Spain

Ceramics. Just outside Valencia is the town of Manises, the key manufacturing center for Manises ceramics (also called Majolica) since the 14th century. The famous ceramics, which have varied in style throughout time and are now characterized by bright coloring and floral designs, can be purchased throughout Valencia. However, outlets in the town of Manises offer the best prices for the ceramics. Renowned Lladró porcelain is also produced just outside of Valencia.

Shoes and other local crafts. Barcelona is well-known for shoes and designer clothes. Find more traditional fashions at the La Manual Alpargatera store (Avinyó 7), which has been making Catalan-style espadrilles since 1941. The shoes, which are constructed of hemp, jute, cotton, and linen, are made on the premises and come in a variety of colors. For other local crafts, visit El Poble Espanyol, an open-air museum featuring buildings modeled after architectural styles specific to different Spanish towns and villages. Over 40 workshops offer visitors views of artisans at work. To avoid the price of admission to El Poble Espanyol, visit the tiny boutiques and specialty shops in the Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) and Born neighborhoods.

Damascene jewelry. Brought to Spain from Damascus by the Moors, the technique of Damascening refers to inlaying gold and silver threads into other metals. Toledo is famous for its Damascene jewelry, which can be purchased in many shops all over Toledo's old town. Damasquinados Suárez (Circo Romano 8; tel. +34 925 280 027) is a factory outlet near the gates to the old town where you can find good prices on anything from jewelry to chess boards to sword handles decorated in the Damascene style.