Being one of the most famous destinations in Europe, most of us visit Greece for its history, culture and its famous hospitality. We explored Greece in 2 weeks, spending a week on the mainland, and another week enjoying the Greek islands. Greece is a treasure chest of unique things and there’s a lot to buy, especially if you are shopping for edible souvenirs and food products.
For those looking to bring back a piece of Greece’s culture and heritage, don’t forget to grab some of the best Greek souvenirs during your shopping expedition. Many of the Greek souvenirs are available in Athens, and there are a few things unique to Greek islands. Dive in to know more about what souvenirs to buy in Greece.
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Edible Souvenirs to buy from Greece
If you are looking for unique things to buy in Greece, food products top the list. Local food products made in Greece are part of the country’s culinary and cultural heritage.
Cheese
Ever notice that food products taste better in their country of origin? Well, Greek cheeses are no different! And there are so many different varieties to choose from. From hard cheeses to spreads and smoky to sweet, there is a Greek cheese for every occassion.
Of course, the most iconic Greek cheese is feta. In traditional Greek cuisine, feta is used as a main ingredient in many dishes. And although feta is quite popular in other countries as well, bringing some home as a souvenir from Greece is a special treat. Authentic, salty, crumbly feta cheese is a delicious way to give any salad, sandwich, pasta, or grilled meats a Mediterranean flavor. Or try the less common soft mizithra which can be used similarly. Note there is a hard version which is used for grating.
The Greeks love to grill cheese and it can make a quick appetizer or snack when you return home. One of the best Greek cheeses for grilling is Kasseri, a traditional cheese from central Greece. Table cheeses worth a spot in your suitcase include the nutty hard cheese Graviera, the smoked metsovone, and the oldest cheese from Greek, Kefalotyri. Those with a sweet tooth will swoon over semi-soft manouri which many liken to cheesecake!
Καταλαχού is a great shop to purchase local cheeses before you leave Athens. It is best to transport a block of Feta vs crumbled. The cheese can stay unrefrigerated for 6-8 hours if wrapped well and kept in a cool place.
Recommended by Denise of Chef Denise
Honey
Honey is not only a renowned Greek souvenir your loved ones will surely adore but also an amazing product steeped in history and cultural importance. Considered one of the best in the world, Greek honey is unique in flavor and quality thanks to the terroir and variety of vegetation found across the country. It has been produced for thousands of years in the area, with ancient artifacts showcasing some of the tools that were used in the process.
It is vastly used in Greek cuisine in both desserts and savory appetizers. There’s a good chance you’ve already heard or tried loukoumades and phyllo-wrapped baked feta cheese topped with honey.
From pine to fir to thyme honey, there are several notable types of honey worth buying. You can purchase it in most Greek destinations, including Crete, the Peloponnese peninsula, Ikaria, and Kefalonia.
If you’re planning on taking a Kefalonia road trip, you can actually visit some honey farms. One of the best is Kefalonian Honey Michalatos. They offer a short free tour with 3 tastings, and the on-site little shop is ideal for buying their honey as a souvenir. Another great place is the Cafe Myrtillo (on the way to the infamous Myrtos Beach). This shop also sells local products, including honey with honeycombs.
Recommended by Or of My Path in the World
Koufeto Sweets
When you are visiting Milos Island, one of the family-friendly Greek islands, you should try their most famous desert. Koufeto is a mix of local honey, almonds and sugar-soaked quince accompanied by a glass of water. Mostly, they keep the koufeto in glass jars, and it is sometimes preferred with cinnamon sticks.
The quince is often gathered from the island orchards to provide the perfect balance between the sweetness of the honey and the crunch of the almonds. Not only does Koufeto taste very good, it also has a deep cultural meaning. Koufeto is actually given to the wedding couple as a desert ‘to wish them a sweet and harmonious life’. So it is not just a desert, it is a token of hospitality and blessings.
For the best homemade koufeto on Milos, we recommend to visit Plakes Bakery in the village of Plakes. This bakery crafts koufeto using old and authentic techniques. You should buy it and immediately enjoy it! Another spot is Xenonis Sirma, a shop in Adamas that showcases Milos’ sweets and delicacies. You can also buy this in a regular store. It will be in a sealed jar with airtight lids that stays good for up to 6 months if stored in a cool place. Perfect as a souvenir for back home!
