Granada isn't quite like any other Spanish city. It has a monument you need to book weeks ahead, an entire quarter listed as a World Heritage Site, caves where flamenco has been danced on the same spot for over a century, and a mountain with snow on it an hour from the centre. And on top of that, the tapa comes free. The city council's official tourism portal keeps opening times and listings up to date, and it's worth checking before you organise the trip.
What doesn't live up to all that is the souvenir offering. Between Alhambra fridge magnets and fans that break before you get home, it's easy to come back with something that ends up in a drawer.
So this guide follows one very simple rule: it has to get used. Here are nine ideas to take home from Granada — or to give to whoever put you up there — all with illustrations drawn by hand by Malena and exclusive to illustrArte.
First things first: the Alhambra can't be improvised
It's the most repeated mistake of any trip to Granada. Tickets sell out weeks ahead, and in summer the Nasrid Palaces allocation goes the same day it's released. The only official channel is the Alhambra Patronato's ticket site; everything else is a middleman.
Two more things worth knowing if you're coming in August. First: the Nasrid Palaces have an exact entry time and no leeway, so allow properly for the walk up. Second: Granada easily hits 38 or 40 degrees in August, and the monument itself activates heat protocols during the middle of the day. The visit is far more enjoyable first thing in the morning, and with water on you.
1. The Granada pouch, the one that carries the city's name
We'll start with the obvious one. The Granada pouch is 22 x 17 cm, waterproof, and printed on both sides. It's exactly the right size for everything that always ends up loose at the bottom of a bag: sunglasses, keys, lip balm, charger.
It doubles as a pencil case, and that's part of the charm: it gets given as a holiday souvenir and ends up going to school or the office in September.
Available in our shop and also on Amazon.
2. The stainless steel insulated bottle
In Granada in August this isn't an indulgence: it's equipment. Our 500 ml stainless steel bottle keeps water cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 12. It's 28 cm tall and fits in any bag.
Think of the Cuesta de Gomérez climbing up to the Alhambra, or the lanes of the Albaicín up to the San Nicolás viewpoint. They're beautiful walks and a good deal steeper than they look on the map. There are several designs, so it's an easy gift to get right.
Available in our shop and also on Amazon.
3. The Cádiz tote bag, for the tapas run
The Cádiz tote bag is 135 gsm cotton (38 x 42 cm), holds up to 5 kg and folds away into the bottom of a suitcase until you need it.
In Granada you'll need it most afternoons: the tapas route along Elvira, Navas or the Realejo is done on foot and without hurrying, and you always end up carrying something you didn't set out with. It weighs nothing and takes up less.
Available in our shop and also on Amazon.
4. The flamenca notebook
Granada is a much-written city. Washington Irving literally moved into the Alhambra to write about it, and Lorca was born and raised a step away from here. It's hard to spend a few days in the Albaicín without wanting to note something down.
Our 17 x 24 cm flamenca notebook has 100 sheets (200 pages) and a hand-drawn illustration on the cover. It works as a travel diary and then stays on the table at home afterwards, which is what you ask of a good souvenir.
Available in our shop and also on Amazon.
5. The mulberry silk scarf
If you want a souvenir that takes up no room and always looks right, this is the one. The mulberry silk scarf (66 x 66 cm) ties in your hair when the sun beats down in the Generalife, round your neck when it cools at night in the Sacromonte, or to the handle of your bag simply because it looks lovely.
It comes with a presentation envelope, so it goes straight from the suitcase to the person you brought it for.
Available in our shop and also on Amazon.
6. The Granada ballerina pouch, if the gift is for a girl
Same format, different world. The Granada ballerina pouch (22 x 17 cm, waterproof, printed both sides) swaps the flamenca for a ballet dancer.
It's the one that works when the souvenir is for a niece, a daughter or a pupil: it gets used as a pencil case all year and doesn't end up in the souvenir drawer.
Available in our shop and also on Amazon.
7. The ceramic mug
The classic souvenir, done properly. Our 350 ml ceramic mug carries a hand-drawn dancer and, unlike the fridge magnet, gets used every morning.
It's the obvious present for whoever stayed at home while you went away. And the most appreciated.
Available in our shop and also on Amazon.
8. The flamenco shoe bag
In Granada flamenco isn't a show staged for tourists: the Sacromonte has been dancing the zambra in its caves for generations, and you can feel it the moment you walk into one.
If you come out tempted to sign up for classes, the flamenco shoe bag (40 x 40 cm, drawstring, twin compartments and breathable mesh) is the first accessory you'll need. It keeps your shoes away from everything else, which is precisely the problem everyone has in the changing room.
Available in our shop and also on Amazon.
9. The Seville pouch, if you need something bigger
Same idea as the Granada one, different size. The Seville pouch is 25 x 26 cm, waterproof and printed on both sides. This one is a proper travel wash bag: a full set of toiletries fits.
If you're combining Granada with a few days on the Costa Tropical or in Sierra Nevada, it's the one you want in the case.
Available in our shop and also on Amazon.
Would you rather it came in one box?
If the souvenir is a present, the packs save you wondering what goes with what:
- Insulated bottle + Granada pouch pack — the best traveller: takes up little, weighs little and suits anyone. Also on Amazon.
- Málaga bag + Granada pouch pack — the most complete, for a long day of walking and shopping. Also on Amazon.
Three tips for shopping in Granada without regretting it
- Be wary of whatever repeats on every corner. If you've seen it in five shops in the Alcaicería, it isn't a Granada souvenir: it's a generic souvenir with Granada written on it.
- Think about the climb back. In Granada almost everything is done on foot and uphill. Whatever folds, weighs little and doesn't break wins every time.
- Choose something that gets used. A pouch, a bottle or a mug is still in your life a year later. A figurine isn't.
Granada is best taken slowly, on foot and carrying little. Let the souvenir you take home follow the same logic. 💃
If your trip continues through Andalusia, you might also like our guides to what to buy in Málaga and what to buy in Seville.
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