No matter what type of holiday you look for, you will find it in Spain! This country is diverse and always beautiful. Madrid is its capital and heart, the city of flamenco, bullfighting and siesta.
Barcelona is a city for lovers of architecture and creativity; Valencia was called "paradise on earth" by the ancient Moors. Add Malaga, Seville, Toledo, Alicante, Granada, Bilbao to them. In general, there is no counting the popular Spanish cities and provinces and the souvenirs that tourists bring back from this amazing country.
In this article, Kidpassage will advise what to bring from Spain and where to buy different goods, including souvenirs. With our hints and recommendations, your journey will be devoid of difficulties in choosing souvenirs. You will only have to enjoy buying and gifting them.
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Photo: pixabay.com
TOP-5 typical Spanish souvenirs
Spain is a unique country that combines the Western world's classics and the East's sensuality, strict religion and modern trends in culture and art. Tourists bring from Spain a huge number of exciting and creative gifts. We have chosen the souvenirs that most fully characterise the country's traditions.
1. Spanish guitar
The Spanish have a virtuoso mastery of this musical instrument in their blood. They have always treated it with special passion and called it "the queen". Today the guitar is the brightest souvenir with an authentic Spanish flavour. Such a gift, of course, will not suit everyone. But there is no better gift from Spain for real connoisseurs and people who are somehow connected with music or art. Judging by numerous reviews, the best guitars are sold in Madrid shops.
A flamenco guitar is a little different from a classical instument. It is generally lighter and more percussive, and built out of different types of wood than classical guitars. A flamenco guitar has less bracing inside and more slimline tops.
Photo: pixabay.com
2. Marquetry painting
Marquetry is the ancient art of making mosaics from pieces of wood of different species. It was most popular in Spain in Granada when the city was the capital of the Nasrid kingdom. Nowadays, this unique craft is experiencing a second birth.
Modern craftsmen make various pieces of furniture, wall panels and entire paintings from wood, decorating them with geometric inlays of ivory, metal and other natural materials.
3. Ceramic tiles souvenirs, Azulejo Tile
More than one millennium ago, the Spanish province of Andalusia developed a unique craft of ceramic tiles known as azulejos. The art of tiling walls with ceramic tiles was brought to the Iberian Peninsula by the Arabs. Although it became popular in Portugal, in Spain today, you can still buy azulejos tiles in traditional Moorish colours: white, black, green and yellow.
Photo: pixabay.com
4. Castanets
When you hear the phrase "This is the summer of castanets on the Azure coast", do you also want to leave everything and go to Spain? Well, castanets are the oldest musical instrument. They resemble two round wooden hemispheres in the form of clam shells fastened with a cord. Their beat is similar to the beating of a hot Spanish heart because castanets are used during the national dance performance — flamenco. Playing them is a real art, but if there are no musicians in your neighbourhood, you can buy ordinary souvenir castanets. You can buy the sets which have a plain, polished wood finish or others with more colorful designs.
Photo: pixabay.com
Some popular Spanish souvenirs
From every trip, tourists bring back a lot of emotions, a huge number of photos and suitcases full of gifts for family and friends. What souvenirs from Spain are most appreciated by tourists?
5. Gaudí-style mosaic products
The world-famous Spanish architect Antonio Gaudi invented a unique technique of decorating objects with pieces of ceramic tiles, which he found underfoot. Today, mosaics decorate almost half of the souvenirs from Barcelona. Lizards (one of the city's symbols), mosaic Catalan donkeys, bulls (the most popular animal in Spain) and other small items will undoubtedly decorate the interior of any room, especially children's rooms. Spain is the birthplace of bullfighting. Here they love bullfighting so much that they even consider this animal a symbol of the country.
Photo: shutterstock
6. T-Shirts
Ancient traditions are still relevant in Spain, but they harmoniously complement modern trends. Progress, as they say, is on the face, that is, on the body. Bringing back a T-shirt from Madrid that says "I love Madrid" is trite and boring. If you want an original t-shirt that everyone will like, then choose Kukuxumusu. Such T-shirts reflect the modern life of the Spanish capital in the best possible way. This Madrid brand's trick is to mock all modern idols and superheroes, turning them into humorous cartoon characters.
