The Best Souvenirs in Andalusia

Antiques: Many avid shoppers go on shopping binges for antiques and accessories in Andalusia, particularly Seville. A wide range of dealers operate throughout the province, often in some of the smaller villages, with stores marked only by a little sign. Many items purchased in these shops are small decorative pieces that can be shipped home easily. Some of the most popular "antiques" purchased in Andalusia are old posters, many from the 1800s. Posters advertising the famous Andalusian fairs or else the well-attended corridas (bullfights) sell the most copies.

Ceramics & Tiles: Throughout the province, stores sell highly distinctive ceramics (each town or region has its own style) as well as azulejos (hand-painted tiles). For example, to suit the preferences of the many English expats who settled in and around Cádiz, busy scenic designs and floral motifs rooted in Spanish cultural traditions from the 18th century became popular in this area. Other pieces have ancient geometric patterns inherited from the Arabs. Some wall plates are enameled and trimmed in 24-karat gold.

Clothing: Flamenco dress, as it's often called, along with feria (fair or festival) clothing, fills the stores of Granada and Seville, among other towns and cities of Andalusia. You can purchase all the mantillas, hair ornaments, and Spanish fans you've dreamed about in this land of ruffled skirts, dangling earrings, and mantoncillos (flamenco scarves). Surprisingly, Seville's boutiques have become centers of high fashion for the 21st century. Seville hardly rivals Milan, but many of its young designers are garnering international praise.

Leather Goods: For centuries, leather products have been associated with Andalusia, especially Cordovan leather. Andalusian leather is soft, supple, and usually a good value. Unlike the softer, more-prized leather from sheep, cow leather is heavier, cheaper, and often made into jackets and coats. Many outlets for leather goods are found in the old quarter of Seville, Barrio de Santa Cruz. Córdoba, in particular, is famed for its embossed leather products, including cigarette boxes, jewel cases, attaché cases, book and folio covers, ottoman covers, and the like.

Marquetry: Granada has been famous for its marquetry since the Muslim empire. Artisans still make furniture and other items inlaid with ivory and colored woods in the Moorish design. Inlaid boxes are a particularly good item to take home as gifts and souvenirs. Throughout Granada, especially in the Albaicín, which is a virtual North African souk (marketplace), shop after shop hawks this extremely delicate work.