Even in a country as marvelous as Spain, Málaga stands out. With phenomenal beaches, unspoiled nature, and stunning examples of Spanish architecture, this province in southern Spain is bound to leave you with unforgettable memories.
Of course, everyone wants a keepsake from their trips around the world. But are you tired of the typical mugs and magnets with block letters? Don’t worry — here are 12 souvenirs from Málaga to consider bringing home after your holiday.
Table of Contents
1. Abanicos
In the summer heat of southern Spain, having an abanico, or hand fan, is never a bad idea. These foldable fans, typically made with wood and cloth, were popularized by flamenco dancers, who use the fans as an instrument of dance.
You can find traditional and craft abanicos all over Málaga. Typically an affordable souvenir, they’re perfect to beat the heat with a Spanish flair.
2. Anything Picasso
As the homeplace of the great painter, Málaga is home to Museo Picasso Málaga, where you can find a selection of some of the artist’s lesser-known works. A visit to this museum is an absolute Málaga must.
It also means Málaga is the perfect place to buy a Picasso-themed souvenir. Whether that’s a print of your favorite work, a book collection of his art, an art kit, or something else, you can find something to connect with your inner artist.
3. Nazareno figurines
Andalucía is known for the celebrations of Semana Santa, or the holy week surrounding Easter. Málaga is no exception to the dramatic, grandiose religious processions.
The processions, in which hundreds of devotees carry or accompany thrones bearing effigies of Jesus and the Virgin Mary, are viewed by tens of thousands every year.
Little figurines of the nazarenos — or the hooded figures who accompany the thrones — make unique souvenirs to recall your time in Málaga.
A disclaimer: Despite the similar appearance to the robes of the Ku Klux Klan, the garb of Semana Santa is part of a much older and independent tradition.
Also read: 10 Malaga Festivals and Celebrations You Shouldn’t Miss
4. Spanish nougat
The sweet, alluring smell of turrón wafts through the streets of Málaga’s historic center. An irresistible perfume that pulls you in like a magnet to the various confectionary shops.
Give into the temptation if a vendor approaches you on the street with a bowl to offer you free samples. But be careful — one bite and you’re bound to want more.
Turrón, or nougat, is a common sweet in Málaga. Turrón is commonly consumed by Malagueños during the Christmas season, but the snack is available year-round.
5. Feria posters
If there’s one event you should not miss, it’s the Feria de Málaga.
For one week in August, citizens and visitors alike converge at a massive fairground to celebrate Málaga and the city’s heritage. These celebrations, called ferias, are common throughout Andalucía, as much in big cities as in small towns.
What’s a party without a promotional poster? Every year, residents of Málaga vote on the design for the official poster. Over the years, this leads to some retro and classical throwback posters that you can find in stores around the city to spruce up your home decor.
6. Olive oil
Andalusia runs on olive oil — olive groves, or olivares, stripe the rolling countryside as you travel from place to place.
Málaga is an excellent spot to purchase some authentic Spanish olive oil. Without a doubt, it’ll be cheaper, fresher and better than what you can find overseas.
Because it faces few restrictions on air travel, olive oil is a great gastronomic souvenir to bring that taste of Spain back home.
7. Iberian ham
The very name says it all. The peninsula where Spain is located is famous for pork of all types, but the cured ham known as jamón iberico is perhaps the most well-known of all.
The city’s close proximity to oak forests, where pigs graze on acorns, makes jamón iberico a tasty souvenir from Málaga.
Make sure to be aware of the rules for bringing animal products back into your country, as some border policies do not permit it (or require registration). If you really want to haul some ham home, it is possible to ship it to some countries.
8. Tiles and ceramics
The history of tiles and ceramics in Andalusia goes back centuries, resulting from a mixture of cultures throughout the eras. In particular, the entrancing mudéjar art style influenced by Moorish Iberia is prevalent in architecture and art.
Málaga features several grand examples of mudéjar in architecture, such as the Alcazaba, but the mudéjar-inspired art can be found big and small throughout the city. Andalusian ceramics or tiles are great souvenirs from Málaga to embellish your decor.
