Relative to other Sorex species, S. granarius is intermediate in size, with a total body length (including the tail) of approximately 103.6 mm and an average weight of 6.3 g.[2] Adults are identified by their dark-colored back, which contrasts with their lighter tan sides and off-white belly.

[2] In both adults and juveniles, the fur is also adapted for cold, damp habitats: each guard hair possesses an indentation along its length that helps to prevent water from reaching the body.

[2] The distribution of S. granarius is lateral through the Central System mountain range of the Iberian Peninsula and reaches Galicia, Spain in the north and the Tagus (Tejo) River in the south.

[4] In the wild, S. granarius is known to live in woody areas consisting of juniper (Juniperus nana),[4] beech (Fagus sylvatica), Pyrenean oak (Quercus pyrenaica), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), evergreen oak (Quercus rotundifolia), ash (Fraxinus), or birch (Betula) at 500 to 2000 meter elevations.

[7] Additionally, the intermittent repetitive sequences of S. granarius telomeres are infused with ribosomal DNA, and it is the only known Eutherian mammal with this feature.