Like every other city that people love visiting, Valencia is full of shops touting fridge magnets and keychains. You don’t want these.
In fact, nobody wants these.
It’s like that time your aunt got back from the Great Barrier Reef and told you she got you something and then handed you a keychain coin purse. It’s just not nice.
Especially when Valencia is an actual treasure trove of unique and useful souvenirs. You know, stuff that people actually want. And more importantly, stuff you want to have around to remember your trip by.
So here’s what to buy in Valencia. Let’s start with the lightest stuff to carry.
Food & Drink
Many of the best souvenirs to buy in Valencia are things to eat and drink.
1. Turrón
You knew this would be here. But it’s the perfect souvenir. Sweet, light, and compact. And everybody loves it.
Why get it? Turrón is a traditional Spanish nougat made from almonds, honey, and sugar, and its origins date back to the Moorish influence in Spain. While it’s typically associated with the Christmas season, in Valencia, you can find high-quality turrón year-round. Alicante and Jijona, just outside Valencia, are the primary producers, making the region the undisputed capital of this sweet delight.
What to Look For: There are two main types of turrón you’ll find: Turrón de Alicante (a hard, crunchy nougat) and Turrón de Jijona (a softer, creamier version). Both varieties are made with local Valencian almonds, which give them their rich, nutty flavor. You’ll also find modern takes on turrón, with flavors like chocolate, candied fruit, or even orange zest—an homage to Valencia’s most iconic fruit.
2. Pimentón (aka Paprika)
I love to cook so I may be biased but I love the people who bring me back spices from the places they’ve been. Recently, a friend got back from Hungary and got me a pouch of paprika and she will always hold a special place in my heart.
And when it comes to paprika, the Spanish kind is a must have. How do you think the food here tastes so good?
Why get it? Paprika, or pimentón, is a staple in Spanish cooking. Paprika from the region of Murcia, just south of Valencia, is particularly prized for its mild, sweet flavor and intense color, and it plays a central role in many traditional Valencian dishes. Plus, it comes in beautiful – and light-weight! – tins that make the perfect gift.
What to Look For? Look for artisanal or locally sourced paprika in specialty food shops or markets. Often, you’ll find gorgeous tins or jars of pimentón labeled with the region of origin. Go wild and pick out a couple varieties to experiment with in your cooking.
Quick tip. Pimentón from Murcia is mild and sweet. Pimentón from Extremadura is the smoky stuff.
3. Chufas
Valencia is the birthplace of horchata, and buying chufas from this region gives you the most authentic flavor possible.
Why get it? Chufas (aka tigernuts) are small tubers native to the Valencia region and the key ingredient in horchata – which I guarantee you will crave every day after you leave Spain. Lucky for you, making horchata is surprisingly if you carry some chufas home with you.
What to look for? You can find chufas in local markets, either dried or packaged in bags. Some stores even sell pre-made horchata mixes or kits that come with chufas and instructions for making the drink.
Quick note. Chufas aren’t just used for horchata – you can use them as a nutritious ingredient in a load of recipes from pancakes to banana bread.
4. Saffron
Spanish saffron, aka azafrán, is what gives paella its characteristic yellow hue. And if you want to re-create all the delish paella you had in Valencia, you’ll want to grab some local saffron.
Why get it? It may not be as popular as, say, Persian saffron, but this local spice is a key ingredient in many Spanish dishes, especially paella.
What to look for? Small jars or tins of saffron threads, often sold at local markets or specialty food shops.
5. Chocolate a La Taza
You know that rich, thick chocolate warmth that you love dipping churros into? You should take that home with you.
Why get it? This thick, velvety hot chocolate is with high-quality cocoa, sugar, and cornstarch – that’s how you get that luxuriously creamy consistency. It’s also light to carry, makes a great gift for anyone who likes chocolate as well as yourself.
What to Look For: Look for artisanal brands or local chocolatiers that produce their chocolate a la taza using traditional methods. Many shops sell beautifully packaged blocks or jars of chocolate that you can easily prepare at home. Some may even offer flavored varieties, such as orange or cinnamon, to enhance your experience.
6. Agua de Valencia Liqueur
Here’s a delicious souvenir that captures some of your favorite memories of Valencia in a bottle.
Why get it? This iconic local cocktail, made with cava (Spanish sparkling wine), orange juice, vodka, and gin, is a refreshing and beloved Valencian specialty.
What to look for? Pre-bottled versions of Agua de Valencia are available in local markets or liquor stores. Look for artisanal or premium varieties for the best taste.
7. Salt
Why get it? Everybody needs salt. It’s light, it’s affordable, and the local, artisanal kind of salt you’ll find in Valencia comes in unique flavors like smoked ginger, citrus, five peppers, chestnut and a lot more. It’ll impress your friends and family but what you’ll really want to do is pick some up for yourself because these salts will add a special, otherworldly flavor to whatever you’re cooking.
