Continuing my series on shops that only sell one thing… no wait; Casa de Diego sells two things! Fans and umbrellas, which pretty much has you covered for all the weather conditions in Madrid!

Fans are not just for decoration in Spain; people use them to keep cool – they really help in Madrid’s scorching hot, dry summers. I’d feel a bit self-conscious using a fan in most countries, but in Spain it’s very common, and if anyone is looking at you, it’s probably out of envy because they don’t have one!

I often buy summer visitors a fan from Diego’s as a welcome present. The prices vary wildly, from large undecorated ones for 8 euros, to elaborate hand-painted antique fans for many 100s of euros.  They make all the fans themselves, and have been doing so since the 1800s.

As well as being practical, a fan is a brilliant keepsake or gift – they’re as Spanish as paella and sangria! This delightful shop is in the Plaza del Sol, unmissable for tourists, so when you are there, step into Casa de Diego. And as climate change means more rain, you might also need to invest in an umbrella!