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Spain is the largest producer of olive oil in the world and this representative of a grower’s cooperative knows his business. Like wines, you can distinguish different varieties by their colour, flavour and smell, and tastings here are part of the fun (see Patrimonio Comunal Olivarero).

This firm near Sol has been making traditional full-length Spanish capes (capas ) since 1901, hand-tailored from the finest wool. Famous clients over the years include Picasso, Rudolph Valentino, Hillary Clinton and Michael Jackson. Needless to say, a made-to-measure cape of this quality does not come cheap.

Religion still plays an important role in Spanish life and Madrid is famous for its shops specializing in devotional objects. Founded more than 40 years ago, this family business furnishes churches and monasteries as far afield as Ireland and Argentina and has made items for the Pope’s summer residence outside Rome. The store is a showcase of rosaries, statues, cribs, paintings, icons and communion cups.

One of Spain’s most respected guitar workshops was founded in 1882. Clients have ranged from the classical virtuoso Andres Segovia to pop guitarist Mark Knopfler. There’s a small museum of instruments dating back to the 19th century, and it’s fascinating to see the craftsmen at work (see Manuel González Contreras).

If you’ve been won over by Flamenco during your stay, now’s your chance to look the part. This specialist store has everything – colourful costumes and accessories (fans, flowers, ornamental combs), guitars, books, sheet music, videos, records and CDs.

A superb shop dealing mainly in mantones de Manila . These embroidered, brightly coloured silk shawls originated in China and found their way to Spain via the Philippines. They gained popularity in 19th-century Seville when the working girls of the tobacco factories wore them. Also sells fans and mantillas , the traditional black lace headdress still worn on formal occasions (see Casa Jiménez).

Apart from its tasty Galician cooking, this restaurant sells regional produce: chorizo , tetilla (cream cheese), fish soups, pear compote, strawberry liqueur and around 20 wines from the Rias Baixas region (see Terra Mundi).

This old fashioned store has been producing its famous nougat (turrón ) for more than 150 years. Made without artificial colouring or preservatives, it’s the genuine article.

This wine cellar is popular not only for its range (more than 4,000 labels), but for the quality and affordability. The owners keep prices down by scouring the countryside for lesser-known vineyards.

This delicatessen is the place for top-quality cured meats and cheeses. Spanish cheeses include Queso Manchego, made from sheep’s milk, and the blue cheese, Cabrales. For the finest cured hams, buy jamón Ibérico or Pata Negra – a breed of pig fed only on acorns.