ANDSpain has consistently remained one of the most popular tourist destinations. Here, in addition to beautiful beaches, ideal conditions for water sports, many monuments, vineyards, bars and clubs, you can find many shops with various goods. From such a variety, many tourists simply run their eyes wide. What to buy in Spain and bring as a gift or just a keepsake? What is cheaper and better? What products should not be considered for purchase and why? All about the right shopping in the vastness of Spain.
Spanish shopping in Lloret de Mar
I will try to tell about everything using the example of the popular tourist town of Lloret de Mar. The once ordinary fishing village of Lloret de Mar is located in the southern part of the Costa Brava, 70 kilometers from Barcelona.
Of course, the bulk of fashion boutiques are concentrated there, but in Lloret de Mar there is no shortage of shops and goods for tourists. Therefore, I invite you to look into my online directory and find out whether it is worth going to shopping in Lloret de Mar.
Three important rules for a buyer in Spain
I recommend considering three important rules for shopping lovers. For what? It's very simple - it will allow you to buy more and spend less.
- Discounts. I am convinced that discounts will save the world. Or ruin more than one family budget. This is from which side to look at them. I like Europeans - in terms of discounts, they always have everything clearly. There are 2 sales seasons in Spain: summer and winter. Summer discounts in Spain start from July 1 and are valid until August 31, and the winter time for successful shopping lasts from January 7 to March 7;
- Siesta. Don't forget the siesta, that long daily lunch break. Most shops in Lloret de Mar open at 10.00 am and then close for lunch at 13.00. After lunch, shops open at 16.00 and work until 22.00. This rule does not apply to large supermarkets;
- Bargain. They don't trade in stores. A Spanish store is not an Egyptian market in Istanbul. English is practically not spoken. True, they understand. So you can speak boldly.
I made it to the first discount run. I fled, of course, not bad, but I didn’t need such zeal - the discounts are not as great as it seems. Although, the coveted inscription “Saldes” flaunts on the window of each store.
The size of the discount, of course, depends on the store. In the Spanish chain Mango there were discounts of up to 70 percent, but everything is exactly the same as everywhere else - this is a global network that operates on a franchise basis and all boutiques adhere to the same corporate policy.
Cosmetic stores were not so generous and their discounts amounted to no more than 10 percent, and even then for a narrow list of products. In stocks, sales last non-stop. But first things first.
Where to shop in Lloret de Mar
It's time to go shopping. Lloret de Mar is arranged in such a way that it has one main central street that leads to the sea. It has numerous discos and souvenir shops. I didn't buy anything there.
Much more opportunities for shopping on the neighboring street, parallel to it, which starts from the disco "Hollywood". If you stand with your back to the disco building, then the street goes down to the sea, and you need to move along it.
This shopping street is called Sant Pere. From it there are many branches in the form of narrow streets dotted with shops. It is impossible to get confused, but in the first days the map will not be superfluous.
What cosmetics to bring from Ispain
First, two large cosmetic stores like Letual are Douglas And Druni. In principle, the prices are similar, I did not find any differences at all, except for varnishes Chanel are cheaper and the range is striking in its diversity.
So for those who are still chasing the legendary shades: Vendetta, Taboo, Particuliere, Frenzy, you are welcome - they are all there as a selection. No one will leave without a purchase they like.
You can also buy the popular ZhDSL in Douglas Bourjois, which is pompous, but it costs 6.5 euros. I didn't spend. Corners have also been spotted in Douglas Essie And Annie, but all dryers and bases are swept clean, so I left with nothing.
Shoes in stores in Spain
Spanish shoes, it does not need to be introduced and praised. It is a well-known fact that in the city of Alicante on the Costa Blanca in Valencia, in Elche near Alicante and in the Balearic Islands, modern factories for the production of shoes operate.
These shoes are rightfully considered one of the best in the world. If you are going on a trip to the Hyrax Coast Kingdom, consider purchasing quality locally made shoes. In addition, in almost every resort town you will find global brands specializing in the sale of these products.
Here's from a shoe store vives in Lloret de Mar, I didn’t expect anything in particular, and as it turned out, in vain. Cool multi-brand shop. Here are many brands, both native Spanish and world famous: Geox, Ipanema. The selection of shoes is amazing.
But I especially “liked” the fitting system. In order to get a second shoe for fitting, you need to stand in line and wait in it until they take it out to you. But this did not stop me - I bought myself chic sandals of a Spanish brand for 20 euros Mustang. Rare leather softies.
Now when they ask me where to buy shoes in Spain, I answer - go to vives, there are about 50 well-known world brands in new collections.
What souvenir to bring from Spain
Regrettably, most of the local souvenirs are made in China, but there are still authentic ones. I have a good attitude towards China and have been successfully admiring the magnets of their production on my refrigerator for more than a year. But as a reminder, I want to bring something really local, and not a replica or an obvious fake.
