Spain is a place that captures the hearts of travellers from around the world, and what better way to remember your visit than by bringing back beautiful and practical souvenirs? Early on, as a new traveller, I often returned from a trip with a whole of nonsense that I didn’t use and stayed in a drawer, never to be seen again. But after years and years of travelling, I’ve narrowed down a list of treasures to pick up along the way that you can display in your home without feeling too kitschy. Or, best of all, items you can eat or enjoy when you return home, a way to evoke flavours and memories from your travels!
Tapas Dishes
There is no trip to Spain without tapas, and there are no tapas without those iconic little dishes in which every treat is served. Spanish ceramic pottery, particularly tapas dishes, make for an excellent souvenir. Known for their vibrant colours and intricate patterns, these pieces are crafted using traditional techniques passed down through generations, especially in regions like Talavera de la Reina and Andalusia. Not only are they practical for serving food in true Spanish style, but they also serve as a cultural touchstone, bringing a piece of Spanish art and dining tradition into your home. You can use them at home to serve olives or pickles on a cheese board. But I use many little dishes to hold jewelry or coins throughout my house. Little gems that have all those little items like car keys that need a pretty little home.
Perfume
I have kept up with a new tradition on all my travels: buying a bottle of perfume. Specifically, perfumes made in the country I’m visiting, scented with the iconic aromas of the landscape. There is no better trigger for memory than scent. While some might think that perfumes are too pricey, I have found that as long as you aren’t shopping at high-end perfumeries, you can find amazingly priced perfumes all over the place.
Most surprisingly, one of my favourite places to go for perfume is the Farmacia or Pharmacy in Spain. European pharmacies are so much more elevated than the ones we have here in North America and because of that I always scour the shelves for some perfume. The last time I was in Spain I fell in love with Álvarez Gómez perfumes, founded in 1912 by Herminio Álvarez Gómez who began producing Mediterranean scents reflective of the region. These eau de colognes or eau de toilettes, are different from traditional perfumes as they contain a larger percentage of perfume oil, making them much less expensive. Their Flores Mediterráneas are a fantastic collection of perfumes all inspired by the scents of plants of the Mediterranean. And best of all, each bottle was less than €12!
Flamenco Fans
Flamenco is an integral part of Spanish culture, and as such, you can find a range of souvenirs inspired by this passionate art form. Before you jump to the conclusion that lace or painted fans are just a tourist-only item, look around yourself in the summer in Spain, and you’ll see hundreds of locals fanning themselves outside with a myriad of uniquely designed fans. It’s a fashionable way to keep cool in the unending summer heat. I love to display my fans inside my house like little works of art, and I always bring them out for friends in the summer to enjoy on the patio. Skip any shop selling expensive, “hand-painted” fans; you can find exquisite options for only a few euros all over the place that look just as good and serve the same purpose at the end of the day.
Handcrafted Espadrilles
Espadrilles are a staple of Mediterranean fashion, and Spain is famous for its handcrafted varieties. These lightweight, comfortable shoes are perfect for strolling the city’s picturesque streets and bringing home a piece of iconic Spanish fashion history. Espadrilles have been a staple in Spanish footwear since the 14th century, originating from the Catalonia and Basque regions, where they were once the humble shoes of peasants. They are now loved worldwide for their comfort and chic style. They come in various colours and designs, so you can find the perfect pair to suit your style. I didn’t think Espadrilles would suit my style, but there were so many different shops in Barcelona that cater to unique varieties that it’s almost impossible not to find something you love. They can be found reasonably inexpensively, making them great souvenirs for friends and family (so long as you know their European shoe size).
Spanish Vermut
I hadn’t really appreciated Spanish vermouth, or vermut, until my latest trip to Barcelona. Before then, I had only tried the bitter Italian version and was unaware of how distinctively different the Spanish variety could be. Even within Spain, there is a wide variety of vermut styles and flavours, with each region producing its unique version. For example, you can find sweet vermouth from Catalonia, dry vermouth from Andalusia, and white vermouth from Galicia.
