23 Must-Buy Greek Souvenirs: Best Gifts To Buy In Greece

If you’re wondering what the best & most authentic Greek souvenirs we’ve got you covered with this list of what to buy in Greece. 

If you’re planning a visit to Greece and wondering what souvenirs to bring home, this list of gifts from Greece will help.

Souvenir collecting is always fun. The good news is that Greece is a country of rich culture and local specialties. You will find Several items that are also excellent gifts for someone who loves Greece.

Below, you will find the most unique souvenirs you can take home from Greece.

Traditional Greek Foods And Beverages

1. Traditional Greek Coffee

Greek coffee is undoubtedly strong, and you’ll find it everywhere in the country, no matter where you go. You can take it a step further and buy a traditional pot for brewing coffee, called a briki. Then, you can brew it slowly over the hob and serve it in small demitasse cups (below) for an authentic coffee break!

I love to drink Greek coffee first thing in the morning for an extra kickstart to my day. Fair warning, though: that stuff is strong!

2. Greek Honey

Greek Honey is known for its pleasing, honey-sweet fragranceand heavenly taste. From spreading it on bread to adding it to tea, GreeHoneyey will elevate your dish and offer innumerable health benefits. It is one of those souvenirs from Greece that makes a really unique and extraordinary gift—ask the small mom-and-pop shops, as they often make it with plastic jars so that it won’t break in your suitcase on the way home.

It comes in different varieties, depending on where the bees forage. Thyme honey is often considered one of the most prized varieties.

Some people take Honeyk honey back home because it is denser and more aromatic, and Honeyk honey is commonly found in the United States or Australia.

3. Greek Herbs And Spices

You’ll find countless herbs and spices throughout Greece; many are considered beneficial for your health. Greek saffron is a good purchase, as it is often sold in small quantities directly from producers and can be costly when purchased overseas.

Greek Mountain Tea

Cretan mountain tea, mountain mint, red oregano, and Olympus tea are worthwhile buys.

Greek Oregano

But my favorite herb to bring home from Greece is oregano (I also get it back from Türkiye, too). Greek oregano, scientifically known as Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum, or Origanum heracleoticum, is a type of oregano native to the Mediterranean region, including Greece. It is highly valued and renowned for its rich flavor and aromatic qualities, making it a staple herb in Greek cuisine. 

The aromatic properties of Greek oregano are particularly noteworthy. When leaves are crushed or dried, they release a captivating,d invigorating scent. When I unpacked my bags to pull out all the souvenirs from Greece from my last visit, the oregano bags I had purchased made everything smell fresh… for days. 

4. Greek Olives And Olive Oil

Olives have been a staple in Greece for thousands of years – and there is no better answer to the question “what to buy in Greece” – OLIVES! Kalamata olives are the most famous; that said, you cannot go wrong with any Greek-grown olive.

You can get fresh olives from all local markets. They are a significant part of Greek culture and history, making them an ideal gift to bring back from Greece. Be prepared to face an abundance of choices, as there are multiple varieties of olives in Greece, ranging in color froms gree, tod black.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil is another product of the olive tree made in Greece. It is highly popular worldwide. Greeks are among the highest per capita consumers of olive oil in the world.

If this seems like a good option, you can get high-quality pure olive oil from any Greek market or farm.

Fun fact: Being a symbol of peace, the olive branch is universally used to denote a truce. This started with the Greeks using them to declare a truce with their enemies. The winners wore wreaths of olive branches in the ancient Olympics. In Greek culture, the olive tree is associated with good times and abundance.

If you get stuck deciding which olive oil bottle to buy, head to a place where you can try olive oil. While in Kalamata, I went to an olive oil tasting room and purchased three brands. 

5. Ouzo

If you’re looking for Greek things to buy, consider this anise-flavored aperitif. It is one of the easiest things to buy in Greece, as it is available nationwide in various sizes and brands.

