The Ultimate Guide to the Tastiest European Gourmet Gifts

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.

People walking around at a Christmas market buying gourmet gifts in Europe.
Exploring European Christmas markets is a great way to find local gifts for your loved ones. Photo credit: Helena Jankovičová Kováčová

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

Legs of jamon hanging from a store front in Europe.
Jamón is the perfect gourmet gift for your foodie friends. Photo credit: Z S

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.

bottles of cava
Give the gift of Catalan cava for Christmas, and put it to use on New Year’s—it’s win-win.

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.

Try Seville’s mantecados for a taste of Andalusia. Photo credit: Joost Nusselder

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).

Blocks of cheese from San Sebastian are an artisinal treat.
In San Sebastián the Idiazabal cheese is aged to perfection making it a great artisanal gift. Photo credit: Alexander Maasch

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.

 
display of colorful macarons
You can find macarons all over Paris. Photo credit: Nan Palmero

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.

Local cheese selection in Rome make a good gourmet present.
Check out the local cheese selection in Rome for some gift inspiration. Photo credit: Gabriella Clare Marino

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.
Local canned fish from Lisbon make the perfect gourmet gifts.
The canned seafood in Lisbon is a work of art. Photo credit: kt Leung

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 experience in one of Europe’s yummiest destinations, with a Devour Tours gift certificate! 

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