Best Greek Souvenirs to Buy in Athens

On our recent trip to Athens, we spent quite a bit of time browsing the shops, markets and small stalls around the city. We visited a mix of busy tourist areas and more local markets, so we came across a good range of Greek souvenirs. Some were the usual gifts you expect to see, while others felt a little more traditional or useful.

We picked up a mix of edible and non-edible souvenirs. Food finds included things such as olive oil, olives, honey, figs, spices, loukoumi and halva. We also spotted plenty of pottery, jewellery, olive wood products, leather sandals, artwork, religious icons and small gifts such as evil eye charms and postcards.

What I liked most was the variety. You do not have to spend a lot, and you do not have to stick to the typical tourist souvenirs either. There are plenty of small, easy-to-pack gifts, as well as handmade pieces and Greek food products that make lovely reminders of a trip.

In this guide, I am sharing some of the best Greek souvenirs we came across in Athens, including both popular choices and a few more unusual finds.

Olives

Greek olives are one of the easiest food souvenirs to bring home. We had several different types during our stay in Greece and really enjoyed them, so they are something I would happily recommend as a gift for family and friends. You will see plenty of choice in local markets and food shops, including well-known Kalamata olives, green olives, and olives flavoured with herbs, lemon or chilli. Many shops sell them in sealed or vacuum-packed bags, which makes them much easier to carry in your luggage than jars.

When buying olives, have a look at where they come from and whether they are packed in Greece. Kalamata olives are a classic choice, but it is also worth trying other local varieties rather than simply picking the most familiar name. Markets are great if you want more choice, but do not worry if you run out of shopping time. We also saw Greek olives at Athens Airport duty free, so you can pick up a pack before flying home.

Olive Wood Products

Olive wood products make lovely souvenirs because they are both useful and easy to pack. We saw spoons, salad servers, small bowls and other kitchen items in several shops around Athens. They are usually fairly light, and because the grain is different in every piece, each one looks a little unique.

Olive wood is also known for being hard and durable, which is why it is often used for kitchen tools. The warm colour and natural patterns make even simple items look attractive. If you want a souvenir that feels practical rather than purely decorative, olive wood is a very good choice.

Ouzo

We tried ouzo while we were in Athens and really enjoyed the experience. It has quite a strong, distinctive taste, so it can take a little getting used to at first. 

Ouzo is a clear Greek spirit flavoured mainly with anise, which gives it that liquorice-like taste. Depending on the producer, you may also notice hints of herbs, spices or citrus. It is often served with water or ice, which turns it cloudy.

Ouzo makes a good souvenir for anyone who enjoys trying local drinks or collecting spirits from their travels. It is very closely linked with Greece, so it feels much more special than picking up a standard bottle of alcohol. You will find it in supermarkets, specialist shops and at the airport, with plenty of different bottle sizes if you want something easier to pack.

Handmade Greek Leather Sandals

Handmade Greek leather sandals make a lovely souvenir because you can get something that feels personal rather than mass produced. In some shops, the sandals are made to measure, and you can choose the style, leather colour and finish. That means you end up with a pair that is made for you and is also a nice reminder of your time in Greece.

They are also a practical souvenir, especially if you like to bring home something you can actually use. Greek leather sandals are often simple, lightweight and easy to pack. If you have time, it is worth visiting a specialist sandal shop (like the one pictured above) rather than buying a standard pair from a tourist stall, as the made-to-measure experience is part of what makes them special.

Greek Embroidered Textiles

Embroidered textiles are another lovely souvenir to look out for in Greece. We came across these fabric bags in Athens, decorated with very Greek designs such as olive branches, lemons and the traditional meander pattern. They were also marked as made in Greece, which made them feel like a better choice than a more generic souvenir.

I like these because they are practical as well as decorative. Tote bags are light, easy to pack and something you can use again once you are home. You may also find embroidered table runners, cushion covers and other textile items, so there is usually something to suit different budgets.

Postcards

Postcards may be a simple souvenir, but I think they are a lovely one. I know quite a few people who collect them from every place they visit, almost like a travel diary. They are cheap, take up hardly any space and are very easy to carry home, so they also make a good choice if you are travelling light.

While browsing around Monastiraki, I came across a shop with postcards featuring traditional Greek costumes. I really liked these because they felt a little different from the usual city views. They are a nice option if you want something small that still has a strong Greek connection.

Greek Halva

The type of Greek halva commonly sold in food shops is made from tahini, which is a paste made from sesame seeds. It has a dense, crumbly texture and a rich, nutty taste. You will also find different flavours, including vanilla, cocoa, nuts and sometimes dried fruit.

It makes a great edible souvenir, especially for anyone with a sweet tooth. It is easy to pack, keeps well and is widely available in food shops and markets. If you want something that feels very Greek but is still simple to take home, halva is a good choice.

Greek Coin Jewellery and Keychains

I thought these handmade pieces made from Greek coins were a really fun souvenir idea. We came across keychains, necklaces, bracelets and rings, all using coin-style designs. They are small, easy to carry and feel a little more unusual than a standard souvenir.

