Shopping
Shopping in Spain follows its own rules — shaped by the siesta, Sunday as a rest day, and a preference for specialized shops over supermarkets.
Supermarkets
- Mercadona: Spain's largest supermarket chain — affordable, well-stocked, own brand "Hacendado" with surprisingly good quality. In every city
- Lidl & Aldi: Like in Germany, slightly different assortment. Good for basics
- Carrefour: Large hypermarkets on the outskirts plus small Express branches in centers
- El Corte Inglés: The department store of Spain — supermarket in the basement with an excellent gourmet department (Club del Gourmet). More expensive, but best quality. In every major city
Market Halls (Mercados)
Spain's market halls are culinary cathedrals. Fresh fish, Ibérico ham, olives, cheese, fruit — all of the best quality. The most beautiful:
- Mercado de San Miguel (Madrid) — Gourmet market in a beautiful iron structure. Touristy, but fantastic for tasting
- Mercat de la Boqueria (Barcelona, on the Ramblas) — the most famous, most authentic in the morning
- Mercado de la Ribera (Bilbao) — Europe's largest covered market hall
- Mercado Central (Valencia) — Art Nouveau building with 1,200 stalls
- Mercado de Triana (Seville) — less touristy than the Mercado de la Encarnación, more authentic
Typical Souvenirs
- Jamón ibérico (vacuum-packed), Manchego cheese, olive oil from Jaén (best quality worldwide)
- Pimentón de la Vera (smoked paprika powder from Extremadura)
- Azulejos (hand-painted tiles), ceramics from Talavera or Granada
- Leather goods from Ubrique (Cádiz) — many luxury brands produce here
- Espadrilles (originals from the Basque Country or Catalonia)