If your knowledge of Spain is limited to their tapas, the flamenco, and their La Tomatina festival (courtesy of ZNMD, yes, we’ve seen the movie), this is your chance to redeem yourself. A beautiful country with diverse landscapes, Spain deserves a spot in your ‘stunning places to visit’ list.
The capital city Madrid comes alive, with bustling streets thrumming with the rhythm of flamenco set against the spectacular grandeur of the Royal Palace. Andalucía boasts of the enchanting cities of Seville, Granada, and Córdoba with their gothic cathedrals, Moorish architectural influences, and colourful festivals. A little detour to the Canary Islands and you’ll find yourself in a paradise of clean waters, sandy beaches, and volcanic landscapes. Not merely scenic spots, these three places have also become luxury shopping hub for tourists all around the world. Here’s how you can spoil yourself with luxury brands, delicious food and beautifully curated experiences in Spain.
Say “How Much?” en Español
You might consider yourself a backpacker, but if there’s one thing we can guarantee, it’s that you’ll be going home with a lot more luggage than a backpack from Spain. Places like Madrid, Andalucía and the Canary Islands are known for being shopping hubs. Tourists will often find themselves spending more time on shopping than on actually sightseeing. And why not? The cities have established themselves as the one stop destination for both local and designer brands. Felipe Varela, a famous Spanish designer has become a favourite of Queen Leticia. It won’t be an exaggeration to say that in Spain you can actually shop for clothes even fit for royalty.
Madrid
Start filling your shopping cart at Madrid’s main shopping street, Gran Vía. It’s lined up with a variety of major international brands, Spanish designers, and department stores like El Corte Inglés. If local shopping is more of your vibe, then Madrid’s famous open-air flea market will definitely make you happy. Held every Sunday and on public holidays, El Rastro is the place to go for antiques, clothing, accessories, artworks, and more.
Tourists visiting Madrid must explore WOW Concept, a design haven that has a curated selection of fashion, home decor, and accessories. It truly showcases the essence of contemporary Spanish design.
Another place to shop is Galería Canalejas, an upscale shopping destination situated in the prestigious neighbourhood of Barrio de las Letras, also known as the Literary Quarter. Thirty minutes from buzzing Madrid, Las Rozas Village offers guests a unique shopping experience featuring a curated selection of renowned Spanish and international fashion and lifestyle brands in more than 100 boutiques
Andalucía
As one of Andalucía’s major cities, Seville offers luxury shopping options, particularly in its city centre. Calle Sierpes and the surrounding streets are home to upscale boutiques, designer stores, and prestigious brands.
Your next stop in Andalucía should be Marbella. This resort town on the breathtaking Costa del Sol has become synonymous with luxury. Puerto Banús, in particular, is renowned for its upscale shopping scene. Málaga offers more affordable options while also boasting some luxury shopping destinations. You can’t miss out on the Golden Mile! Located between Marbella and Puerto Banús, it’s a stretch of coastline known for its luxurious properties, hotels, and high-end shopping.
Seville hosts Semana Internacional de la Moda Flamenca (SIMOF) in early February at FIBES, setting flamenco fashion trends for Feria de Abril. The flamenco dress takes centre stage during Southern Spanish Spring fairs, or “ferias,” across Andalucía from April to August. Women, adorned in flamenco dresses or “trajes de gitana,” steal the spotlight, embodying beauty and exuberance.
The Canary Islands
If we’re talking about shopping, the Canary Islands automatically become part of the conversation. In the port city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, you’ll happily stumble across Muelle Uno. It’s a modern waterfront shopping complex with a selection of luxury shops, upscale restaurants, and cafes.
A happy news for people looking forward to shopping in the Canary Islands is that the tax system in the Canary Islands differs from that of mainland Spain and much of Europe. The IGIC is the Canary Islands’ version of VAT and is typically levied at a reduced rate. This means that you’ll be able to shop to your heart’s content without worrying about emptying your wallet!
You can also soothe your senses with a leisurely stroll along the promenade while browsing designer boutiques and enjoying views of the harbour. Another gem in the crown is the Plaza del Duque situated in the heart of Costa Adeje, a popular destination for luxury shopping enthusiasts seeking high-end fashion and exclusive brands.
Spain In a Plate
There’s more to Spain than luxury shopping venues where you can fill your carts. The beautiful country has an exceptional assortment of Michelin star restaurants. Spain promises a flavourful culinary ride beginning with Coque, where Chef Mario Sandoval promises top notch Spanish cuisine in a stylish, contemporary setting in Madrid. Travel to Cadiz for Aponiente, a seafood whimsy created by Chef Ángel León, known for innovative marine-inspired dishes. In Granada, Ruta del Veleta offers Michelin-starred dining with seasonal ingredients.
Seville awaits you with Abantal’s contemporary Spanish cuisine, while the restaurant Noor in Cordoba revives Al-Andalus flavours in a historic setting. The Canary Islands also have a lot to offer when it comes to food that’s made for the soul. If you fancy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, head to La Cúpula in Costa Adeje in Tenerife, where Chef Rubén Cabrera showcases the Canary Island flavours with a modern twist.
Stargazing and Flamenco
If you’ve gotten tired of shopping and eating in Spain (which is quite impossible) there’s a host of experiences you can try out here. When you’re in Madrid, don’t miss out on the Corral de la Morería, a renowned flamenco tablao that has been showcasing authentic performances and exceptional flamenco artists since 1956.
Nestled within the breathtaking Alhambra, the Parador hotel in Granada offers a luxurious stay within the stunning palace complex. The Antiques Madrid tour is a bespoke experience you shouldn’t miss where you can visit art warehouses and discover objects not available to the general public. Also, you can browse through the best antiques shops in Madrid alongside professional interior designers and antiques dealers.
Andalucía is famous for its Moorish influence, and hammams or Arabic baths offer a serene reminiscence of ancient times. Jerez de la Frontera hosts captivating equestrian shows where spectators are treated to dazzling displays of horsemanship and the rich Andalusian culture. In the Canary Islands, you can enjoy thrilling whale watching adventures. Gran Canaria’s clear skies and minimal light pollution make it an ideal destination for stargazing. Canary Islands’ range of eco-friendly hotels and spas are a perfect way to unwind after a long day out in the sun. The La Laguna Gran Hotel in Tenerife boasts energy-efficient design and organic cuisine meanwhile Lanzarote’s Finca Malvasia is an eco-retreat, with solar-powered amenities and local, organic treatments.
For couples, romantic photoshoots set against the scenic backdrops of Tenerife are a must. Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh comes to life in this experience arranged by Bodegas Teneguía in La Palma where it combines volcanic nature and a setting of stars with the tasting of a unique wine. An experience truly made for the five senses! The exciting adventures and shopping venues of Madrid, Andalucía, and the Canary Islands are not to be missed out on. All you need are some empty bags, a zest for travelling and a big appetite!
For more information, visit www.spain.info/en/ or follow them on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and X.
This article is published in collaboration with Tourism Office of Spain (Turespaña), Mumbai
