13 Greatest Souvenirs from Spain to Bear in mind Your Journey By

It’s one of the standard locations for us Brits, however not everybody is aware of all of the wonderful issues to purchase in Spain. So, my record of souvenirs from Spain will make sure you take a bit of this lovely nation again residence.

Spain is among the world’s hottest vacation locations with many alternative areas every with their very own histories and cultures. Due to this fact there are a plethora of memento choices obtainable to you to take residence with you to remind you of your travels.

Whether or not you need to seize the drama of flamenco, rejoice the structure of Antoni Gaudi, or take residence some (if not all!) of the a number of foods and drinks delights Spain has to supply.

That will help you make your thoughts up I’ve put collectively a listing of the very best souvenirs from Spain so that you can peruse and determine which memento you need to have in your life!

1. Spanish tiles

‘Azulejos’ are a kind of ceramic tile which can be a well-known a part of Spanish structure. 

Yow will discover them on the facades of buildings, as ornamental parts on partitions and flooring, and at the same time as tabletops. Genuine azulejos are sometimes hand-painted; it’s this craftsmanship that offers every tile its magnificence. 

Yow will discover azulejos in numerous varieties to take residence as souvenirs, comparable to particular person tiles, units of ornamental coasters, and even bigger ceramic plaques. They make for lovely decorations in properties and gardens and smaller tiles may even be framed and displayed as art work. So if it’s artwork and ensign you like then azulejos may very well be the right inventive mementos of your go to to Spain.

2. Spanish followers

‘Abanico’ are handheld followers and are an emblem of Spanish tradition, significantly in Andalucia. They’re splendidly embellished and could be constructed from supplies like wooden, lace, and material. Followers have been utilized in Spain for hundreds of years and have turn out to be intently related to conventional flamenco dancing.

A few of the designs characteristic flamenco dancers, bullfighting scenes, or Spanish landscapes while others could have extra up to date and summary designs. There may be a lot alternative by way of colors and patterns that you’re certain to search out one which jumps out at you and speaks to your individual private style.

For some, it’s possible you’ll not need to use them to maintain cool however as a substitute to view them as collectable gadgets; their magnificence and detailing could make them an fascinating show piece to your residence.

They’re very talked-about and subsequently are very simple to search out throughout Spain; road markets, craft retailers, and memento shops typically carry a big selection. In cities like Seville, you’ll find specialised Abanico retailers too should you actually need to get one thing further particular.

3. Flamenco gown from Spain

Flamenco is a famously passionate artwork type that may be a enormous a part of Spanish tradition. It encompasses music, dance and singing. It has deep historic and emotional significance and is a UNESCO-recognised cultural heritage and subsequently a flamenco gown would completely be top-of-the-line souvenirs from Spain to take residence with you.

The standard flamenco gown, often called a ‘traje de flamenca’ is a flamboyant and vibrant gown that originated in Andalucia, the southern area of Spain, that girls put on whereas dancing flamenco, and is characterised by their many ruffles and colors.

Yow will discover ready-made flamenco clothes however many retailers additionally provide custom-made choices if you wish to push the boat out and actually get top-of-the-line souvenirs from Spain! These could be tailor-made to your particular measurements and design preferences, making certain an ideal match and distinctive gown.

To discover a conventional Spanish flamenco gown, you’ll be able to discover specialised boutiques in cities like Seville and Madrid, in addition to in Andalucian cities however clothes are additionally obtainable in bigger department shops and vacationer areas. 

4. Native wine from Spain

Spain is among the world’s high wine producers, and it’s identified for its a number of wine areas. Every area provides totally different grape varieties and winemaking traditions. A few of the most well-known wine areas embody Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Priorat. Additionally, Spain is thought for its fortified wines like sherry and the candy wine ‘Pedro Ximénez’.

Every wine area in Spain has its personal speciality. For instance, Rioja (which I’m positive we’ve all heard of and even perhaps drank a whole lot of) is famend for its oak-aged pink wines, whereas Jerez is legendary for its sherry manufacturing.

Not solely is it fantastic to be ingesting a few of the world’s best wine within the nation that produces it while you’re there, however there’s no want for that to finish as you should purchase some to take residence as a present to your family members (and your self). Rioja, purchased from supply, is well top-of-the-line souvenirs from Spain.

5. Spanish ham (jamon)

Spanish ham, particularly Jamón Ibérico, is taken into account a delicacy. It’s constructed from acorn-fed Iberian pigs and aged for a number of years It’s a extremely sought-after dry-cured culinary deal with in Spain and makes for a superb, albeit delicate, memento.

