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Greece is thought for meals, seashores and historical past, but it surely’s additionally an important place to buy groceries. Right here’s one of the best 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 all the things from Greek mythology to historical civilisations. There may be a lot to see, do and respect 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 among 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.

In the event you don’t consider me, take a look at my weblog on Greek meals you need to attempt!

Fortunately, you’ll be able to take some what Athens (and Greek tradition usually) has to supply again dwelling. My checklist of the greatest souvenirs from Athens covers vary of present concepts, low cost keepsakes and different uncommon issues to purchase from the town.

1. Komboloi (fear beads)

Among the greatest 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 created from totally different supplies reminiscent of amber, coral, wooden or semi-precious stones. Within the trendy world we might all use one thing to assist us with stress and Komboloi are designed to assist rest by working them by your fingers and ease your worries. 

You’ll typically see males carrying a set and they’re typically given as a present in order 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 turned secular in additional trendy occasions. One other factor that makes them top-of-the-line souvenirs from Athens is how moveable and straightforward to pack in your suitcase they’re, plus how straightforward they’re to seek out – they are often discovered in lots of outlets and markets all through Athens.

2. Backgammon/Tabli from Athens

One of the vital beloved video games in Greece is backgammon, or Tabli as it’s identified in Greek. As it’s so well-liked, Athens is a good place to buy a top quality backgammon set as a singular Athens memento.

Going seeking a set is maybe much more enjoyable than the sport itself as there are such a lot of great locations to go to. The Monastiraki Flea Market; Plaka, a district with a lot of artisan outlets or Ermou Road which is one the preferred locations to buy groceries, can be one other place to choose up a set. 

3. Olives from Athens

As everyone knows, Greek delicacies is scrumptious and eaten all around the world due to how great it’s. One of many staples of Greek delicacies is after all 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 recollections of holidaying in a improbable place they make a easy, inexpensive 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 return dwelling with stunning pottery to indicate off to your mates or present to a cherished one can be top-of-the-line souvenirs from Athens I might counsel.

5. Sandals

Because of the local weather it’s not stunning that Sandals are extremely popular in Athens and they are often discovered nearly in every single place – in order that they’re a really handy present from Athens to buy!

They’re extra than simply sensible, folks have been carrying leather-based sandals right here from again in historical 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 wonderful Greek local weather and imbued with the environment and historical past of the land, provides Greek honey a worldwide status for being unbelievably sensible.

Completely different varieties can be found reminiscent of thyme, chestnut and pine honey.

Once more, simply transportable and an important thought for a present that received’t take up all of the room in your return baggage makes Greek honey considered one of my greatest souvenirs from Athens.

7. Ouzo from Athens

I’m guessing that almost all of our style buds have frequented, or at the very least tried, Ouzo. Ouzo is the Greek nationwide drink – a robust alcoholic drink created from ripe grapes. You could 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 is best to dilute it with water and revel in it extra slowly (and calmly).

Shopping for a bottle of this conventional Greek drink can be top-of-the-line souvenirs from Athens to boost these dinner events when again dwelling and regale buddies with tales of your occasions in Athens!

8. Greek olive oil

While after all you’ll be able to eat the scrumptious olives from Greece, there’s additionally the attractive olive oil to be loved. Amongst among the highest high quality on the earth, the additional virgin olive oil is claimed to be the purest variant and filled with probably the most flavour.

Each salad you will have as soon as dwelling can transport you again to your Athens journey which is why it’s considered one of my greatest souvenirs from Athens.

Don’t neglect, when you aren’t a fan of olive oil then there are olive oil merchandise additionally accessible reminiscent of olive oil cleaning soap and natural toiletries – feels like an important Athens memento to me!

9. Evil eye talismans

Also called ‘Matiasma’ or ‘Nazar’ these charms are designed to guard towards damaging power and are extremely popular in Greek tradition. They’re nearly all the time 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 folks taking a look at you in such a approach, and that the talisman can defend you from this dangerous gaze!

These talismans are so prevalent you could get them in an enormous number of methods; from earrings, bracelets and automotive ornaments to homeware you’ll be able to adorn your doorway with at dwelling.

With such an interesting historical past and that means behind them, plus the very 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 historical Greece about them having wine which proves simply how imbued the Greek tradition is with wine making – and having fun with!

They produce all the things from crimson, rose and white wines from the very highest high quality to common 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 will discover distinctive and regionally made artworks, ceramics and textiles from native artists and artisans, typically reflecting up to date Greek tradition and traditions.

Jewelry impressed by historical Greek designs is on the market in Athens too. Search for items that includes motifs just like the Greek key sample or historical Greek cash, typically created from supplies like silver or gold. Antiquities Road Market in Athens (above) is a good place to go looking!

12. Icon artwork

You could pay attention to Japanese Orthodox Christianity which is a part of the Greek cultural heritage. Greece produces some beautiful spiritual photographs, typically on wooden panels with a lot of use of gold leaf, which might make for a good looking present.

Often depicting saints such because the Virgin Mary and painted by extremely expert artists, these wonderful artworks are undoubtedly amongst one of the best souvenirs from Athens as they’re so linked to the traditions of the land and are so stunning.

These are after all slightly tougher to move again, however Athens can also be considerable in Greek statues of well-known philosophers, figures and icons. Simply could be slightly odd to take with you on the aircraft.

What are one of the best issues to purchase in Athens?

There may be a lot to select from when deciding what are one of the best souvenirs from Athens, particularly when you’re a foodie. You could have to 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.

In the event you’re extra of an artwork lover then the spiritual artwork, pottery, talismans or distinctive backgammon boards will likely be proper up your avenue.

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