museum shops, small galleries, and boutique gift shops usually have a nice selection.

Jewelry to commemorate your trip

A collection of gold and silver jewelry displayed with price tags, showcasing various styles and designs. — Damascene jewelry for sale

You do not need to spend a fortune to bring back memories of Spain in the form of jewelry. Sure there are Spanish designer brands such as Uno de Uno and Tous, but even those aren’t prohibitively expensive. And honestly, we think the best jewelry is found locally, featuring unique pieces and not made from precious gems or gold and silver.

In local shops in cities and towns all across Spain, you will find unique pieces. Often made by artists and usually at fair price points.

Then there are regional styles such as Damascene jewelry, from Toledo, which usually feature intricate steel inlaid patterns with 18 to 24 karat gold or sterling silver.

A piece of jewelry from Spain does not have to be expensive and it will be a great and easy wearable reminder of your trip!

Spanish shoes and boots, quality and style

A variety of shoes displayed in a store window, showcasing different styles and colors for passersby to admire. — Spain is world famous for its shoes

Spain is world famous for manufacturing amazing shoes. The price points are usually fair, and Spanish shoes and boots are well made and stylish. You may already know about Camper, one of Spain’s most known shoe brands.

The major shoe producing regions are Mallorca and Alicante, but all over the cities and towns in Spain, you will see shoe stores. In fact, after a few days in Spain, you may start to think that there are more shoe stores per capita here than anywhere else.

Of course, there are the famous espradilles, usually called alpargatas in Spanish. These casual, rope-soled shoes can either be flat or have a heel.

If you are looking for something else, don’t worry, there is lots of variety. From Spanish made sandals to boots to heels to trainers to more. If you are a shoe lover, same room in your luggage to go shoe shopping in Spain!

Spanish skincare

A shelf filled with diverse products on display, including cosmetics, all attractively arranged. — ISDIN skincare

Countries like France and South Korea get all of the glory when talking about skincare products, but Spain has quite a few star lines too.

ISDIN, a Spanish company, has some of the best sunscreens out there. Perfect for that simmering Spanish sun. They also carry a variety of moisturizers, serums, and more. Natura Bissé, an innovative luxury brand, is used by Beyoncé. What a stamp of approval! And Ami Iyök is an eco conscious brand that even has a line for pets! And if you are looking for a 100% vegan line, be on the lookout for Lola Barcelona products.

Skincare products can be purchased at most pharmacies (larger pharmacies will have a larger selection), El Corte Inglés, and shops such as Primor, Druni, and Douglas. In many cases, displays may have an open bottle or jar to try first, but in doubt or if you don’t know what to buy, ask the sales clerk.

Olive oil - Spain’s liquid gold

A row of various olive oil bottles neatly arranged on display, showcasing different brands and sizes. — Spanish olive oil

Spain has the best olive oil in the world (Sorry, Italy, but it is true). With the most varieties and the highest number of exports, Spain truly does take the global prize for this versatile, tasty, and healthy liquid gold. And it makes a great souvenir to take back home for a taste of Spain after your trip.

The best olive oil in Spain comes from Jaén province with all eight of the provinces of Andalucía having star quality product too. And even if you can not do a specialized olive oil tasting (highly recommended though) or go to an olive oil mill, you can pick up bottles all over the country to take home. It is a good idea at least to know which variety you prefer. Picual, for example, has a somewhat spicy taste while Arbequina is much milder. Those are just two of the many varieties, though.

Outside of Andalucía, the region of Cataluña is Spain’s second most important olive oil producing area, concentrated around the province of Lleida.

You can find quality olive oil varieties at supermarkets (but the supermarket at El Corte Inglés usually has the nicest) and even local gas stations in olive oil producing regions. In fact, these are often local brands that don’t always sell and distribute their products outside the region they are from. The Gourmet Experience at El Corte Inglés has fancy and boutique varieties.

Spanish wine that you can’t find at home

A row of assorted wine bottles displayed on a wooden shelf, showcasing various labels and colors. — Wine (and cider) from Basque Country

It is well known that Spain produces some of the best wine in the world. Chances are, you’ve already tasted Spanish wine at home and are able to procure some brands in stores local to you.

But once you arrive in Spain, you will be amazed by the diversity of Spanish wines. And most likely, you will encounter varieties that you had never heard of or can not purchase at home such as txakoli from Basque Country. There are different qualities based on the year of harvesting and aging: Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva, for example.