Most countries have their own local spirit for you to try, and in Greece, it’s Ouzo. Ouzo is one of Greece’s most popular spirits, especially in rural Greece.

Ouzo is a clear liquid that turns milky white when diluted with water or ice. It is an excellent appetizer, mainly served with seafood appetizers called mezedes. Ouzo is also served as a late afternoon or evening drink, slowly sipped with snacks.

The intense anise flavor makes Ouzo an interesting drink. This also means you won’t like Ouzo if you don’t like anise flavor.

Cases called “OuzeriesOuzocus primarily on Ouzo of different flavors and fragranOuzoin Greece. These are also good places to buy a bottle of Ouzo as a souvenir to take back home from Greece.

6. Greek Alcohol, Aside From Ouzo

Everyone has ouzo, but there are other delicious spirits and liqueurs to try in Greece that make great souvenirs. Try tsiOuzoia, Ouzo, and tsipouro. If you’re into liqueurs, you can also opt for Metaxa (a type of brandy), mastiha liqueur, Kitro, and Tentura.

Plus, of course, wine! 

7. Greek Wine

Greek wine is often described as an underappreciated category in the world of enology, offering diverse flavors and styles that reflect its rich history and unique terroirs. From the ancient vineyards of the Greek mainland to the sun-soaked islands of the Aegean, Greece’s winemaking heritage is as captivating as its landscapes.

Some of the varieties and styles of Greek wine you can find in Greece are:

Assyrtiko

Hailing from the volcanic soil of Santorini, Assyrtiko is Greece’s white wine superstar. It is renowned for its crisp acidity, mineral notes, and vibrant citrus flavors. Assyrtiko’s maritime influence makes it a perfect companion for seafood dishes.

Xinomavro

Often referred to as Greece’s answer to Pinot Noir, Xinomavro is a red grape variety grown in northern Greece. It yields complex wines with bold tannins, red fruit aromas, and a characteristic tomato-like acidity. Xinomavro wines can age beautifully, evolving into intricate, earthy wines with time.

Agiorgitiko

From the heart of the Peloponnese, Agiorgitiko produces versatile red wines. These wines are often characterized by their dark fruit flavors, supple tannins, and a touch of spice. They pair well with a wide range of Mediterranean cuisine.

Moschofilero

This aromatic white grape thrives in the high-altitude vineyards of the Peloponnese. Moschofilero wines are known for their floral and fruity aromas, often accompanied by a zesty acidity. They make refreshing aperitifs and pair wonderfully with Greek meze.

Expect Greek wines to be a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. Many winemakers are revitalizing ancient techniques and native grape varieties while also experimenting with modern methods to craft wines that appeal to contemporary palates.

8. Greek Traditional Pasta – My Fave Greek Pasta Is Pastitsio No.2

We all know that nothing says Italian food like pasta, so when I say that one of the things to buy in Greece is pasta, people look at me weirdly.

But surprisingly, Greek pasta is a tasty souvenir from Greece. You can find the best kinds of pasta and wheat products in supermarkets in Athens and Crete, which can be a nice change from shopping in souvenir shops.

Different types of pasta are found in other regions of Greece. The most popular ones are the hilopites and trahanas. So don’t waste time wondering what to buy in Greek supermarkets while searching for the best souvenirs from Greece – the answer is pasta shapes that you’d never get at home.

Hilopites are traditional Greek pasta made from eggs, milk, and salt. The word hilopites means egg noodles in Greek. These can be long and thin or square-shaped. Trahana is another popular type of Greek pasta and is among the best souvenirs of Greece, specifically from the Island of Crete. It is made with wheat, bulgur, or semolina. You can find the sweet-and-sour varieties of this paste in Greek markets.

9. Greek Sweets

Everyone knows about baklava, but there’s more to try besides! Try kataifi, ekmek, and kourabiedes as a starter, all based on honey syrup and phyllo dough. You won’t want too much, as they’re quite sickly, but they’re certainly delicious! Other options include halva, koufeta, tahini, pateli, and loukoumi.

