Greece is thought for meals, seashores and historical past, but it surely’s additionally an awesome place to buy groceries. Right here’s the most effective souvenirs from Athens to seize the reminiscence of the capital metropolis.
Athens is the capital of Greece, steeped in historical past and well-known for every thing from Greek mythology to historic civilisations. There may be a lot to see, do and recognize for a visiting traveller that you may be spoilt for selection.
As one of many oldest cities on the planet relationship again 1000’s of years, Athens has immediately recognisable landmarks such because the Acropolis and the enduring Parthenon. However in addition to having a number of the world’s most visited vacationer sights, Athens is residence to nice tradition, artwork and meals. From moussaka to baklava, Greek meals is arguably among the best cuisines round.
In case you don’t imagine me, try my weblog on Greek meals it’s important to strive!
Fortunately, you possibly can take some what Athens (and Greek tradition usually) has to supply again residence. My checklist of the finest souvenirs from Athens covers an excellent vary of reward concepts, low-cost keepsakes and different uncommon issues to purchase from town.
12 souvenirs to purchase from Athens
From uncommon Greek souvenirs to nice reward concepts, listed here are the most effective issues to purchase from Athens.
1. Komboloi (fear beads)
Among the finest souvenirs from Athens, or any vacation, are those which might be distinctive to the place you’ve visited – and Komboloi are simply that. In case you are unfamiliar with them, they’re strings of beads comprised of totally different supplies comparable to amber, coral, wooden or semi-precious stones. Within the trendy world we may all use one thing to assist us with stress and Komboloi are designed to assist rest by operating them via your fingers and ease your worries.
You’ll typically see males carrying a set and they’re typically given as a present in order that they’d be excellent to reward to a person in your life too. It’s been stated that they derived from monks’ prayer beads however turned secular in additional trendy instances. One other factor that makes them among the best souvenirs from Athens is how transportable and straightforward to pack in your suitcase they’re, plus how simple they’re to search out – they are often discovered in lots of retailers and markets all through Athens.
2. Backgammon/Tabli from Athens
One of the crucial beloved video games in Greece is backgammon, or Tabli as it’s recognized in Greek. As it’s so well-liked, Athens is a superb place to buy a top quality backgammon set as a novel Athens memento.
Going searching for a set is probably much more enjoyable than the sport itself as there are such a lot of fantastic locations to go to. The Monastiraki Flea Market; Plaka, a district with numerous artisan retailers or Ermou Road which is one the preferred locations to buy groceries, could be one other place to select up a set.
3. Olives from Athens
As everyone knows, Greek delicacies is scrumptious and eaten all around the world due to how fantastic it’s. One of many staples of Greek delicacies is after all olives. So why not take residence real, Greek-grown olives with you to maintain the journey alive when consuming again at residence.
Enriched with the local weather, European solar and recollections of holidaying in a incredible place they make a easy, reasonably priced and simply packable memento from Athens.
4. Greek pottery
IYou should buy up to date pottery paying homage to the previous and even vintage replicas.
To come back residence with stunning pottery to indicate off to your pals or reward to a cherished one could be among the best souvenirs from Athens I may counsel.
5. Sandals
As a result of local weather it’s not shocking that Sandals are extremely popular in Athens and they are often discovered nearly in every single place – in order that they’re a really handy reward from Athens to buy!
They’re extra than simply sensible, folks have been carrying leather-based sandals right here from again in historic instances. They are surely symbolic of the area and due to this fact are among the best souvenirs from Athens as a result of they maintain the historical past of the place in them.
Greece additionally has a tradition of working with leather-based and so the artisans actually know what they’re doing – the standard could be very excessive. Deal with your self!
6. Greek honey
The foody delights of Greece simply maintain coming and this time it’s one for the candy toothed amongst you. Honey, made within the superb Greek local weather and imbued with the environment and historical past of the land, provides Greek honey a worldwide repute for being unbelievably sensible.
Totally different varieties can be found comparable to thyme, chestnut and pine honey.
Once more, simply transportable and an awesome concept for a present that gained’t take up all of the room in your return baggage makes Greek honey one in all my finest souvenirs from Athens.
7. Ouzo from Athens
I’m guessing that almost all of our style buds have frequented, or a minimum of tried, Ouzo. Ouzo is the Greek nationwide drink – a robust alcoholic drink comprised of ripe grapes. You might recognise the style as being liquorice-esqe and that’s as a result of anise and fennel seeds are added earlier than it’s distilled once more.
Most Brits will go to drink this as a shot however you must dilute it with water and luxuriate in it extra slowly (and calmly).
Shopping for a bottle of this conventional Greek drink could be among the best souvenirs from Athens to boost these dinner events when again residence and regale pals with tales of your instances in Athens!
8. Greek olive oil
While after all you possibly can eat the scrumptious olives from Greece, there’s additionally the gorgeous olive oil to be loved. Amongst a number of the highest high quality on the planet, the additional virgin olive oil is alleged to be the purest variant and full of essentially the most flavour.