What to look for? Artisanal, locally-produced salts.
8. Canned Seafood
I’m not a huge fan of canned foods but Spanish canned seafood is nothing like what you’ll find in other parts of the world – they’re gourmet and packed with flavor.
Why get it? They’re light, affordable, and delicious. The fish is preserved at the peak of freshness, allowing you to enjoy quick-and-easy Spanish tapas long after your trip.
What to Look For? Look for artisanal or small-batch conservas from local brands. Some may be marinated in garlic or smoked paprika, while others are simply preserved in the region’s olive oils. You’ll find a variety of packaging, from simple tins to more elaborate glass jars. Tuna, sardines, mussels, and especially octopus are superb.
9. Paella Rice
You’re in Valencia, the birthplace of paella. And you know what that means…you got to get the rice.
Why get it? The most popular kind of rice used for paella is bomba rice, which is mostly cultivated right here in Valencia. So it makes the perfect regional souvenir. Plus, you can pick up gourmet, beautifully packaged options.
What to look for? Bomba rice is popular for paella. As is senia. So you can get either. Another great option is Albufuera rice, which is a selection of the bomba, bénia and bahía varieties.
10. Marmalades
Why get it? Spanish jams are world-class. There is so much variety – if there’s a fruit, trust that the Spanish have made a marmalade, spread or chutney out of it. And they do it so damn well.
What to look for? You can get strawberry and grape jam anywhere. So get the stuff that’s a little more unique to Spain. My favorites are peach marmalade (mermelada de melocoton), bitter orange marmalade (mermelada de naranja amarga), sweet orange marmalade (mermelada de naranja dulce), plum marmalade (mermelada de ciruela), tomato marmalade (mermelada de tomate), and definitely loquat marmalade (mermelada de níspero).
11. Honey
Honey differs a little depending on where it was made, which is what makes it such an authentically local gift to give as a souvenir.
Why get it? In Valencia, you’ll find orange blossom honey, which is made from the nectar of citrus trees. It’s naturally sweet and has an insane aroma. It makes a lovely hot drink just mixed with warm water.
What to look for? You’ll find it in artisanal and natural shops around Valencia. But since you’ll probably head to Horchateria Santa Catalina for horchata and fartons, you might as well pick up a jar of their miel de azahar while you’re there. It’s good stuff.
12. Valencian Wine
If you have enough room in your luggage, a bottle or two of a yet underrated Spanish wine is in order.
Why get it? Everyone knows Bordeaux, La Rioja, and even Ribera Del Duero but have your friends and family back home tasted the wine from Utiel-Requena? It’s still not so well known although it is actually one of Spain’s oldest wine regions. Its wine comes from the region’s indigenous red grape variety, Bobal (makes fruity, full-bodied wine), and isn’t widely available outside of Spain.
What to look for? You can find it in wine shops but the best is to go straight to the source.
Home & Kitchen
Valencia is full of unique, beautiful things that are also really useful to have in your home. Here’s the best of what to buy…
13. Socarrat tiles
Socarrat comes from the Spanish word socarrar, which means to scorch. It’s the word used to refer to the yummiest part of the paella – you know, that crusty bottom layer.
It also refers to a distinctive tile-making tradition that originated from Valencia. You can get these hand-painted ceramic tiles with designs ranging from intricate geometric to floral patterns, from traditional motifs to modern interpretations.
Why get it? Well, they’re beautiful, useful and unique. And they’re so versatile – use them as coasters, wall art, or just to add a touch of Valencian charm to any space.
What to look for? Seek out local artisans or markets where you can purchase genuine socarrat tiles.
14. Tapas serving bowls
Those orange-ish, rustic, round clay pots that tapas is served in are called cazuelas. Being earthenware and heat-retentive, they’re perfect for both cooking and serving.
Why get them? They’re not just great for whipping up your own sizzling gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp) or slow-baked patatas bravas. They’re a beautiful way to store all those little objects that need a place to be, like jewelry, coins or keys.
What to look for? The traditional red-brown terra cotta ones are the most authentic. But I personally love the hand-painted ones. Look for durable, oven-safe pieces at local markets or ceramic shops.
15. Spanish Olive Wood Boards
No tapas spread is complete without a selection of jamón, cheese, and olives. And what better way to serve those up but on an olive wood board you got from Spain?
Why get it? Durable, beautiful and also naturally resistant to bacteria. This is a very useful souvenir.
What to look for? Smooth, polished boards with natural edges that highlight the wood’s organic beauty.
16. Ceramics from Manises
Next to the Valencia airport lies a little town called Manises, which has been crafting ceramics since the 13th century.
Why get it? Beautiful pieces to add to your kitchenwares collection at home. You’ll find everything from classic blue-and-white designs to vibrant modern styles to ones that incorporate motifs unique to the area, such as Valencian oranges or local landscapes.
