Looking for the perfect present or gourmet gifts to bring back from your European travels? Here at Devour, we believe the best souvenirs are the kind you can eat—and the same goes for gifts!
If you’re traveling in Europe, it’s pretty much mandatory to stock up on souvenirs. But instead of filling your suitcase with useless trinkets, bring your loved ones something they’ll actually enjoy…and by that we mean something edible.
We’ve put together the ultimate European gourmet gift guide to help you choose the perfect present for everyone on your list.
Every city where Devour Tours operates offers all kinds of specialty products that make for unique, thoughtful and travel-friendly presents. Whether you’re headed home for the holidays or just want to surprise your friends with something special, here are our favorite gourmet gifts from the most delicious destinations in Europe.
Authentic Madrid gourmet gifts
The Spanish capital is known for history, architecture and art—but it’s also an epicenter of culinary tradition. If you’re in town, don’t skip the chance to score some excellent gourmet food gifts from Madrid. You can find so many great things, from Spanish olive oil to the country’s best cured jamón (ham). Bring a bit of everything home to create an authentic tapas feast for your family.
During the holidays, Madrid is bursting with delicious seasonal specialties. If someone on your list has a sweet tooth, they’ll love classic Christmas treats like turrón and polvorones. For the chefs, pick up some Spanish paprika and saffron, or arroz bomba to make paella: the ultimate holiday meal. You can get all this and more at our favorite gourmet shops in Madrid.
Barcelona
Catalonia has a flavor all its own, and the delicious souvenirs in Barcelona prove it. Pick up a bottle of the best Catalan wine, or cava for the perfect New Year’s Eve toast. While you’re at it, complete your gift basket with local cheese, cured meats and artisanal sweets from Barcelona’s best chocolate shops.
If you’re looking for typical Catalan products, head to Entre Latas. Here you’ll find canned seafood, patés, sauces and all kinds of gourmet snacks.
Choose from several gift packs, or design your own and have them package it for you. You can even personalize a bottle of vermut de Reus with your own design.
Seville
Seville is the capital of the southern region of Andalusia, which has its own unique culinary culture. Cuisine here features lots of seafood and traditional tapas, and of course the world-famous sherry. Accompany it with a jar of Aloreña olives from Málaga province to make the perfect gift for any wine lover.
This city is also known for its holiday sweets, which locals usually buy from Seville’s convents. Grab some naranjitos (similar to marzipan, with an orange glaze) or mantecados for stocking stuffers. If you have room, a few bottles of vino de naranja (sweet orange wine) or anís (anise-flavored liqueur) also make for awesome gifts from Seville.
San Sebastián
All the way at the other end of the peninsula, this city is home to some of Spain’s most legendary food. The Basque Country has dozens of unique local products, so you won’t be short on options for gifts from San Sebastián. After hitting up all the best pintxos bars, pick your favorite flavors to bring back home for your loved ones.
One of San Sebastián’s most delectable products is Idiazabal cheese, perfect on its own or as the star ingredient in all kinds of dishes. Pair it with txistorra (local cured sausage) and a bottle of txakoli (semi-sparkling white wine). You can also pick up some preserved treats from Zapore Jai, or a box of Pariès’s famous mouchous (Basque macarons).
Paris gourmet gifts
Speaking of macarons, the French capital is the perfect place to buy this chic sweet for someone special. Paris is known for its delicious confections, from Ladurée’s pastel-colored cookies to Maison Le Roux’s legendary salted caramels.
But our favorite gourmet gifts from Paris aren’t limited to dessert; the city’s savory delicacies are equally tempting. Sometimes simple is best, and no gift is simpler than the classic fleur de sel: a gourmet present that’s both elegant and practical.
For something even fancier, buy foie gras and truffled treats at La Grande Epicerie. And don’t forget the three C’s of French foodie gifts: Champagne, cheese and caviar.
Rome foodie gifts
Italy’s capital has too many tourist attractions to count, but our favorite places in Rome revolve around food. There are infinite options for gourmet gifts here: pasta, olive oil, wine, cheese—the list goes on.
You’ll find it all at the best food shops in Rome, each of which has its own specialties. To start with, don’t leave the city without packing a piece of pecorino from Antica Caciara in your suitcase.
For something sweet, you can’t beat the cookies from Innocenti; shortbread and biscotti are sure to survive even the longest plane trip. And if you’re here in December, head to Rome’s Christmas markets to do some festive gift shopping.
Lisbon gourmet gifts
The Portuguese food scene here is thriving, and no trip is complete without picking up Lisbon’s best gourmet gifts. One of the easiest and most interesting options is conservas: canned seafood that reflects the city’s seafaring history.
Other iconic products include high-quality tea from the Azores, Portuguese coffee and artisanal jams made from pumpkin, tomato, or fig. When it comes to drinks, choose a bottle of Port wine or something special from a local winery. And don’t forget ginjinha, a delicious sour cherry liqueur that’s perfect for the holiday season.
Local’s Tip:
- While it may not be feasible to bring home Lisbon’s legendary pastéis de nata, you can always buy a bottle of Licor 35. This custard tart-flavored liqueur is probably the next best thing.
Update Notice: This post was updated on January 27, 2024.
For the ultimate gourmet surprise, give your favorite foodie something they’ll never forget: an incredible food tour experience with us in one of Europe’s yummiest destinations!
Melissa first moved to Madrid to explore her interests in linguistics and communication, and quickly fell in love with the city’s culture and cuisine. She’s particularly passionate about Spanish vermouth and canned seafood, and makes it a point to drench absolutely everything in olive oil.
