I have just returned from yet another Greece trip and how I managed to get home without paying for excess luggage is still a miracle to me. As per usual my suitcase was full of souvenirs from Greece because they are simply the best and make me feel like I am still in Greece even long after I have returned home.
Upon my very first Greece trip, I realized that the country is amazing for buying souvenirs in a regular supermarket as well as some really cool designer items and homeware. Some of the best souvenirs to buy in Greece include, of course, olive oil, Greek honey, handmade leather sandals, Greek coffee, pottery, olive wood products, and raki or ouzo.
You can buy most of these gifts from Greece online and have them shipped to your home. But honestly, the best part about buying them while you are in the country is that you can go straight to the source, support smaller, local businesses, and occasionally even get an insight into production and Greek culture.
What to buy in Greece? If you don’t know where to start pop your head into a few Greece souvenir shops for some inspiration or have a look at some of my favorite Greek souvenirs below. Best of all? You don’t actually need to be in Greece as you can buy most of them online!
Souvenirs to buy in Greece
Merchandise from Greece for your home
naked summers
What could be more Greek than endless summers and naked gods?! naked summers takes both of these notions as inspiration for their hand-printed clothing and accessories. Most of the materials used are 100% fair trade and vegan, and since my Terra Greca throw has just arrived I can confirm that they are absolutely gorgeous.
While quintessentially Greek I love how modern and abstract their designs are so you won’t have any problem incorporating this souvenir from Greece into your life – even if it is in rainy Germany as in my case.
You can buy their items here online.
Théros Lamp
“Good design that makes people smile” is Aristotelis Barakos’ motto and once you see his Théros project you will know that he is making good on this promise. The lighting objects are inspired by Mediterranean summers and warm childhood as he says – ‘theros’ is the Greek word for summer.
The table lamps are cute, to say the least, while still elegant and simple. They have a marble base and handmade lampshade straw hats and come in 3 different sizes in a limited edition.
For now, Théros lamps are only available through his studio, but more online retailers are coming soon.
The Concrete Project
I came across The Concrete Project when I was looking for Crete souvenirs in Chania for my brother’s birthday. They make the coolest kitchenware from cement which is both simple and unique. You will definitely need some extra space in your luggage since plates and bowls are quite heavy but I dare they it will be worth it – my brother loves his concrete plate and will soon get to enjoy a cement prickly pear leaf plate.
You can find pieces from Concrete Project in various stores around Greece.
ea ceramic studio
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that I am obsessed with Greek ceramics but I will admit that I often find them a little kitschy – what works well in a taverna by the ocean doesn’t work in my own kitchen. Not so with the handcrafted earthenware from ea that strives to give a modern interpretation of ancient Greek pottery forms and ceramics. In addition, their prices strike the perfect balance between form and function.
You can buy their ceramics online here or from April to November in their studio in Margarites village/ Rethymno.
Eleni Palaiologou
Looking for some cool Athens souvenirs? Another artist I adore for kitchenware is Eleni Palaiologou who makes the most beautiful minimalistic ceramics. All of her pieces are handmade in her studio in Athens.
She makes bowls, cups, plates, and vases that are modern and earthy at the same time. I especially love her mugs with oversized handles and the fact that you can also order custom pieces from her.
You can buy Eleni’s ceramics in her e-shop or at her workshop in Athens.
Nisaki Mu
If you are looking for something a bit more whimsical I recommend you check out the ceramics from Nisaki Mu. Goats and octopus, blue fishes and mermaids – the pieces strike a perfect balance of fun, traditional & cool. And what you see is what you get: the ceramics have names like “Girl with sea urchin”, “Under the sea” or “Sun and goat”.
They also have a really beautiful collection of postcards!
You can buy Nisaki Mu at various retailers (mainly in Crete) or through their Etsy shop.
CHOE
I am a sucker for scented candles and I cannot wait for my CHOE candle to arrive. The company was brought to life in a small village on Corfu – the word CHOE refers to an offering made to the Gods, Muses, and Nymphs in ancient Greece asking for abundance and harmony.
Their candles resemble such a beautiful offering thanks to the materials like wood, fabric, and bronze used for the containers. Open the lid and Mediterranean fragrances – herbs, fruits, and flowers – await.
By the way, candles are made to order and each is hand-poured!
You can buy the candles through their website or in various concept stores throughout Greece.
Yannis Sergakis
There is no shortcoming of Greek jewelry in most souvenir shops but personally, I am super picky when it comes to rings and bracelets and I don’t usually find what I like at a regular tourist shop.
I did come across the pieces of Athenian Yannis Sergakis and let’s just say that I am saving up for some diamonds now (don’t worry, prices are not as bad as one may think!).
Unlike most diamond jewelry his pieces are designed to be worn every day: simple, delicate, beautifully crafted and inspired by all things Greek. Check out his Sigma bracelets and the Nomad earrings – they are going on my Christmas Wishlist.
You can buy pieces online or in various shops around Greece.
Things to buy in Greece for face & body
KORRES
I guess Korres is not the latest and most exciting of Greek souvenirs but honestly, it is still one of my favorite beauty brands. Shower gels, body lotions, and shampoos make an inexpensive but lovely present (even for yourself) and their line is readily available in pharmacies around Greece and at the airports.
My favorites are their Guava and Violet shower gels and rich body lotions and if you have untameable hair like mine try the argan oil shampoo and conditioner – an absolute (hair)life-saver!
Alchemia Handmade Self-Care Rituals
Looking for truly unique soaps? Check out Alchemia, an artisan studio where modern soaps and clay masks are handcrafted. Ingredients include milk, butter, clays, and products are infused with scents from around the world. What makes them still a unique Greek souvenir are the molds used for the soaps which are all handmade from stones in Paxos.