17. Paella pans
Why get it? What else would you buy from the birthplace of paella if not the pan to cook it in?
What to look for? Authentic paella pans (called paelleras) made out of high-quality, carbon steel. You can get gigantic ones as well as smaller versions designed for mini paellas. Both are fine for cooking on the stovetop or even in the oven, and they offer the same crispy rice edges and tender center.
18. Albanicos (aka hand fans)
Why get it? The albanico aren’t just useful during Spain’s hot summers – these make great, light, culturally significant souvenirs.
What to look for?: Look for ones designed by local artists for souvenirs that double as unique collectibles. There are honestly so many options. You can get intricate designs, from floral patterns to cityscapes, ones that open to funny sayings, and classic, hand-painted or even modern linen hand fans.
19. Esparto Grass Crafts
Esparto grass is a fiber that’s made from perennial grasses that grow in Spain (as well as Portugal and north Africa). It’s been used in Spain for centuries in making durable and yet eco-friendly items like baskets, rugs, and espadrilles!
Why get it? These products not only reflect Valencia’s rural heritage but also serve as eco-friendly fashion (or home decor) that you can wear or use everyday.
Fashion
You already know that Spain is home to Zara, Mango, Massimo Dutti, Adolfo Dominguez, Lola y Bimba and so many more places to shop. You already know that Natura is great for picking up affordable linens and Oysho has some adorable swimwear.
But what if you want something more local, more authentic, more meaningful for souvenirs? Here’s what to scoop up…
20. Handmade espadrilles
Espadrilles are a must buy in Spain. But why settle for the mass-produced kind when you can get them custom-made…by yourself?
Why get it? Well, you get a pair of one-of-a-kind, handmade espadrilles. t’s not just the espadrilles – the make-you-own-espadrilles class is an experience in and of itself. You get a lot of creative freedom so you can choose exactly the kind of espadrilles you want. Open back vs closed back. Specific colors. You’re the boss.
You also get an intimate scoop on the history of espadrilles and even helpful fashion tips on how to style espadrilles.
I’d go so far as to say this is both a must-get souvenir and a must-have experience in Valencia.
21. Silk, silk, and more silk
Silk is a big deal in Valencia. You probably knew this if you’ve already been to La Lonja de la Seda, the city’s historic Silk Exchange which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Why get it? Valencia was once a major hub of the European silk trade and this legacy is still very much alive in the range of beautiful, handcrafted silk products you can get here. There’s a huge range – not just scarves, but shawls, ponchos, blouses, and even silk jewelry. If you want an item of clothing made of silk – you’ll find it. It’s a beautiful, practical souvenir you can absorb into your wardrobe.
22. Fallas-inspired jewelry
You’ve seen it if you’ve experienced a Fallas festival. Valencian women are clad in stunning traditional dresses and adorned with elaborate jewelry and hair pieces, often with ornate, intricate gold filigree work.
Why get it? For a traditionally Valencian, truly unique, and absolutely wearable souvenir. This type of jewelry is steeped in Valencian tradition and makes for a unique, wearable souvenir. It’s both elegant and culturally significant, offering a stylish nod to one of the city’s most important festivals.
What to look for? Jewelry inspired by these traditional designs, such as earrings, necklaces, or brooches. Look for pieces made by local artisans who specialize in recreating the beautiful patterns seen in Fallas outfits.
Beauty & Skincare
Last but not least, there are the little lotions and potions that you will absolutely want to take home with you from Valencia.
23. ISDIN sunscreen
Spain gets 320 days of sunshine per year. So it’s not surprising that one of the best sunscreen brands I’ve ever slathered on is based in Spain. I’m talking about ISDIN. This stuff is fantastic.
Why get it? It’s non-oily. It’s good for sensitive skin. So easy to apply. And it works. Even on the most blinding Spanish days in the sun.
What to look for? Everything I’ve tried in their range has been superb. But a particular favorite is the Fusion Water Magic.
24. Mercadona beauty products
Why get it? Supermarket skincare has no business being this good. And yet, Mercadona has some skincare picks that are both really affordable and
What to look for? The Sisbela range in Mercadona is especially good. Plus, a special shoutout to their rosehip oil – it’s very, very good especially for the price.
25. Orange blossom products
Why get it? Valencia is synonymous with oranges, and while you might not be able to take the fresh fruit home, there are plenty of other orange-infused items to bring back. My favorites are the orange blossom soaps and perfumes.
What to look for? Look in natural and artisanal shops for soaps, lotions and fragrances made using orange blossom essence (azahar).
26. Spanish skincare brands
Why get it? If you are a skincare addict, Spain has some amazing brands.
What to look for? Cantabria Labs has and Sesderma are both great for active ingredients.
And there you have it – 25 things to buy in Valencia that your family and friends (and you) will actually want.