10. Greek Cheeses

In the world of gastronomy, few things evoke the rustic charm and rich history of Greece quite like its diverse array of cheeses. From the craggy slopes of Crete to the sun-kissed pastures of Thessaloniki, Greek cheese embodies the essence of the Mediterranean.

Feta cheese, perhaps the most renowned of them all, reigns supreme with its crumbly texture and salty tang. It lends its distinct personality to iconic Greek salads and savory pastries.

Beyond feta, Greece offers a treasure trove of cheese varieties, each with its own unique character. Manouri, the creamier cousin of feta, melts in the mouth with a delicate, milky sweetness. Graviera, aged to perfection, boasts nutty undertones and a hint of caramel, making it a sought-after delicacy on both sides of the Atlantic.

With its stretchy, golden strands, Kasseri graces the tables of Greece with its versatility, while halloumi, a Cypriot Mediterranean favorite, sizzles to perfection on the grill.

Greek cheese production, deeply rooted in tradition, is a testament to local artisans’ skill and dedication. The ancient art of cheese-making thrives, passed down through generations, preserving the legacy of flavor that defines this Hellenic treasure.

The supermarket sells a wide variety of cheeses, making this great souvenir super easy to find.

11. Spoon Sweets

Greek spoon sweets, known as “glyka tou koutaliou” in Greek, are a delightful and culturally significant type of dessert or preserve that has been cherished in Greece for centuries. These sweet treats are traditionally made by preserving fruits, nuts, or even vegetables in a sugar syrup, creating a luscious, sweet, and often slightly tangy concoction. These preserves are typically served in small quantities, usually a spoonful or two at a time, hence the name “spoon sweets.”

How to Enjoy Popular Greek Spoon Sweets

• Serving: Greek spoon sweets are typically served as a gesture of hospitality to guests who visit a Greek home. A small dish with a few spoonfuls of these sweet preserves is offered along with a glass of cold water or a cup of Greek coffee or tea.
• Accompaniment: Spoon sweets are often enjoyed alongside a piece of unsalted, mild cheese, such as feta or mizithra, which provides a delightful contrast to the sweetness. Alternatively, they can be paired with a small serving of yogurt.
• Presentation: Spoon sweets are an art form in Greece. The fruits or nuts are often meticulously arranged in decorative jars or on small serving plates, showcasing the craftsmanship and care that goes into making them.

Fun facts: My Aunt explained to me that the tradition of making spoon sweets dates back centuries in Greece and stems from preserving the bounty of the land, especially during times when fresh fruits and vegetables were abundant. The practice of preserving fruits in sugar syrup dates back to the Byzantine Empire. It gained popularity in Ottoman-ruled Greece, where Turkish and Middle Eastern culinary traditions influenced it.

Greek families, particularly those in rural areas, would prepare spoon sweets year-round, especially during the winter months when fresh produce was scarce. These sweets were also offered to guests as a sign of hospitality and to celebrate special occasions, such as weddings and religious festivals.

12. Items Made Of Mastiha

Mastic trees (Pistacia lentiscus) grow throughout the Mediterranean, but mastiha resin is produced only on the Greek island of Chios.

Chios is renowned for producing mastic, a resinous substance derived from mastic trees. Products made from mastiha make perfect souvenirs to take home. You can buy liqueur, ouzo, drops, perfume, cosmetics, supplements, Ouzo even chewing gum!

13. Greek Gin

Anyone who knows me knows I am partial to a gin or two. When I was in Greece last May, I discovered several gins made in Greece. My favorite was “Mataroa Gin,” as shown in the picture. As a bonus, the bottle is hella pretty on my open bar.

