Unique shopping experiences in every region of Spain (II): exclusive crafts
In need of shopping and gift ideas to take the essence of Spain home with you without causing a transport headache? Alongside the selection of gourmet products from various regions featured in the first part, the unique, small-scale items crafted by artisans available in other areas are also excellent choices. The tour we suggest below takes you on a journey to discover some of these unique and distinctive handicrafts made by craftspersons.
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Catalonia: Leather “panots” from Barcelona
The panot, a hydraulic cement tile, was one of the five designs chosen by Barcelona City Council in 1906 as the pavement design for the streets of the Eixample district. Its floral motif inspires all types of objects and even reaches elegant leather goods such as wallets, bags or leather bracelets. You can also take home a delicious souvenir of your time in the Catalan capital in the form of excellent artisanal chocolates.
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Region of Valencia: hand-painted silk
After tasting a typical Valencian paella, you will probably want to take home some of the rice grown following the age-old tradition in the Albufera Nature Reserve, sold in traditional cloth bags. If you also do the silk route, don't miss the spectacular hand-painted scarves that you can find in the store of the Silk Museum, and that recreate, for example, paintings by the universal local artist Joaquín Sorolla.
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Balearic Islands: Menorcan sandals
Do you want to buy some handmade unisex footwear that is timeless, elegant and comfortable? Menorcan sandals, also known as abarcas, originated on the island of easy-going tourism in Menorca as work footwear for local residents. Today they are a symbol of local craftsmanship and the cultural identity of the region.
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The Canary Islands: jewels of volcanic lava
The unique volcanic landscape of the Canary Islands is very present in the creations of local young jewellers and artisans. There is an abundance of jewellery and costume jewellery pieces made using minerals from emblematic places including the Teide National Park. Let yourself be dazzled by the green glow of olivine, a precious stone of great cultural richness and a symbol of elegance and exclusivity that reflects the connection between nature and Canarian jewelry art.
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La Rioja: mohair scarves
As well as being a land of excellent wines, the Riojan town of Ezcaray has become famous for the artisanal way in which its mohair wool, a natural fabric from Angora goats, is worked. Scarves and wraps of extraordinary warmth and lightness and even bags that are exported to luxury stores in many parts of the world.
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The Basque Country: “txistu”
One original way to take one of the most characteristic sounds of Basque folklore home with you is to acquire a txistu, a small wind instrument, similar in shape to a flute, and originating in rural areas. Built in ebony, boxwood or walnut wood, its metal parts are usually made of nickel silver, brass or even silver. It is played using your left hand, why not give it a try?
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Murcia Region: nativity scene figurines
If you appreciate the special craftsmanship associated with traditional Christmas nativity scenes, the Murcian town of Puente Tocinos is the perfect place to buy hand-carved figures. Today's Murcian craftspeople preserve a cultural tradition developed during the 18th century in Spain by local sculptor Francisco Salzillo, whose museum is open to visitors in the Region of Murcia's capital city.
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