Shopping Adventure in Greece

Greece has abundant shops that cater to different preferences

There are specialty shops that offer unique Greek merchandise, from traditional crafts to modern souvenir items.

Greek Arts & Crafts

For those who are seeking to buy traditional Greek arts and crafts, needlework is the most notable. It can be purchased in many shops all over Greece. The best shops are found in Rhodes, Crete and Skyros.

Athens has 2 good places to shop for traditional arts and crafts:

• The Center of Hellenic Tradition — 59 Mitropoleos and 36 Pandrossou, offering prints, woodcarvings and ceramics with a stunning view of the Acropolis.
• The National Welfare Organization — 6 Ipatias and Apollonos, with a large collection of exceptional ceramic and copper work, silk embroidery and hand-loomed rugs.

Greek Jewelry

Greek jewelry is famous worldwide. Look for handmade silver pieces, gold replicas of ancient designs and the iconic mati (evil eye) bracelets and pendants. Many of the most beautiful workshops are tucked away in Plaka and Monastiraki in Athens.

Olive oil, honey & herbs

The best souvenirs are edible. Look for cold-pressed olive oil from Kalamata or Crete, mountain herbs (thyme, oregano, mountain tea) and pine or thyme honey.

Leather sandals & ceramics

In Plaka you'll find sandal-makers carrying on traditions that go back generations. In Sifnos and Skopelos, family workshops still throw and glaze ceramic plates by hand.