Recommended by Alexander of Lost Between Oceans.
Olive Oil
If you’re looking for a unique souvenir from Greece, high-quality olive oil is the perfect choice. Olive oil in Greece is not only known for its distinct flavors, but it has also been a central part of Greek culture for thousands of years. It’s used in many aspects of life, from cooking to health and cosmetics.
One of the best places to buy quality olive oil is The Olivest Showroom in Athens. This shop offers handmade olive oils from carefully selected groves. Here, you can find various types of olive oil, each with its unique taste, produced according to ancient traditions. The showroom also offers workshops and demonstrations on how to choose the perfect olive oil and distinguish between different types. This is a souvenir that will delight any food lover, with deep cultural significance and distinct Greek aromas.
Greece is also known for using olive oil as a key ingredient in beauty and cosmetic products, from hand creams and moisturizers to soaps and lush body lotions that leave skin glowing.
Recommended by Nofar of Traveling Outside The Box
Ouzo
If you think ouzo is just a drink, think again! This iconic spirit has deep roots in Greek history. Ouzo evolved from tsipouro, a strong grape-based spirit first distilled by monks in the 14th century. It wasn’t until after Greek independence in the 19th century that ouzo, with its signature anise-flavour, made its first big splash.
The first official ouzo distillery was founded in 1856 in Tyrnavos by Nikolaos Katsaros, giving rise to the famous Ouzo Tyrnavou and setting the stage for its lasting place in Greek culture. By 1932, producers had perfected the copper still distillation method still used today, turning it into Greece’s signature spirit.
Nowadays, it is a staple of Greek culture, best enjoyed with good company, plenty of mezedes, and no rush to be anywhere else. The best way to enjoy ouzo? Slowly, in the late afternoon or evening, when the heat of the day has settled. And if you’re on a beautiful Greek island like Thassos, sitting by the sea with friends, even better!
If you want to bring some home, you’ll find great bottles in liquor shops all around the country. The best comes from Plomari on Lesbos. And if you’re worried about putting this precious cargo on hold, don’t. You can just pick up a bottle at the duty-free and skip the hassle of luggage space or liquid allowances. Now, I’ll drink to that!
Recommended by Goya of Goya Galeotta
Spices
Greek spices are an essential part of the country’s rich culinary heritage, used in everything from hearty stews to fresh salads. Bringing home a selection of spices will let you recreate authentic Greek flavours in your own kitchen. This is one Greek souvenir that will bring back beautiful memories from your Greek vacation.
Choosing Greek spices as a souvenir is not only practical but also a great way to experience Greek cuisine back home. Rather than opting for typical souvenirs like magnets or figurines, we love picking up items that can be used. Plus, they make thoughtful gifts for anyone who loves cooking or Greek food!
On our last trip to Rhodes, we hired a car in Rhodes Town to visit Lyndos, one of the notable Greek landmarks, we came across a quaint shop with fantastic spices! Later on, we also saw a great shop in Rhodes Town called Traditional Greek Kiosk. In addition to a variety of spice mixes, they also offer a selection of homemade products like olive oil and honey. However, you’ll find Greek spices in most souvenir shops across the island and country.
Our favourites include the Greek salad seasoning, which is essential for that authentic taste when you whip up a salad at home. We also picked up Gyros spice mix and seasoning for baked potatoes – perfect for recreating those delicious Greek staples!
By Mal of RentingACarInEurope101
Tzatziki
Tzatziki is a creamy dip or sauce made from yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like dill or mint. A Greek specialty, it’s often served with grilled meats (like gyros or souvlaki), with pita bread, or as a side dish. It has a refreshing taste, which works perfect for balancing out rich or spicy foods.
Tzatziki sauce can make a great homemade gift, especially for food lovers or Mediterranean cuisine fans. You can find tzatziki in many Greek grocery stores or gift shops. It’s often sold in cute jars and you can also make it a set if you add some chips or traditional bread to it.