Photo: kukuxumusu.com
7. Espadrilles
Espadrilles are summer shoes featuring a canvas upper and a sole made from rope. Espadrilles originated in Spain, but today they are worn in many countries. In the second half of the 20th century, espadrilles attracted the attention of famous fashion designers, most notably Yves Saint Laurent. More and more expensive versions of these shoes began to appear, and today some pieces cost more than 700 euros.
Photo: pixabay.com
8. Spanish Cookbooks
Spain leaves no one indifferent, mainly due to the local cuisine. No wonder that when leaving the country, many tourists try to buy a book with recipes of Spanish national cuisine as a souvenir or bring it back to their relatives. Do you want to learn to cook authentic gazpacho, paella or tortilla? Then this souvenir is for you.
9. Paella pan
What is it impossible to make paella without (apart from the tried and tested recipe you already have)? Of course, without a special pan. It's called a paella pan. Its difference is that the depth should be no more than 5-6 cm, and the pan's diameter is impressive — up to 90 cm. It is precisely these parameters that contribute to the even evaporation of moisture and the preparation of perfect paella.
Photo: pixabay.com
The most original souvenirs
What to bring back from Spain as a gift to be original and creative? Here are our options:
10. Desigual clothes
Spaniards are very extravagant and stylish. They love bold decisions, bright colours and unusual shapes. The clothes of Desigual, a well-known brand in Spain, are just what you need. The brand itself was founded in 1984. Bold colours, embroidery, embellishments and unusual patchwork patterns distinguish its products. Desigual is clothing for modern young and creative people who values freedom.
Photo: whatshipswhere.com
11. Holy Grail
Didn't expect to see such a souvenir on our list? And for nothing, because, according to legend, it was to Spain, or rather first to Aragon and then to Valencia, that the Holy Grail (the green agate cup or platter used by Jesus at the Last Supper) was brought from Jerusalem. Today, souvenirs in the form of the Holy Grail can often be seen on the shelves of Valencian shops.
12. Caganer
It is the funniest Spanish, or rather Catalan, souvenir. The name "El Caganer" literally means "the pooper". In the old days, it symbolised fertility. Today Spaniards believe that such a figure brings good luck. Caganer is made as figurines of political figures, show business stars, athletes and other characters, thus hinting that all people are equal. Caganer is often brought from Spain as a gift for friends. But tourists also buy it for themselves, because it is the souvenir that will make you remember Spain with a smile for a long time.
Photo: Caganer.com
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Spain is a country of courageous bullfighters, true wine connoisseurs and ardent football fans. What gifts to bring from Spain to men to make them feel for a while like a true Spanish?
13. Barretina
The red woollen men's hat is the main symbol of Catalonia. Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí were great advocates for the barretina. It is unlikely that you will use it as an everyday accessory. Still, this hat will come in handy to create the image of Father Christmas or become a great attribute during the Christmas holidays.
Photo: www.oniricat.cat
14. Porron
This uncommon household item you can buy only in Spain because it was initially used by the inhabitants of three Spanish provinces: Catalonia, Valencia, and Aragon. Externally, it is a glass (in previous centuries - clay) flask of non-standard shape with a long spout on the side. You should drink wine from it without touching the glass wine pitcher with your lips, i.e. directing the stream straight into your mouth. If you are in Spain, buy a porron and organise a competition at home with your friends and family.
Photo: https://www.kegworks.com/
15. Traditional Spanish wineskins
Another Spanish wine vessels are the wineskins, also known as wine botas. It is a canteen designed to carry liquids, especially wine, in the great outdoors and across long distances. It's made from a single piece of leather. In such vessels, the people of Spain have kept wine since ancient times. Today, many souvenir shops sell them, beautifully decorated, often with maps of Spain or a particular city on them.
