Greece is understood for meals, seashores and historical past, however it’s additionally a fantastic 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 the whole lot from Greek mythology to historic civilisations. There’s a lot to see, do and recognize for a visiting traveller that you can be spoilt for selection.
As one of many oldest cities on the earth relationship again 1000’s of years, Athens has immediately recognisable landmarks such because the Acropolis and the long-lasting Parthenon. However in addition to having a few of the world’s most visited vacationer sights, Athens is dwelling to nice tradition, artwork and meals. From moussaka to baklava, Greek meals is arguably top-of-the-line cuisines round.
If you happen to don’t imagine me, take a look at my weblog on Greek meals you must strive!
Fortunately, you possibly can take some what Athens (and Greek tradition usually) has to supply again dwelling. My record of the finest souvenirs from Athens covers a very good vary of present concepts, low-cost keepsakes and different uncommon issues to purchase from the town.
12 souvenirs to purchase from Athens
From uncommon Greek souvenirs to nice present concepts, listed below are the most effective issues to purchase from Athens.
1. Komboloi (fear beads)
A few of 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 constructed from totally different supplies resembling amber, coral, wooden or semi-precious stones. Within the fashionable world we might all use one thing to assist us with stress and Komboloi are designed to help rest by working them by means of 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 good to present to a person in your life too. It’s been stated that they derived from monks’ prayer beads however grew to become secular in additional fashionable occasions. One other factor that makes them top-of-the-line souvenirs from Athens is how transportable and straightforward to pack in your suitcase they’re, plus how simple they’re to seek 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 identified in Greek. As it’s so widespread, 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 Avenue 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 in fact olives. So why not take dwelling real, Greek-grown olives with you to maintain the journey alive when consuming again at dwelling.
Enriched with the local weather, European solar and reminiscences of holidaying in a implausible place they make a easy, reasonably priced and simply packable memento from Athens.
4. Greek pottery
IYou should purchase up to date pottery paying homage to the previous and even vintage replicas.
To come back dwelling with lovely pottery to point out off to your pals or present to a beloved one could be top-of-the-line souvenirs from Athens I might recommend.
5. Sandals
Because of the local weather it isn’t shocking that Sandals are extremely popular in Athens and they are often discovered nearly all over the place – so that they’re a really handy present from Athens to buy!
They’re extra than simply sensible, individuals have been sporting leather-based sandals right here from again in historic occasions. They are surely symbolic of the area and due to this fact are top-of-the-line 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 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 ambiance and historical past of the land, offers Greek honey a worldwide popularity for being unbelievably good.
Totally different varieties can be found resembling thyme, chestnut and pine honey.
Once more, simply transportable and a fantastic concept for a present that received’t take up all of the room in your return baggage makes Greek honey one among my finest souvenirs from Athens.
7. Ouzo from Athens
I’m guessing that the majority of our style buds have frequented, or a minimum of tried, Ouzo. Ouzo is the Greek nationwide drink – a powerful alcoholic drink constructed from ripe grapes. Chances are 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 it’s best to dilute it with water and luxuriate in it extra slowly (and calmly).
Shopping for a bottle of this conventional Greek drink could be top-of-the-line souvenirs from Athens to boost these dinner events when again dwelling and regale associates with tales of your occasions in Athens!
8. Greek olive oil
While in fact you possibly can 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 the earth, the additional virgin olive oil is alleged to be the purest variant and filled with essentially the most flavour.
Each salad you’ve gotten as soon as dwelling can transport you again to your Athens journey which is why it’s one among my finest souvenirs from Athens.
Don’t neglect, should you aren’t a fan of olive oil then there are olive oil merchandise additionally obtainable resembling olive oil cleaning soap and natural toiletries – appears like a fantastic Athens memento to me!
9. Evil eye talismans
Also referred to as ‘Matiasma’ or ‘Nazar’ these charms are designed to guard towards detrimental vitality and are extremely popular in Greek tradition. They’re nearly at all times made 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 individuals you in such a method, 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 dwelling.
With such an enchanting historical past and that means behind them, plus the actual fact they’re really easy to move dwelling, I’d say they have been top-of-the-line souvenirs from Athens both for your self or for family and friends.
10. Native wines from Athens
Identical 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 pink, 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’ll find distinctive and regionally made artworks, ceramics and textiles from native artists and artisans, usually reflecting up to date 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 constructed from supplies like silver or gold. Antiquities Avenue Market in Athens (above) is a superb place to go searching!
12. Icon artwork
Chances are you’ll concentrate on Jap Orthodox Christianity which is a part of the Greek cultural heritage. Greece produces some beautiful non secular pictures, generally on wooden panels with numerous use of gold leaf, which might make for a phenomenal present.
Normally depicting saints such because the Virgin Mary and painted by extremely expert artists, these superb artworks are positively amongst the most effective souvenirs from Athens as they’re so linked to the traditions of the land and are so lovely.
These are in fact just a little more durable to move again, however Athens can be plentiful in Greek statues of well-known philosophers, figures and icons. Simply is likely to be just a little odd to take with you on the airplane.
What are the most effective issues to purchase in Athens?
There’s a lot to select from when deciding what are the most effective souvenirs from Athens, particularly should you’re a foodie. Chances are you’ll must deliver an empty suitcase with you for the journey dwelling – all of the totally different Greek wines, olives, oils, honeys and candy treats might fill a bag by itself.
If you happen to’re extra of an artwork lover then the non secular artwork, pottery, talismans or distinctive backgammon boards shall 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, the town’s costs will be fairly affordable, particularly when in comparison with different European capitals. Eating out, for instance, will be fairly reasonably priced, with numerous tavernas providing scrumptious Greek delicacies at affordable costs. Public transport can 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 unimaginable historic and cultural heritage. The town has a lot historic Greek structure to wander round every day. Athens can be identified for its vibrant neighbourhoods like Plaka and Monastiraki, the place you possibly can wander by means of charming streets and uncover a mixture of conventional and fashionable Greek life. The town’s culinary scene is one other spotlight, with an array of conventional tavernas and fashionable eateries providing scrumptious Greek delicacies.
What souvenirs can you purchase from Athens Airport?
If you happen to’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 widespread decisions, in addition to Ouzo or Metaxa, make for excellent presents. Don’t neglect the traditional souvenirs like keychains, magnets, and postcards that includes iconic scenes from Athens. The airport retailers sometimes provide a curated choice of this stuff, making it handy to select up last-minute presents or keepsakes