They also make a good gift because there is plenty of choice, from simple keyrings to jewellery that can be worn every day. If you like souvenirs with a clear link to the place you visited, these are a nice way to bring home something inspired by Greece without taking up much room in your luggage.

Greek Herbs and Spices

Herbs and spices are an easy and useful souvenir to bring home from Greece. We saw packets and jars in most of the markets we visited, and we picked up a few for family as well. Dried oregano is probably the most obvious choice, but you will also find thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, mint and dill. Cinnamon is also widely used in Greek cooking, including in some savoury dishes as well as desserts.

It is also worth looking out for ready-made Greek seasoning mixes, such as blends for souvlaki, gyros, potatoes, cheese or Greek salads. Greek mountain tea and Kozani saffron are other interesting options if you spot them. Most herbs and spice mixes come in small sealed packets or jars, so they are inexpensive, light and very easy to pack.

Traditional Greek Puppets

The colourful puppets pictured below were one of the more unusual souvenirs we came across in Athens. I liked them because they felt fun, full of character and very different from the usual magnets or keyrings. Many are based on figures from Greek folk culture, with bold costumes and expressive faces.

They would make a great gift for children, collectors or anyone who likes quirky handmade souvenirs. They are also fairly light and easy to pack, which is always useful when travelling. Even if you do not buy one, they are the kind of souvenir that really stands out when you see them hanging outside a shop.

Books About Greece

Books make a great souvenir because they are useful, easy to pack and can tell you much more about the place you have visited. In Athens, we saw plenty of books covering Greek mythology, ancient history, famous landmarks and the story of the city itself. There were also lighter options, including illustrated books and children’s titles.

They are a good choice for anyone who enjoys history, culture or mythology, and they can work just as well as a gift for children or adults. I especially liked the mix of serious guides and more fun titles, as it means you can find something to suit different interests and ages.

Greek Honey

Greek honey makes a lovely edible souvenir because there is so much variety. Thyme honey is one of the best-known types, especially from the Greek islands and Crete, while pine honey is common in areas such as Evia and Halkidiki. You may also come across fir, chestnut and wildflower honey. The flavour can vary quite a lot depending on the flowers and trees in the area, so it is worth trying a few if you get the chance.

Honey is used in plenty of Greek food too. It is often drizzled over Greek yoghurt, served with nuts, used in sweets such as loukoumades and baklava, or simply added to tea. Small jars are easy to pack and make a good gift, especially if you choose one from a named region or a local producer.

Greek Jewellery

Greek jewellery makes a lovely souvenir because many designs have a clear link to the country’s history and culture. Look out for pieces featuring the evil eye, Greek key patterns, olive leaves, ancient coins, bees, crosses and motifs inspired by Ancient Greece and Byzantine art. You will find everything from simple earrings and bracelets to more detailed necklaces and rings.

It is also an easy souvenir to bring home as it takes up very little space and there is something for most budgets. Some pieces are handmade by local designers, while others are more affordable souvenir-style jewellery. If you want something a little more special, it is worth looking for jewellery marked as made in Greece.

Loukoumi

Loukoumi is a traditional Greek sweet made from sugar and starch, with a soft, slightly chewy texture. You will often find it flavoured with rose, lemon, orange or mastiha, and some versions are dusted with icing sugar or filled with nuts. We saw plenty of neatly packed boxes in Athens, which makes it very easy to take home.

It is a good souvenir for anyone with a sweet tooth, and it also works well as a small gift for family or friends. The boxes are usually light and easy to pack, and there are plenty of flavours to choose from. If you want something that feels traditional, look out for loukoumi from places such as Syros, which is especially well known for it.

Greek Orthodox Icons

Greek Orthodox icons are a more specialised souvenir, so they may not appeal to everyone. They are a good choice for someone with a religious interest, or for travellers who enjoy learning about Greek history, art and culture. You will often see icons showing Christ, the Virgin Mary, saints and other religious figures.

They can also make a meaningful gift for someone who collects religious art or has a personal connection to the Greek Orthodox faith. If you are buying one, it is worth looking for pieces made in Greece, especially hand-painted or traditionally crafted icons rather than mass-produced versions.

Greek Pottery

Greek pottery is one of the most eye-catching souvenirs you will find in Athens, and there are several different styles to choose from. We saw plenty of pieces inspired by Ancient Greek pottery, with warm terracotta colours, black figures, mythological scenes and traditional patterns. These ranged from small decorative vases to plates and larger pieces, so there are options for different budgets and luggage space.

We also came across a very different style, with blue, green and grey tones and raised designs inspired by ancient Greek art and symbols. These felt a little more modern while still having a strong connection to Greek history. Pottery can be more fragile than some of the other souvenirs on this list, but a small bowl, cup or vase can make a lovely keepsake if you have room to pack it safely.

Tip: If you are buying pottery, ask the shopkeeper to wrap it well for travel. The small Ancient Greek-style vase I bought was packed in bubble wrap for me. I carried it in my under-seat bag rather than my cabin bag in the overhead locker, as bags can get pushed around or stacked on top of each other. It arrived home safely without any damage.