Spanish vermouth typically incorporates a blend of herbs, spices, and botanicals, including wormwood, gentian, citrus peel, cinnamon, cloves, and more. These botanicals contribute to the aromatic and flavour profile. Although the taste varies between varieties, the most distinguishing feature is its delightful sweetness! Even in a big city like Toronto, it is virtually impossible to find more than a few different kinds of Spanish vermuth, so this is definitely something I think is really worth bringing home. Especially if you find a small producer that may only sell their bottles in Spain. Well worth the effort it takes to wrap up these bottles in your suitcase. However, the airport duty-free usually has at least a handful of local varieties to bring home.
Paprika
Spain is known for its love of paprika, and it’s a fundamental ingredient in many traditional Spanish dishes, such as paella, chorizo, and various stews. Bringing back some Spanish paprika allows you to share in the cultural and culinary heritage of the country when you’re back home. One of the reasons paprika is so popular here is due to the growing conditions of the peppers. After they are harvested, they are sun-dried and smoked using traditional methods to enhance their flavour. Although you can get the fancy tin in souvenir stores, the best place I find to buy them is at the grocery store or from a local producer. These will reliably taste the best and be the best price.
Olives Stuffed with Anchovies
A popular tapas dish often served alongside drinks at the bar is olives stuffed with anchovies or Aceitunas Rellenas de Anchoa. Olives and anchovies have deep roots in Spanish cuisine, hailing from the abundant olive groves and rich waters of Spain, where these staples have been cherished for centuries. The flavour combination of olives and anchovies is sheer perfection. Olives provide a briny and slightly bitter contrast to the salty and savoury anchovies. While the best varieties come from hole-in-the-wall tapa bars, the canned variety you can buy at the grocery store is just as good and easy to bring home. They make for great starters at any dinner party. If you’re not a fan of anchovies, you can also choose the olive oil and brine version, which is fabulous!
Turron
Turron is a traditional Spanish confection found in specialty candy shops, corner stores and farmers’ markets nationwide. It has a long history in Spain and is particularly popular during the holiday season. Turron is similar to nougat and is made from simple, local ingredients, primarily almonds, honey, sugar, and sometimes egg whites.
There are two types of Turrón: hard Turron (Turrón Duro) and soft Turron (Turrón Blando). The harder version is crunchy and often flavoured with vanilla, lemon, or cinnamon. The softer Turron has a chewier texture made by incorporating egg whites. These treats pack well and last for a long time, making really ideal presents.
Spanish Olive Oil
Although you might not immediately think about it, Spanish olive oil is among the best in the world. Whether you find yourself at a local farmers market or in the grocery store, you’ll find an abundance of this iconic culinary staple. And this souvenir won’t just sit on your shelf; it is something you’ll grab almost daily. One of the reasons for Spain’s high-quality oil is the diverse climate and geography, which contributes to cultivating good olives. Even in the grocery store, you can find olive oils that are beautifully packaged and make for a stunning piece of countertop decor!
Candles
Sure, you might be able to find candles worldwide, but I have yet to find a spot in Europe that doesn’t have a historic old candle shop that is almost like visiting a museum. Simply wandering around these shops is an experience that transports you back in time. And most often than not, candles can be a super affordable souvenir, too. Cereria Subirà is Barcelona. Cereria Subirà has been in operation here in the city since 1761, so you are bringing home a beautiful piece of home decor and a slice of Barcelona’s history. Candles come in all different shapes, from simple tapers to ecclesiastical designs, and even candles in the shape of food, carved like sculptures. And they start at only four euros, so it’s super budget-friendly.
Cups and Mugs
My entire cupboard at home is filled with mismatched cups from my travels. Every morning, I come downstairs and pick up the mug of the day that embodies the feeling of that day’s endeavours. You can find mugs all over the place, and whether you’re into more touristy designs with pictures of the city you’re visiting or if you prefer to shop local and find artsy designs, there is something for everyone. Personally, I love a combination of both! At the Casa Vincens, I found the most adorable mugs and coaster tiles that replicate the tilies on Casa Vincens itself. Every time I drink from it, I’m reminded of the beauty that once surrounded me in Barcelona.
