What to Buy in Greece: 15 Classic, Tasty, and Handmade Treasures

From olive oil to worry beads, Greece is a souvenir hunter’s paradise. Whether you’re sun-soaked on Santorini, strolling through Athens, or hopping between islands, you’ll find plenty of authentic and easy-to-pack gifts to bring home a little taste of the Aegean.

Here’s what to buy in Greece — for yourself, your suitcase, or someone you really like.

1. Greek Olive Oil

Why pick this up: Greece is known for superb extra virgin olive oil; it’s flavorful, healthy, and pairs beautifully with local dishes.
What to look for: PDO / Protected Designation of Origin markings, harvest date, “cold-pressed” labeling.
Price bracket (2024): €8–€25 for 500 ml bottles or elegant tins.
Where to buy: Olive mills, gourmet food shops in Athens or Thessaloniki, Crete’s local producers.

2. Evil Eye Charms (Mati)

Why pick this up: The famous blue-and-white “evil eye” is both decorative and culturally meaningful — believed to ward off misfortune.
What to look for: Glass enamel beads, high polish, sturdy string or metal fittings.
Price bracket (2024): €3–€20 depending on size and materials.
Where to buy: Souvenir stalls across island towns (Mykonos, Hydra), Plaka in Athens.

3. Handmade Ceramics

Why pick this up: Beautiful, usable, and rooted in centuries of Greek pottery tradition.
What to look for: Glazed finishes, signature maker stamps, slight irregularities from handcrafting.
Price bracket (2024): €5–€60+ depending on size and detail.
Where to buy: Local markets in Naxos, Rhodes, Athens ceramic studios, Margi Farm Shop near Athens.

4. Greek Honey

Why pick this up: Floral, aromatic honeys (thyme, pine, orange blossom) capture the essence of Greek flora.
What to look for: Single-flower varietals, country/state of origin, sealed jars.
Price bracket (2024): €7–€25 for 250‑500 g jars.
Where to buy: Farmer markets, specialty food stores, boutique shops in island towns (e.g. Mount Hymettus or Ikaria region honeys).

5. Olive Wood Kitchenware

Why pick this up: Durable, attractive wood grain, practical for everyday cooking.
What to look for: Smooth finish, tight grain, no cracks, food-safe sealants.
Price bracket (2024): €5–€40 depending on size and complexity.
Where to buy: Artisan stalls in Crete, Kalamata, Athens.

6. Natural Soaps & Skincare Products

Why pick this up: Made with olive oil, herbs, volcanic clay — gentle, local, fragrant.
What to look for: Minimal ingredient lists, no harsh chemicals, local branding.
Price bracket (2024): €3–€20.
Where to buy: Island boutique shops, pharmacies, soap boutiques in Santorini or Corfu.

7. Local Wines (Assyrtiko, Mavrodaphne, etc.)

Why pick this up: Greek wines often don’t make it abroad, especially boutique labels.
What to look for: Local vineyard name, vintage, grape variety.
Price bracket (2024): €8–€30+.
Where to buy: Wine cellars in Santorini, boutiques in Athens, select shops at the airport.

8. Komboloi (Worry Beads)

Why pick this up: A classic Greek keepsake that’s tactile, decorative, and culturally rooted.
What to look for: Quality beads (agate, amber, glass), sturdy stringing.
Price bracket (2024): €10–€50+.
Where to buy: Traditional shops in Nafplio, Plaka in Athens, boutique bead stores.

9. Greek Leather Sandals

Why pick this up: Durable, stylish, and a staple of Greek fashion — great for summer.
What to look for: Full-grain leather, good stitching, classical styles.
Price bracket (2024): €20–€80.
Where to buy: Melissinos Art (Athens’ sandal-maker), boutique shops on islands, Athens markets.

10. Local Spirits (Ouzo, Raki, Tsipouro)

Why pick this up: Iconic Greek flavors in a bottle — anise, herbal notes, regional variation.
What to look for: Sealed bottles, local branding, volume.
Price bracket (2024): €8–€25.
Where to buy: Local liquor shops, supermarkets, airport duty-free.

11. Greek Spices & Herbs

Why pick this up: Oregano, thyme, mountain teas — aromatic staples of Greek cuisine.
What to look for: Single-origin, sealed packaging or jars.
Price bracket (2024): €2–€10.
Where to buy: Athens Central Market, neighborhood herb stalls.

12. Greek Coffee Sets & Briki

Why pick this up: A meaningful ritual — brewing Greek coffee at home.
What to look for: Briki (small pot), tiny cups, matching sets.
Price bracket (2024): €10–€40.
Where to buy: Kitchenware stores in Athens, Thessaloniki, boutique coffee shops.

13. Linen Clothing & Beachwear

Why pick this up: Cool, breathable fabric — perfect for Mediterranean climates.
What to look for: Local designers, neutral tones, good stitching.
Price bracket (2024): €20–€80.
Where to buy: Santorini boutiques, Kolonaki in Athens, island fashion shops.

14. Religious Icons & Orthodox Keepsakes

Why pick this up: Elegant, meaningful art — blends spirituality and craft.
What to look for: Hand-painted, small size, on wood or metal.
Price bracket (2024): €10–€50+.
Where to buy: Monasteries, church gift shops, stalls near churches.

15. Greek Sweets: Baklava, Loukoumia, Kataifi

Why pick this up: Sweet, rich, and impossible to find quite like here.
What to look for: Boxed packs, sealed, fresh.
Price bracket (2024): €5–€20 per box.
Where to buy: Patisseries like Varsos in Athens, local bakeries all over.

🛍️ Greece Shopping Tips & Insider Notes

Many food products, liquids, and alcohol are airport-safe if properly sealed — keep original packaging and receipts.
Ask vendors for the village or producer name — it adds story and authenticity.
Greek markets are often busiest early morning — better selection, fresher goods.
Don’t settle for the first shop — walk a few alleys to see price variation.
For religious items or icons, always be respectful — they can be sacred.

Greece’s souvenirs are not just “things” — they’re pieces of sun, sea, soil, and culture. Bring something you’ll truly love, and let every time you use it bring back a memory of that blue‑white sky.

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter.

Souvenir Ideas to Take Home from Every Country and City