It’s a thoughtful, homemade gift for foodies, party hosts, or anyone who loves fresh, flavorful dips! You can also do some research on the Internet and include a tzatziki recipe to include with your gift. Tzatziki should be stored in a cool dry place before opening, and once it’s opened, it should be refrigerated.
Recommended by Daria of A Discovery Nut
Wine
Greece is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world. Among its standout offerings is Assyrtiko, a crisp and mineral-driven white wine best known for its origins on the volcanic island of Santorini. Other noteworthy native grape varieties include Moschofilero, Malagousia, Robola, Savatiano, and Rhoditis, to name just a few. Greece is home to over 300 indigenous grape varieties, making it a true paradise for wine lovers. Visiting a winery is one of the top activities in Santorini for a wine lover.
Greek wine continues to attract thousands of visitors each year, thanks to its exceptional quality and deep cultural roots. A bottle of Greek wine makes an excellent souvenir for wine enthusiasts, offering a taste of Greece’s rich viticultural heritage. While you can find Greek wines in local wineries, markets, and specialty shops, one of the easiest ways to explore the country’s top selections is to shop premium Greek wine online — and have it delivered straight to your home or hotel.
If you’re headed to the fabulous island of Santorini, consider adding a wine tour to your Santorini itinerary and picking up a bottle of local wine. It’s the perfect souvenir to buy from Greece. I bought a bottle of Saint August white wine at The Art Winery in Santorini. The Art Winery is special, not only for its wine, but for its 2 large art galleries featuring paintings by local and international artists.
Recommended by Carol at Artsy Traveler
Cultural Souvenirs to buy from Greece
If you wander around the flea markets in Monastirakai and Plaka, certain items like komboloi (worry beads made from wood, silver) and mati (evil eye talisman or jewellery) will be commonly available in most shops. Here I have covered other crafts and cultural souvenirs that you can bring back home from Greece.
Cat Souvenirs
Cat lovers have undoubtedly noticed that Greece and its islands are teeming with stray cats. These feline residents have become a cultural symbol, so much so that tourist shops brim with cat-themed souvenirs. From magnets and notebooks to purses, bags, postcards, and calendars—if it can feature a cat, the Greeks have probably turned it into a souvenir. For cat addicts like me, these treasures are irresistible.
You’ll find cat-themed items in nearly every souvenir shop. However, their availability varies. I have found the widest selection in Lesbos and Crete. Corfu, on the other hand, has fewer options.
Still, the most meaningful souvenir might not be an object at all—it could be a living companion. Adopting a stray cat from Greece is easier than you might think, with organizations handling paperwork and transportation if you are overwhelmed with the idea of doing it yourself. Many stray cats in Greece face short lifespans of just one to three years. Offering one a forever home is not just a purr-fect gift to yourself but a life-changing act of kindness for the cat.
Recommended by Vanessa from Traveling Cats.
Hand Painted Ceramics
Greece has a long tradition of ceramic artistry dating back to ancient times, making hand-painted pottery a classic souvenir choice. You can find ceramics with intricate patterns, mythological figures, geometric designs, and even contemporary interpretations. From art pieces to plates painted in bright blues, local ceramics are highly prized for locals and tourists alike.
Ancient Greek pottery types fall into 4 principal categories that encompass nearly a thousand years of trends and design styles: geometric, Corinthian, black-figure, and red-figure.
You can easily find hand-painted ceramics in markets, tourist shops, and even museums throughout Greece. The shops at the Benaki Museum and the Museum of Cycladic Art are 2 spots that offer the best hand-painted art and ceramics in Athens. So add souvenir shopping to your Athens itinerary.
Recommended by Shweta from Zest In A Tote
Natural Sea Sponges
When exploring the landscapes of Greece, one of the best souvenirs to consider is the natural sea sponges from Symi Island. This charming island, located in the Dodecanese archipelago, has a long-standing tradition of sponge diving that dates back centuries.