Olive Oil Lotion
As mentioned before, olives are some of the greatest agricultural resources in Spain, and in addition to being able to eat them, they are also popular in beauty products. Something I was encouraged to buy the last time I was in Spain was the Deliplus Olive oil body cream, and I absolutely love this stuff! It is so moisturizing and, best of all, costs less than $5! I always bring it back for all my friends because it’s both affordable and luxurious.
Cacao a la Taza
Something I encourage everyone to buy when they come to Spain is hot chocolate. Cacao a la Taza is not just any powdered hot chocolate, but a thick and rich drink that is almost like a pudding or custard than a liquid! Even in the summer, if you visit a cafe or breakfast spot in the morning, you’ll commonly see locals dipping their pastries into rich chocolate as they enjoy their morning meal. And although it is texturally rich, you can bring home this stuff for cheap! And there is nothing better to warm yourself up on a cold winter’s day back home than some decadent hot chocolate to remind you of those hot days in Spain!
Paella Seasoning
One of Spain’s most iconic dishes is paella and its unique flavour is largely attributed to the combination of spices and seasonings used. Paella seasoning typically includes saffron, paprika, garlic, and other herbs and spices. While making paella is a big endeavour, serving it up family style at a party with your nearest and dearest is a great way to bring back the atmosphere of your travels in Spain. And paella seasoning can be used for more than just paella. The flavorful blend of spices can enhance many dishes, including rice dishes, seafood, grilled meats, vegetables, and more. It adds depth and complexity to your cooking, making it a versatile ingredient.
Local Magazines
Magazines are one of my favourite things to buy in different countries. I don’t care if the entirety is in a different language. Usually, you can still get so much out of the visuals in there. And there are so many different genres and interests that magazines cater to, from art to food and culture. And with Google Translate, you can take pictures of the articles to read in whatever language you want.
Beauty Products
Last summer, everything on Tiktok was about French Pharmacy items to bring back from your trip to Paris. While there is one particular discount store in Paris, many of the best French and European beauty products can be found in Spain, too. While these aren’t totally unique to Spain, it’s still well worth your time and money to buy these fantastic brands in Europe, where they cost so much less than I’ve found in North America.
One of my favourite items is Nuxe‘s iconic Huile Prodigieuse—a multi-purpose dry oil that can rejuvenate your skin and hair. Another European gem I always pick up is a new box of Marvis toothpaste. This chic toothpaste, found in most European pharmacies, comes in a variety of super duper unique flavours like Jasmine Mint and Ginger Mint, which can transform your daily dental routine into a delightful sensory experience! Caudalie is a French skincare brand renowned for its use of grape-derived ingredients and many of tts products are super popular among travellers. While in Spain, you can find a wide range of Caudalie products. Still, a few standout items are worth picking up, particularly their Vinoperfect Radiance Serum and Resveratrol Lift Firming Serum.
Almendras Fritas
Almendras Fritas, or fried almonds, are a quintessential snack in Spain that you’ll often be served at the bar if you order a drink such as tapas. They are typically fried in Spanish olive oil and lightly salted, and the best ones are sprinkled with smoked paprika or sweetened with honey. All grocery stores have them ready to eat, and this makes them such great souvenirs to bring home to put on your next cheese board or even just snack on throughout the day.
Spanish Honey
Something you’ll find drizzled over all different kinds of tapas items throughout your time in Spain is honey! One of my most delicious memories is eating cheese and fried artichokes covered in honey at a dark bar on a summer night in Barcelona. The sweet and savoury combo is absolutely perfection. You’ll find high-quality Spanish honey everywhere, from farmers’ markets, street vendors, and grocery stores; this makes for a beautiful souvenir that serves as a sweet reminder of Spain’s vibrant landscapes and rich agricultural heritage.
As you plan your Spanish adventure, leave a little extra room in your suitcase for some of these exceptional souvenirs. Whether it’s a beautifully crafted ceramic dish or a tantalizing taste of local cuisine, each of these souvenirs promises to keep your memories of Spain alive long after your journey ends.
Happy Shopping Adventurers!
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