16. Swords from Toledo
Spain was the world centre for manufacturing edged weapons for four centuries (from the late 15th to the 19th century). The steel was named Toledo after the city where one of the most famous sword factories was located. In 2009, the city patented the exclusive right to stamp all swords made of local steel.
17. Customized bullfighting poster
You can buy such a personalised gift in several Spanish cities, but the souvenir is most popular with visitors to Seville. Find tents labelled Tu nombre aqui (they are located near bullfighting arenas).
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What can you buy in Spain as a gift for your mother, daughter, sister, best friend or yourself as a memento of your trip to this beautiful country?
18. Perfumes
Fragrances in Spain are everywhere: the aroma of the warm sea, sweet fruit sangria, flowers, desired liberation and, of course, love. All this "bouquet" can be taken away in just one bottle. In Spain, in addition to the popular fragrances sold in shops in many countries, you can buy chameleon perfumes. Such scents are so unique that they change beyond recognition in each person. The ancient Egyptians started to add pieces of real gold to perfumes. Nowadays, one perfumer produces such perfumes — the Spaniard Ramon Bejar.
Photo: www.facebook.com/ramonbejarperfumes
19. Spanish Hand Fans
It is almost the main national accessory of Spanish women. The local ladies love it. A fan fulfils several functions: a portable fan that is always with you, accessory that's both elegant and functional item and a tool with which you can express emotions. Yes, yes, the Spanish have developed a kind of "fan language". Tip: be sure to ask the salesperson about it!
Photo: pixabay.com
20. Spanish traditional cape
In previous centuries it was a traditional item in men's wardrobe, but today both women and men wear capes. Naturally, it has undergone some changes. If before it was a long, round-cut black cloak in which you could wrap yourself upside down, hide from the weather or even hide a weapon under it, then modern models look more elegant and stylish.
The colour has also changed: shops will offer different shades of capes instead of traditional black. Nowadays, a cape is worn, for example, to go to the opera or a social event.
21. Jewellery
The locals love bold solutions, bright colours and unusual shapes. If you want to bring back a unique souvenir from Spain, look out for the jewellery of Anton Heunis. He is a world-famous Madrid jeweller. Jewellery in the style of a gloomy city from Batman comics or items resembling the green magic ball of the sorceress Maleficent — you will not find such unusual jewellery anywhere else.
Photo: Anton Heunis Jewellery
22. Everything for the flamenco dance
Spain lives and breathes flamenco. The passionate dance was born in Spain, and every third person dances it here. In Madrid, there are several specialised shops selling everything you need for flamenco: dresses, skirts, scarves, shoes, jewellery, and fans. Just remember: the brighter the colour of the outfit, the more incendiary the dance should be. One such shop is Manuel Reina Danza Madrid, located at Calle de Castelló, 2.
Kid's Souvenirs
What to bring for a child from Spain? What to buy to make it both tasty and healthy?
23. Candied violets
At first glance, Spaniards seem too noisy and temperamental, but they are a nation with a delicate, romantic, loving soul. And their desserts are just like that.
It was in Spain that a most unusual treat was invented — candied violet flowers. They taste like ordinary sugar, but when the sugar layer is gone, the violet extract inside is revealed, which has a slight bitterness.
For example, you can buy such a souvenir in Madrid, in the La Violeta shop at 6 Canalejas Square. Candid violets can be purchased in bulk or in various gift packs, boxes and bags.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/carameloslavioleta
24. Glasswear
The products of Spanish glassblowers are known far beyond the country's borders. Many tourists opt for glassware when buying souvenirs. Visit the Spanish Village in Barcelona, which has many souvenir shops and craft workshops. There are regular tours where local artisans blow various fanciful animal figurines in front of amazed tourists. One such local factory is Vidrio Sanjuan, which is particularly interesting to visit with children.
In Mallorca, we recommend visiting the Lafiore factory for beautiful products. You can visit the brand factory shop and take a guided tour of the factory and production hall.
