Must-see shopping in Mediterranean Europe

  • Librería Náutica Robinson's window display pays homage to the high seas.

    Librería Náutica Robinson

    Chueca

    The only store specialising in maritime literature in Spain, Librería Náutica Robinson has been celebrating all things aquatic for more than 30 years. Its…

  • Some of the books on the ground floor of Casa del Libro

    Casa del Libro

    Madrid

    Occupying five floors on bustling Gran Vía, Casa del Libro is by far the city’s largest bookshop. Most of the books are in Spanish, but it also boasts one…

  • Attica

    Syntagma & Plaka

    This upmarket department store stocks the best local designers (crafted-in-Greece Zeus + Dione, for instance), and its sale racks are good for restocking…

  • The shop boasts two large display windows, Sabbie e Nebbie.

    Sabbie e Nebbie

    San Polo & Santa Croce

    East–West trade-route trends begin here, with chic cast-iron teapots, Japanese-textile patchwork totes, and Orient-inspired ceramics by Rina Menardi…

  • Public

    Syntagma & Plaka

    This multimedia behemoth includes phones, computers, stationery and English-language books. It's the easiest place to get a replacement plug or travel…

  • Anclademar's summertime window display.

    Anclademar

    Chueca

    Drawing inspiration from all corners of the globe, Anclademar's modern and adventurous takes on clothing and accessories will appeal to fashion-conscious…

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    La Huerta de Almería

    La Latina & Lavapiés

    The health-conscious can head to La Huerta de Almería for freshly made juices, shakes and smoothies and a wide selection of organic and all-natural fruits…

  • The La Maison de La Sireneuse shop's side window is full of tantalising objects

    La Maison de La Sireneuse

    San Polo & Santa Croce

    This is an Aladdin's cave of trinkets and clothing. Much of the costume jewellery is made by hand in-store, with a lovely range of cameo bracelets and…

  • Ioanna Kourbela

    Syntagma & Plaka

    Classic, cool fashion by a Greek designer with a preference for natural fibres. Think elegantly draped cottons and silks in natural, warm tones, and…

  • Stalls of the Mercado de La Paz Market in Madrid, Spain. @photooiasson/iStock

    Mercado de la Paz

    Salamanca

    One of few Madrid markets not to have been gentrified in recent years, Mercado de la Paz remains a thoroughly local market. Fresh produce, meat and fish…

  • The colourful facade at La Gramola.

    La Gramola

    Madrid

    In this era of music downloads, stores like La Gramola are cause for nostalgia and strangely reassuring. Don't come looking for something in particular,…

  • Librería de San Ginés

    Librería de San Ginés

    Madrid

    With its wooden shutters and old-style clutter, this secondhand bookshop is an utterly charming little corner of old Madrid. Most books are in Spanish but…

  • The Il Baule Blu shop lies on the edge of Campo San Toma'

    Il Baule Blu

    San Polo & Santa Croce

    'The Blue Trunk' is a curiosity cabinet of elusive treasures where you can expect to stumble across anything from 1970s bubble sunglasses and antique…

  • The inviting window display at Maison 203

    Maison 203

    San Polo & Santa Croce

    This interesting design company produces jewellery and accessories in-store (as well as sourcing from designers around Europe), using materials such as…

  • Street view of Flamingos Vintage Kilo

    Flamingos Vintage Kilo

    Valencia

    This successful Barcelona franchise opened in Valencia in 2017. It stocks mostly North American vintage clothing, which it sells by weight. There are…

  • Mercato di Santa Marta, a wide range of stalls await at Santa Marta's weekly market.

    Mercato di Santa Marta

    Venice

    A great farmers' market for stocking up on top-quality essentials. Organic vegetables, local honey and specialist cheese and bread stalls jostle for space…

  • Street view of D Tes tea shop.

