Greece is at the intersection of East and West. Firmly European in geography, history, and outlook, it is also influenced by the Mediterranean cultures of North Africa and the Middle East, and by neighboring near-Eastern Turkey. This cultural collision is revealed in its museums, whose relics tell the stories of the ancient world from Egypt to Constantinople (Istanbul) and beyond. Its international flavor is also apparent in its bustling, colorful souvenir markets, where bargain hunters can spend several happy days immersed in shopping for unique souvenirs from Greece.
Head to the Plaka in Athens, the bazaar area filled with market stalls and tiny shops stuffed with everything from clothing to musical instruments. There's plenty of junk here, but there are treasures too, not to mention the chance to stop for a taste of baclava, gyros, a glass of ouzo, or coffee. Here, in the shadow of the Acropolis, you'll roam the paths once trod by Aristotle, Socrates, and Plato, although today, these paths of the ancient Greeks are lined with souvenir shops and stalls.
Shopping for Crafts and Unique Greek Souvenirs
Musical instruments: A bouzouki is an eight-stringed instrument that is a sort of Greek mandolin. As the defining sound of Greek folk music, it makes a lovely Greek souvenir. A smaller version of the bousouki is the six-stringed baglama, which is slightly more portable. Expect to pay $60 and up for the baglama, and $150 and up for a full-sized bouzouki, depending on the maker. The instruments are easily learnable by guitarists, but are usually so beautifully decorated that they make attractive wall pieces, too.
Embroidered fabrics: Wall hangings or pillow covers are available in some of the Athens tourist markets, and some are quite ornate, featuring traditional themes such as the tree of life, olive trees, or scenes from mythology .
Jewelry: Amber and silver are plentiful in the Plaka, though fakes also abound. If the price is too good, be suspicious, and if you can't tell the difference, try to enlist the assistance of a trustworthy guide, who can help you find a reputable store. Jewelry is often based on Byzantine designs, or on designs copied from the ancient Greeks.
Religious icons: Icons (paintings of the saints) are part of the orthodox Christian tradition, and are available as either mass-produced souvenirs for the tourist market or from individual craftsmen. Prices vary accordingly.
Shopping for Souvenirs from the Land
Olive Oil: The olive tree was Athena's gift to the Greeks, and they use it in virtually everything they cook. Olive oil infused with herbs is available, often in attractive packages of fancy-shaped bottles, and makes an attractive gift to take home, although you have to pack it carefully in checked luggage unless you buy it airside at the airport. (Direct flights only; if you have to change planes and go through security a second time, you'll have to surrender it). Olive oil soaps are also popular souvenir items, especially on Crete, and don't have the same travel hassles.
Liqueur: Ouzo is Greece's famous licorice-flavored liqueur, similar to anisette, pastis, or sambucca. Raki is the other Greek liqueur, but don't confuse the Greek version with Turkish raki. The latter is also anise-flavored, while in Greece, raki is a bitter, acquired taste.
Sponges: Natural sponges taken from the sea are available all over Greece. Sponges are a specialty on the island of Karpathos, and make an unusual gift, especially when combined with olive oil soap.
Buying Inexpensive Trinkets and Gifts from Greece
Busts and statuettes are, of course, available the world over, but even if you're not usually inclined to buy museum replicas, you might change your mind in Greece. The ancient world is evident everywhere here, even in the spanking new underground subway system, where excavations led to one archaeological discovery after another and some are displayed for the edification of waiting passengers. Museum-quality reproductions of art from ancient Greece are available at museum shops and galleries. Street stalls sells a variety of trinkets, including reproductions of the Acropolis.
I don't usually recommend T-shirts, as they are so ubiquitous, but Athens is the home of the modern and ancient Olympics. You've got to admit that an Athens 2004 Olympic T-shirt is a pretty cool gift to bring home to the sports lover in your life.
Matia are the blue black and white glass eyes that ward off the "evil eye." They are available for a dollar or two everywhere, including the airport if you need a last-minute trinket.
Last and definitely least: how about a grain of rice? Almost unbelievably, cottage industries have spouted up in the Plaka selling grains of rice to tourists. The gimmick? The vendors carve your name into the rice with an almost microscopic pin. I'm not sure what the attraction is, but you'll find plenty of people selling this bemusing souvenir.
The bottom line? From a gimmicky carved grain of rice to a beautifully handmade musical instrument, souvenirs abound in Greece. Whether you shop at leisure on the islands, or in the bustle of Athens's Plaka, and you'll have no trouble finding something unique and memorable to bring home from this land of sunshine and wine-dark seas.
Karen Berger - Karen Berger is the author of 15 books. Please click on her name to read her full bio.
