Olives de Kalamata, “liquid gold” olive oil, Korres cosmetics, braided leather sandals: on one visit, Greece already offers the five most sought-after gifts by travelers. To save time, here is the quick selection:
- 🥇 Extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata
- 🍯 Thyme and Aegean herb honey
- 🧴 Natural care products by Korres, Apivita or Papoutsanis
- 🥃 Ouzo & liqueur from Mastiha Shop
- 👡 Handmade sandals by Tsatsoulis
Top 5 Greek souvenirs not to miss
In Greece, every product tells a legend: to illustrate these finds, let’s follow Élina, a saleswoman at Aegean Delights, who guides hurried visitors every week.
1. Extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata 🫒
Élina recommends the Melissa mill (Thermopilon 17, Athens) to refill a reusable stainless steel bottle. This oil shows less than 0.25% acidity, perfect for obtaining the Kalamata PDO.
- 👍 Rich in polyphenols: 600 mg/kg on average.
- 💶 Reference price: €8 for half a liter.
- 📦 Vacuum-packed, passes customs without issues.
2. Thyme & herb honey from the Aegean 🍯
The “Thymos 2025” label guarantees twice the aromatic content of multifloral honey. Bring it back with a pouch of wild oregano or mountain tea.
- 🌿 Long floral flavor lingering on the palate.
- 😋 Pairs well with Loukoum pistachio.
- 📍 Available at Athens central market, alley G, stand 12.
3. Natural cosmetics Korres, Apivita & Papoutsanis 🧴
These three leading brands utilize endemic plants. Their bestseller: Korres pomegranate serum (92% natural ingredients).
| Brand 🌸 | Featured product | Where to buy? |
|---|---|---|
| Korres | Pomegranate serum | Roue des Philosophes 36, Athens |
| Apivita | Propolis mask | Golden Hall Mall, Maroussi |
| Papoutsanis | Organic olive soap | Factory-store, 71 Leof. Kifisou |
- 🛍️ Travel pack ≤100 ml allowed in cabin.
- 🎁 Ready-to-gift boxes available.
4. Ouzo and mastiha liqueur 🥃
For a scent of anise or resin, stop by the Mastiha Shop (Panepistimiou 6, Athens). Ask for the “Skinos” vintage – 42% vol.
- ❄️ Serve chilled: a ladle of water makes the ouzo milky.
- 👀 200 ml bottle, ideal for cabin luggage.
5. Tsatsoulis leather sandals 👡
Handmade in the family workshop Tsatsoulis (Adrianou 118, Monastiraki). Inspired by Minoan models, they develop a patina without deforming.
- 🧵 Vegetable-tanned leather: zero chrome.
- 👣 Sizes 35 to 47.
- ⏱️ Custom-fit in 30 minutes.
Where to buy these gifts with confidence in Athens 🇬🇷
Élina’s addresses offer excellent quality-authenticity ratio; they are all within 15 minutes’ walk from Monastiraki station.
| 🏪 Shop | Specialty | Address | Opening hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melissa Press | PDO Oil | Thermopilon 17 | Mon-Sat 09:00-20:00 |
| Central Market stand 12 | Honey & herbs | Armodiou Varvakeios | Every day 07:00-15:00 |
| Mastiha Shop | Liqueurs | Panepistimiou 6 | 10:00-21:00 |
| Tsatsoulis Leather | Sandals | Adrianou 118 | 10:00-22:00 |
- 🚉 Monastiraki metro (line 1 & 3).
- 🚗 Pandrossou parking 200 m away.
- 🛍️ Tax-free for purchases > €50.
If you explore other capitals, the method stays the same: Rome, Lisbon or even Majorca.
Tips for transporting and gifting your Greek specialties ✈️
Between the Hellenic heat and airport controls, it’s better to prepare your packaging.
- 📦 Liquids ≤ 100 ml in cabin; otherwise, in the hold in a Loux insulated bag.
- 🫙 Honey: wrap the jar in cloth to cushion shocks.
- 👡 Sandals: stuff with paper to keep shape.
- 🎁 Prepare a “Mediterranean Product” label: guaranteed wow effect when giving the gift.
Running out of space? The Melissa x DHL international delivery (€14.90 – 5 kg) delivers within 72 h throughout the EU.
These tips also apply to souvenirs spotted in our files: Vivre Athens or OK Voyage.
Frequently asked questions from travelers
Can olive oil be carried in the cabin?
Only in bottles ≤100 ml; for a 1L bottle, prefer the hold and shock-resistant packaging.
What souvenir under €10?
A packet of Loukoum rose or a Papoutsanis olive soap: both available from €3-5.
Is there a Greek equivalent of the French tax-free refund?
Yes: “Global Blue”; request the form at payment if the invoice exceeds €50.
Does thyme honey crystallize quickly?
Its high fructose content delays crystallization; keep it at 18 °C to maintain the liquid texture for over a year.
Where to find children’s sandals in Greece?
The atelier Tsatsoulis Kids (Sophocleous 9) offers sizes 20 to 34 with emoji customization.