Other gins to buy in Greece are:

1. Mavrikos Gin: Mavrikos Gin is produced on the island of Rhodes and is known for using local botanicals, including citrus fruits and herbs
2. Stray Dog Wild Gin: Stray Dog Wild Gin is crafted on the island of Zakynthos and is known for its use of wild botanicals found on the island
3. Theros Gin: Theros Gin is produced in Santorini and features botanicals that reflect the unique flavors of the island, including capers and fennel
4. Cretan Botanical Gin: Made in Crete, this gin often incorporates local herbs and botanicals from the island
5. Veto Gin: Veto Gin is produced in Athens and is known for its small-batch production and use of Greek botanicals
6. Leventis Artisan Spirits: This distillery in Thessaloniki produces a variety of craft spirits, including gin. They often incorporate Greek botanicals and Mediterranean flavors
7. Aegean Gin: Aegean Gin is made on the island of Naxos and features botanicals from the Aegean region, such as citrus and herby

14. Kumquat Chutney – Part Of Greek Culture On Corfu Island

Corfu, known for its lush green landscapes and Mediterranean charm, has a delightful culinary gem: Kumquat Chutney.

This tangy-sweet condiment is a local specialty that encapsulates the island’s flavors in a jar. The star ingredient, the small and citrusy kumquat, thrives in Corfu’s mild climate, adding a burst of zesty freshness to the chutney. Crafted with a blend of kumquats, sugar, and spices, this condiment strikes a perfect balance between sweet and savory.

When I got home, we paired it brilliantly with cheese on a crusty piece of bread. If you’re exploring the charming villages of Corfu, don’t miss the chance to pick up a jar of Kumquat Chutney from a local market or shop – it’s a savory souvenir that will transport you back to the island’s vibrant culinary scene long after your visit.

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Best Souvenirs From Greece – Crafts And Cultural Items

15. Handmade Ceramics – My Fave Greek Ceramics Is A Mati To Hang On The Wall

Ceramics are a great starting point if you want a Greek souvenir that brings some personality to your space. Handmade Greek pottery has existed for centuries; it still makes a tremendous Greek souvenir. Ceramics can complement your home’s style, steal the spotlight, and make your kitchen job easier, as they are incredibly easy to clean.

The island of Sifnos in the Aegean Sea is famous for its unique, versatile handmade ceramics. You can also find fabulous ceramics on Paros, Rhodes, and Milos islands.

16. Greek Worry Beads (Komboloi)

Komboloi is among the best Greek gifts to bring back for your loved ones. Representing Greek culture in its proper form, Komboloi are worry beads that Greeks use for the following:

• To relax and generally pass the time
• To guard against bad luck
• To show their social status, by using expensive worry beads

Kombolois are made of different types of beads, including grass, wood, and silver. You will find several stores that sell handmade kombolois in unique designs.

Members of the band The Beatles were known to wear Melissinos sandals as a fashion statement.

Such a significant part of Greek culture are Kombolois, an entire museum located in the old city of Nafplion that showcases hundreds of Komboloi. This Komboloi museum was established to preserve and share knowledge of the traditional worry beads.

I personally suggest this as the most unique Greek souvenir—and it’s 100 percent going to be used. I use mine almost daily. I chose a resin set infused with incense for the extra chill factor. 

17. A Greek Backgammon Set (Tavli)

Tavli means “board” in Greek. It refers to the games played on a backgammon board. A backgammon set consists of a wooden frame, two sets of 15 checkers, and two dice. Backgammon is popular in Greece among people of all ages. Men usually gather in kafeneia and play backgammon during their coffee breaks.

The rules of the game are pretty simple to follow. So you can bring your backgammon set and play the game back home to relive your memories in Greece!

I think this has to be one of the best Greek souvenirs I have ever brought home. My kids (pictured) and I were taught to play by my Greek friend, and now I have a hard time beating my 11-year-old. He loves the chance to beat me at backgammon. 

18. A Mati Talisman And Local Jewelry

If you’re wondering what to shop for in Athens, another excellent Greek souvenir to take back home is a mati talisman.