If you wanted something extra special check their website for updates as they are launching a collaboration with the Museum of Cycladic Art soon.
You can either buy their products online here, find them in selected stores or visit their new laboratory in Athens.
helleo
The liquid gold of Greece, olive oil, is not only used in the kitchen. helleo makes marvelous soaps from organic virgin olive oil which are all handmade, vegan, and natural. Each bar of soap contains about 400 Koroneiki olives which are known for their inflammatory properties.
Additionally, they use local ingredients like prickly pear, honey and black beer, pomegranate, and red wine. Some soaps are for hair, some for the skin, and some you can use for both – perfect if you are traveling and have limited space in your suitcase.
Since the soaps are 100 % natural they are not only super moisturizing but also hypoallergenic and gentle enough for babies.
You can find a full list of stockists on their website.
Famous things from Greece you can drink
Ertha
I will admit I often do judge a book by its cover or in this case a tea! I absolutely adore Ertha’s packaging that is fun and colorful and still super cool. They offer CBD herbal teas with flavors like hemp, sage & calendula or hemp, mountain tea & Greek saffron.
My anxiety is at an all-time high at the moment so I cannot wait to try them when I get home to my parcel from Ertha.
Another cool product they have just launched is a summer herbal infusion – basically, a cold brew that you can mix with cold water and drink right away.
You can buy Ertha in selected bio stores and delis throughout Greece.
Greek wine
I love Greek wine and according to Feinschmecker the rest of the world seems to wake up to its appeal. I love the fact that there are so many ancient varietals that are being brought back to life here, that are indigenous to certain islands or parts of Greece, and that the winemakers here are proud of their heritage and curious to try new things at the same time. I also really enjoy the fact that you can go to a local supermarket and buy a 1,5 l bottle of village wine for 2,70 Euro – and it won’t give you a headache.
Mind you many vineyards produce some excellent bottles that can compete on an international level and make for a great souvenir. Especially if you pick a local variety like Romeiko which only grows in the region of Chania, Crete. If you are unsure where to start check out Manousakis, Biblia Chora, or Thymiopoulos Vineyards. And of course, most of these vineyards will ship your purchases to your doorstep, making the local wine one of the best things to buy in Greece!
Ouzo
I still haven’t figured out where the line is drawn but Greece seems to be somewhat divided when it comes to the question of ouzo or raki (or is one just for before and one for after dinner??). I am only an ouzo drinker as I find raki burns my throat and I like most anis-based liquors.
When I visited Thassos I got invited by the team of Thassos Ouzo for a little distillery tour. Or so I was told. We ended up sitting around a desk, eating grilled octopus and fried zucchini patties, drinking ouzo, and chatting. Thassos Ouzo is a love project of three local friends and slowly gaining popularity beyond the island. Unlike many other ouzos it is completely sugar-free (fewer calories, less hangover) and smooth enough to drink without water.
You can buy it all over the island and in a few shops on the mainland as well by now. It is a great choice as a souvenir because the bottle design is beautiful enough to make it a proper gift.
Food Souvenirs from Greece
Rusks
Rusks are a big thing in Greece, especially in Crete. I knew rusks from South Africa only and to be honest, they were never my favorite. Why take a ‘cookie’ of sorts make sure it is too hard to eat without breaking a tooth only for it to be dunked in milky tea?!
Well, Cretan rusks are different and best of all mainly savory. I discovered my favorite in a store in Chania the other day and I bought them purely because of the cute packaging. I couldn’t find much info about Nacaro Food who makes them on their website so I am not sure where they sell exactly but look out for them in nice delis.
I got the one with graviera cheese and they were more like thinly toasted tiny pieces of toast and utterly delicious. While not cheap with almost 4 Euro for a box I think they make the perfect little gift for loved ones thanks to the packaging.
San Allote Pasta
Have I mentioned how much I love Greek pasta? I have had two of my all-time favorite pasta dishes in Greece and it has become one of the few countries where I will order pasta in a restaurant.
Upon my last visit to Thassos, I met Maira and Kostas from San Allote, a traditional pasta manufacturer. They not only showed me the ropes of the island but also fed me and showed me how their pasta is made.
Made after Kostas grandmother’s recipes (which includes cheese in the dough!!) everything is handmade with local ingredients before it is shipped around the country. Their pasta comes in various shapes and flavors like Krokus (a local flower similar to saffron), chili, and vegetables.
They make for a perfect gift either for yourself or another pasta lover in your life who needs to be educated on the amazingness that is Greek pasta.
Kourabie
The best souvenirs from Greece including any kind of cookies or sweets. If you have a sweet tooth you should come and see for yourself. I personally prefer most things savory but couldn’t resist when it came to bougatsa for breakfast or the famous Kourabie.
Chrisanthidis is a family-run company in Kavala that has been making handmade, traditional kourabie for decades. These half-moon shaped almond cookies, drenched in powder sugar, allegedly dating back to the ancient Thrace. Today they make them in different variations and sizes and have extended their range to various cookies which feature traditional Greek ingredients like carob, must, or tahini.
You find them at airport shops and supermarkets around the country, and even at home if you have Lidl!
Mastic
My brother first told me about mastic, a resin that is only found on the Greek island of Chios. It is harvested from trees and collected as well as washed by hands according to a strict protocol.
Mastic is either consumed as gum or as a powder and has been used for hundreds of centuries, allegedly helping with digestive and oral issues. Ask your doctor before using it as a medical supplement but if you are simply curious you can buy yourself some mastic chewing gums or candy when in Greece.