    D Tes

    Valencia

    A range of really beautiful teapots and an intriguing selection of teas and other infusions is the stock-in-trade of this atmospheric shop. The aromas…

  • Range of gifts available at Gnomo

    Gnomo

    Valencia

    An original Russafa gift shop displaying a wide range of contemporarily styled objects. It's the perfect place to pick up an unusual gift to take back for…

  • Cellier

    Athens

    A delectable collection of some of Greece’s best wines and liqueurs, with knowledgeable staff to explain Greek varieties and winemakers; they also sell…

  • The enticing shop entrance to Officine 904

    Officine 904

    Venice

    Leather bags in a riotous array of colours, sizes and styles are on sale at this design store. Everything is handcrafted in the company's workshop in…

  • Designer wear adorns the Slash Venezia window

    Slash Venezia

    San Polo & Santa Croce

    This fashion store has clothing and accessories by international designers from Japan, Korea and the US, as well as home-grown talent.

  • Kalogirou

    Athens

    Flashy shoes and accessories for a flashy neighbourhood: top international designers and Kalogirou’s own creations.

  • Wine Story

    Syntagma & Plaka

    Just a wee slip of a place, it's packed with local and international wines and a range of accompanying treats.

  • Brightly coloured clothing hangs in the Bisnonni store

    Bisnonni

    San Polo & Santa Croce

    A vintage clothing store with a great range of designer clothes and shoes, jeans and accessories.

  • Spanoioakis

    Rethymno

    Hidden away in Rethymno's labyrinth of alleys is this bakery that's been at it since 1958. As well as freshly baked spanakopita and pastries, it's most…

  • Zara

    A Coruña

    The first-ever Zara boutique sits in A Coruña’s main shopping area at the southwest end of the isthmus. Opened in 1975 by local clothesmaker Amancio…

  • Iraklio Central Market

    Iraklio

    An Iraklio institution, if slightly touristy these days, this busy, narrow agora (market), along Odos 1866 between the Meidani crossroads and Plateia…

  • Re(f)use

    Tridente, Trevi & the Quirinale

    Fascinating to browse, this clever boutique showcases unique Carmina Campus pieces – primarily bags and jewellery – made from upcycled objects and…

  • Declare

    San Polo & Santa Croce

    Declare's sleek black fit-out provides a dramatic backdrop for boldly hued, contemporary leathergoods. Made by artisans using full-grain Tuscan leather,…

  • Fransen et Lafite

    Madrid

    A stunning collection of flowers from all over Europe is the main business here, but that's not why we include it. Spread over three floors and with a…

  • Piazza del Mercato

    La Spezia

    Held in a covered (but open-sided) square in the centre of town, this market is a lively place to browse for fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, olives and…

  • Marina e Susanna Sent

    Venice

    Wearable waterfalls and soap-bubble necklaces are Venice-style signatures, thanks to the Murano-born Sent sisters. Defying centuries-old beliefs that…

  • Enoteca d'uu Scintu

    Riomaggiore

    You'll find a wide range of quality local products at this enticing shop near the top of Via Colombo. This is the place for Genovese pesto, extra virgin…

  • Bottega Orafa ABC

    San Polo & Santa Croce

    Master of metals, Andrea d’Agostino takes his influence from the Japanese technique of mokume gane (meaning ‘metal with woodgrain’), masterful examples of…

  • Divina

    Ibiza Town

    For that perfect Ibiza-summer buy, this tucked-away Dalt Vila boutique revolves around the island's famous Ad Lib style – fresh, loose-fitting clothing…

  • Ottica Vascellari

    San Polo & Santa Croce

    Second-generation opticians and first-class stylists, the Vascellari family discern eyewear needs with a glance at your prescription and a long look to…

  • Le Fórcole di Saverio Pastor

    Venice

    Only one thing actually moves like Jagger: Mick Jagger's bespoke fórcola, hand-carved by Saverio Pastor. Each forked wooden gondola oarlock is…

  • Dolce & Gabbana

    Chianti

    Close to the Mall, but on the opposite side of the Arno, this place is well signed off the SR69 after you've exited the autostrada. Call ahead to check…

  • Giorgio Maffei

    Turin

    Giorgio Maffei was one of the world's most dedicated collectors of books by 20th-century visual and literary avant-garde artists, including futurist,…

  • Attombri

    San Polo & Santa Croce

    With a clientele ranging from Hollywood stars to New York socialites, Stefano and Daniele Attombri’s contemporary glass jewellery embraces art deco,…

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