By Georgia Skamaga
Whether you’re shopping for meaningful gifts or keepsakes for yourself, Athens offers a wealth of locally made products that reflect the country’s rich culture and natural beauty. Here are a few unforgettable souvenirs to pack in your suitcase.
Olive oil & olive-based products
Renowned for its exceptional quality, Greek extra-virgin olive oil is a must-buy in Athens. Visit local markets or specialty stores to find some of the best the country has to offer. Discover a variety of olive-based gifts – from marinated olives in jars to luxurious olive oil soaps and beauty products infused with this golden elixir.
Renowned for its exceptional quality, Greek extra-virgin olive oil is a must-buy in Athens. Visit local markets or specialty stores to find some of the best the country has to offer. Discover a variety of olive-based gifts – from marinated olives in jars to luxurious olive oil soaps and beauty products infused with this golden elixir.
Greek honey
Infused with the essence of wild thyme, pine and other native flora, Greek honey is a taste of the land’s natural bounty. Each region offers distinct flavors and aromas, making it a truly unique souvenir. Look for beautifully packaged jars in food boutiques or farmers’ markets.
Infused with the essence of wild thyme, pine and other native flora, Greek honey is a taste of the land’s natural bounty. Each region offers distinct flavors and aromas, making it a truly unique souvenir. Look for beautifully packaged jars in food boutiques or farmers’ markets.
Komboloi (Worry Beads)
A beloved symbol of Greek tradition, the komboloi is more than just a keepsake. Used to ease stress and pass the time, these worry beads come in a variety of materials –from amber and wood to glass– and a stunning range of colors and styles. Compact, beautiful and deeply rooted in local culture, they make for a heartfelt gift or personal memento.
Handcrafted jewelry
Athens shines with talented jewelry makers who draw inspiration from ancient Greek art and mythology. From finely worked bracelets and necklaces to symbolic pieces adorned with motifs like the Greek key or mythological figures, these accessories are both stylish and meaningful.
Athens shines with talented jewelry makers who draw inspiration from ancient Greek art and mythology. From finely worked bracelets and necklaces to symbolic pieces adorned with motifs like the Greek key or mythological figures, these accessories are both stylish and meaningful.
Ceramics & pottery
Handmade ceramics in Athens are functional and decorative. Think vases, plates or intricate tiles that mirror historic designs. Whether you prefer classic black-and-red motifs or modern interpretations, these pieces bring a touch of timeless elegance to any space.
Handmade ceramics in Athens are functional and decorative. Think vases, plates or intricate tiles that mirror historic designs. Whether you prefer classic black-and-red motifs or modern interpretations, these pieces bring a touch of timeless elegance to any space.
Textiles & embroidery
Greece’s rich textile traditions come to life in hand-embroidered linens, tablecloths and cushion covers. Often crafted in rural workshops, these pieces feature vibrant colors and traditional patterns that reflect the country’s folk heritage. They’re a warm and authentic way to dress up your home or someone else’s.
Greece’s rich textile traditions come to life in hand-embroidered linens, tablecloths and cushion covers. Often crafted in rural workshops, these pieces feature vibrant colors and traditional patterns that reflect the country’s folk heritage. They’re a warm and authentic way to dress up your home or someone else’s.
Leather sandals & Goods
Greek leather sandals are a stylish and practical souvenir, often handmade using traditional techniques. You’ll find a wide range of designs, from minimalist and modern to those inspired by classical Greek styles. In addition to footwear, look for finely crafted leather bags, belts and wallets -durable pieces that age beautifully and carry the essence of Athenian craftsmanship.
Greek leather sandals are a stylish and practical souvenir, often handmade using traditional techniques. You’ll find a wide range of designs, from minimalist and modern to those inspired by classical Greek styles. In addition to footwear, look for finely crafted leather bags, belts and wallets -durable pieces that age beautifully and carry the essence of Athenian craftsmanship.
Greek wine & spirits
Greece’s wine legacy stretches back millennia and modern vintners continue to impress with local varietals. Consider picking up a bottle of Assyrtiko from Santorini or Agiorgitiko from Nemea. For something stronger, try a bottle of Ouzo, the anise-flavored spirit, or Mastiha, a unique liqueur made from the mastic tree found only on the island of Chios.
Greece’s wine legacy stretches back millennia and modern vintners continue to impress with local varietals. Consider picking up a bottle of Assyrtiko from Santorini or Agiorgitiko from Nemea. For something stronger, try a bottle of Ouzo, the anise-flavored spirit, or Mastiha, a unique liqueur made from the mastic tree found only on the island of Chios.
Replica antiquities
Athens offers finely made replicas of ancient sculptures, pottery and artifacts. Crafted by skilled artisans, these items let you bring home a touch of the classical world – beautiful, educational and museum-worthy.
Athens offers finely made replicas of ancient sculptures, pottery and artifacts. Crafted by skilled artisans, these items let you bring home a touch of the classical world – beautiful, educational and museum-worthy.
Local art
Athens is a city of contrasts, where ancient ruins meet modern creativity. Support local artists by purchasing original works –from contemporary paintings and handmade sculptures to prints inspired by the city’s famed street art. Each piece offers a fresh, personal view of Athenian life and culture.
Athens is a city of contrasts, where ancient ruins meet modern creativity. Support local artists by purchasing original works –from contemporary paintings and handmade sculptures to prints inspired by the city’s famed street art. Each piece offers a fresh, personal view of Athenian life and culture.
Where to shop: Monastiraki Flea Market A vibrant and eclectic marketplace in the heart of Athens, is perfect for treasure hunting. You’ll find from vintage antiques and handmade jewelry to classic souvenirs and quirky collectibles. Plaka Nestled at the foot of the Acropolis, is one of Athens’ oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods. Its narrow streets are lined with charming shops selling traditional Greek products, local crafts, and handmade goods. Ermou Street One of the city’s main commercial hubs, blends international brands with local boutiques. Whether you’re looking for fashion, accessories, or one-of-a-kind finds, this bustling pedestrian avenue offers a little something for every type of shopper.
