Planning a holiday to sunny Spain? One of the most simple pleasures in life and on vacation is shopping. We don’t mean designer clothing or luxury watches (although, these are still valid.) We mean taking a walk around a local supermarket and inhaling the smells and the sights, finding brands you don’t get at home and filling your basket with exotic delicacies.
Here is what you could be buying on your next trip to Spain.
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Fruit, only larger
If you are coming from a colder climate, you may notice that the fruit and veg here is kind of big. Huge tomatoes, large strawberries and super prize-winning courgettes could be filling your basket. Make the most of it, Spain has fantastic produce ripened by the sun.
Fruits -
Serrano Ham
This is a classic, and while you can find it abroad it’s better to buy it locally. Serve with olives and a glass of wine on your terrace.
Jamón serrano -
Cheese
Ok so cheese exists in many countries, but the cheese you will find in Spain is simply delicious. Some classics to try include queso manchego and a white, soft cheese from Burgos simply known as “queso de Burgos.”
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Regañas
What are regañas you may ask? These are little snacks, falling somewhere between a biscuit, a cracker and a breadstick which go perfectly with a cheeseboard. Dig in!
Regañas -
Magdalenas
These little cakes, which the Spanish eat at breakfast time, are surprisingly tasty. You may find yourself having more than one or two. Go gently.
Magdalenas -
Bread
Bread is the staff of life after all. Buy fresh baguettes daily or if you are inclined to a toasted sandwich, choose a sliced variety, just don’t laugh at the name. Often sliced bread is referred to here as “pan Bimbo.” We can assure you this is nothing to do with an English version of a “bimbo,” it’s just a popular brand name.
Pan Bimbo -
Gambones
Gambones are large prawns which can be purchased easily here in supermarkets or at the fishmonger. They tend to be pretty spectacular in size and very reasonably priced as they come fresh from the local sea. Serve with a squeeze of lemon and enjoy.
Gambones a la plancha -
Olives and olive oil
Try not to get confused, olives are called aceitunas in Spanish. Choose from green or black varieties. Go wild, you are in olive oil country after all. We like our salad swimming in extra virgin olive oil with a sprinkle of salt.
Olives and olive oil -
Wine
If you drink, you simply have to try the wine in Spain. It’s delicious, inexpensive and plentiful. Our recommendation for a solid red is a Ribera Del Duero. In whites, Albarino has a crisp flavour or a nice dry variety is a Verdejo.
Vineyard -
Water
Now, this doesn’t sound the most exciting but trust us. There are several varieties of water on offer in Spain, from still to sparkling to those which have a high mineral content. One of our favourites is Solan de Cabras, which has a really smooth taste and a rather striking blue bottle. If you are looking for a pick me up, try Vichy Catalan; it is full of minerals and really gives you a zing!
Water
We look forward to welcoming you on your next luxury stay in Marbella. At Swish we actually offer a free shopping service to guests where we go shopping for you. Just tell us what you fancy and we will make it happen. Enjoy!