There are totally different sorts of Jamón Ibérico, that are categorised primarily based on the pig’s weight loss plan, way of life, and ageing course of. Jamón Ibérico de Bellota is taken into account the best and most luxurious selection. The pigs are fed a weight loss plan of acorns, or bellota as they’re identified therefore the title, which supplies the ham a definite, nutty flavour. These pigs additionally roam freely in oak forests, which contributes to the ham’s distinctive style. It has a creamy texture, with marbled fats that melts in your mouth.

The fats content material won’t be nice to your weight loss plan however it provides to its lusciousness! It additionally pairs effectively with different Spanish delicacies like Manchego cheese and olives.

It’s smart to verify customs laws and restrictions for importing meals merchandise, as there could also be limitations on the amount you’ll be able to convey again. I wouldn’t need you getting arrested for ham of all issues. The very best souvenirs from Spain are little luxurious gadgets which might hold the tastes of your vacation going lengthy after you’ve received again and this achieves precisely that.

6. Pottery and antiques from Spain

Spanish pottery is characterised by its joyous, swirling, vibrant designs. Yow will discover plates, bowls, mugs, and platters for on a regular basis use, in addition to ornamental gadgets like vases, tiles, and collectible figurines that add a contact of Spanish tradition to your house. Talavera pottery from Toledo is especially well-respected and has made a reputation for itself for its magnificence and excellency so including that further contact of sophistication would actually make for top-of-the-line souvenirs from Spain.

Spain has an extended custom of ceramic and pottery manufacturing relationship again to Roman instances. The Moors, who dominated elements of Spain, enormously influenced the artwork type, and Spanish pottery makers have continued to evolve and create their very own distinctive items.

You possibly can additionally browse Spain’s many vintage shops to search out uncommon present concepts (see above). They’re like treasure troves of historic Spain. You could have to sift by way of numerous random issues however it may be effectively price it to search out that excellent, distinctive Spanish memento.

7. Leather-based luggage, belts or wallets

Spanish leather-based merchandise are identified for his or her high quality and craftsmanship. Yow will discover leather-based items like purses, wallets, belts, and even footwear in a variety of kinds and colors.

Spanish leather-based merchandise are extremely regarded for his or her high quality and craftsmanship as a result of the nation has an extended historical past of working with leather-based and has developed distinctive abilities in tanning and crafting leather-based items.

You’ll be able to choose up Spanish leather-based items in quite a lot of locations, together with specialised leather-based retailers, department shops, and native markets. Main cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville have famend leather-based districts the place you’ll be able to discover a big selection of leather-based gadgets.

8. Saffron (azafrán)

Saffron is a vital ingredient in Spanish delicacies, particularly in dishes like paella. It’s also known as “pink gold” due to its excessive worth as a consequence of how painstaking it’s to reap.

You solely want a handful of it to flavour meals, which is fortunate as it may be fairly costly. However this makes it a simple memento from Spain to take again with you.

Spanish saffron is primarily produced within the La Mancha area, significantly within the province of Albacete so search for any seal with this title on to make sure of getting one of many easiest souvenirs from Spain.

Spanish saffron is usually packaged in fantastically offered containers, comparable to glass vials or ornamental tins. The attractive packaging makes it a really perfect memento or present, and it’s additionally a testomony to the standard of the saffron.

9. Spanish handmade jewelry

Conventional Spanish jewelry typically options motifs impressed by the nation’s historical past, tradition, and regional influences, making it a significant memento.

Spain’s historical past consists of Moorish affect, which is usually mirrored in jewelry designs with geometric patterns, filigree work, and Arabic calligraphy and could be crafted from a variety of supplies, together with silver, gold, gem stones, pearls, and semi-precious stones. Handmade jewelry typically includes a whole lot of love and care and detailed work, that means every bit is of superior high quality.

Cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Granada are identified for his or her jewelry districts and artisan workshops so you’ll want to verify such locations out for a stupendous and wearable souvenir out of your time in Spain. You may also head to El Corte Ingles (above) to search out extra jewelry on provide.

10. Turron from Spain

Turron is a conventional Spanish nougat that’s significantly standard through the gift-giving season, particularly round Christmas. It’s made with almonds, honey, sugar, and egg whites. Fortunately you should purchase it in bars so it’s extremely simple to take residence with you in your suitcase. 