That is why when many travelers go shopping in Spain, they are buying wine to bring home. You can buy wine at so many places. Even supermarkets sell good varieties. True wine aficionados may want to visit a bodega and do some wine tasting or a wine tour in a place like La Rioja or some of the wine regions in Castilla y León. But even if your itinerary doesn’t include a stop in one of Spain’s wine regions, there are plenty of bottles of Spanish wine for sale that you can take home.

Just pay attention to customs and duty limits, especially if you’re traveling back to Australia, the US, Canada or New Zealand from Spain.

Local Spanish cheese

Several cheese portions encased in plastic wrap, emphasizing their delicious look and ready-to-eat convenience. — Cheese from the Sierra de Grazalema

Just like wine, you’ve probably already tasted Spanish cheese before your trip to Spain. But, like Spanish wines, Spanish cheese comes in a myriad of varieties. And chances are, you will find something new!

Spain has many cheese making regions and varieties! Just about every region in Spain produces a signature cheese, a true local treat.

You can buy cheese in any supermarket, but local markets or specialty cheese shops are really the best places to buy Spanish cheese. Many sellers will vaccum seal it for you, if needed.

In most cases, it is fine to bring cheese home as long as it meets specific regulations (for example, usually pasteurized cheese is allowed). Again, and as always, check local regulations.

Spanish seasoning

Various spices and condiments displayed attractively on store shelves, showcasing vibrant colors and packaging. — Saffron and other seasoning for sale

If you enjoy cooking, you may want to consider bringing some Spanish spices home to try your hand at that paella you ate in Valencia, tortilla, or any other of Spain’s best dishes.

The Spanish staple is pimentón (smoked paprika), which comes in sweet, hot, or bittersweet varieties. And Spanish saffron is a popular seasoning to bring home as it is quite inexpensive compared to other parts of the world. You can even bring home a small box of pre-mixed paella seasoning! Supermarkets and local markets are the best places to purchase these.

A few packets of seasoning won’t take up much space in your suitcase, but they go a long way toward bringing authentic Spanish flavors to your own kitchen.

Tinned fish and seafood

Boxes of Don Bocarte are prominently displayed on a store shelf, showcasing colorful packaging and branding. — Top notch tuna

Many parts of Spain, especially Northern Spain, are known for tinned fish and seafood. Called conservas, they are a part of Spain’s culinary history. Before modern technology, preserving and packaging fish in this way allowed Spaniards, even those living inland, to enjoy seafood year round. These days, conservas are small, delicately prepared and often in beautiful packaging, making them fantastic delicacies to bring home.

Sardines, anchovies, bonito, mussels, razor clams, and just about every other treasure from the sea are preserved in things like olive oil, vinegar marinades, or other specialty sauces, with some tins approaching gourmet status. Cantabria and Galicia are known to produce the best conservas.

Even supermarkets stock an impressive variety, but specialized shops and markets are where you will find the top notch conservas. Some tins are inexpensive, others can cost as much as a restaurant meal. But, in both cases, the quality tends to be high. Since they have a long shelf life, they are perfect to take home as a treat from Spain.

Can I bring Spanish jamón back home… a disclaimer

A display featuring an assortment of meats and cheeses arranged attractively in a market stall. — Jamón and other Spanish delicacies

If you tried 5 Jotas, or just about any variety of jamón from Extremadura, we are sure you are wondering (and hoping) that you can bring it home with you.

This question really depends on where you are returning to.

If you are from the United States, sadly it is forbidden to bring any meat in, including jamón. There have been many heartbreaks at US customs over five star jamón being confiscated.

And our Australian friends will need to be very careful as Australia has restrictive import laws. If you are traveling back to Australia, many of the food items listed above are probably out. The same goes for travelers returning from Spain to New Zealand.

Bottom line: always check current local regulations, especially if hoping to bring in any food item. This includes items on our list above as there are so many variables and laws can change.

Ready to start planning your trip to Spain?

Enticed by all these amazing things you can buy in Spain to take home? Want to spend some time shopping in Spain? Whether its the best markets in Spain or specific streets and areas full of great shopping, we can help you plan your perfect trip to do some shopping in Spain (and loads of other activities too!).

We offer several levels of Spain travel planning services. Spain Less Traveled can work with all different types of travelers and travel planners, from those who want our full support throughout the entire travel planning process to those who simply need to talk with a Spain destination specialist to assist with specific aspects of travel planning.

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The Spain Less Traveled guide to Shopping in Spain