If you’re contemplating what to purchase during your upcoming trip to Greece, you’re in the right place! Souvenirs from Greece are widely available and make wonderful gifts for friends and family or cherished keepsakes from your adventures.
Greece is an enchanting destination, drawing visitors with its stunning beaches, rich history, delectable Mediterranean cuisine, and relaxed lifestyle. These are just a few of the reasons why travelers eagerly dream of exploring Greece time and again.
I always let my children select a little something to remember our travels, and I make sure to include the national flag as well. This trip to Greece was no exception. They found it challenging to choose just one small item since they were captivated by the numerous statues they wished to add to their collection.
Shopping for Greek souvenirs in Greece can be an enjoyable experience! Here are my top recommendations for what to buy during your vacation in this beautiful country.
What to Buy in Greece: 15 Greek Souvenirs to Look Out For!
Below is a curated list of the finest Greek souvenirs to seek during your travels!
Olive Oil
The Aegean is home to olive trees that have stood for thousands of years, with cultivation believed to date back to Neolithic times on the island of Crete. If you’re seeking an essential item to bring back from Greece, consider purchasing high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
If you love soap, stock up on olive oil soap, which is a popular choice due to its gentle properties, making it ideal for sensitive skin. These items are perfect for bringing back from Athens since they won’t spill or break!
Learn why Greek olive oil is considered the best here.
Evil Eye Pendant
Known in Greece as “mati,” the evil eye is a common sight on the whitewashed walls throughout the country. It is believed to protect against negative energy. You will find this symbol in homes and jewelry alike. I picked one up for each of my boys while pondering, “What should I buy in Greece?” The evil eye pendant is compact and easy to bring back, perfect for those traveling light! (Not everyone has room for a Bouzouki – more on that below!)
If you’re also considering visiting Turkey, keep in mind they sell evil eye charms everywhere and at lower prices, so you might want to look there too. Check out this link for more ideas on what to buy in Turkey.
Worry Beads
You will often see Greek men casually playing with worry beads, known as komboloi. Although these beads may not serve a functional purpose for many travelers, they make for beautiful decorative items. They might also be the original fidget spinners! I thought about buying one for each of my children. Unlike prayer beads in other cultures, which are used for spiritual practice, in Greece, they are employed secularly as a calming practice to help alleviate stress.
Ouzo
In Greece, alcohol is relatively inexpensive and is a significant part of everyday life. This was a refreshing change from my recent travels in the Middle East!
Don’t be surprised if you’re offered wine when checking in to a small boutique hotel or Airbnb. Distilled spirits, particularly ouzo, are very popular. I bought a few small bottles to share with my spirit-loving friends back home!
Wine is also widely enjoyed in Greece, so don’t miss the chance to browse the aisles of supermarkets to decide which bottle to take home for dinner! When a bottle costs just a few Euros, why not try a different one with each meal?
Ouzo is one of those distinctive Greek souvenirs you can only find in Greece! Make sure to check your country’s regulations regarding transporting spirits.
*** If you’re looking for the best tours in Santorini, check out this Catamaran Cruise.
*** Interested in visiting other Islands? Check out these fantastic options for day trips and tours!
Halva and Greek Sweets
I have a soft spot for halva, but many others swear by baklava! Be sure to try at least one of these delicious options while in Greece.
While halva is relatively easy to pack as a souvenir, indulge in bites of baklava and other desserts while you’re there. When Greeks visit friends, they typically purchase cakes instead of baking them. With so many fantastic bakeries around, you’ll easily fall in love with Greek sweets.
If you want to discover the best dining experiences in Athens, check out my guide on the Best Athens Restaurants.
Greek Bouzouki
Famous since the 1920s, the bouzouki is closely associated with Greek music. If you’re searching for a unique Greek souvenir, consider a musical instrument like the Greek bouzouki. It’s an item you can only find in Greece!
While transporting a full-sized bouzouki might be challenging, you can typically find smaller versions available.
Backgammon
A backgammon set makes for a striking conversation starter on any coffee table!
I cherish souvenirs that tell a story, and a backgammon set allows me to reminisce about my time in Greece. It’s a simple game I can teach my kids, giving us a chance to engage and share memories of our trip to Greece long after returning home.
Greek Coffee
Don’t ever ask for Turkish coffee in Greece! If you’re a coffee aficionado and want to pick up something economical, give Greek coffee a try—it’s an exquisite choice unique to Greece!
This strong and aromatic beverage is traditionally brewed and served in small cups. Just be cautious to avoid the sediment at the bottom of the cup.
Enjoy a cup while you’re visiting, learn how it’s made, and then bring some back to share with your loved ones! Greek tea is also a delightful and affordable souvenir.
Greek Jewelry
Planning to attend a toga-themed party? Consider picking up a charming Greek crown or headband; I bought one during my shopping spree in Greece and it garnered plenty of compliments. It also made for a stunning Halloween costume!