Each salad you might have as soon as residence can transport you again to your Athens journey which is why it’s one in all my finest souvenirs from Athens.
Don’t overlook, if you happen to aren’t a fan of olive oil then there are olive oil merchandise additionally accessible comparable to olive oil cleaning soap and natural toiletries – seems like an awesome Athens memento to me!
9. Evil eye talismans
Also called ‘Matiasma’ or ‘Nazar’ these charms are designed to guard in opposition to adverse power and are extremely popular in Greek tradition. They’re nearly all the time fabricated from glass and are blue and white with a black dot within the center – this symbolises the evil eye.
There’s a superstition that envy and malevolence comes from the eyes, particularly different folks you in such a approach, and that the talisman can defend you from this dangerous gaze!
These talismans are so prevalent that you would be able to get them in an enormous number of methods; from earrings, bracelets and automobile ornaments to homeware you possibly can adorn your doorway with at residence.
With such an interesting historical past and that means behind them, plus the actual fact they’re really easy to move residence, I’d say they had been among the best souvenirs from Athens both for your self or for family and friends.
10. Native wines from Athens
Similar to with olives, the Greek local weather is ideal for producing wine and has been doing so for over 4,000 years. You’ll have heard tales from historic Greece about them having wine which proves simply how imbued the Greek tradition is with wine making – and having fun with!
They produce every thing from pink, rose and white wines from the very highest high quality to normal desk wines.
Some well-known native Athens wines come from Agiorgitiko grapes, pictured above. They’re indigenous to Greece so make for a typical however distinctive memento from Athens you gained’t discover in different international locations.
11. Native artwork and crafts from Athens
Athens has a thriving arts and crafts scene. You will discover distinctive and regionally made artworks, ceramics and textiles from native artists and artisans, typically reflecting up to date Greek tradition and traditions.
Jewelry impressed by historic Greek designs is obtainable in Athens too. Search for items that includes motifs just like the Greek key sample or historic Greek cash, typically comprised of supplies like silver or gold. Antiquities Road Market in Athens (above) is a superb place to go looking!
12. Icon artwork
You might pay attention to Jap Orthodox Christianity which is a part of the Greek cultural heritage. Greece produces some beautiful non secular photographs, generally on wooden panels with numerous use of gold leaf, which might make for a phenomenal reward.
Normally depicting saints such because the Virgin Mary and painted by extremely expert artists, these superb artworks are undoubtedly amongst the most effective souvenirs from Athens as they’re so linked to the traditions of the land and are so stunning.
These are after all a bit of tougher to move again, however Athens can also be plentiful in Greek statues of well-known philosophers, figures and icons. Simply could be a bit of odd to take with you on the aircraft.
What are the most effective issues to purchase in Athens?
There may be a lot to select from when deciding what are the most effective souvenirs from Athens, particularly if you happen to’re a foodie. You might have to convey an empty suitcase with you for the journey residence – all of the totally different Greek wines, olives, oils, honeys and candy treats may fill a bag by itself.
In case you’re extra of an artwork lover then the non secular artwork, pottery, talismans or distinctive backgammon boards can be proper up your road.
Cheers guys *reaches for the Ouzo*!
Quicklist of souvenirs from Athens
- Komboloi (fear beads)
- Backgammon/Tabli
- Olives
- Greek pottery
- Sandals
- Greek honey
- Ouzo
- Greek olive oil
- Evil eye talismans
- Native wines from Athens
- Native artwork and crafts
- Icon artwork
Are issues low-cost in Athens?
The price of issues in Athens can fluctuate extensively, very similar to in any main metropolis. Whereas it’s famend for its wealthy historical past and tradition, town’s costs could be fairly cheap, particularly when in comparison with different European capitals. Eating out, for instance, could be fairly reasonably priced, with numerous tavernas providing scrumptious Greek delicacies at cheap costs. Public transport can also be fairly cost-effective, and there are quite a few historic websites and museums with modest entry charges.
What is a few issues Athens is thought for?
Athens is most well-known for its unbelievable historic and cultural heritage. The town has a lot historic Greek structure to wander round every day. Athens can also be recognized for its vibrant neighbourhoods like Plaka and Monastiraki, the place you possibly can wander via charming streets and uncover a mixture of conventional and trendy Greek life. The town’s culinary scene is one other spotlight, with an array of conventional tavernas and trendy eateries providing scrumptious Greek delicacies.
What souvenirs can you purchase from Athens Airport?
In case you’re flying from Athens Airport, you’ll discover quite a lot of souvenirs to purchase on the departure lounge. Greek olive oil and olives are well-liked selections, in addition to Ouzo or Metaxa, make for nice presents. Don’t overlook the traditional souvenirs like keychains, magnets, and postcards that includes iconic scenes from Athens. The airport retailers usually provide a curated collection of these things, making it handy to select up last-minute presents or keepsakes