Greece is a country with a rich history. It is also known for producing plenty of exceptional natural products. These things mean that the country is a souvenir shopper’s heaven!
As a tourist in Greece, you will never have to scramble for a last-minute magnet from the airport for your friends back home.
Here are some of the best souvenirs from Greece you can snag on your trip!
Table of Contents
1. Herbs
Since antiquity, herbs have been at the heart of Greek medicine and cuisine. The country boasts hundreds of different herbs, each with its unique wellness properties, that are still used there every day.
Fragrant and intensely flavorful, herbs are almost always the secret behind a delicious Greek dish. Greeks swear by them for longevity and good health.
Choose between classic ones, like oregano, and less known ones, such as rock samphire, for a tasty souvenir.
2. Olive oil
There is something about Greek soil, sun, and air that makes olive trees thrive in the country. Greece has been cultivating olives and producing olive oil since ancient times.
Thousands of years of experience in olive processing explain why today the country’s olive oil is regarded as the best worldwide. Indeed, the difference between Greek olive oil and that from elsewhere can be clearly tasted.
This is why your friends back home will definitely appreciate a bottle of extra virgin Greek olive oil!
3. Baklava
A lot of people think of baklava as a Turkish dessert. And yet, it is one of the most popular souvenirs travelers buy in Greece.
The flaky syrupy dessert goes back to the 8th century BC when the Assyrians originally created it. Its recipe has evolved a lot over the years and, today, the Greek version of baklava is slightly different from the Turkish one.
You can find baklava easily in most supermarkets and bakeries all over Greece.
4. Leather sandals
Greece has a long tradition in leather goods. In fact, if you think about it, many ancient statues were depicted wearing leather sandals! So where better to buy them from today?
Whether you are looking for a minimalist pair or some impressive gladiator ones, you can find a wide variety of quality sandals in the Monastiraki flea market in Athens.
They make a great souvenir that is bound to transport you back to Mediterranean beach days!
5. Ouzo
Ouzo can be described as the “official alcohol of Greece”. Other than hangovers, It is most commonly associated with a good time under the sun!
There is nothing more quintessentially Greek than enjoying some mezedes at a tavern by the sea and drinking a glass of iced ouzo. This is why it is an excellent choice of souvenir for anyone back home!
Read more: 18 Popular Greek Drinks and Beverages You Must Try in Greece
6. Evil eye
The evil eye is an instantly recognizable symbol of Greece.
The benefits of buying an evil eye charm as a souvenir are twofold. Not only will it look good and add a pop of color to your home, but it will also offer protection.
In Greek folklore, it is believed that negative energy can be transmitted through a malevolent glare, i.e. the “evil eye”. To ward it off, you will need a charm to protect you.
7. Honey
Greek honey is considered to be one of the best in the world. You may be surprised to learn that Greece actually has the greatest density of bee colonies in Europe.
Honey is produced all over the country. From the mountains up north to the central mainland and the Ionian islands, you can find many different types of honey in Greece.
Thyme honey is a rare variety that makes a yummy souvenir.
8. Greek coffee
Travelers in Greece will often take note of how Greek coffee is more than just a beverage. It is a ritual.
From the way it is prepared in a special pot called “briki” to how it is served in little demitasse cups, Greeks take it very seriously. The coffee itself has a unique taste to it. It is strong and aromatic.
If you’re a coffee lover, you will definitely want to take some back with you.
9. Mountain tea
While Greek coffee is famous worldwide, the same cannot be said for Greek tea. If you taste it during your travels to the country, though, chances are you will never forget it.
Greek mountain tea, also known as “sideritis”, is a caffeine-free herbal tea with many antioxidant properties. It grows at an elevation of over 3000 feet and has an earthy, floral taste to it. It does wonders for a sore throat and is considered a perfect natural remedy for the flu.
Do yourself a favor and grab some before returning to your country!
10. Worry beads
You may have noticed on your travels that a lot of elderly Greek men always seem to be fidgeting with a type of string.
This is a “kompoloi”, a string of beads that is the Greek equivalent of rosemary or prayer beads. Originally used to soothe the mind, today they are more of a fashion accessory and are made in many colors from all sorts of materials.
You can find them in any souvenir shop in the country!
11. Ceramics
Ceramic pots were regularly used in ancient Greece to store oil, water, and wine. Many amphoras were beautifully designed, featuring intricate drawings.
While the tradition of pottery has greatly evolved over time, it is still very much alive in the country.
By choosing ceramics as a souvenir, you can honor a new generation of Greek ceramic artists.
12. Natural cosmetics
During the last couple of decades, Greece has been at the forefront of natural cosmetics innovation.
Greek brands like Korres and Apivita use the best of what Greek nature offers to create environmentally-friendly cosmetics.
They produce high-quality skincare products with a modern aesthetic that will no doubt impress your friends back home.
13. Cheese
Whenever I ask my friends from abroad what they love most about Greece, they say “feta”. And how can you blame them?
The white cheese made from sheep’s milk is very versatile. It is the star of the Greek salad and can be fried, baked, or eaten fresh.
A tub of feta is a souvenir you will never regret buying. But you can go even further and buy some other excellent Greek cheeses too, like Naxos graviera or Metsovone!
14. Caprice Papadopoulou
Chocolate wafer rolls may sound like an odd choice of souvenir, but trust me. Caprice, made by the Greek company Papadopoulos, is a product with a cult status in the country.
