Last Updated on January 24, 2026 by Emma Fajcz | Published: October 24, 2017
For many people, choosing the right olive oil can be a daunting process. With confusing marketing terms like cold pressed and extra virgin, it can be hard to know which oil to buy–especially in a city like Barcelona, where olive oil flows like water. Here’s where to buy olive oil in Barcelona!
Background and Production
The cultivation of some of Spain’s best olive oil is believed to date back as far as 2500 BC. Nowadays, many agree it’s the single most valuable ingredient in Mediterranean cooking. Spain is the number one producer of olive oil in the world and is responsible for more than 45% of the world’s olive oil. The province of Jaén in the community of Andalusia produces more olive oil than all of Greece, which is remarkable because Greece is the world’s third biggest olive oil producer!
Surprisingly, the majority of our liquid gold is sold to Italy—65% actually. There it’s mixed with other oils, re-branded, and sold. Luckily, that tricky marketing tactic is changing, and there are now many Spanish producers who produce a multitude of award-winning oils.
Choosing the Best Olive Oil in Barcelona
In Spain, there are 260 different olive varieties overall. These are spread throughout 32 protected Designations of Origins or DOs. Just like wine, spirits and coffee, olive oils are rated for quality and defined by their taste. Which one you choose usually comes down to a matter of personal preference.
From light and fruity Catalan oils to robust and strong bodied Andalusian varieties, there is an oil to please all palettes. Our best advice is to call on the experts, which is why we have compiled this list of some of our favorite places to pick up a bottle of the good stuff.
Best Shops for Buying Olive Oil in Barcelona
Olis Oliva
You’ll find Olis Oliva, a busy little shop, in the Born neighborhood. In 2005, the owner, Ana María García Webermann, and her son, Daniel, decided to open the first place in the market where locals could buy olive oil in Barcelona. They sell wonderful, high-quality Spanish extra-virgin olive oil in beautiful packaging.
They also sell a range of other gourmet products, including wines, vinegar and edible gifts. This is the perfect place to pick up gifts for family and friends before leaving the city! (If you’re looking for more gift ideas, check out our list of 6 authentic food souvenirs from Barcelona.)
Oli Sal
Sandra Stefani opened Oli Sal, a tranquil store in the Gracia neighborhood, in 2011. Her aim was to finally bring Spanish extra virgin olive oil to the gourmet level it deserves. It is still the only store in this charming neighborhood that specializes in oi0, as well as salt; two big players in the Mediterranean diet.
Rows and rows of pretty bottles line the shelves—from economy-sized jugs and cans to small-packaged extra virgin olive oil, it’s an olive oil lover’s heaven and a great place to buy olive oil in Barcelona.
La Chinata
La Chinata is one of our favorite stores to explore is in the heart of Passeig del Born. With knowledgeable staff and a wide array of products that go beyond olive oil, this shop is not to be missed. All staff members are friendly and knowledgeable, and will be happy to advise you on all things olive oil related. From decadent hand creams to indulgent chocolate—all of which contain Spain’s liquid gold—we can’t get enough of their products.
Local’s Tip: A number of the La Chinata products are also sold in travel-sized bottles—perfect to pop into your carry-on!
Experience Barcelona’s Food Like a Local
Want to taste some of Barcelona’s epic cuisine while you’re visiting? Save a spot on our next Ultimate Barcelona Food Tour! This tour cuts through the tourist menus to show you how Catalans really eat: from hand-carved jamón ibérico to an authentic seafood paella. You’ll walk the city’s most historic streets, meet the people keeping tradition alive, and taste the flavors that give Barcelona its soul.
Featured Review: Ultimate Barcelona Food Tour
βββββ “A splendid food tour. Extremely well organized, with delectable edibles at each stop. Our guide, Alexandra, shared her knowledge and love of Catalan cuisine & culture with us, with great passion. Her energy was all encompassing. In addition, she was careful to consider our individual needs, mine as a pescatarian, my fellow traveler’s as a gluten free person.”
– Temuco16 on Tripadvisor
Buying Olive Oil in Barcelona FAQs
What makes Spanish olive oil special?
Spain produces some of the world’s best olive oil, and extra virgin olive oil from regions like Andalusia and Catalonia is prized for its rich flavor, low acidity, and fruity notes. Spanish olive oil is pressed from local olives, like Arbequina and Picual, giving it a distinctive taste that pairs beautifully with Mediterranean cuisine.
Where are the best places to buy olive oil in Barcelona?
Some of the best places include specialty food shops, gourmet markets such as Mercat de Sant Antoni and La Boqueria, and dedicated olive oil boutiques that offer tastings and expert guidance. Neighborhood delis and artisan stores in El Born and Gràcia also carry curated selections of oil that make excellent gifts.
How do I choose good olive oil when shopping in Barcelona?
Look for bottles labeled “Extra Virgin Olive Oil” with a harvest date and origin region. Oils from single estates or a specific Denominación de Origen (DO) region often indicate quality. If available, do a tasting to assess aroma, balance, and finish; a good oil should taste fresh, fruity, and slightly peppery.
Can I take olive oil home from Barcelona?
Yes, you can bring olive oil home, but be mindful of liquid limits if you’re flying carry-on; it’s best packed in checked luggage. Many shops offer gift-ready bottles and tins, and some will package products safely for travel. Always check airline rules to avoid issues at security.
Is it worth doing an olive oil tasting in Barcelona?
Absolutely! An olive oil tasting deepens your understanding of flavor profiles, production methods, and food pairings, helping you choose oils you’ll truly enjoy. These experiences are also a great way to connect with local producers and learn how olive oil fits into Catalan and Spanish cuisine.
We were eating in Barcelona recently, and there was a spicy oil on the table, which added delicious heat to the pasta dish we were eating. I could have sworn that the waiter said it was “basil oil,” which doesn’t make sense because basil isn’t typically spicy. Do you know what we might have had? I’d love to get some!
Hi Alyssa! Best guess would be olive oil + some kind of chili pepper! You can make some yourself, and it’s delicious on pizza too. It just involves combining chile/cayenne peppers, garlic and olive oil.
Do any of these places ship back to the US?
Hey Michael, we’re not sure! La Chinata is the biggest company of the three so you might have the best luck with them.