Usually I only bring one souvenir from each country. I realized a long time ago that my house is not a museum and I no longer carry a bunch of junk. Often I don’t bring a single souvenir - I have a good memory and I remember where I was :))
From Spain I brought my husband such a bull, made in the technique "Modern Gaudi" - I received a certificate of authenticity, packaging and a bag for it. Cost 17 euros. Around the corner they were selling very similar ones, cheaper, but without identification marks about the manufacturer. But here everyone decides for himself.
Souvenirs from "Vela Artesania"
On the Internet, the store is well promoted Vela Artesania in Lloret de Mar. I didn't understand him at all. Yes, a small cozy shop that sells a variety of handmade candles - there are just tons of them, your eyes run wide.
Plus, in theory, you can observe the process of creating masterpieces. Hm. We were not only not shown the process, but they were not even allowed to take photographs. But where did ours go? A good zoom decides everything. By the way, prices start at 3 euros for a tiny candle.
In my opinion, all this is interesting to observe, namely to observe and look at, in the store itself, where the eyes run wide from the variety of colors and shapes. And as a gift, as a souvenir, it is better to buy something else, for example, the same fan.
Figures of pissing boys and kaganers
Pissing boys stand apart from castanets and other souvenir brethren. Pissing boys are made, apparently, by some analogy with the famous Brussels and Prague fountains.
Caganera souvenirs are also very popular. What is a kaganer?! This word is from Catalan caganer - pooping boy. People with a good sense of humor and a large closet for such oddities should definitely buy a comic figurine of a Catalan shepherd in a traditional red cap, who walks in front of everyone in great need.
If you simply do not find a place for this souvenir in your house, then everyone will have a friend or girlfriend who, in your opinion, will be just right for this craft. The aura and duties of the kaganers are good. Their essence is to bring good luck in business and prosperity to the house.
Spanish products
Spaniards love good food and know how to cook, so be sure to try their famous delicacies. Meat-eaters lovers will not pass indifferently past the traditional Spanish sausage chorizo. Vegetarians can also buy one of the traditional cheeses prepared here, such as sheep's cheese. manchego, moldy cabrales or goat majorero. But what else to bring home from Spain from food?
Sweet goodies in incredible quantities
Attractive shops with sweet goodies did not go unnoticed. Where they sell such wonderful sweets, I cannot but be. The range and taste variety is striking, and the quality is just on top. Sweets are sold by weight.
I don’t know if these sweets can be considered national or international, but they are all very popular and in corresponding demand.
A good choice would also be dried fruit sweets called pan de higo. Those looking for "edible souvenirs" with a Spanish twist can buy chocolates in distinctive boxes decorated with Antoni Gaudí's famous works.
Popular branded sweetness - turron
This sweetness is definitely not to be missed. Turron translated from Spanish - nougat, that is, sweet nut dough. Such sweets are sold everywhere in Spain and this is what an oriental fairy tale looks like in a European way.
The traditional Spanish turron is made exclusively from high quality products and the palette of flavors is constantly expanding. But on the streets they sell variations on the turron theme, where enterprising sellers just saved a little on the composition. However, such a turron, as Travelgide.ru said, is quite tasty.
Dry-cured pork ham Jamon
Jamon is the main gastronomic delicacy of the Spaniards, an integral part of their diet. Jamon - This is a dry-cured pork ham, which is served as an appetizer before the main meal.
Jamon in the form of a pig's leg on a special wooden stand is a very impressive gift. You can buy it for about 100 euros.
However, if you choose its most expensive version, pata negra, its price can increase up to 5 times. Pata negra or "black leg", variety jamona iberico, produced from a local breed of pigs found in the Iberian Peninsula, which are fed mainly on acorns.
We will not delve too deeply into the differences between the varieties of jamon, and discuss whether it is worth bringing it home. I think it's worth it. But if you are taking it for yourself, then you should not buy the whole leg at once - it is expensive and not a fact that you will like it very much.
Fruits, common and exotic
After the film-demotivator, the name of which I will keep silent, Spain was for me the country of giant aloe, but after visiting it, it became: "The country of giant cherries."
Have you ever seen a sweet cherry the size of a medium plum? If not yet, then you urgently need to go to Spain - you will admire such cherries. I was on a trip in the summer and the assortment of seasonal fruits was very pleased.
I do not urge anyone to fill their suitcases with cherries. I just couldn't keep silent about her. It's definitely worth a try. And you can bring home avocado, guava, tropical fruit mango and sour papaya. You might like it - buy a fruit nispero. It is about the size of a plum and has an orange color.
The famous wines of Catalonia and what is stronger
Since Spain is Europe's leader in wine production, a bottle of this product is a great gift idea. There will be no problems with the purchase. Wine can be found everywhere, and the variety of tastes and prices makes it affordable for any tourist.
