Gifts and souvenirs Spain

Objects by Madrid artists and comic books mingle in this atypical store, where you're sure to find a cool souvenir of Madrid. Paintings, original toys (like a Playmobil bullfighter!), mugs, T-shirts, posters or even books dedicated to the Spanish capital, you're bound to find what you're looking for at Al Cubo... Here's a stylish bric-a-brac, far from the usual souvenir stores, where you can slip something original into your suitcase. To make matters worse, the welcome is always smiling and the advice always sound. We just love it.

When you enter this Ali Baba's cave-like store, you have the feeling of plunging into an attic, with its plethora of wooden toys and mobiles. In short, it's the perfect place to build up a collection of pretty souvenirs: puppets, papier-mâché reproductions of Girona's giants, old cards and pretty little suitcases in all their colors. Or why not take home a musical souvenir from the mini music box collections, with your choice of Starwar, La Marseillaise, La Vie en Rose or Els Segadors (Catalan national anthem).

This large Granada bazaar can be accessed from Piazza Bib-Rambla, since the current alcaicería is an interlacing of alleys located between this square, Calle Reyes Católicos, the cathedral and Gran Vía. Built in 1318 by Sultan Yusuf I, the former space was designed to house a gigantic silk market and took its name from the Arabic al-Qassaryya, Caesar's house, in gratitude to the Byzantine Emperor Caesar Justino I who, in the sixth century, granted the Arabs the exclusive right to manufacture and sell silk. This product was then accompanied by many other fabrics, taffeta, velvet, scarves and various spices. The current replica occupies only half the surface area of the old enclosure which, at its peak, went as far as the old Nazarí Aljima mosque, the current Sagrario church and the beginning of the first ascents of the Plaza Nueva. At that time, it was flanked by 10 access doors closed every night and housed up to 200 shopkeepers, housed in one- or two-storey houses in which the ground floor was used as a shop, not to mention the many guards and quality controllers of the goods. When the Catholic Monarchs arrived, the market was run by a governor, himself directly appointed by the governor of the Alhambra, who was in charge of its supervision until the 19th century. After the fire that completely destroyed it in 1843, it was completely rebuilt in a romantic and neo-Arab style, but in a more modest space. Smaller, more modern and less flamboyant, it now houses many small shops of local crafts, such as Fajalauza ceramics, wood inlays, leather work and lighting.

Founded in 1979, this family business is a bit of an Ali Baba's cave for all those who wish to dress from head to toe for the Holy Week pasos. All the work is made to measure and handmade. There will be hoods, girdles, tunics as well as many embroideries, braids, coats of arms of brotherhoods. For those who are not directly concerned, it is the occasion to see the realization of a very beautiful craft like tunics in velvet, satin or wool.

Welcome to Madame Melon, an ethical and sustainable jewelry and accessories brand. Melody created her brand in 2011 after several years of traveling the world. Her idea: to work in collaboration with artisans from Latin America, Asia, Africa and Europe to create unique collections that respect the traditions of each culture. Located in the historic Gothic district, the boutique opened its doors in 2018 and welcomes you to discover its flagship slow-fashion pieces, and its partner brands.

On the Plaza España, a stone's throw from the tourist office, the small Artenerife kiosk displays and sells authentic Tenerife handicrafts. Jewellery, pottery, scarves, household linen, illustrations, but also gourmet products such as mojos or papaya or fig and honey jams. Most of the time, the product is perfectly sourced with the name and contact details of the craftsman who made the object. The whole being regularly renewed. You're sure to find what you're looking for, even from just a few euros.