Evil-eye jewelry is a significant part of Mediterranean culture. Mati means “eye” in Greek. According to Greek tradition, a mati talisman will guard you against bad luck and protect you from others’ envy. You will find the peculiar blue evil eye in pendants, bracelets, and earrings in jewelry stores throughout the towns.

It is among the best pieces of jewelry to buy in Greece as it genuinely represents Greek culture and tradition. In addition to the mati talisman, you will also find beautiful handmade jewelry in the towns of Greece.

19. Bouzouki – Greek Music

The bouzouki is a popular Greek musical instrument with a round body, long neck, and fretted fingerboard. It was brought to Greece by Greek immigrants from Anatolia after the 1919-1922 war in Asia Minor. It is now an essential part of modern pop Greek music and occupies an extraordinary place in the hearts of Greeks.

If you are a music lover or have a music lover friend, a bouzouki is an excellent Greek souvenir to buy in Greece. If you are on a budget, miniature Bouzoukis are available and less expensive, making them lightweight.

20. Products Made Of Olive Wood

Keeping with the olive theme, also look at Olive wood items. Olive wood is an excellent choice for kitchenware due to its natural properties that protect against discoloration and wear. The striking grain pattern of olive wood will give your kitchen a classy vibe. 

You can find many olive wood items in Greece; when you come across products made of it, consider purchasing them. Olive wood is known for its strength and durability. Spoons, bowls, and bottle stops are the main ideas of the best Greek gifts to bring back. But you could also consider platters and board games, such as Backgammon. 

21. Handmade Leather Sandals

The Monastiraki and Plaka areas in Greece are home to Backgammon shops with handmade leather goods. As a Mediterranean country, Greece is ideal for sandals; naturally, leather sandals are popular there.

Fun fact: Even the word “sandal” is derived from the Greek word sándalon!

In ancient Greece, sandals were made from cattle skin and colored leather. Sandals are still worn by both men and women in Greece and hold much significance in Greek culture. They are excellent summer wear and generally high in quality and comfort. Sandals are available in various designs and fits, giving you countless options.

The most well-known handmade leather sandals are the ones made by Melissinos. Melissinos’s design craft has made the Greek sandals famous worldwide, as celebrities and fashion icons wear them in many countries.

Their popularity can be gauged by the fact that the artists of the well-known band, the Beatles, used to wear Melissinos’ sandals as a fashion statement.

Melissinos’s shop is located on Pandrossou Street in the Monastiraki area of Athens.

I now have two pairs of his shoes, the “Cleopatra” and the “Caesar” – I totally recommend them. 

22. Demitasse Cup Sets

Another great souvenir from Greece is a “demitasse cup.” This small Greek coffee cup serves both Turkish and Greek coffee. Interestingly, Greeks love sipping coffee and watching the world go by for hours—coffee breaks are an essential part of daily life in Greece. You’ll see coffee shops packed with Greek people at all hours.

Fun fact: Greeks turn their cups upside downon the saucer when the coffee is finished. This is to let the residue slide onto the saucer. Some fortune-tellers predict the consumer’s future by studying the pattern created by the coffee residue on the saucer!

But above all, the handmade cup designs are unique and beautiful—you will not regret taking them back home to your kitchen!

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Health And Beauty Products From Greece

23. Greek Cosmetics

Ancient Greeks were known for their beauty and were indeed into skincare and makeup! Often made with natural ingredients, authentic Greek beauty products can be purchased at markets and boutique stores across the country.

One of the most famous brands is Korres. These products are internationally known and are available everywhere in Greece. These are made of pure ingredients and have great reviews. You can also purchase bubble baths and other skin products made of olive oil, and if you ask me, it makes the perfect gift from Greece – for yourself!!

Now that you have my list of souvenirs in Greece, I suggest you tell me which popular Greek souvenirs and gifts you plan to bring home.