The wafers have been successfully exported to many countries around the world for a long time and have a loyal following.
A universally-appreciated souvenir, I’d personally recommend getting the full-size, large pack.
15. Spoon sweets
Spoon sweets are ubiquitous in Greece, made lovingly by grandmothers all over the country.
A type of thick jam made from drying fruits with honey or molasses, spoon sweets can be preserved for a very long time. This makes them a perfect souvenir to take back with you.
Some popular flavors include fig, quince, and sour cherry. You can add them to yogurt or use them as ice cream or cheesecake toppings!
16. Doilies
If you have ever stayed at a yiayia’s house in a Greek village, you will undoubtedly have come across doilies. And lots of them!
These intricately-embroidered lace cloths called “semedakia” in Greek were made by elderly ladies as decorations for the house. They can be placed on a TV cabinet, coffee tables, or anywhere really!
So why not add a traditional piece of Greek decor to your own place when you return?
17. Cookbooks
If you want to make your Greek holiday last, one of the best things you can do is recreate some of the dishes you had there.
A good way to do that is by consulting an authentic Greek cookbook. Get one by Akis Petretzikis, a young chef putting a modern spin on classic dishes, or by Vefa Alexiadou, if you prefer traditional meals.
It will be a souvenir that you will surely put to good use!
18. Aegina pistachios
Aegina island is home to hundreds of thousands of pistachio trees. They were initially imported to Aegina from Iran in the late 1800s and now thrive there.
The island is actually famous around the world for its pistachios. Any nut enthusiast will admit that there is a special taste to them.
With a sweet, complex flavor, Aegina pistachios have been declared a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product. This means they are a perfect Greek souvenir!
19. Football memorabilia
If you are into sports and are shopping for a sports fan, an excellent idea for a Greek keepsake is football (soccer, to the American readers!) memorabilia.
Greeks are fanatical about football and it is easy to find merchandise of the favored teams all over the country.
An Olympiakos, Panathinaikos, or AEK scarf or cap is a very thoughtful souvenir for a fan of the sport!
20. Backgammon
Backgammon, known as “tavli”, is a very popular pastime in Greece. A hobby shared between many generations, playing backgammon over a cup of coffee is arguably very Greek.
Backgammon sets come in many different sizes and are made from a variety of materials, like wood or leather.
Whatever your budget, you will always be able to find a nice backgammon set to buy.
21. Metaxa
If you are not a fan of ouzo, don’t worry! There is another Greek traditional alcoholic drink that you can buy as a souvenir.
Metaxa is an iconic Greek brandy with a long history. It is made with botanicals blended with Muscat wines from Samos island.
It has a rich and smooth, yet complex, flavor that is bound to delight your friends at home!
22. Beachwear
Greece is famous for its beaches. So why not get some swimwear as a reminder of your time splashing around in the Aegean sea?
It is very easy to find nice swimsuits, bikinis, and beachwear in boutique shops on the islands. But there are also several up-and-coming Greek beachwear brands that you could shop from.
Some beautifully-designed options include swimsuits from Mitos and Maa boo.
23. Olympic memorabilia
Greece is the birthplace of the Olympics. If your family or friends are sports or Olympics fans, they will most certainly enjoy Olympic souvenirs from Greece.
You can find memorabilia from the Olympic games in souvenir shops all over the country.
In Athens, you can even visit the official gift shop of the Athens Olympic Museum!
Also read: 4 Days in Athens: An Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
24. Replicas
As a country with a rich history, Greece is home to many awe-inspiring museums.
During your travels around the country, you may have been impressed by a certain statue or another piece of ancient art. If that is the case, you’ll be glad to know you can take a replica home as a souvenir!
The gift shops of well-known museums are a great place to go looking for some.
25. Owl trinkets
If you are having trouble finding Greek souvenirs, I’d like to suggest owls. While this is rather vague, you can’t go wrong with an item featuring an owl.
According to Greek mythology, owls were the goddess Athena’s favorite creature. They represent wisdom and eventually became her symbol.
Today, it is very easy to find owl souvenirs all over the country, from magnets to clothes, jewelry, and other trinkets. When in doubt, go owl!
Where to buy Greek souvenirs
There are many great shops in Greece. In the capital city, Athens, in particular, you can find many gems if you know where to look.
For food souvenirs, like nice cheeses and quality oils and honey, check out Ergon Foods. It is an artisanal shop featuring top-shelf Greek products.
If you are looking for the best herbs, go to The Naxos Apothecary on Kolokotroni street.
For gifts such as ancient replicas and Greek art, a great choice would be the gift shop of the Museum of Cycladic Art.
To buy natural cosmetics from Greek brands, you can either visit big pharmacies which are dotted all over the city or you can go to a brand’s shop directly. The Korres cosmetics shop is located very centrally on Ermou street.
For excellent all-around souvenir shopping, don’t forget to visit the Monastiraki flea market. There you can get anything from leather sandals to magnets and ceramics.
Finally, Greek supermarkets are also a good option for souvenirs. Try out big brands like AB Vasilopoulos or Sklavenitis.
Conclusion
Greece is a treasure trove for souvenirs. From food to art and cosmetics, there is something you can get there for everyone. Hopefully, this list has given you some good ideas or at the very least reminded you of your last trip there!
What are some of your favorite Greek gifts?
