If you’re pondering what to purchase during your upcoming trip to Greece, you’re in the right spot! Greek souvenirs are plentiful across the country and make excellent gifts for friends and family back home, or they can serve as wonderful keepsakes from your travels.
Greece is a place that captivates your heart easily. With its stunning beaches, rich history spanning centuries, delightful Mediterranean cuisine, and a relaxed pace of life, it’s no wonder that travelers keep returning for more.
I like to let my kids choose a small souvenir from our travels, and I always try to include the Greek flag as well. This trip was no exception. They were excited but overwhelmed with choices, especially since there were so many statues they wanted to add to their collection.
Shopping for Greek souvenirs can be a delightful experience! Here are my top recommendations for what to buy during your visit to Greece.
What to Buy in Greece: 15 Must-Have Greek Souvenirs!
Below is a list of the best Greek souvenirs to seek out during your travels!
Olive Oil
Greece is home to ancient olive trees, some dating back thousands of years. The practice of cultivating these trees likely began in Neolithic times on the island of Crete. If you’re looking for one of the top items to buy in Greece, don’t miss out on some extra virgin olive oil.
If you enjoy soaps, be sure to pick up some olive oil soap, which is now a popular ingredient for its gentleness on sensitive skin. These make for ideal souvenirs from Athens since they are easy to pack and won’t break!
Learn why Greek olive oil is considered the best here.
Evil Eye Pendant
The Evil Eye, known as “mati” in Greece, is a common motif seen on whitewashed walls. It is believed to ward off evil spirits. You will find it in homes and on various pieces of jewelry. I bought one for each of my boys when I thought, “What should I buy in Greece?” If you are backpacking, this small souvenir is perfect since it won’t take up much space! (Not everyone has room for a Bouzouki – but more on that below!)
Things to know about the Evil Eye: If you plan to visit Turkey, you’ll find the Evil Eye there as well, often at lower prices. You might want to check out what else to buy in Turkey.
Worry Beads
Nearly every Greek man carries worry beads in his hand or pocket. Known as komboloi, these beads can be decorative but also serve a calming purpose. I considered buying each of my kids one. In other cultures, they’re often used as prayer beads, but in Greece, they are embraced as a secular hobby aimed at reducing stress.
Ouzo
Alcohol is incredibly affordable in Greece and is integrated into daily life. It’s a refreshing change compared to my recent travels in the Middle East!
You may find yourself offered wine upon checking into a cozy boutique hotel or Airbnb—all part of the local hospitality. Among Greece’s popular distilled spirits, Ouzo stands out. I picked up a few small bottles to share with my friends who enjoy spirits!
Wine also has a prominent place in Greek culture. I enjoyed browsing grocery store aisles to see which wine to bring back for dinner! With most bottles costing just a few Euros, why not try a different one with every meal?
Ouzo is a great Greek souvenir and a unique item to bring home, showcasing something you can only find in Greece! Just be sure to check entry allowances for your home country when shopping.
*** If you’re interested in the best tours in Santorini, be sure to check out this Catamaran Cruise.
*** If you’re exploring other islands, check out these fantastic options for day trips and tours!
Halva and Greek Sweets
I have a fondness for halva, but others may swear by the diamond-shaped baklava! Make sure to indulge in at least one of these delights while in Greece.
Halva makes for an easier souvenir to take home, but enjoy baklava and other sweet treats while you’re there. Greeks often buy cakes when visiting friends instead of baking themselves. With so many amazing bakeries around, you’ll quickly fall in love with Greek desserts.
If you’re looking for great dining while in Athens, check out the Best Athens Restaurants.
Greek Bouzouki
This musical instrument gained immense popularity in the 1920s and is closely associated with Greek music. If you’re searching for a unique souvenir, consider a Greek Bouzouki. You can even find miniature versions for easier transport!
Backgammon
A backgammon board is a perfect statement piece for your coffee table!
I treasure souvenirs that tell a story. Backgammon is easy to teach my kids and provides us with hours of entertainment while reminiscing about our adventures in Greece.
Greek Coffee
Be careful not to ask for Turkish coffee in Greece! If you’re a coffee enthusiast looking for an inexpensive souvenir, Greek coffee is your best bet! It’s similar to Turkish coffee; common across eastern Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures.
This strong and aromatic coffee is boiled and served in a small cup. Just remember to avoid sipping the sediment at the bottom!
Try it while you’re there to experience the brewing process, then take some home to share with your family! Greek tea is also an affordable souvenir option.
Greek Jewelry
Thinking of attending a toga party? Treat yourself to an exquisite Greek crown or headband. I purchased one during my shopping adventure in Greece and received numerous compliments. It also made for an easy Halloween costume!
