Introduction
Greece offers an incredible array of authentic products that make perfect souvenirs, gifts, or personal treasures. From world-renowned olive oil to handcrafted jewelry, the best things to buy in Greece reflect the country's rich cultural heritage and exceptional craftsmanship. Whether you're planning a trip or looking to purchase Greek products online, this comprehensive guide will help you discover the most valuable and authentic items Greece has to offer.
Traditional Greek Food Products
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Greece produces some of the world's finest olive oil, with Kalamata and Koroneiki varieties leading the pack. Greek olive oil consistently ranks among the top globally for quality and taste.
What to look for:
- Cold-pressed, extra virgin certification
- Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) labels
- Dark glass bottles to preserve quality
- Brands like Gaea, Terra Creta, or local producers
Price range: €8-25 per 500ml bottle
Greek Honey
Greek honey, particularly thyme honey from islands like Crete and the Cyclades, is considered among the world's best. The Mediterranean climate and diverse flora create unique flavor profiles.
Popular varieties:
- Thyme honey (aromatic and golden)
- Pine honey (darker, with mineral notes)
- Wildflower honey (complex, floral taste)
- Heather honey (rare, with distinctive flavor)
Olives and Olive Products
Kalamata olives are Greece's most famous export, but the country produces numerous varieties worth trying:
- Kalamata olives (large, purple-black)
- Conservolea olives (green, from Amphissa)
- Throumba olives (wrinkled, salt-cured)
- Olive tapenade and spreads
Greek Cheeses
While fresh cheeses don't travel well, aged varieties make excellent purchases:
- Aged Feta (vacuum-packed)
- Kasseri (semi-hard, golden cheese)
- Graviera (Greek gruyere-style)
- Mizithra (dried, grating cheese)
Alcoholic Beverages
Ouzo
Greece's national spirit, ouzo, makes an iconic souvenir. Premium brands offer complex anise flavors that represent authentic Greek distilling traditions.
Recommended brands:
- Ouzo Plomari (from Lesbos)
- Ouzo 12 (widely available)
- Ouzo Barbayanni (premium option)
- Local distillery products
Greek Wines
Greek wine has experienced a renaissance, with indigenous grape varieties producing exceptional bottles:
Red wines:
- Agiorgitiko (Nemea region)
- Xinomavro (Macedonia)
- Mavrodaphne (sweet dessert wine)
White wines:
- Assyrtiko (Santorini)
- Moschofilero (Mantinia)
- Savatiano (Attica)
Tsipouro and Raki
These traditional Greek spirits offer authentic tastes of regional distilling:
- Tsipouro (mainland Greece)
- Raki/Tsikoudia (Crete)
- Often flavored with herbs or anise
Handcrafted Items and Artisan Products
Greek Jewelry
Greece has a long tradition of jewelry making, from ancient designs to contemporary pieces:
Traditional styles:
- Evil eye (mati) jewelry
- Greek key patterns
- Ancient coin reproductions
- Byzantine-inspired designs
Where to shop:
- Monastiraki Flea Market (Athens)
- Local artisan workshops
- Museum gift shops for authentic reproductions
Handwoven Textiles
Greek textiles showcase centuries-old weaving traditions:
- Flokati rugs (traditional woolen rugs)
- Hand-woven bags and purses
- Traditional Greek linens
- Embroidered tablecloths and runners
Pottery and Ceramics
Greek pottery combines functionality with artistic beauty:
- Sifnos pottery (known for intricate designs)
- Rhodes ceramics (colorful, decorative pieces)
- Replica ancient Greek pottery
- Modern interpretations of classical designs
Beauty and Wellness Products
Natural Skincare
Greece's Mediterranean climate produces exceptional ingredients for skincare:
Key ingredients:
- Olive oil-based products
- Donkey milk cosmetics (especially from Santorini)
- Sea salt scrubs
- Honey and propolis treatments
Popular brands:
- Korres (internationally recognized)
- Apivita (natural Greek cosmetics)
- Local monastery products
- Artisan soap makers
Greek Sponges
Natural sea sponges from the Dodecanese islands are prized worldwide:
- Kalymnos sponges (highest quality)
- Various sizes and textures
- Completely natural and sustainable
- Perfect for skincare routines
Spices and Herbs
Traditional Greek Spices
Greek cuisine relies on distinctive spice blends and herbs:
Essential spices:
- Rigani (Greek oregano) - more potent than regular oregano
- Mastiha (mastic) - unique resin from Chios
- Greek mountain tea (sideritis)
- Dittany of Crete (rare healing herb)
Spice blends:
- Greek seasoning mixes
- Gyros seasoning
- Souvlaki spice blends
- Traditional herb combinations
Religious and Cultural Items
Orthodox Religious Items
Greece's strong Orthodox tradition produces beautiful religious artifacts:
- Hand-painted icons
- Orthodox crosses and pendants
- Incense and religious oils
- Prayer beads (komboskini)
Traditional Musical Instruments
For music enthusiasts, Greek instruments offer cultural authenticity:
- Bouzouki (traditional string instrument)
- Baglama (smaller version of bouzouki)
- Traditional drums and percussion
- Instructional materials and sheet music
Where to Shop for the Best Greek Products
Athens Shopping Areas
Monastiraki Flea Market
- Antiques and traditional crafts
- Vintage items and collectibles
- Local artisan products
- Best visited on Sunday mornings
Plaka District
- Tourist-friendly shops
- Traditional Greek products
- Jewelry and souvenir stores
- Restaurant supply shops
Island Shopping
Santorini
- Local wineries
- Volcanic products (pumice, cosmetics)
- Traditional architecture-inspired items
- Donkey milk beauty products
Mykonos
- High-end boutiques
- Designer Greek jewelry
- Luxury food products
- Artisan workshops