Throughout the Málaga province, you can also find handmade ceramics of all sorts of styles.
9. Castañuelas
The sound is all too familiar in Spanish music — that rhythmic clacking accompanied by guitar strokes and shouted ab libs. But do you know what instrument is responsible?
Handheld castañuelas (castanets) are the percussion instruments featured in flamenco and other related types of Spanish music.
Small and portable as they are, castañuelas make a great souvenir for music aficionados who want to have that authentic flamenco sound close by.
10. Málaga wine
Spain, of course, is famous for its wines, but Málaga has varieties named after the region itself. Málaga wines fall under one of two appellations: D.O. Málaga and D.O. Sierra de Málaga.
The former, D.O. Málaga, covers liquor and sweet wines, traditional, fortified whites that are great to sip on before or after a dinner exploring Málaga’s cuisine. D.O. Sierra de Málaga wines can be white, red, or rosé and cover a broad range of different types.
When it’s time to head home, you’ll have no trouble grabbing a bottle or two at one of the city’s many bodegas. Just remember to pack it snugly in a checked bag, so it doesn’t break or get confiscated at security.
11. Artisanal honey
Málaga province’s active community of apicultures — or beekeepers — means official honey is a wonderful thing to buy in Málaga. Not only is artisanal honey a great souvenir from Málaga, but it is great for your health and that of the local ecosystem.
Bees play an important role in the environment and supporting the beekeepers who produce honey means supporting the beautiful nature around Málaga as well.
12. Bota de vino
A bota de vino, or wineskin, is a perfect souvenir in Málaga to gift to a wine-loving friend or family member. The drinking container, carried over the shoulder or at the hip, will make you feel like a real jinete, or Spanish horseman.
Made of leather and slung over your shoulder or at your hip, these wineskins are not exclusively for wine — any liquid can be held within the flexible container.
Best spots for shopping in Málaga
So now that you have these souvenirs from Málaga in mind, here’s where to go when shopping in Málaga.
Zoilo, Calle Granada 65
This local grocer sells some of the finest traditional foods of Málaga, from olive oil and confectionaries to cured meats and sweet wines.
La Recova, Pasaje Ntra. Sra. de los Dolores de San Juan, 3
A joint cafetería and gift shop, La Recova is a perfect place to get some coffee and breakfast (or tapas and drinks) and go shopping in Málaga in one fell swoop. This crafty spot sells handmade trinkets and decor from all over Málaga and Andalusia, authentic as they come.
Viva la Feria, Calle Muro de Puerta Nueva 7
With a name wishing eternal life to the Feria of Málaga, Viva la Feria only makes sense as a necessary stop for anyone looking for flamenco clothing and accessories.
Whether you want an accessory or are looking to get started in the dance style yourself, Viva la Feria is a great place to browse for souvenirs in Málaga.
Sabor a España, multiple locations
If the savory scent of Spanish confectioneries doesn’t draw you into this shop, I don’t know what will, but it’s worth a mention.
Sabor a España is the perfect place to buy anything sweet and tasty to carry that Spanish flavor overseas. From turrón to candied nuts, Sabor a España is the go-to stop for gourmet goods.
Museo Picasso Málaga Bookshop, Palacio de Buenavista, Calle San Agustín, 8
This bookstore, which you’ll reach at the end of your visit to Museo Picasso Málaga, is the unofficial official place to buy anything Picasso-related while you visit the famed artist’s birthplace.
Bodega Quitapenas, multiple locations
This traditional bodega is a place to browse for authentic Málaga wine to help ease your post-vacation depression.
Special mention
While not specific stores, locations such as Calle Larios, Muelle Uno, and Atarazanas Market are excellent places in and near the historic center to search for things to buy in Málaga.
Conclusion
A city as vibrant as Málaga is bound to be full of all sorts of knick-knacks and curiosities, but these are some souvenirs from Málaga characteristic of the city’s cultural heritage.
Whichever you choose, it will carry memories of a wonderful trip for some time after. Buen viaje!
