If you’re planning a vacation to the historic cities, spectacular islands, and romantic towns of Greece, you’ll want to bring home keepsakes to remember your time there. The best souvenirs in Greece include locally made creations you can’t find anywhere else, like handmade jewelry, locally grown honey, and cosmetic sea sponges plucked from the Mediterranean Sea.
Here is the list of must buy souvenirs from Greece -
1. Worry Beads
Komboloi, also known as worry beads, are a timeless Greek tradition of expression used to soothe and de-stress. Once a religious symbol, today komboloi are mostly used as a secular pastime for modern Greeks. The Komboloi Museum in the center of Nafplio is famous for theirs, making it an excellent place to understand more about the importance of these beads in Greek culture.
2. Greek Honey
Honey brought all the way from Crete is one sweet way to tell someone how much you love and appreciate them. Local honey from a farmers’ market or local producers in Chania offer must-try samplings. Crete is one of the most famous honey-producing regions in the country.
3. Beauty Products
Olive oil and honey were among the natural ingredients Ancient Greeks used for skincare. Nowadays, several Greek cosmetics brands offer beauty products with olive oil, honey or herbal ingredients extracted from Greek nature, such as the famous olive oil soap. They would also make excellent gifts for your loved ones back home. These products are known for their high quality and natural ingredients, making them a luxurious and thoughtful souvenir.
4. Greek Wine
When you imagine Greek paradise, it’s likely you picture one of its top exports—wine. Like olives and many other culinary dishes, Greek wine draws thousands of visitors to the region every year, and there are over 300 varieties of grape native to Greece. You can find Greek wines in local wineries, markets, and specialty shops. A bottle of Greek wine makes an excellent souvenir for wine enthusiasts, offering a taste of Greece's rich viticultural heritage.
5. Leather Goods
Leather goods are one of the best souvenirs in Greece since they’re built to last. There are several leather shops selling goods like wallets, handbags, chic summer sandals, and passport holders. Find leatherworkers who specialize in custom designs near the port or along the popular string of shops at Monastiraki Market, one of the best places to shop in Athens.
6. Evil Eyes (Mati)
A mati talisman, according to Greek legend, is meant to ward off bad spirits. You’ll find mati jewelry like necklaces and earrings in addition to talismans that you can carry with you.
7. Ouzo
If you really want to go all-in on Greek culinary traditions, why not bring home a bottle of the nation’s most famous aperitif? Ouzo is a liquor with a star-anise flavoring, making for a powerful pairing with your meze, or appetizers. Some put ouzo in cocktails, while others serve it straight or on the rocks.
8. Mastiha Products
Mastic (or mastiha) is the product of the island of Chios, from its mastic trees. They are unique in the world and tops the list of unique souvenirs in Greece. Some of the most popular products made from Mastiha are, of course, the mastiha liqueur, mastiha ouzo, mastiha drops, chewing gum, cosmetics and perfume, supplements and dietary elements, and a lot more!
9. Jewellery
Greek-themed jewellery, from sterling silver pieces to designs by local artists, is lightweight making it an easy souvenirs in Greece to bring back home. There are several stores in throughout the country that sell these kind of jewellery.
10. Spoon Sweets
Spoon sweets, or Glyka tou Koutaliou in Greek, are traditional Greek preserves made from fruit, nuts, or even vegetables. You can find these delicious treats in various flavors, such as fig, cherry, and quince. Spoon sweets are typically made by local cooperatives and are beautifully packaged, making them one of the most ideal souvenirs in Greece to share with friends and family.
11. Greek Coffee
Greek coffee is more than just a beverage; it's a cultural experience. This rich and aromatic coffee is traditionally brewed in a special pot called a Briki and served with a thick foam on top. Look for local coffee grinder shops like Rizopoulos in Athens, where you can find freshly ground Greek coffee.
12. Greek Delights
Known locally as Loukoumi, Greek Delight is a sweet treat made from sugar, starch, and various flavorings. It comes in a variety of flavors, including rose, lemon, and mastic, and is often dusted with powdered sugar. Syros Island is particularly famous for its Loukoumi, which makes for a delicious and traditional souvenir.
13. Greek Cheese
Greece boasts a wide variety of cheeses, with Feta being the most famous. However, there are many other delicious options, such as Graviera, a hard cheese with a nutty flavor, and Mizithra, a soft cheese made from sheep or goat milk. These cheeses can be found in supermarkets and deli shops throughout Greece. For a truly unique experience, visit a local dairy farm or cheese shop to sample different varieties and learn about the cheese-making process.
14. Greek Dried Herbs
Greek cuisine heavily relies on aromatic herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary. These herbs grow wild in many parts of Greece and are often dried and used to season a variety of dishes. You can find high-quality dried herbs in local markets and grocery stores.
15. Greek Mountain Tea
Greek mountain tea, also known as Sideritis, is a herbal tea made from the dried leaves and flowers of the Sideritis plant. It is known for its health benefits, including its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. You can find Greek mountain tea in local markets, often sold in dried bunches.
16. Halva
Halva is a traditional Greek sweet made from tahini (sesame paste) and sugar. It comes in various flavors, including vanilla, chocolate, and almond, and is often enjoyed as a dessert or snack. Halva is typically sold in sealed packs, making it easy to transport and is one of the best edible souvenirs in Greece.
17. Miniature Statue or Monument Replicas
We’re sure you have included seeing some great Ancient Greek sculptures in your Athens itinerary, but did you know that you can take a replica of a famous statue or monument back home with you? For Greek mythology and ancient history buffs, many an alabaster statue of famous Ancient Greeks or Olympian Gods await at the tourist shops of Plaka and Monastiraki and they’re among the best souvenirs from Greece. These replicas are meticulously crafted and serve as a reminder of Greece’s glorious past and its contributions to art and culture.
18. Tsipouro
Tsipouro is a strong alcoholic beverage distilled from the remnants of wine production, including the grape skins, seeds, and stems. It is similar to Italian grappa and is often enjoyed with meze dishes. Tsipouro is available in various flavors, including anise and non-anise varieties. You can find Tsipouro in local distilleries and liquor shops.
19. Homemade Liqueurs
Greece offers a variety of homemade liqueurs, each with its unique flavor and history. Popular liqueurs include Mastic from Chios, Kumquat from Corfu, and Citron from Naxos. These liqueurs are often made using traditional methods and local ingredients, resulting in a rich and authentic taste.
20. Greek Pasta
Greek pasta, such as Makarounes from Karpathos and Hilopites from the Peloponnese, is a staple in many traditional dishes. These pasta varieties are often made with local ingredients like eggs, milk, and wheat, giving them a distinct flavor and texture. You can find Greek pasta in local markets and specialty food shops. They make the best souvenirs in Greece to take for a food lover.
As you explore what to buy in Greece, you'll find that each item carries a story, a tradition, and a piece of the Greek spirit. By bringing home these souvenirs, you not only have a tangible memory of your travels but also a deeper connection to Greece’s rich culture and history. So, when you’re thinking about souvenirs in Greece, remember that the best ones are those that bring a little bit of Greece into your everyday life.
Safe travels and happy souvenir hunting!