Souvenir shopping Costa Blanca
A holiday on the Costa Blanca is about much more than beaches, sunshine and long lunches. And when it’s time to go home, there’s always that one question: what are you going to take with you?
Forget the typical fridge magnets and mass-produced beach souvenirs. The Costa Blanca is full of beautiful, delicious and genuinely local things that will remind you of your holiday long after you’ve unpacked your suitcase.
From handmade ceramics and esparto baskets to local olive oil, turrón and wine, here are some of our favourite Costa Blanca souvenirs worth looking out for.
1. Turrón from Jijona
If there’s one sweet treat you should bring home from Alicante, it has to be turrón.Made with almonds and honey, this traditional Spanish nougat has been produced in the town of Jijona for centuries. There are two famous varieties: Turrón de Jijona, which is soft and smooth, and Turrón de Alicante, which is hard and packed with whole almonds.
Perfect with a cup of coffee, and even better when you need a little reminder of Spain on a rainy afternoon back home. You find average turrón in supermarkets, artisan turrón can be found in local delicacies shops.
2. Pink salt from Torrevieja
The famous salt lakes of Torrevieja are one of the Costa Blanca’s most recognisable landscapes — and you can take a little bit of that experience home with you.Gourmet pink salt from the salt flats makes a lovely, lightweight souvenir for anyone who enjoys cooking. Use it to finish a simple tomato salad, grilled fish or a plate of roasted vegetables.
A small jar of local salt might not sound very glamorous, but paired with some good olive oil, it makes a wonderfully Mediterranean gift. It can be found in local delicacies shops.
3. A bottle of Alicante wine
The Costa Blanca has a long wine-making tradition, and D.O. Alicante wines make a much more memorable souvenir than a bottle of something you could buy anywhere. Look out for local varieties such as Moscatel or the historic Fondillón, a sweet wine made from Monastrell grapes.
Even better? Visit a local bodega or vineyard during your stay, taste a few wines and take home your favourite.
4. Esparto baskets and espadrilles
One of our favourites — and something that fits beautifully into a Mediterranean home — is esparto. This traditional natural material has been used in the region for generations and can be found in everything from baskets and hats to rugs and the classic Spanish espadrille.
Look for handmade pieces in places such as Gata de Gorgos, Jávea, Moraira or Benissa. Especially Gata de Gorgos is known for their products. A woven basket is not only beautiful but useful too. Fill it with beach towels, use it for shopping or simply leave it somewhere in your home as a little reminder of summer.
5. Handmade ceramics
If you love Mediterranean interiors, this one is for you. Look out for colourful handmade plates, jugs, bowls and tiles, particularly ceramics associated with places such as Agost. Traditional patterns and imperfect handmade finishes add that relaxed Spanish character that is difficult to recreate with mass-produced homeware.
And unlike a fridge magnet, a beautiful ceramic bowl might actually become part of your everyday life. Shops are located on the N332 between Ondara and Teulada.
6. Spanish leather
Alicante and the surrounding region have a strong tradition of leather production. Bags, shoes, belts and other leather accessories can make a stylish and practical souvenir.
Our tip? Look beyond the obvious tourist shops and explore local boutiques and independent shops. A simple leather bag or belt in a beautiful natural colour is something you can enjoy for years. In the old town of Jávea you certainly will find some.
7. Dates from Elche
Did you know that Elche is home to Europe’s largest palm grove? The area is famous for its dates, which can be found fresh during the harvest season or as part of products such as cakes and jams.
They make a delicious little gift — especially for anyone who loves discovering local food when travelling. Buy them in the supermarket or local shops.
8. Extra virgin olive oil
For us, this might be one of the best souvenirs of all. Olive oil is such an important part of Mediterranean life, and the province of Alicante has numerous producers making excellent extra virgin olive oil. Bring home a beautiful bottle and use it for everything: dipping bread, dressing tomatoes, finishing grilled fish or simply drizzling over a plate of good Spanish vegetables.
And every time you open the bottle, you’ll be reminded of sunny lunches on the Costa Blanca. Buy them at a bodega or dedicated delicacies shops.
9. Something made with local fruit
The Costa Blanca is full of delicious local produce, and nísperos (loquats) are particularly associated with the Marina Baixa and the town of Callosa d’en Sarrià. Depending on the season, you might find fresh fruit as well as jams, sweets and even liqueurs made from loquats.
It’s a lovely option if you’re looking for something a little different from the usual holiday souvenirs.
10. Something you simply fall in love with
And finally, our favourite souvenir doesn’t necessarily have to be something traditionally Spanish.Take a stroll through a local market, wander into a little artisan shop or explore the streets of Altea, Gata de Gorgos, Jávea, Teulada-Moraira, Jalón or Guadalest and see what catches your eye.
Perhaps it’s a handmade bowl. A woven basket. A piece of local art. A beautiful linen dress. Or a bottle of olive oil from a producer you discovered by chance. Sometimes the best souvenirs are the things that instantly transport you back to a particular holiday.
Where to go souvenir shopping on the Costa Blanca
For a more authentic shopping experience, we recommend heading to local markets, traditional shops and artisan businesses rather than sticking to the big tourist areas. We listed up the best shops in our blog about where to buy souvenirs and the best bodegas Costa Blanca.
And don’t forget to leave a little room in your suitcase!