Additionally, you can find an array of handcrafted Greek jewelry throughout your trip. Keep an eye out for unique pieces in independent souvenir shops, as these items are often meaningful and cherished reminders of your travels.
Windmill
Curious about what to buy in Santorini? Windmill souvenirs are the short answer! They are iconic to the island of Santorini. While wandering through the narrow, white-washed streets, you’ll find many small shops selling these delightful trinkets, adorned in the island’s signature blue and white colors.
If you’re planning to visit Santorini, explore my blog for everything you need to know about this bucket-list destination, and don’t forget to review these safety tips for your trip.
Greek God Statues
We faced a delightful dilemma choosing just one statue to complement the one we had bought in Egypt. These are quintessential Greek items, with many shops offering a range of statues at various price points, from affordable to extravagant. We found our favorites in Plaka, a charming district in Athens.
According to my kids, these are the best souvenirs from Greece! While most of these statues are imported from places like Turkey or China, if your goal is to support local artisans, try to look for products crafted by local artists.
Leather Sandals
Complete your shopping by treating yourself to a pair of handcrafted leather sandals. They’re surprisingly affordable and perfect to wear during your time in Greece and beyond!
Feta Cheese
Feta cheese is the most renowned cheese in Greece, a delightful addition to any meal, even if it’s just to enjoy while you’re there. With its crumbly texture and rich taste, it often stands out on its own! Just be sure to check your country’s regulations regarding bringing fresh foods back home.
Greek Honey
Honey is significantly easier to transport compared to feta cheese. This makes it an excellent choice for a souvenir you can enjoy long after your vacation has concluded. Greece offers a variety of honey types, including thyme honey, Greek pine honey, wild oak honey, and chestnut honey.
Santorini Donkey
While in Santorini, you’ll notice that the donkey has become a classic tourist souvenir. You can find donkey-themed items everywhere—from t-shirts and ornaments to wines and stuffed toys!
These are easily the most popular mementos from Santorini. Before you visit, be sure to check out this post on staying safe while exploring the island.
Final Thoughts on What to Buy in Greece
When visiting grocery stores in Greece, keep in mind that most product labels are solely in Greek! This can lead to amusing navigational challenges, but I love wandering the aisles to discover local offerings. Do you enjoy that too? Stay tuned for a post outlining my experiences in Greek grocery stores coming soon!
Be sure to have your camera or phone handy, as there are countless picturesque moments to capture all over Greece! Check out these Instagram caption ideas for perfect quotes to accompany your photos! I’ve also written a post on Santorini quotes and captions.
Don’t forget to read up on common mistakes to avoid while in Santorini; it’s a popular post for very good reasons!
I hope this guide gives you plenty of ideas for what to buy in Greece as you explore this wonderfully diverse country! Enjoy the stunning landscapes, delightful food (oh, the cheese!), warm Greek hospitality, and all the amazing adventures waiting for you!
GREECE TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR 2024
When planning your travels, consider obtaining travel insurance. Whether it’s a simple ER visit for strep throat or more serious issues like an emergency appendectomy or an unfortunate scooter accident, unexpected situations can arise during any trip.
Looking for fantastic city tours, day excursions, bus tours, or skip-the-line tickets? Start your search with Get Your Guide and Viator Tours. They offer a variety of tours across Greece and its many islands.
Find excellent hotel options on booking.com or hostelworld.com
Want to dine like a local? Explore eatwith.com for unique food tours, cooking classes, and authentic culinary experiences!
Check out cruise information and reviews on cruisecritic.com
For comprehensive insurance coverage, consider World Nomads.
Traveling light? Safely store your luggage with Radical Storage.
Capture those cherished memories! Consider booking a romantic or family photoshoot during your holiday! Click Here to find a local photographer.
Further Reading on Greece
If you’re planning to island hop, check out my itinerary for spending two days in Santorini. There’s so much to explore on this gorgeous island—be sure to enjoy the breathtaking views before delving into your adventures in Greece! This is one of my most well-regarded posts and has been very helpful for many folks planning their Santorini trips!
Explore the best time to visit Santorini to discover peak seasons, weather, and what to anticipate throughout the year!
Don’t miss my insights on safety in Santorini by reading the post titled “Is Santorini Safe?”
I highly recommend visiting Meteora. Here’s my guide on how to get from Athens to Meteora and what to expect during your visit.
Which Greek Islands are on your travel itinerary? If it’s Ios, be sure to check out my Guide to Ios!
If you enjoyed this article, explore my series of “What to Buy” posts featuring Egypt, Turkey, and Canada!
Lindsay Nieminen hails from Vancouver, Canada, and shares her passion for travel on this site. She encourages others not to postpone their travel dreams due to young children or single parenthood. By providing guidance, she aims to inspire families to embark on adventures—whether near or far.