As a small, simply packable and inexpensive deal with it makes for a really handy and attractive present and subsequently top-of-the-line souvenirs from Spain for the vacations.

Whether or not you’re having fun with a bit of Turron with a cup of espresso or gifting it for the vacations, it’s good to have the ability to present a style of Spain’s traditions to family and friends while you’re again at residence.

11. Native crafts

Spain has a wealth of native crafts derived from its area’s traditions. For instance, the Balearic Islands, together with Mallorca, are identified for his or her wickerwork craftsmanship. They make use of pure supplies like reeds and palm leaves to create an array of merchandise, together with baskets, furnishings, luggage, and ornamental gadgets. If you need a memento which represents the islands, this may very well be it.

Toledo is famend for its historic sword-making. The town has a centuries-old custom of crafting high-quality swords and blades. Whereas trendy laws could limit the sale of precise weapons, you’ll be able to typically discover ornamental and decorative swords which can be fantastically made and would definitely be an extra-ordinary memento to return with from a vacation!

The island of La Palma within the Canary Islands is thought for its silk manufacturing and wooden carving. Locals craft picket gadgets, comparable to furnishings, masks, and non secular figures. The craft displays the island’s id and showcases the individuals’s expertise. When deciding on native crafts as souvenirs, it’s additionally good to know that the handmade gadgets are additionally a option to assist native artists of the area you go to in Spain.

12. Gaudi-inspired gadgets

Antoni Gaudí, the famend Catalan architect, is thought for his distinctive and imaginative architectural fashion, which is prominently featured in Barcelona. His designs are characterised by vibrant mosaics and a novel mix of Gothic, Artwork Nouveau, and Modernisme kinds. Yow will discover numerous gadgets that includes Gaudí-inspired mosaic designs, together with coasters and ornamental plates.

Gaudí’s work has impressed quite a few artists and you’ll find artwork items, prints, and posters that seize his fantastic works. These artworks typically spotlight iconic buildings such because the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló – a few of the finest issues to do in Barcelona.

The Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s magnum opus which is within the technique of being accomplished, is certainly one of Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks. Yow will discover a variety of souvenirs associated to the basilica, together with miniature replicas, keyrings and ornaments. The very best souvenirs from Spain allow you to take a few of the magic residence with you and any of those mementoes would try this.

In the event you’re visiting Barcelona, listed here are another memento concepts from the Catalan capital.

13. Conventional Spanish devices

In the event you’re a music fanatic, you would possibly think about bringing again a Spanish guitar, castanets, or different conventional devices which can be utilized in Spanish music and dance performances.

Spanish Guitar

The Spanish guitar, also called the classical guitar, is among the most iconic and beloved musical devices related to Spain. It has a heat, resonant sound that provides a stunning romance to a variety of music from classical compositions to flamenco and conventional Spanish songs. Spanish guitars can be found in numerous sizes and kinds and you may select between inexpensive scholar fashions or high-end, handcrafted guitars!

Castanets

Castanets are the well-known percussion devices utilized in conventional flamenco performances. They’re a enjoyable and authentic Spanish memento for music and dance lovers!

In Spain, you’ll find conventional devices in native music retailers, particularly in cities with robust musical traditions, comparable to Seville, Granada, and Madrid. It’s an incredible alternative to fall in love with any and all the totally different devices earlier than deciding which one to purchase.

Whether or not you’re a musician or just recognize the artwork of music, both of those devices belong amongst the very best souvenirs from Spain.

What souvenirs to purchase from Spain?

When selecting souvenirs from Spain, it’s a good suggestion to discover native markets, meet the craftspeople who’ve made the gadgets, have a go at haggling with native stall holders, go to artisan retailers on the seek for a one-off piece and go to speciality shops to search out genuine and authentic gadgets that mirror the area you go to. This fashion, you’ll be able to convey again a bit of Spanish soul again with you and ensure you’ve received your self the easiest memento from Spain.

Whether or not you select a sensible merchandise for on a regular basis use or an ornamental piece to recollect your go to, there are an entire host of vibrant, inventive, tasty, wearable, souvenirs to take residence with you to bask within the glory of your Spanish journey.

Quicklist of the very best souvenirs from Spain

1. Spanish tiles
2. Spanish followers
3. Flamenco gown
4. Native wine
5. Spanish ham
6. Pottery and antiques
7. Leather-based items
8. Saffron
9. Handmade jewelry
10. Turron
11. Native crafts
12. Gaudi-inspired gadgets
13. Spanish devices