You really don’t want to arrive home clutching a straw donkey, an oversized sombrero or a tacky flamenco doll – even though they might have seemed like hilarious gift ideas at the time. The sunshine of a Spanish holiday can do strange things to you! So, bring home some perfect and welcome gifts instead; read the Panoramic Villas personal shopper guide to tasteful gift-shopping on the Costa del Sol.
Familiar names
A trip to the Costa del Sol is usually a guarantee of a sunshine-filled holiday, a period of rest and respite with temperatures higher than back home, even in winter you can usually be assured of sunny days, and plenty of time for that all important holiday shopping. If the weather is inclement, head for the many shopping malls dotted along the Costa del Sol, where high street and better known brands mingle with boutique finds and food halls.
Small is beautiful
However, we love to explore the little shops which you’ll only find as you explore and wander through your chosen resort, so let’s go shopping, and see what hidden gems we can unearth and share with you…
Mijas
Mijas has long attracted visitors looking for a Costa del Sol holiday combined with traditional Spanish living, all a stone’s throw from Málaga airport. A whitewashed village with spectacular views and walking on the doorstep combines nicely with village life. Cosy cafe bars, restaurants, and that all-important shopping experience.
Chocolate fix
Get a chocolate fix at Mayan Monkey in Mijas, but you might eat the souvenirs before they make it home. Taste the goods at this small batch sustainable bean to bar chocolate & ice cream factory. Take a tour – they run them in four languages – and buy some of the mouth-watering goods to take home and share. Yes, that’s the hardest part!
Where is it? Plaza Virgen de la Peña 15, Mijas, Andalucía.
Clothing
Handmade clothes for kids are a lovely gift, and your favourite niece will adore wearing something special and individual from Spain. Musketa offer a stunning range of handmade and embellished items such as t-shirts inspired by the wonderful location. They’re all quite different to anything else you’ll see, and a wearable souvenir is easy to pack into your hand luggage too. There’s smaller women’s collection so you may also find something for yourself – always a bonus.
Where is it? Calle Malaga 32, Mijas, Andalucía.
Málaga
For much, much more than just the airport, Malaga city is a shopper’s paradise. Get ready to flex your credit card, and don some comfortable shoes on your Málaga holiday, and head into the bustling and vibrant city centre, a short ride away from many destinations on the Costa del Sol.
Great gifts
A treasure trove of quirky gifts can be found in Málaga right on Calle Larios, where you’ll be sure to be shopping. Full of specialist shops as well as brands such as Mango, Zara and Springfield, Calle Larios is fun to explore.
Toys and more
Actually Danish, Flying Tiger offers a plethora of gifts, you’ll spend hours browsing the selection on Calle Larios. Games, toys, hobby and craft ware, quirky kitchenware, you name it, they have it.
Where is it? There actually three branches in Málaga city centre, but there are also branches of Flying Tiger in Fuengirola and Marbella. Check out their location map here.
Wine time
Of course, a bottle of local wine makes a welcome gift. Don’t wait for Duty Free, head to Calahonda where the Calahonda Wine Shop has a fine collection. Excellent service, knowledge, quality and variety of wines will ensure you come away with a tipple or two.
Where is it? Avda. España, 70, corner of Julian Lozano, Calahonda, Andalucía.
Originally from Dublin, Carol Byrne writes about travel and more from her mountain-top home in the picturesque foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Spain. Driven by a passion for travel, history, other cultures and sustainable living, she enjoys life and working as a freelance editor and storyteller.