Greek Olive Oil

Olive oil is a huge part of Greek cooking and one of the most useful souvenirs you can bring home. Extra virgin olive oil is the one to look for, and you will find bottles from different parts of Greece, including Crete, Kalamata and other areas of the Peloponnese. The flavour can vary depending on the olives and where they are grown, from mild and fruity to stronger, peppery oils.

Olive oil is used widely in Greek cooking, from salads and dips to grilled vegetables, fish, bread and cooked dishes. It is such an everyday part of the food culture that a good bottle feels like a very authentic souvenir. If you are buying one to take home, look for a sealed bottle from a named region or local producer, and check that it is clearly labelled as extra virgin olive oil.

Greek Dried Figs

Dried figs are another easy food souvenir to bring home from Greece. They are grown in several parts of the country, with areas such as Evia and the Peloponnese particularly well known for fig production. You may also see figs from Kalamata and other southern regions. They are naturally sweet, soft and slightly chewy, so they make a good snack on their own or can be added to yoghurt, cheese boards and desserts.

We picked up a few packs ourselves because they are so easy to carry. Most shops sell them in sealed packets, boxes or vacuum-packed bags, which makes them ideal for travel. They are also fairly light and keep well, so they make a simple gift for family and friends, especially if you want something edible but a little different from the usual sweets.

Handmade Greek Art

Art is a lovely souvenir if you want something more personal than the usual tourist gifts. Around Athens, we saw plenty of paintings featuring the Acropolis, Greek landscapes and other familiar scenes. Some were quite small and easy to pack, while others were larger original pieces. They would make a great reminder of the trip, especially if you like bringing home something you can display.

We also came across these unusual hand-painted pieces made on Greek marble. 

I thought these were particularly interesting because each one felt more unique, with designs inspired by Greek history, mythology and olive branches. Some even came with a certificate of authenticity. They are a little heavier than a print, but if you want a more special piece of Greek art, they are worth looking out for.

Greek-Themed Tote Bags

Greek-themed tote bags are a simple but practical souvenir, and there are plenty of designs to choose from. The ones we saw featured familiar Greek scenes such as blue and white buildings, little tavern tables, bicycles, cats and bright flowers. Some were marked with Athens or Greece, so they make an easy reminder of the trip.

They are also light, fold flat and take up hardly any room in your luggage. That makes them a good option if you want an inexpensive gift for family or friends, or simply something useful to bring home for yourself.

Ancient Greek Replicas

Ancient Greek-inspired replicas are another popular souvenir, especially if you are interested in the country’s history. We saw small statues, busts and decorative columns based on well-known figures and classical Greek architecture. Some pieces were linked to famous names such as Hippocrates, while others copied the style of ancient temples and columns.

They are quite touristy, but they can still make a fun keepsake or gift. Smaller pieces are easy enough to pack, while larger replicas are better if you have plenty of luggage space. I think they would especially appeal to anyone who enjoys history, mythology or Ancient Greek art.

Evil Eye Charms

The evil eye charm is a very common sight in Greece, where it is known as the mati. Usually shown as a blue eye, it is believed to offer protection from the evil eye, or negative energy caused by jealousy or envy. You will see the symbol on bracelets, necklaces, keyrings, wall hangings and all sorts of small gifts.

The mati is not unique to Greece, but it is strongly linked with Greek culture and makes an easy souvenir to bring home. It is small, light and usually inexpensive, so it also works well as a gift for friends or family.

Flea Market Finds

If you want something a little less predictable, Athens’ flea markets are worth a browse. Around Monastiraki, we saw stalls and small shops selling all sorts of things, from old books and prints to jewellery, artwork, decorative pieces and vintage finds. It is the kind of place where you never really know what you might come across.

I think flea markets are especially good if you prefer souvenirs with a bit more character. You may find something unique rather than a standard tourist gift, but it is worth checking the condition and asking questions if an item is being sold as antique or handmade. Even if you do not buy anything, they are fun places to explore.

Other Souvenir Ideas

There are a few other Greek souvenirs that I want to mention. Greek coffee with a small briki, the traditional pot used to make it, would make a lovely gift for a coffee lover. You could also look out for Greek mountain tea, which is light, easy to pack and widely used as a herbal drink. Another unusual option is submarine sweet, or ypovrychio, a thick sweet paste usually served on a spoon in a glass of cold water.

For something non-edible, a small tavli set is worth considering. Tavli is the Greek version of backgammon and is a very familiar sight in cafés and homes. Other ideas include mastiha products, saffron, regional nuts and preserves, depending on where you shop.

Bringing a Little Bit of Greece Home

There are plenty of lovely souvenirs to bring home from Greece, whether you prefer something edible, handmade, practical or simply fun. I liked that we found a good mix across Athens, from local food products and handmade crafts to more traditional tourist souvenirs.

The best part is that there is something for every budget and suitcase size. Whether you pick up a jar of honey, a small piece of pottery, a packet of herbs or a handmade item, it is a nice way to bring a little piece of Greece home with you.

What is your favourite souvenir to bring home from your travels? And if you have visited Greece, I would love to know what you brought back.