Spain is famous for its relatively inexpensive, but natural and delicious wines. If the word delicious is generally applicable to wine. I don’t understand alcohol, but I don’t drink anything that smells of alcohol. When I was interested in what kind of wine to bring from Spain, connoisseurs advised me to buy wine from 50 euros per bottle. But I bought a Spanish factory for 7 euros Torres. It is useless to compare - different weight categories, but this wine turned out to be worthy.
It is believed that the most typical purchase for a tourist is white sparkling wines. cava, produced by the champagne method. This "champagne" is produced mainly in Catalonia and Valencia and has a pronounced fruity aroma.
Did you know that Spain is a producer of many varieties of rum? Fortunately, there are knowledgeable people who will not advise bad. First, it is recommended to buy canarian rum (strength from 38 to 80 degrees) and its popular variation - "honey" (strength up to 30 degrees). Variation Rmiel is a rum drink with the addition of honey and palm juice.
If you want something more interesting take a look at 10 year old Dos Maderas PX. I will not describe the taste, I will leave this question to professionals, I will only say a few words about aging. Even to me, a person who is very far from strong intoxicating drinks, the process of this banal procedure seemed a little poetic.
…“This most noble drink is aged for 10 years. The original three-step process makes the taste of Dos Maderas refined, rich and recognizable. During the first five years it is aged in special huge vats in the Antilles. Then it languishes in twenty-year-old Dos Cortados sherry casks, and then moves to Pedro Ximenez sweet sherry casks, where it acquires a fully formed unique taste and shade”…
In general, in Spain there are many brands that produce rum from local, but mainly from imported raw materials: Aldea – La Palma island (local raw materials), Arehucas – Gran Canaria, Cocal Tenerife and many more. And then there is the excellent sweet sherry, the ubiquitous sangria, and many different delicious liqueurs, but this is a huge topic for a separate article.
Textiles on the streets
Only on the streets of Lloret de Mar did I see how, right in front of the buyers, on the machine of the First World War, inscriptions were created on towels and caps. These units look funny. Even the Indians have not reached such an immersion in the atmosphere.
About individual brands, stores and brand fakes
About Store Mango in Lloret de Mar has already said a little. The range is good, but the prices are not at all small, one might say ordinary. The shop is not very big and narrow, this is the specificity of many Lloret shops. In the end, I didn't choose anything for myself.
Europe is famous for its outlets and outlets, Lloret is no exception in this regard. There are lots of stocks out there. I really like the Spanish brand Desiqual - absolutely unique things with a touch of childish recklessness.
There are a lot of corners of this company in the drains at a higher level, but the prices bite. Actually, online price tags for things from Desigual start from 80 euros and above. In Lloret, it is exactly the same - the numbers are like a carbon copy. But I could not resist and bought myself a dress. He definitely will not be demolished.
Stands out among the outlets Top Stock Outlet - a good store of good luxury brands. I have noticed: Moschino, Cavalli, Rinacimento. Prices are high, goods from very past collections.
Seemed successful supermarket chain Eurospar. A lot of things, they work from 9 am to 10 pm, the prices are quite democratic. Decent selection of jamon and wine, plus fruit and essentials.
There are many jewelry stores in Lloret Tusso. I did not like it - absolutely nothing unique, everything is rather monotonous, bright and colorful. Didn't get hooked. Perhaps for an amateur or my mood was not right.
Beware of fakes!
Despite all my love for Europeans, quality replicas and frank fakes enough on the Spanish streets. The main thing here is not to deceive yourself with tempting prices, look at the offers realistically and carefully consider the things you like. These are the shops with fake bags Louis Vuitton are located everywhere.
How to distinguish a fake? It's elementary - there are no high-quality fakes of luxury, and this dummy costs 15 euros. To understand the issue. Prices for a tiny bag from Vuiton start at 450 euros.
Unfortunately, they fake my favorite Furla. But here they have already completely lost their conscience, they try - they copy models with jewelry accuracy, and then they sell a fake for 70 euros. At the same time, at the sale, an authentic Furla of the initial class can be bought for 150 euros.
We found a store that sells the real Furla, I always wanted a bag from the series Divid-it and then my shamanic conspiracies were heard - this white beauty with a bright green pocket returned home with me.
I also bought earrings and wonderful cotton pants. Some kind of demon confused my mind, since in the normal state I don’t wear pants in the summer in principle. Although, I'll be honest, these bloomers are simply weightless and "breathe". But they are made in Italy, as well as my precious Furla. So this time I was bringing Italian goods from Spain.
At the end of my personal review, I would like to say that most of the resort towns in Spain offer a wide opportunity for a full-fledged tourist shopping. However, if, if this is not enough for you, then you will go straight to Barcelona. There are more shops and a more interesting choice, if only the overweight of luggage did not work out in the end. By the way get from Lloret de Mar to Barcelona without transfers is quite fast and not expensive, so go for it.
PS I almost forgot :)) Be sure to try mango jam with a minimum sugar content, cactus jam and ground smoked pepper pimenton…
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For me personally, there is useful information, so I am going to visit Spain for the first time. And in general, the article is interesting, so thanks!