Gourmet and one-of-a-kind shopping ideas in each region of Spain
Reserving space in your luggage for vacation purchases is a challenge. Each region of Spain offers a wealth of variety in terms of gastronomy and craftwork that there are so many options to choose from. Good options are gourmet products in packaging that are in themselves original souvenirs or very unique small items. In need of shopping and gift ideas to take the essence of Spain home with you without causing a transportation headache? We propose a tour to discover some characteristic products of each area.
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Andalusia: Extra virgin olive oil cosmetics
As well as typical Andalusian products, there is another thing that makes this great region in the south stand out: The excellent extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) from provinces such as Jaén, Córdoba, Granada or Malaga. Attractive sets come in painted glass containers or bottled in the shape of emeralds, combining different varieties (picual, hojiblanca, arbequina, etc.). Other more sophisticated products include extra virgin olive oil pearls or caviar and cosmetics. Discover great organically produced serums and creams, soaps or gels using olive oil, perfect for taking care of yourself or as a gift idea.
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Aragón: Teruel black truffle
The famous candied fruits from Aragon covered in chocolate are a classic and their handmade wooden packaging recreates the baskets that were used in the past to collect the fruit. Now, as a surprise for even most discerning palates, black truffle from the Teruel: Fresh, canned or incorporated into other products such as duck pâté or cream cheese.
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Asturias: Ice cider
The Cider Route is one of the best options for learning everything about the typical drink of Asturias. Try to get a bottle of a new, exclusive and trend-setting variety: Ice cider. There are very few cider mills that produce it, but its quality is exceptional. It is served very cold, in a small glass, and is an ideal accompaniment to desserts or Asturian cheeses with a strong flavor, such as the famous Cabrales.
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Cantabria: Cantabrian stelae
Typical products from the Cantabrian coast are grouped under the “Flavours of the North” quality seal, including canned anchovies or tuna in olive oil from towns such as Santoña and Laredo. Another icon of this region are the Cantabrian stelae, stone monuments from the Bronze Age that today form part of local decorative art. They are said to represent the cult of the sun and the moon, and you can find them on carved wooden kitchen utensils or jewelry items such as silver and gold pendants, earrings, and keychains, among others.
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Castilla-La Mancha: Saffron from La Mancha
Used in cooking to give aroma and flavor to a variety of dishes, desserts and teas, La Mancha saffron is among the best in the world and is the only one in Spain with a Protected Designation of Origin. Such is its importance to the region that each October, Consuegra (Toledo) plays host to the Saffron Rose Festival. Look for this delicacy in other foods such as jam and organic honey.
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Castile and Leon: premium cecina
Along with Iberian ham, another sausage considered an authentic gourmet delicacy stands out in Spain: beef cecina, a particularly important product in the province of León. Try one of their limited editions, differentiated by curing processes of up to 18 months, and take it vacuum-packed.
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Catalonia: Leather “panots” from Barcelona
The panot, a hydraulic cement tile, was one of the five designs chosen by Barcelona city council in 1906 as the pavement design for the streets of the Eixample district. Its floral motif inspires all types of objects and even reaches elegant leather goods such as wallets, bags or leather bracelets. You can also take home a delicious souvenir of your time in the Catalan capital in the form of excellent artisanal chocolates.
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Region of Valencia: Hand painted silk
After tasting a typical Valencian paella, you will probably want to take home with you a souvenir of the rice grown following the age-old tradition in Albufera Nature Reserve, sold in traditional cloth bags. If you also do the silk route, don't miss the spectacular hand-painted scarves that you can find in the store of the Silk Museum, and that recreate, for example, paintings by the universal local painter Joaquín Sorolla.
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Extremadura: la Vera paprika
La Vera paprika, made in the region of the same name, is one of the most internationally recognized Extremaduran products. To make it, red peppers are ground from varieties including jariza, ocales, jeromín, jaranda and bola. Its distinguished smoky flavor is due to the smoke-drying process of the peppers. Get a gourmet pack that includes its three variants (spicy, sweet and bittersweet) and you won't regret it.
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Galicia: Coffee liqueur
To take home a reminder of the best flavours of Galician seafood, why not buy one of the exquisite sets of canned goods (razor clams, mussels and oysters, among others) and miniature bottles of coffee liqueur, a typical white pomace liqueur served as a digestif. If you prefer something without an expiration date, consider one of the amulets from Sargadelos ceramics and its one-of-a-kind catalogue, bursting with wonderful gift ideas.
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Balearic Islands: Menorcan sandals
Do you want to get handmade unisex footwear that is comfortable, elegant and capable of resisting all fashions? Menorcan sandals, also known as abarcas, originated on the island of Menorca as work footwear for local residents. Today they are a symbol of local craftsmanship and the cultural identity of the region.
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Canary Islands: Volcanic lava jewelry
The unique volcanic landscape of the Canary Islands is very present in the creations of young local jewelers and artisans. There is an abundance jewelry and costume jewelry items using minerals from emblematic places including Teide National Park. Let yourself be dazzled by the green glow of olivine, a precious stone of great cultural richness and a symbol of elegance and exclusivity that reflects the connection between nature and Canarian jewelry art.
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La Rioja: Mohair scarves
As well as being a land of excellent wines, the Rioja town of Ezcaray has become famous for the artisanal way in which its mohair wool, a natural fabric from Angora goats, is worked. Scarves and wraps of extraordinary warmth and lightness and even bags that are exported to luxury stores in many parts of the world.
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Madrid: Artisanal strawberry tree liqueur
The strawberry tree, a shrub with a very unique red fruit, is one of the main elements of the coat of arms of the city of Madrid. From this local fruit, also widely used for preserves and syrups, a rich liquor is made, the best versions of which are those produced in completely artisanal macerations. There are bottled strawberry tress liqueurs that you can easily make space for in your suitcase.
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Navarre: Canned Lodosa peppers
To take the best of Navarre's vegetable garden anywhere in the word, why not purchase some increasingly sophisticated gourmet preserved vegetables. A good example is the popular Piquillo peppers from Lodosa, which can even be found stuffed with cod and shrimp. A healthy, nutritious and exquisite souvenir of your vacation in Spain.
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The Basque Country: “txistu”
One original idea to take one of the most characteristic sounds of Basque folklore home with you is to acquire a txistu, or a Basque flute, a small wind instrument, similar in shape to the flute, and originating in rural areas. Built in ebony, boxwood or walnut wood, its metal parts are usually made of nickel silver, brass or even silver. It is played using your left hand, why not give it a try?
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Region of Murcia: carved figure for your Nativity scene
If you appreciate the special craftsmanship associated with traditional Christmas nativity scenes in Spain, the Murcian town of Puente Tocinos is the perfect place to buy hand-carved figures. Today's Murcian craftspeople preserve a cultural tradition developed during the 18th century in Spain by local sculptor Francisco Salzillo, whose museum is open for visitors in the city of Murcia.
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