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

It’s one of the crucial well-liked 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 stunning nation again house.

Spain is without doubt one of 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 out there to you to take house with you to remind you of your travels.

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

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

1. Spanish tiles

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

You’ll find 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. 

You’ll find azulejos in varied kinds to take house as souvenirs, reminiscent of particular person tiles, units of ornamental coasters, and even bigger ceramic plaques. They make for stunning 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’re keen on then azulejos could possibly be the proper creative 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 will be constituted of supplies like wooden, lace, and cloth. Followers have been utilized in Spain for hundreds of years and have change into carefully related to conventional flamenco dancing.

Among the designs characteristic flamenco dancers, bullfighting scenes, or Spanish landscapes while others could have extra modern and summary designs. There’s a lot selection by way of colors and patterns that you’re sure to search out one which jumps out at you and speaks to your personal private style.

For some, you could not wish to use them to maintain cool however as an alternative to view them as collectable gadgets; their magnificence and detailing could make them an fascinating show piece in your house.

They’re extremely popular and subsequently are very simple to search out throughout Spain; avenue markets, craft retailers, and memento shops usually carry a big selection. In cities like Seville, you’ll find specialised Abanico retailers too in case you actually wish to get one thing further particular.

3. Flamenco gown from Spain

Flamenco is a famously passionate artwork kind that could 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 probably the greatest souvenirs from Spain to take house with you.

The normal flamenco gown, often known as a ‘traje de flamenca’ is a flamboyant and vibrant gown that originated in Andalucia, the southern area of Spain, that ladies put on whereas dancing flamenco, and is characterised by their many ruffles and hues.

You’ll find ready-made flamenco attire however many retailers additionally provide custom-made choices if you wish to push the boat out and actually get probably the greatest souvenirs from Spain! These will 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 possibly can discover specialised boutiques in cities like Seville and Madrid, in addition to in Andalucian cities however attire are additionally out there in bigger shops and vacationer areas. 

4. Native wine from Spain

Spain is without doubt one of the world’s high wine producers, and it’s identified for its a number of wine areas. Every area gives totally different grape varieties and winemaking traditions. Among the most well-known wine areas embody Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Priorat. Additionally, Spain is understood 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 maybe even drank numerous) is famend for its oak-aged pink wines, whereas Jerez is known for its sherry manufacturing.

Not solely is it great 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 buy some to take house as a present to your family members (and your self). Rioja, purchased from supply, is well probably the greatest souvenirs from Spain.

5. Spanish ham (jamon)

Spanish ham, particularly Jamón Ibérico, is taken into account a delicacy. It’s constituted of 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 wonderful, albeit delicate, memento.

There are totally different styles of Jamón Ibérico, that are categorised based mostly on the pig’s food plan, life-style, and ageing course of. Jamón Ibérico de Bellota is taken into account the best and most luxurious selection. The pigs are fed a food plan of acorns, or bellota as they’re identified therefore the title, which provides 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 may not be nice in your food plan nevertheless it provides to its lusciousness! It additionally pairs properly with different Spanish delicacies like Manchego cheese and olives.

It’s clever to examine customs rules and restrictions for importing meals merchandise, as there could also be limitations on the amount you possibly can carry again. I wouldn’t need you getting arrested for ham of all issues. One of the best souvenirs from Spain are little luxurious gadgets which may preserve 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. You’ll find 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 private home. 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 probably the greatest souvenirs from Spain.

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

You might additionally browse Spain’s many vintage shops to search out uncommon reward concepts (see above). They’re like treasure troves of historic Spain. You might have to sift via a lot of random issues however it may be properly 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. You’ll find leather-based items like purses, wallets, belts, and even sneakers in a variety of types and hues.

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

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

8. Saffron (azafrán)

Saffron is an important ingredient in Spanish delicacies, particularly in dishes like paella. It’s also known as “pink gold” due to its excessive worth as a result 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 perfect souvenirs from Spain.

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

9. Spanish handmade jewelry

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

Spain’s historical past contains Moorish affect, which is usually mirrored in jewelry designs with geometric patterns, filigree work, and Arabic calligraphy and will be crafted from a variety of supplies, together with silver, gold, gem stones, pearls, and semi-precious stones. Handmade jewelry usually entails numerous love and care and detailed work, that means each 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 should definitely examine such locations out for a phenomenal and wearable memento 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 standard Spanish nougat that’s significantly well-liked throughout the gift-giving season, particularly round Christmas. It’s made with almonds, honey, sugar, and egg whites. Fortunately you should buy it in bars so it’s extremely simple to take house with you in your suitcase. 

As a small, simply packable and inexpensive deal with it makes for a really handy and engaging reward and subsequently probably the greatest 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 house.

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. In order for you a memento which represents the islands, this could possibly 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 rules could limit the sale of precise weapons, you possibly can usually discover ornamental and decorative swords which are 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 understood for its silk manufacturing and wooden carving. Locals craft picket gadgets, reminiscent of furnishings, masks, and spiritual figures. The craft displays the island’s identification and showcases the individuals’s expertise. When choosing native crafts as souvenirs, it’s additionally good to know that the handmade gadgets are additionally a solution to assist native artists of the area you go to in Spain.

12. Gaudi-inspired gadgets

Antoni Gaudí, the famend Catalan architect, is understood for his distinctive and imaginative architectural type, which is prominently featured in Barcelona. His designs are characterised by vibrant mosaics and a novel mix of Gothic, Artwork Nouveau, and Modernisme types. You’ll find varied 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 great works. These artworks usually 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 considered one of Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks. You’ll find a variety of souvenirs associated to the basilica, together with miniature replicas, keyrings and ornaments. One of the best souvenirs from Spain allow you to take a few of the magic house with you and any of those mementoes would do this.

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

13. Conventional Spanish devices

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

Spanish Guitar

The Spanish guitar, also referred to as the classical guitar, is without doubt one of 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 varied sizes and types and you’ll select between inexpensive pupil 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, reminiscent of Seville, Granada, and Madrid. It’s an important alternative to fall in love with any and the entire totally different devices earlier than deciding which one to purchase.

Whether or not you’re a musician or just respect 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 possibly can carry again a bit of Spanish soul again with you and ensure you’ve received your self the perfect 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, creative, tasty, wearable, souvenirs to take house 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