Gift ideas Greece

The La Citerne website features a variety of handcrafted products, from jewelry to textiles to decorative objects. La Citerne also offers accommodation at the Thoukididis guest house in Kapesovo.

In this beautiful concept store, we find the beautiful pebbled floors, whitewashed walls and old doors that make the charm of the 1922 Art Mansion that this company manages. The store specializes in Pestemal, beautiful colorful rectangular textiles that can be worn as scarves or pareos, but can also dress up an interior to great effect, serving as plaids or bedspreads. You can also find here some decorative accessories or soaps with essential oils.

Here you will find handcrafted icons, which are based on the classical traditions of Byzantine art, as maintained and handed down by the great masters in the field, notably the monks of Mount Athos (which explains the name of this shop). Bringing back an icon of Byzantine style can be a wonderful gift for loved ones, or a beautiful souvenir for oneself, but it should be noted that it is not a cheap purchase, which is quite justified by the know-how and materials needed for this art.

The University of Athens, founded in 1837, was for more than a century housed in this magnificent neoclassical building on Panepistimiou Street, built in 1841. Today the building houses only the administrative services and a nice store offering a selection of gifts to give or to treat yourself: silk scarves, jewelry and other objects with the emblem of the institution, the goddess Athena. There is something for everyone. An excellent opportunity to get a glimpse of the interior of this historic building.

The embroidery of Karia, with its own embroidery technique with its "Karian stitch", is famous throughout Greece and beyond. In this village shop near Lefkada, you will find beautiful embroideries handmade on the island. Tablecloths, bedspreads, pillowcases, stoles, lace garments: you can find beautiful and unique pieces, and at the same time encourage the women who keep the tradition of Lefkada alive. The website, in French, also allows you to buy and have your items delivered abroad.

In the Mouragia district, facing the sea, Myrto Zirini has her small ceramic workshop. Located in the heart of the old town in an old house, the owner, a renowned ceramist, makes serving utensils and home decorations here in a beautiful design and with a perfect finish. The place is worth a visit. Myrto, an architect who has been converted to pottery, creates beautiful containers, bowls, plates, lamps... The pastel colours and rounded shapes make them unique pieces, and original gifts.

Located in the old town, this well-appointed shop offers original souvenirs made mostly in Greece (for a change). The design of the objects, mugs, pouches, coasters, is sought after. Greek designer bags and gift bags with Greek products are available for sale, making great gifts! There is something for every taste and price, from magnets for your fridge to designer rings, mugs and organic beauty products. A real coup de coeur for objects not seen elsewhere.

This very nice ceramic workshop offers some original, very successful creations for sale in Mandraki's "golden triangle", namely the temple of good taste shared by Kamini, the Loles Kores clothing shop across the street and the ApoLoli Kori restaurant nearby. You will find some delicate pieces to bring back as a gift or as a souvenir for your home: everything is really beautiful, whether it is the dishes and plates or the cups, bowls and decanters. A great way to support the island's artists and local crafts.

To get a close look at the production of the island's kumquat liqueur, visit the Lazaris distillery in the Ethniki Achilleiou region, to the south of the city. If the presence of the olive tree seems natural, that of the kumquat is surprising. This citrus fruit from China was introduced to Greece in 1924 by the British agronomist Merlyn and has since been available in alcohol or soap. At the distillery you will find liqueurs and creams, conflicting fruits, candies, jam, etc. These fluorescent orange citrus fruits have definitely replaced lemon or orange!

Through her vibrantly coloured ceramics and paintings, Alexandra has succeeded in a challenge that few Cretan artists would have dared: to combine traditional Cretan symbolism with a modern vision of art. Her works are the aesthetic witnesses of the inspiration she found when returning to Vatolakkos, the village of her ancestors. Before visiting her showcase, keep in mind that Alexandra's cheerful curved pottery is made on the island, following processes used by her Minoan ancestors 3,000 years ago.

The Byzantine Iconography Workshop of E. Krassagakis is a tiny historical and folklore museum in Crete. A fervent antique dealer, one of the few still to be found in Greece, a well-known auctioneer and restorer, it has real treasures to offer. One can still admire a diving uniform and scuba diving suit dating back to the beginning of the 20th century that belonged to a sponge fisherman, carpets dating back to the 19th century, chandeliers, paintings, among others. A certificate of authenticity will be delivered to you. Possibility of delivery abroad.

A shop of traditional products where the welcome is in French. Large selection of organic or award-winning olive oils. You will also find an important department of cosmetic products based on natural elements such as olive oil. Handcrafted ceramics, objects carved in olive wood, wines, dried aromatic plants... An ideal shop to find Cretan gifts to bring back from your stay. The products are presented with taste and the ranges are wide enough for everyone to find what they are looking for.

If you have the time, don't pass by without stopping. A charming discovery, this little store selling handmade ceramics. These are incredible pieces, of excellent quality, with a wide variety of designs to suit all tastes. The store is run by a couple of craftsmen who make all their creations in the glassed-in workshop in the back, giving them added authenticity. Perhaps the friendly owners will show you their amazing studio and how their pieces are made in the huge kilns.

Looking to bring back a beautiful gift from your trip to Crete? In this store you will find beautiful kοpanelli (laces) made by the women of the village in the purest Cretan tradition. It is a weaving technique whose origin is lost in time. The lace is woven with the help of a dozen wooden sticks that are placed vertically on a small loom. The lace design is placed on the koussouni, a term that is most likely derived from the French word "coussin".

For those who like to hunt or collect kitsch or original objects, Mayaba Store unveils a fairytale world, an accumulation of figurines, rag dolls, candles, light garlands, leather goods and other accessories, mostly handmade. A little Ali Baba's cave! For those who are looking for typical products, this is not where you will find your happiness, go on your way. But lovers of flea markets and second-hand clothes will be delighted to dive here for a few moments, for themselves or to bring back a small gift to relatives