Shopping in Spain: what you will 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. In addition, in large cities, there are usually more or less specific areas depending on your preferences: the luxury shopping neighbourhoods (like the Salamanca district in Madrid or Passeig de Gracia in Barcelona), places with modern, alternative design and fashions (Soho in Malaga or Malasaña, in Madrid) areas full of traditional shops (such as around Plaza Redonda in Valencia, or Gothic quarter) and craft 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 are looking for a more traditional souvenir, don't forget that each region has typical clothing: from the well-known flamenco fashion of Andalusia, with its frills and colourful designs, the predominating white of the Ibizan 'adlib' or the typical silk garments of Valencia, to the Basque txapela (beret), the typical sash of the San Fermín in Navarre or the parpusa (cap) of the Madrid '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. From region to region, there are endless possibilities for you to fill your suitcase with the flavour of Spanish cuisine, starting with Iberian ham from any of the four existing designations of origin (Dehesa de Extremadura, Guijuelo, Jamón de Huelva and Los Pedroches); or the delicious varieties of cheese from each region: Manchego (Castilla-La Mancha), Cabrales (Asturias), Torta del Casar (Extremadura) or Idiazábal (Basque Country and Navarre), among many others. 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 (Santiago cake in Galicia, candied fruit in Aragón, honey in Castilla-La Mancha, etc.) and even some gourmet tinned foods (asparagus from Navarre or anchovies from Cantabria, among others).