You’ll find plenty of beautifully crafted Greek jewelry. Keep an eye out for unique pieces in independent souvenir shops—they often tell the best stories, as you can distinctly remember the shop or the owner and the memories associated with your purchase.
Windmill Souvenirs
Wondering what to buy in Santorini? Look no further than windmills! They are iconic symbols of the island. As you explore the charming, maze-like streets, you’ll find numerous shops selling windmill-themed items in striking blue and white colors—perfect mementos from your visit!
If you’re planning a trip to Santorini, be sure to check out my Santorini blog for all the information you need about this must-see island, along with important safety precautions.
Greek God Statues
We had a tough time picking just one statue to take home alongside the one we purchased in Egypt. You can find a wide variety of statues in shops, ranging from affordable to extravagant! Our favorites were located in the Plaka neighborhood of Athens.
My kids believe these are the best souvenirs from Greece! However, many of these statues are imported, often made in places like Turkey or China. If you’re keen to support local artisans, look for statues made right in Greece.
Leather Sandals
Complete your shopping with a pair of handmade leather sandals. These stylish accessories are surprisingly affordable compared to what you might expect, and they’re perfect for wearing in Greece as well as back home!
Feta Cheese
Feta is Greece’s most famous cheese, and you’ll want to indulge in it—if not to take back home, at least to enjoy during your trip! Known for its crumbly texture and bold flavor, feta can often be ordered as a side dish on its own! Before attempting to bring it home, be sure to check your country’s regulations, as many do not allow fresh produce to be imported.
Greek Honey
Honey is much easier to transport than feta cheese. It’s a straightforward suggestion for something to buy in Greece that you can savor even after your vacation has ended.
Greece is known for its various types of honey, including thyme honey, Greek pine honey, wild oak honey, and chestnut honey.
Santorini Donkey Souvenirs
If you’re headed to Santorini, expect to see lots of Santorini donkey-themed items! They appear on t-shirts, ornaments, wine labels, and stuffed toys for children—they’re truly everywhere!
They are indeed the most popular souvenirs from Santorini. Before your visit, take a moment to read this post about ensuring safety while exploring Santorini.
Final Thoughts on What to Buy in Greece
Remember that grocery store labels in Greece are often written entirely in GREEK! It may be a fun challenge to navigate the aisles! I find it fascinating to explore a typical Greek store. Do you feel the same? Stay tuned for my upcoming post on Greek grocery stores!
Be sure to have your camera or phone ready! There are numerous picture-perfect moments scattered throughout Greece! For caption inspirations, be sure to check out these vacation captions for your Instagram photos. They will help you capture the essence of your travels! Additionally, I’ve written a post with great Santorini quotes and captions.
Don’t forget to take a look at my post on mistakes to avoid during your trip to Santorini—it’s a popular read for good reason!
I hope you find these suggestions helpful as you plan your shopping in Greece! While you discover the mainland and island-hop, indulge in the amazing food (oh, the cheese!), experience the warm hospitality of the Greeks, and embrace all the wonderful adventures waiting for you!
Greece Travel Resources for 2024
Don’t forget about travel insurance. From something simple like strep throat to more serious emergencies, things can go wrong during travel.
For city tours, day tours, bus tours, and skip-the-line tickets, check out Get Your Guide and Viator Tours. They offer a variety of tours throughout Greece and its islands.
Find excellent hotel options on booking.com or hostelworld.com.
Looking for a local culinary experience? Browse eatwith.com for food tours, cooking classes, and unique local dining experiences!
For cruise information and reviews, check out cruisecritic.com.
Ensure you have the right insurance coverage by considering World Nomads.
If you want to travel light, safely store your luggage with Radical Storage.
Capture those special moments! Book a romantic or family photoshoot while on vacation! Click here to find a local photographer.
Further Reading on Greece
If you’re planning to island-hop, check out my itinerary for 2 days in Santorini. There’s so much to explore on this beautiful island—be sure to take in the sights before hopping to the next destination!
Learn about the best time to visit Santorini, including busy seasons, weather, and what to expect year-round!
For safety considerations while in Santorini, refer to my post titled “Is Santorini Safe?” to stay informed.
I highly recommend a visit to Meteora. Here’s our guide on how to travel from Athens to Meteora and what to expect when you arrive.
Which Greek Islands do you plan to visit? If it’s Ios, be sure to check out my Guide to Ios!
Enjoyed this article? Explore my series on “What to Buy” souvenir posts covering Egypt, Turkey, and Canada!
Lindsay Nieminen hails from Vancouver, Canada and shares her love of travel on this website. She is passionate about showing others that they should not put off traveling the world just because they have young children or are single parents. She aims to encourage them to seek out adventure, whether it is at home or abroad by providing information on how just about everywhere can be a destination to explore as a family.