Photo: https://lafiore.com
26. Official football teams merchandise
You are probably familiar with names such as Real Madrid or Barça. Then be sure to buy souvenirs in Spain with the symbols of these famous Spanish football teams. You can find them not only in branded club shops but also in many tourist shops because such souvenirs belong to the category of "must-buy". For little fans and cheerleaders, this is the perfect gift!
Photo: pixabay.com
Foodie gifts from Spain
All tourists traditionally bring back delicacies from their trips: cheeses from France and pasta from Italy. What souvenirs do people buy in Spain?
27. Olive oil
Have you ever experienced the flavour of juicy apples or freshly cut grass in olive oil? In Spain, you can. Depending on the region and olive variety, local olive oil varies in colour, flavour, and aroma. There are hundreds of producers of natural oil in Spain, and it is sold in every grocery shop. The best olive oil is labelled Virgen Extra, has no more than 1% acidity, and is first cold-pressed.
28. Jamón
It's no exaggeration to say that it's one of the most globally recognized food items of Spanish cuisine. At least, it is the most popular. You can buy jamon in Spain in any grocery shop and market.
Choosing and buying jamon in Spain is an art. To begin with, touch it — it should be soft. The product's cost depends on the pig breed, ageing period and which leg (back or front) was used for cooking. In addition, sellers always let you try jamon before you buy it.
The most valuable (and therefore expensive) jamon comes from pigs fed exclusively on acorns. It tastes like butter instead of the usual fat.
29. Cheese
A separate article could be devoted to cheeses from Spain. But we will tell you about the most delicious ones you should definitely buy while in this country. Here are a few interesting options:
- Manchego is a semi-hard cheese made from the milk of a special breed of sheep (manchego). It has a characteristic "Spanish" flavour;
- Idiazabal D.O.P — cheese made from unpasteurised sheep's milk;
- Arzua-Ulloa — a soft cheese made from cow's milk, popular in the province of Galicia. It spreads a little at room temperature;
- Queixeira is a soft, tender cheese with a thick consistency.
30. Alcoholic beverages:
- Sherry. This product can be brought to lovers of stronger drinks. This type of strong Spanish wine is produced in Andalusia. There are four types of sherry, differing in aftertaste (there may be flavours of almond nut, hazelnut, walnut and hazelnut);
- Wine. Spanish wine does not need too much advertising. We will only remind you about it and specify that the trademark of Spain is red dry wines from the Rioja region. The name itself has become a noun; Spaniards say: "Come on, I'll treat you to a Rioja";
- Crema Catalana liqueur is a drink with an authentic flavour reminiscent of the famous Spanish dessert of the same name (like crème brûlée).
31. Saffron
The world's best saffron grows in Don Quixote's La Mancha (Valencia province) homeland. It is an essential component of authentic Spanish paella. One gram of this spice costs more than one gram of silver, but a golden color and earthy, subtly sweet flavor profile that saffron imparts to the finished dish is worth it.
What are you not allowed to bring back from Spain
When leaving Spain, tourists must unconditionally comply with customs restrictions and border crossing regulations. What is it still forbidden to take out of the country? Here is one important restriction:
- items that have the status of cultural and historical heritage objects. These may include items from certain ceramic brands, Toledo steel, and paintings depicting bullfighting. In such a case, you should always ask for a receipt when you purchase so that you can show it to customs officials later. Weapons, ammunition, narcotic drugs, and medical preparations may be exported only with a special permit.
Spain is Europe's most beautiful country. So much so that one article can hardly contain all possible variants of memorable souvenirs. But still, here is the most important advice to tourists in Spain: if you plan to shop in the country of bullfighting and flamenco, remember that right in the middle of the working day, from 14 to 17 hours, there is a siesta.
At this time, all shops and souvenir shops close and vendors take a break. But if you are limited with time, you have one way to go — to the Spanish markets. There, too, you can find many original and valuable souvenirs.
Choose your tour of Spain and enjoy your trip. We hope you will find the suggested list of souvenirs useful while travelling to this beautiful and fantastic country.