A visit to Symi Island would be incomplete without stopping by the Panormitis Sponge Shop, a well-known establishment that offers a wide variety of natural sponges. Here, you can find sponges in various shapes and sizes, each one carefully harvested from the surrounding waters. It’s essential to ensure that the sponge you choose has been soaked in water, as this indicates its authenticity. If you find a shop without a bucket of water, it may be a sign that the sponges are not genuine.
These sponges are biodegradable and offer a soft, durable alternative to synthetic sponges. Unlike synthetic sponges, which can harbor bacteria and degrade over time, natural sponges can last a lifetime with proper care. Their unique textures and hypoallergenic properties make them ideal for those with sensitive skin.
Prices can vary significantly based on the size and depth from which the sponges were harvested, but you can expect to pay a few euros for smaller sponges.
Recommended by Paulina of the UK Every Day
Tavli (Greek Backgammon)
Once you start wandering off the touristy spots in Greece, you will find that the locals of all ages are always playing Tavli, on a public park, cafe or taverna. This is Greece’s national board game. Tavli means “board” in Greek. One of the most fascinating things to see is the pace of the game. Players normally throw the dices and make their moves very quickly making it almost difficult for the untrained eye to follow up their strategies.
The game looks very similar to Western Backgammon although rules differ. Tavli is comprised of 3 games: Portes, Plakoto and Fevga. They’re played one after another in matches of 3, 5 or 7 points.
When you play Tavli you’re taking part in one of the oldest board games in human history, as it’s thought to have originated some 5000 years ago in Mesopotamia. Making Tavli one of the most original souvenirs from Greece.
The best place in Athens to buy a Tavli set is Ekavi Shop near Syntagma Square. They are the official store for Manopoulos. They are renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship and use of traditional techniques which makes every set they produce an unique piece of art. If ordering online with Manopoulos, you will be able to find a handcrafted Tavli set no matter your budget.
Recommended by Juan of planetofadventures.com
Vintage Items
If you’re an antique lover or fond of flea markets, visiting the antiques market near Monastiraki Square metro stop in Athens is great to go souvenir shopping. This square has been a marketplace since ancient times. So what better place could there be to snag a unique vintage item? This is a great market to visit, however, plan to bargain hard and bring cash to help with getting good discounts.
After exiting the metro, walk a couple minutes toward Place Avissinias and you’ll come across a myriad of antique stores and flea market stalls. While I found a lot of cheap things that weren’t worth the space in my carry-on luggage, I found one spot that had a treasure trove of unique items – Vrettos Antiques in Place Avissinias.
This shop carried the feeling of a real antique store vs many of the other “stores” in the area. There I found a Christofle silver plate dragonfly vase. Originally designed for the 1889 Paris World Exhibition, it’s made using a patented design process that enables a casting process with exceptional details.
While finding a French design bud vase isn’t the first thing you might think of for a great Greek souvenir, it’s probably my favorite item I’ve brought back form all the antique and flea markets I’ve scoured across Europe. What I love about it is the intricate detail and the small size.
Recommended by Chris of Spritzience
Planning a trip to Greece? Check out –
Itinerary Suggestions: Greece in 2 weeks, Greece mainland itinerary, Greece 10-day Itinerary with kids
Greece Cities: 3 days in Athens, One Day in Athens
More on Greece mainland: The Complete Guide to Visiting Meteora, Day Trips from Athens
Greek Islands: Crete Itinerary, Beautiful Greek islands for a family holiday, Santorini Itinerary, Crete vs Santorini, One day in Mykonos, Santorini vs Mykonos
And finally, Famous Greek Landmarks and a complete packing list for Greece
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Have you visited Greece? If yes, which is your favourite souvenir or gift item to bring back home? Share with us in the comments below.
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Loved this guide, Shweta! 🌿 From creamy feta and golden honey to hand-painted ceramics and quirky cat-themed souvenirs, Greece offers treasures that truly capture its flavor and culture. Your tips make me want to explore every corner of the mainland and islands with a shopping list in hand!
I love all the cat souvenirs in Greece! It might not be the first thought of things to buy before traveling to Greece, but once you’re there and see all the cats you know xD
So true.
I still have my komboloi from many many years ago. such a great souvenir!
It is a popular item, also a nice gift.
I love exploring markets when I travel. So many great ideas!