7 reasons a Spanish city break is a MUST for shopping lovers
From luxury goods to unforgettable lunches, here are 7 reasons a Spanish city break is a MUST for shopping lovers
Ad Feature by El Corte Inglés
With sun-soaked terraces, verdant urban parks and a captivating culture, Spain is one of Europe’s favourite destinations for a city break.
And whether experiencing the high life on the streets of stylish Madrid or relishing the cuisine at the slick restaurants in Seville, there’s a Spanish city for every type of holidaymaker – especially those dedicated to their shopping.
Do you long for the glitz and glamour of vibrant Marbella? Or perhaps you’d rather explore the gothic history and bustling nightlife of buzzing Barcelona. Just down the coast, you’ll find fellow beach city Valencia, with its golden sands and incredible nature park.
Living the high life on holiday – an afternoon of luxury shopping can add a touch of elegance to any getaway
Style is integral to Spain’s culture, which is why it’s home to one of the world’s most refined department stores: El Corte Inglés
Wherever you choose to go, a rich gastronomical tradition and friendly local culture will make your trip one to remember forever – and you may even pick up a few stylish souvenirs to bring home.
A hub of design
With Madrid sitting alongside Europe’s fashion capitals Milan and Paris as a centre of good taste, and Barcelona’s quirky backstreets empowering a creative revolution, the country is a masterclass in singular style.
Top designer Spanish brands continue to rise in popularity worldwide, speaking to the country’s unique take on elevated elegance. Each season, more names are continually being added to the mix.
An iconic department store
El Corte Inglés department stores often lie at the heart of Spain’s thrilling metropolises, bringing an unmissable shopping experience that delivers grand style with contemporary flare.
These fashion landmarks are set within the cities’ most fashionable districts, from Mardid’s Bernabeu neighbourhood to vibrant Diagonal in Barcelona, and the majestic Puerto Banús location in glamorous Marbella.
All your favourite brands, all in one place – at the heart of your favourite Spanish city
Multiple-floor cathedrals to design, they are ultra-modern with curated collections at their heart, with beseeming observation decks for the very latest jewellery, scents and fashions.
Each store also offers the ultimate shopping experience, with personalised services going above and beyond that signature Spanish friendliness.
Irresistible tax-free shopping
When you shop in Spain as a non-resident, you’ll always be able to receive a tax refund when you show your goods and receipts to customs before your flight home.
There’s no minimum spend to claim this refund, so you’ll save more the more you spen – with a refund value of up to 15.7 per cent available on standard VAT items.
A JW Anderson twisted top handle leather handbag, for example, which retails for €650 could be yours for €564.50 (approx. £490.97). Or when it comes to market leading tech, a Leica M11 camera, which retails for €8,419, could be yours for €7,098 (approx. £6173.24) – that’s a tax refund of an impressive €1,321!
To help you claim the highest return, all your El Corte Inglés purchases can be added to one Tax Free invoice. Friendly staff are on-hand to help you with your refund as and when you require, with tax refund facilities at many of their stores.
A 10% Reward Card is also available for all international and non-Spanish resident clients – which combined with tax free shopping makes it worth the trip for the shopping benefits alone!
Fine cuisine to help savour the moment
Spain is famed for its cultural dedication to gastronomy, with three-course menus available in every sun-drenched square, and darkened tapas bars encouraging diners to nibble all evening long.
There’s no better way to complement your perfect shopping day than with some local delicacies and a bottle of fine wine, sipped in the Mediterranean sun.
Dine in at an El Corte Inglés restaurant to make the most of your shopping experience, with Madrid’s RavioXO restaurant home to Michelin-star Spanish chef Dabiz Muñoz. Their Castellana location is also the world’s only department store to house its own Michelin-star restaurant.
A taste for the finer things: A gourmet experience awaits you – the perfect respite from a day of shopping
Head to the Gourmet Experience in Marbella or Madrid and you can experience incredible international cuisine before heading downstairs to pick up Spanish delicacies of the best quality to take home.
Leading luxury brands
Whether shopping in Madrid’s centre of style, in the creative capital of the Catalonian coast or in the town where Mediterranean views and European elegance combine in glamorous Marbella, you’ll find all the major brands and some unique favourites at El Corte Inglés department stores.
From top luxury brands like Alexander McQueen, Marc Jacobs and Red Valentino to more niche designers like the hand-stitched treasures of Loewe and the cutting-edge creations of Balenciaga, the curated collections cover every refined taste.
These exciting brands have distinct Spanish roots and offer the chance to snap up something a little different to stand out at home.
Take advantage of an exclusive experience
Part of the beauty of travelling to Spain is the warm welcome all travellers receive, with a friendly atmosphere simply part of the everyday.
At El Corte Inglés, the multilingual staff strive to help you feel comfortable as you shop, offering personalised service to help you find everything your heart desires.
Deftly designed contemporary spaces like the Customer Service Lounge (pictured) are the perfect surroundings to arrange international benefits like tax free shopping
You can even opt for the VIP personal shopping service, relaxing in the personal shopper lounge as staff bring your picks to you. It’s the ultimate way to find your next favourite style, while the delivery programme helps you ship your purchases to the destination of your choice.
Stylish shopping areas
Every shopping trip should take place somewhere truly beautiful, and in Spain it can. El Corte Inglés department stores are set in the heart of each city, giving you the perfect opportunity to enjoy a spot of shopping as you soak up the history, nature and culture around you.
Strolling along the canopy-shaded boulevards of Madrid’s up-market Salamanca neighbourhood and the fashionable financial district of Castellana, or exploring Gaudi’s architectural wonders in stylish Diagonal, Barcelona – these cities have so much to offer.
Alternatively, head to the glamorous surrounds of Puerto Banus, the Marbella hotspot on the shimmering Costa del Sol where you’re just steps from the glitzy marina and sparkling sands.
Whether you’re seeking ancient history, modern art or bohemian beachfront bliss, Spain’s magnificent cities offer the perfect destination for your next city break. Combine museums with nightlife, shopping with lunch in this diverse country, a hub of European style.
Find out more about your Spanish shopping holiday at elcorteingles.com/luxe
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