One Of The Top Global Shopping Destinations, Spain Invites You For A Spree Of A Lifetime:seasonal Sales Kick Off On January 7th Throughout The Country

Recognized by the Economist's Global Shopper City Index, Spain offers you a plethora of options to choose from. Whether you are a fashionista, an antique hunter, or someone looking for a unique souvenir, shopping in Spain is always an adventure worth taking. From side-street stalls and open-air flea markets, to designer boutiques selling the latest in couture fashions, the country lives up to its reputation of a global shopping paradise.


MAJOR SHOPPING CITIES

Barcelona
Shopping neighborhoods: Home to the famous 5-km (3-mile) shopping line of 35,000 stores, Barcelona's shopping appeal is hard to beat. The largely-pedestrian shopping line stretches from La Rambla, through Playa de Catalunya, and mixes traditional and modern shops. This exclusive and bohemian fashion showcase runs through the city's most emblematic streets, turning your shopping experience into an unforgettable promenade. The Ensanche area around Avenida Diagonal and Paseo de Gracia is home to the most prestigious boutiques, while avant-garde trends can be found in the Gotico and El Born areas.

Street markets and Food Markets: The Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria, often simply referred to as La Boqueria, is a large indoor public market in the Ciutat Vella district of the city. Dating back to 1217, La Boqueria offers everything from candied fruit to foie gras. Located just off La Rambla, it is a must see for any food lover.

Special products: For something exclusively Spanish, head to a Cava winery in the Penedes wine region just south of Barcelona (45 minutes by train from the Plaza Cataluna) or visit Montjuic, a hill located near the center of Barcelona, that is steeped in history with a major crafts center, and bring home a pair of traditional Catalonian espadrilles.

Madrid
Shopping neighborhoods: Recently named the 2nd best European city for shopping by The Economist's Globe Shopper City Index, Madrid is a shopper's dream. Salamanca, Madrid's equivalent of Fifth Avenue, boasts the world's most prestigious fashion names, while Chueca, one of Madrid's trendiest and most progressive neighborhoods, is filled with restaurants and cafes, electronic music stores, and boutiques of up-and-coming designers.

Street markets and Food Markets: Madrid's two iconic areas, the historic center around Puerta Del Sol and Plaza Mayor house many traditional shops and cafes, while El Rastro - Europe's largest open air market that takes place on Sundays, offers a variety of antiques, books, and other rarities. Foodies cannot miss the Mercado de San Miguel or Mercado de San Anton. Open day and night, San Miguel is the oldest indoor market in Madrid with 33 shops that offer a great variety of the best delicatessen products around. Mercado de San Anton, located in the trendy neighborhood of Chueca, is a sleek gourmet paradise good for daily shopping or special meals.

Special products: For a unique souvenir, visit the Royal Tapestry Factory in the heart of Madrid for to admire the work of the craftsmen and the tapestry-making process or head to La Granja (just 30 minutes from Madrid to Segovia on the AVE train), and pick up a stunning glasswork piece at the Royal Glass Factory.

Valencia
Shopping neighborhoods: Sunny weather and a relaxed atmosphere make shopping in Valencia an invigorating experience. The Colon area brings together famous designers, while the streets surrounding the City Hall and the Cathedral are filled with traditional shops that embody the flavor of Valencia.

Street markets and Food Markets: For the freshest selection of seafood, meat, cheeses, spices, or produce, head to Mercado Central. For souvenirs, wines and ceramics check out Mercado Colon, an old food market transformed into a modern shop gallery with trendy restaurants and cafes.

Special products: Visit the town of Paterna for the famous socarrats (painted ceramic wall dec