Greece is understood for meals, seashores and historical past, but it surely’s additionally an excellent place to buy groceries. Right here’s the very best 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 the whole lot from Greek mythology to historic civilisations. There’s a lot to see, do and respect for a visiting traveller that you may be spoilt for selection.
As one of many oldest cities on this planet relationship again hundreds of years, Athens has immediately recognisable landmarks such because the Acropolis and the enduring Parthenon. However in addition to having a few 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.
Should you don’t consider me, try my weblog on Greek meals it’s important to attempt!
Fortunately, you’ll be able to take some what Athens (and Greek tradition typically) has to supply again residence. My checklist of the greatest souvenirs from Athens covers an excellent vary of present concepts, low-cost keepsakes and different uncommon issues to purchase from town.
12 souvenirs to purchase from Athens
From uncommon Greek souvenirs to nice present concepts, listed here are the very best issues to purchase from Athens.
1. Komboloi (fear beads)
A few of the greatest souvenirs from Athens, or any vacation, are those which are distinctive to the place you’ve visited – and Komboloi are simply that. If you’re unfamiliar with them, they’re strings of beads produced from completely different supplies corresponding to amber, coral, wooden or semi-precious stones. Within the trendy world we might all use one thing to assist us with stress and Komboloi are designed to assist rest by operating them by your fingers and ease your worries.
You’ll usually see males carrying a set and they’re usually given as a present so that they’d be excellent to present to a person in your life too. It’s been mentioned 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 moveable and simple to pack in your suitcase they’re, plus how simple they’re to search out – they are often discovered in lots of outlets and markets all through Athens.
2. Backgammon/Tabli from Athens
One of the beloved video games in Greece is backgammon, or Tabli as it’s recognized in Greek. As it’s so common, Athens is a good place to buy a top quality backgammon set as a singular Athens memento.
Going seeking 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 a number of artisan outlets or Ermou Road which is one the most well-liked locations to buy groceries, could be one other place to choose 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 in fact 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 reminiscences of holidaying in a implausible place they make a easy, inexpensive and simply packable memento from Athens.
4. Greek pottery
IYou should buy modern pottery paying homage to the previous and even vintage replicas.
To come back residence with stunning pottery to point out off to your pals or present to a beloved one could be among the best souvenirs from Athens I might counsel.
5. Sandals
As a result of local weather it isn’t shocking that Sandals are highly regarded in Athens and they are often discovered virtually all over the place – so that they’re a really handy present 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 will be very excessive. Deal with your self!
6. Greek honey
The foody delights of Greece simply preserve 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 ambiance and historical past of the land, offers Greek honey a worldwide fame for being unbelievably sensible.
Completely different varieties can be found corresponding to thyme, chestnut and pine honey.
Once more, simply transportable and an excellent concept for a present that received’t take up all of the room in your return baggage makes Greek honey considered one of my greatest souvenirs from Athens.
7. Ouzo from Athens
I’m guessing that the majority of our style buds have frequented, or at the very least tried, Ouzo. Ouzo is the Greek nationwide drink – a robust alcoholic drink produced from ripe grapes. It’s possible you’ll 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 in fact you’ll be able to eat the scrumptious olives from Greece, there’s additionally the gorgeous olive oil to be loved. Amongst a few of the highest high quality on this planet, the additional virgin olive oil is alleged to be the purest variant and filled with probably the most flavour.
Each salad you could have as soon as residence can transport you again to your Athens journey which is why it’s considered one of my greatest souvenirs from Athens.
Don’t neglect, when you aren’t a fan of olive oil then there are olive oil merchandise additionally out there corresponding to olive oil cleaning soap and natural toiletries – appears like an excellent Athens memento to me!
9. Evil eye talismans
Also referred to as ‘Matiasma’ or ‘Nazar’ these charms are designed to guard in opposition to unfavourable power and are highly regarded in Greek tradition. They’re virtually 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 you can get them in an enormous number of methods; from earrings, bracelets and automobile ornaments to homeware you’ll be able to adorn your doorway with at residence.
With such a captivating historical past and which means behind them, plus the actual fact they’re really easy to move residence, I’d say they have 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 the whole lot from crimson, rose and white wines from the very highest high quality to basic 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 received’t discover in different nations.
11. Native artwork and crafts from Athens
Athens has a thriving arts and crafts scene. You could find distinctive and regionally made artworks, ceramics and textiles from native artists and artisans, usually reflecting modern Greek tradition and traditions.
Jewelry impressed by historic Greek designs is on the market in Athens too. Search for items that includes motifs just like the Greek key sample or historic Greek cash, usually produced from supplies like silver or gold. Antiquities Road Market in Athens (above) is a good place to go searching!
12. Icon artwork
It’s possible you’ll concentrate on Japanese Orthodox Christianity which is a part of the Greek cultural heritage. Greece produces some beautiful non secular pictures, generally on wooden panels with a number of use of gold leaf, which might make for a wonderful present.
Normally depicting saints such because the Virgin Mary and painted by extremely expert artists, these superb artworks are positively amongst the very best souvenirs from Athens as they’re so linked to the traditions of the land and are so stunning.
These are in fact somewhat more durable to move again, however Athens can also be considerable in Greek statues of well-known philosophers, figures and icons. Simply may be somewhat odd to take with you on the airplane.
What are the very best issues to purchase in Athens?
There’s a lot to select from when deciding what are the very best souvenirs from Athens, particularly when you’re a foodie. It’s possible you’ll must convey an empty suitcase with you for the journey residence – all of the completely different Greek wines, olives, oils, honeys and candy treats might fill a bag by itself.
Should you’re extra of an artwork lover then the non secular artwork, pottery, talismans or distinctive backgammon boards will likely be proper up your avenue.
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 range broadly, very similar to in any main metropolis. Whereas it’s famend for its wealthy historical past and tradition, town’s costs will be fairly cheap, particularly when in comparison with different European capitals. Eating out, for instance, will be fairly inexpensive, with a number of 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 understood 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’ll be able to wander by 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?
Should 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 common decisions, in addition to Ouzo or Metaxa, make for excellent items. Don’t neglect the traditional souvenirs like keychains, magnets, and postcards that includes iconic scenes from Athens. The airport outlets usually provide a curated number of these things, making it handy to choose up last-minute items or keepsakes
