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When planning your holiday shopping, exploring the things to buy in Greece can be an experience in itself. From ancient crafts to gourmet delicacies, Greece offers a variety of items that beautifully reflect its history, culture, and hospitality. Whether you’re wandering through Athens’ buzzing flea markets or exploring island boutiques, you’ll find unique souvenirs and keepsakes. There are various iconic and culturally significant things to bring home from Greece, each offering a piece of the Hellenic spirit.
9 Best Things To Buy In Greece
Here is a list of interesting things to buy in Greece, making for amazing souvenirs to take back home from your wonderful vacay:
1. Handmade Leather Sandals
Photo: Denis Liendo / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Crafted by skilled artisans, especially in Athens’ Monastiraki district, these sandals combine comfort with traditional Greek style. Made using supple leather, many designs draw inspiration from ancient footwear worn by philosophers and mythic figures. The quality is superb, and each pair ages beautifully over time, making them both a fashionable and functional souvenir. Whether you’re strolling the islands or returning home, these sandals carry the spirit of Greece with every step.
Where To Buy: Monastiraki Flea Market (Athens), Plaka district shops, and local artisan boutiques
2. Worry Beads (Komboloi)
Photo: w:es:Usuario:Barcex / Wikimedia Commons
If you’re looking for truly unique things to buy in Greece, Komboloi is a perfect pick. People use these traditional bead strings for relaxation, stress relief, or simply to pass the time. Amber, glass, and wood are just a few of the materials used to create worry beads, which are deeply embedded in Greek culture. You’ll often see locals gently flipping these traditional Greek products through their fingers at cafés. They also make charming gifts and are widely available in most Greek towns and villages.
Where To Buy: Kombologadiko stores (Athens), souvenir shops in Thessaloniki, and local markets
3. Feta Cheese
Photo: Martula13 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
No Greek holiday is complete without indulging in authentic feta cheese. Made primarily from sheep’s milk, sometimes blended with goat’s milk, it offers a creamy texture and tangy kick. You can purchase vacuum-sealed blocks of feta from local delis or markets, ensuring you bring home the true taste of Greece. As one of the most traditional Greek products, it pairs beautifully with olives, tomatoes, and freshly baked bread, just like a Greek salad in the sun.
Where To Buy: Local delis, farmers’ markets, and supermarkets such as AB Vassilopoulos
4. Traditional Textiles
Photo: Gary Todd / Wikimedia Commons
When considering the best local gifts from Greece, traditional textiles stand out for their beauty and cultural value. Greek villages produce finely embroidered tablecloths, linen scarves, and lace-trimmed pillowcases that showcase age-old patterns. These handmade items often depict regional symbols and are perfect for adding a Mediterranean touch to your home décor. Local cooperatives and family-run shops are the best places to find these authentic pieces.
Where To Buy: Local markets in Crete, shops in Plaka (Athens), and island boutiques
5. Greek Sweets
Photo: Alexander Baxevanis / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a variety of Greek desserts to take home. Popular treats include flaky, honey-drenched baklava; loukoumi, also known as Turkish delight; and spoon sweets, which are fruits preserved in syrup. Often beautifully packaged, these delicacies are not only delicious but also ideal for gifting. You’ll find them in bakeries and speciality stores across the country, offering a delicious memento of your time in Greece.
Where To Buy: Local patisseries, specialty sweet shops, and airport duty-free stores
6. Ancient Greek Musical Instrument Replicas
Photo: Tilemahos Efthimiadis / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of the more unusual things to buy in Greece, these replicas include the lyre, aulos, and pan flute. Each is with strong ties to Greek mythology and ancient performances. Crafted by dedicated artisans, these instruments are both decorative and educational, providing a glimpse into Greece’s musical heritage. Music lovers and history buffs find them excellent gifts, and museum shops and artisan boutiques often sell them.
Where To Buy: Museum gift shops, speciality music stores, and artisan workshops
7. Greek Jewellery
Photo: Gary Todd / Wikimedia Commons
For something elegant yet symbolic, Greek jewellery is a fantastic choice. Ancient motifs, such as the meander (Greek key), olive leaves, and mythological symbols, often inspire these handcrafted pieces, typically made of silver or gold. Whether it’s a ring, necklace, or bracelet, these adornments carry deep cultural meaning. They are among the best local gifts from Greece, blending history and fashion into a wearable souvenir.
Where To Buy: Jewellery stores in Athens’ Syntagma area, island boutiques, and artisan markets
8. Handcrafted Backgammon Sets
Photo: Niko Kitsakis / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Backgammon, or “Tavli” as it’s known locally, is a beloved game in Greece, played in cafés and homes. Beautifully handcrafted sets made from wood, marble, or even mother-of-pearl are widely available. These sets are both functional and artistic, offering hours of entertainment and a striking decorative piece. When thinking about things to buy in Greece that combine culture and craftsmanship, this one is a winner.
Where To Buy: Speciality game shops, artisan markets, and souvenir stores
9. Local Handmade Soaps And Cosmetics
Photo: Seferikalbiye / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Harnessing the power of nature, Greece produces an array of handmade soaps and cosmetics. Made from olive oil, chamomile, rosemary, and other herbs, these products are gentle on the skin and environmentally friendly. They’re often beautifully packaged and make excellent gifts. You’ll find them at farmers’ markets, apothecaries, and island boutiques. For lovers of wellness and skincare, these traditional Greek products are a natural delight.
Where To Buy: Organic shops, local markets, and specialty cosmetic stores
From edible delights to artisan crafts, these things to buy in Greece offer more than just a souvenir. They are lasting memories of your adventure in this beautiful Mediterranean land. Whether you’re looking for authentic fashion, cultural keepsakes, or edible goodies, Greece offers a wide range of items that are both meaningful and unique. Ready to plan your Greek getaway? Explore our custom travel packages at TripXL and turn your dream holiday into a reality.