Crete
- Olive oil producers
- Traditional textiles
- Raki distilleries
- Cretan knife workshops
Online Shopping Options
For those unable to visit Greece, several reputable online retailers offer authentic Greek products:
- Greek Golden Products - Wide selection of authentic items
- The Greek Deli - Specialty foods and beverages
- Local producer websites
- International Greek food importers
Tips for Buying Authentic Greek Products
Authenticity Verification
Look for certification marks:
- PDO (Protected Designation of Origin)
- PGI (Protected Geographical Indication)
- Organic certification symbols
- Traditional Specialty Guaranteed labels
Quality Indicators
For olive oil:
- Harvest date within 18 months
- Dark glass or tin containers
- Cold-pressed designation
- Acidity levels below 0.8%
For honey:
- Crystallization (indicates purity)
- Source location specified
- No added sugars or syrups
- Local beekeeper information
Avoiding Tourist Traps
- Shop where locals shop
- Compare prices across multiple vendors
- Ask for recommendations from hotel staff
- Visit local markets and producers directly
Seasonal Shopping Considerations
Spring Shopping (March-May)
- Fresh honey harvest
- Easter-related religious items
- Spring herb collections
- Artisan workshop reopenings
Summer Shopping (June-August)
- Peak tourist season prices
- Widest product selection
- Island-specific specialties available
- Extended shopping hours
Fall Shopping (September-November)
- Olive harvest season
- Wine harvest products
- Better prices as tourist season ends
- Traditional festival items
Winter Shopping (December-February)
- Lowest prices
- Limited selection on islands
- Focus on mainland shopping
- Religious Christmas items
Budget-Friendly Greek Shopping
Affordable Authentic Options
Under €10:
- Small bottles of olive oil
- Greek spices and herbs
- Handmade soaps
- Traditional sweets
€10-25:
- Quality honey jars
- Artisan jewelry pieces
- Small pottery items
- Greek wine bottles
€25-50:
- Premium olive oil
- Handwoven textiles
- Religious icons
- Specialty food gift sets
Money-Saving Tips
- Buy directly from producers
- Shop at local markets
- Purchase in bulk for better prices
- Avoid airport shops for better deals
- Compare prices between islands and mainland
Shipping and Travel Considerations
Airline Restrictions
Carry-on limitations:
- Liquids under 100ml only
- No sharp objects (knives, tools)
- Fragile items require careful packing
Checked baggage:
- Wrap fragile items carefully
- Consider weight restrictions
- Declare valuable items
- Keep receipts for customs
International Shipping
Many Greek producers offer international shipping:
- Compare shipping costs
- Check customs regulations
- Consider insurance for valuable items
- Verify delivery timeframes
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular Greek souvenirs?
The most popular Greek souvenirs include olive oil, honey, ouzo, handmade jewelry featuring evil eye designs, natural sponges, and traditional pottery. These items represent authentic Greek culture and craftsmanship.
Where can I find the best olive oil in Greece?
The best olive oil can be found directly from producers in Crete, the Peloponnese, and Lesbos. Look for small family-run operations, local cooperatives, and shops that specialize in regional products rather than tourist-focused stores.
How much should I budget for Greek shopping?
Budget €50-100 for basic souvenirs, €100-200 for quality food products and crafts, or €200+ for premium items like jewelry, art, or extensive food collections. Prices vary significantly between tourist areas and local markets.
Can I ship Greek products internationally?
Yes, many Greek producers and shops offer international shipping. However, check your country's customs regulations for food products, alcohol, and other restricted items. Some products may require special permits or face import restrictions.
What's the best time to shop in Greece?
The best shopping occurs during shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) when prices are lower, crowds are smaller, and selection remains good. Summer offers the widest selection but highest prices, while winter provides the best deals but limited options on islands.
Are Greek products available online?
Yes, numerous online retailers specialize in authentic Greek products. Reputable sites include official producer websites, established Greek food importers, and certified online marketplaces. Always verify authenticity and read customer reviews before purchasing.
Conclusion
Greece offers an incredible variety of authentic products that make meaningful purchases and memorable gifts. From world-class olive oil and honey to handcrafted jewelry and traditional textiles, the best things to buy in Greece reflect the country's rich cultural heritage and exceptional quality standards.
When shopping for Greek products, prioritize authenticity by looking for certification marks, buying from local producers, and avoiding obvious tourist traps. Whether you're visiting Greece or shopping online, focus on items that represent genuine Greek traditions and craftsmanship.
Remember to consider practical factors like shipping restrictions, seasonal availability, and budget constraints when making your selections. The most rewarding Greek purchases are those that bring a piece of authentic Greek culture into your daily life, whether through cooking with premium olive oil, wearing handcrafted jewelry, or sharing traditional spirits with friends.
Start planning your Greek shopping adventure today, and discover the authentic treasures that have made Greece a beloved destination for discerning travelers and food enthusiasts worldwide.