Whether you are looking for a unique souvenir, typical food and wine or a stylish new outfit, Spain has an abundance of shops, big stores and marketplaces to suit all types of shopper. Each city, town and beach resort has it’s own charm and depending on your criteria, you can are sure to find what you are looking for and more. It’s good to remember that in most places in Spain shops close for the siesta during the afternoon, so it’s common to shop either in the morning or late in the evening as many stores are open until quite late at night.
1. Flea Markets
Markets are found in pretty much every major city and town, but the best two are probably in Madrid and Barcelona. The atmosphere is worth the trip alone, but of course you can also find some good bargains and the odd gem hidden among the junk. In Madrid check the main flea market on Calle Ribera de Curtidores or on Sundays head to the Plaza Mayor to marvel at coins and stamps under the arches. In Barcelona wander the Ramblas for the best Rastro where you can stroll and browse in the heart of the city. Check out the Mercat del Encants on Placa de le Glores Catalanes for the largest selection.
Information
- Name: Mercat del Encants
- Address: Placa de le Glores Catalanes
- Website: http://www.encantsbcn.com/es
2. Mercado de la Boqueria, Barcelona
There are amazing markets full of fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, meat, cheese and much more all over the country. Mercado de la Boqueria is one of the largest and most famous fresh food markets in all of the Europe and is definitely where to go if you are in Barcelona. You can easily spend a couple of hours wandering the large space admiring the fine array of products and soaking up the atmosphere. It’s good to come in the morning and then stay for lunch. Try any number of tapas for lunch or a seafood platter at the famous El Pinotxo.
Information
- Name: Mercado La Boqueria
- Address:Plaça de la Boqueria
- Opening hour: Mon – Sat 8 am – 8.30 pm
3. El Corte Ingles
This well established Spanish department store can be found pretty much all over the country and certainly in every major city. The Corte Ingles is a standard stop for anyone wanting to browse familiar brands of clothes, toiletries and make-up, shoes, hats, books, pretty much anything you can think of can be found here.
Information
- Name: El Corte Ingles
- Website: www.elcorteingles.es
4. Las Dalias, Ibiza
This year, 2016, marks the 31st anniversary of Ibiza’s original hippy market, Las Dahlias. Located in San Carlos, the market is one of the most well-known and well-loved in Europe, with a unique atmosphere. There are stalls selling handmade clothes, jewellery and other artistic products, paintings, books, food and more. There are stalls for food, drinks and the popular Soul bar has Dj’s and live bands. A great way to spend a Saturday and pick up something special and unique to the location.
Information:
- Name: Las Dalias
- Address :Ctra. Sant Carles, Km.12, 07850 Sant Carles de Peralta, Illes Balears
- Price: Free
- Opening hour: Sat 10 – 8/ Mon and Tues 7pm – 1 am
- Website: www.lasdalias.es
5. Ceramicas
Ceramic plates, bowls, pots and hand painted tiles with artistic influences from Morocco are very popular particularly in the South of Spain in Andalucia. There are many places along the roadsides near Seville and Cadiz where you can choose from a great selection to take home. If you are in Madrid you should drop into La Antigua Casa de Talavera.
Information:
- Name: La Antigua Casa de Talavera
- Address:Calle de Isabel ‘La Católica’, 2
28013 Madrid- Website: http://www.antiguacasatalavera.com
6. Leather Goods from Ubrique
Ubrique is a beautiful pueblo blanco (white town) in Cadiz, known all over the country for its excellent quality leather. There is even a leather museum where you can see how the old leather making machinery worked plus an art gallery and room where you can see how leather is worked into bags. Goods from Ubrique include bags, handbags, wallets and purses, jewellery, belts etc.
7. A Spanish Guitar in Granada
If you want to buy a Flamenco or Classical Guitar and you want a well made but within reason price wise, go to one of the many establishments in Granada. There are several local shops all within easy reach of each other, as Granada really is the mecca of guitar buying in Spain. Many are workshops making and selling guitars on the premises.
8. Mango
A high street staple in many countries now, Spanish woman’s clothing store Mango is still worth a visit when in Spain for its unique and original classy designs. With 325 stores in Spain alone plus the possibility to shop online, it’s a good, solid choice for affordable and well-designed clothes.
9. Mercados de Navidad
If you are visiting around Christmas time be sure to visit one of the Mercados de Navidad (Christmas markets) for original gift buying. All major cities have them, the markets in Madrid and Seville are especially spectacular with handmade local goods as well as interesting exotic imports.
10. Cheese from La Queseria, Madrid
With a large selection of gourmet cheese both Spanish and foreign, this is the place to pick up a special, tasty selection to take home with you. The owners know and love their cheeses and can help you pick out and decide on which you like. Prices are very reasonable also.
Information
- Name: La Queseria
- Address: Calle Blasco de Garay, 24 – Madrid 28015
- Hours: Mon- Fri 10 – 14.30/ 17.30 – 20.30 Sat 10 – 14.30
11. Wine from La Rioja
Internationally famous for the quality of it’s wines, the Northern Spanish region of La Rioja is certainly the place to not only try a bit of wine tasting but pick up a few bottles to take home also. The best thing about La Rioja wine is the price for the quality. As age worthy as the wines of Bordeaux and Burgundy, it’s on the market for far less, making it the perfect gift to bring home. Choose from visiting various bodegas while you are there.
Information
- Name: Bodegas Bohedal
- Address: Calle los Lirios, 26214 Cuzcurrita de Río Tirón, La Rioja
- Website: http://www.bohedal.com
12. Flamenco Dresses in Seville
Nothing says Spain like a fantastic Flamenco dress. Check out many different types of stores in Seville for high quality dresses, skirts, shoes, castanets and music CD’s and DVD’s. Flamenco y Mas is one of the biggest and best, with a wide range of stock and helpful shop attendants.
Information
- Name: Flamenco y Mas
- Address: Calle San Luis, 116 41003, Sevilla
- Telephone: +34 954 908 707
- Email: tienda@flamencoymas.com
- Website: www.flamencoymas.com
13. Museum Shop at the Guggenheim, Bilbao
For innovative, creative and highly original shopping visits the museum shop at the Guggenheim, Bilbao. This is where you can get incredibly unusual stationery, choose from plenty of books in the bookstore and other novel gift ideas from postcards and t shirts to unique items like berets and bespoke jewellery.
Information
- Name: The Museum Store at the Guggenheim
- Address:Avenida Abandoibarra, 2 48009 Bilbao
- Website: http://www.guggenheim-bilbao.es
14. Designer Brands
For high-end shopping you need to visit certain areas of Madrid, Barcelona and Marbella.In Madrid designer stores can be found in the Barrio Salamanca and Jorge Juan areas. In Barcelona you will want to head to the Diagonal area for a contemporary designer flagship store. In Marbella you’ll find most luxury brands in Puerto Banus or along Avenida Ricardo Soriano in Marbella center.
15. Summer Markets
Many of the beach areas and popular resorts have markets that spring up in the summer time for the tourists. We recommend some of the most authentic markets such as La Nomada in El Palmar, Cadiz. In keeping with the laid-back beach vibe of this tiny community, this market caters to a more hippy vibe with clothes and jewellery from all over the world sold here. It’s also a great place to pick up local, handmade designs and souvenirs.
Information:
- Name: Nomada Market
- Address: Playa el Palmar, Avenida de la playa, s/n, 11159 Vejer de la Frontera, Cádiz
- Hours: 12pm – late every day in summer
Have a good trip and travel!
