Between the electric blue of the Libyan Sea and the whitewashed villages, Crete multiplies its temptations: exceptional olive oil, wild herbs, Minoan pottery, or jewelry inspired by the labyrinth. To save time, here is the direct answer 👇
- 🫒 Extra virgin olive oil (Terra Creta, Sitia Olive Oil, Kalios)
- 🍯 Blossom Honey from Crete
- 🌿 Mountain herbal teas (Samaria Herbs, dittany)
- 🧼 Olive oil cosmetics (Venus Secrets, Aroma Kriti)
- 🥧 Loukoumades & artisanal baklavas
- 🧀 Aged Graviera cheese
- 🍶 Raki & carob liqueur
- 🏺 Pottery from Minotavros
- 💍 Jewelry inspired by the Phaistos disc
Must-have souvenirs from Crete: description, price, and use
Each product sums up a part of the Cretan identity: the island provides 5% of European olive oil production and counts more than 200 endemic plants. The table below summarizes the essentials 👇
| Souvenir 🛍️ | Brand/Label | Average price | Why take it? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extra virgin olive oil | Cretan Olive Oil, Terra Creta | €9 / 500 ml | Acidity ≤ 0.8%, PDO “Kolymvari” |
| Flower honey | Blossom Honey | €7 / 250 g | Thyme & fir aroma, Great Taste 2023 medal 🏅 |
| Mountain herbal teas | Samaria Herbs | €3 / 50 g | Dittany, malotira, wild oregano |
| Soaps & creams | Venus Secrets, Aroma Kriti | €1 – 8 | Silicone-free, enriched with aloe vera |
| Graviera | Kriton Paradosiako | €10 / kg | AOP cheese aged 12 months 🧀 |
| Raki | Minotavros | €14 / 500 ml | Double distilled, 45° |
| Red pottery | Minotavros | €12 / bowl | Clay from the Lassithi plateau |
| Phaistos disc jewelry | Rethymnon workshops | €35 | Archaeological symbol 🌀 |
Compared to Italian products listed in this article on what to bring back from Rome, the Cretan range focuses more on medicinal herbs and strong distillates.
Three anecdotes to impress upon return ✨
- Dittany, praised by Hippocrates, once grew on the slopes of Mount Dicte where, according to mythology, Zeus was hidden as a child.
- The potters of Margarites sign their pieces with a spiral motif reminiscent of the Minotaur’s labyrinth.
- Cretan Graviera has surpassed Kefalotyri in Greek exports since 2024.
Where to buy these souvenirs? Reliable shops, markets, and addresses
To avoid counterfeits and enjoy free tastings, prioritize the following sales points. Addresses are centralized for those renting a car through the Heraklion hub.
| Address 📍 | City | Specialty | Hours 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terra Creta Experience, Kolymvari 73006 | Chania | Mill tour, premium shop | Mon-Sat 09:00-18:00 |
| Kriton Paradosiako, 25 Handakos St. | Heraklion | Cheeses, herbs, raki | Every day 10:00-22:00 |
| Samaria Herbs, Old Harbor | Rethymnon | Organic herbal teas, essential oils | Mon-Fri 09:30-19:30 |
| Venus Secrets, Arkadiou 233 | Rethymnon | Natural cosmetics | Tue-Sun 10:00-20:00 |
| Minotavros Pottery, Margarites | Rethymno rural | Red pottery | By appointment |
The complete comparison of places is also featured in the Rental Center Crete guide and in the expert sheet published by Comptoir des Voyages.
Want to continue the treasure hunt? Take a look at discoveries from Mallorca on 123Souvenir or the Canadian tips listed by Canada21.
Weekly markets not to be missed
- 👨🌾 Saturday: Agios Nikolaos market — stands of Sitia Olive Oil.
- 🌿 Tuesday: Rethymnon market — selection of Samaria Herbs.
- 🧀 Thursday: covered market of Chania — free Graviera tasting.
Tips for transporting your purchases by plane without damage 🚚
Liquids over 100 ml must be checked in; appropriate packaging prevents mishaps. Inspiration drawn from tips shared for Rome in this article.
| Product ✈️ | Recommended packaging | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | 500 ml PET bottle | Wrap in towel + zip bag |
| Raki | Inflatable tubular | Place in the center of the suitcase |
| Honey | Plastic jars | Keep upright between shoes 👟 |
| Pottery | Bubble wrap + socks | Label “Fragile” |
| Cheese | Insulated bag | Add a reusable ice pack |
For natural cosmetics, solid format (soaps, balms) simplifies security checks. The same advice applies during a stay in France, as explained on Toit de Paris.
Avoid common pitfalls
- 🚫 Olive oil labeled “greek blend”: prefer the mention “PDO Crete” and acidity level < 0.8%.
- 🛂 Raki > 70 cl: exceeds customs quota for returning to the EU.
- 🐝 Honey in a thin glass bottle: risk of explosion due to pressure.
- 💳 Local banks capping payments: carry cash for artisan workshops.
Travelers’ FAQ in 2025
What is the most economical Cretan souvenir?
The olive oil soap bar Aroma Kriti sold at €0.90 each remains unbeatable 💶.
Can Graviera vacuum-packed be brought in cabin?
Yes, if the package does not exceed 10 kg of cheese combined with other authorized food products.
Where to find a free olive oil tasting?
The Terra Creta mill in Kolymvari offers an interactive 30-minute tour followed by a complete tasting🍈.
Is dittany legal to import into France?
Yes, the herb is on the customs green list, provided it remains under 2 kg per traveler.
How to recognize a genuine jewelry inspired by the Phaistos disc?
Each piece bears a “PH” hallmark and a certificate of authenticity issued by the Heraklion workshop.
