Shopping in Greece

A trip to Greece is a wonderful opportunity to take a break from the drabness of everyday life and personally get to know the sights of this ancient country. But don’t forget that visiting another country has a wonderful feature - purchasing souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones.

Few people associate Greece with shopping, and this is completely in vain. Yes, you won’t find such an assortment of branded clothing stores here as in Paris or Milan. But on the shelves of local retail outlets there is a wide selection of handmade goods. These can be fur products, souvenirs, books and much more. A pleasant bonus is the low cost of the products.

In today's article we will tell you about the best places for shopping.

Sales in Athens

In the capital of Greece, Athens, there are two major sales seasons: summer and winter. The winter sales season begins immediately after the end of the New Year's celebrations. It lasts until spring. Summer sales start in mid-July and continue until the end of summer. During seasonal sales, discounts on goods can reach 80%.

Advice! You shouldn’t count on purchasing a fur coat at a big discount. Even during the sales season it does not exceed 40%.

In 2012, the Greek authorities amended the legislation; it was decided to organize seasonal sales four times a year. Therefore, in early May and November, stores also have sales, although during this period discounts range from 20 to 40%.

What to buy in Athens?

Athens is home to a large number of stores of European clothing brands: H&M, Zara, Esprit and many others. You can also find retail outlets selling products from Turkey and Italy.

Look out for local brands such as:

• MED is a company specializing in the production of branded lingerie.
• ZicZak - casual clothing for women.
• Tsanicas - products for special occasions.
• Minerva is a lingerie store for both women and men.

Clothes and shoes

Residents of Athens prefer to travel shopping in Kolonaki area, which is located away from the usual tourist routes. It is located not far from Constitution Square.

Here you can find stores whose windows display goods from world brands: Louis Vuitton, Hermes, D&G and others. There are also retail outlets of Greek clothing and shoe designers: Deux Hommes, Angelos Bratis, etc.

Fur products

In the center of Athens there are a large number of fur shops. Alexsandros Furs is one of the best in this sales segment. The boutique is located not far from the central square of the city - Syntagma. The store windows display both locally produced products and products of European brands.

In Mitropoleos Square you can find the store of one of the oldest fur manufacturers - Avanti Furs, and not far from the Acropolis there is one of the largest fur coat outlets - Emzo Furs.

Jewelry and costume jewelry

Hellas is famous for its inexpensive jewelry. These can be either products made from precious materials or stylish jewelry. Jewelry production in Greece has a rich history and dates back to the 3rd century BC. e. During this time, jewelry acquired its own style recognizable throughout the world.

In the capital of the country there are retail outlets of the largest jewelry manufacturers - “Kessaris”, “Ilias Lalaunis”. When visiting stores, pay attention to jewelry made in the “antique” style.

If you need silver products, visit the Oro Vildiridis chain of stores. For costume jewelry, you should go to Filli Follie (Ermu St.).

Advice! Famous for its jewelry. Crete (especially the cities of Rethymnon and Heraklion), where you can make successful budget purchases - copies of local jewelry that are on display in the museum.

Cosmetics

Greece produces high-quality olive oil. It is used not only for cooking, but also as a base for cosmetics.

The following deserve special attention:

• Fresh line is a manufacturer of inexpensive cosmetics.
• Olive Way is a brand specializing in the production of anti-aging cosmetics.
• Korres is one of the most popular cosmetics brands. It is popular not only among Greek residents, but also among foreigners. The company produces high-quality decorative cosmetics.

The capital of Greece is home to a large chain of cosmetic stores.Therefore, purchasing body care products will not be difficult.

Food and wine

It is generally accepted that Athenas Street has the best “gastronomic” shopping in the capital. Local alcohol, feta cheese, and olive oil are in particular demand among tourists. No less popular is bottarga - mullet caviar pressed into small briquettes.

As for alcohol, Metaxa deserves attention - a Greek cognac that tastes like brandy. Retsina is popular among locals and tourists. This is an inexpensive rosé and white wine with a resinous flavor.

You can purchase alcoholic beverages at any grocery store.

Souvenirs

Original souvenirs can be bought at the large market, which is located not far from Monastiraki Square. There are also many souvenir shops located near the Acropolis in the Plaka area. In the center of the capital, in the Kolonaki area, you can find antique shops.

Shopping centers

Athens is no different from other major cities. Therefore, large shopping centers are located here:

1. Attica — is one of the largest hypermarkets. Located next to Syntagma Square at the address: Olympic Station - Kifissia Avenue.
2. "Heart of Athens" - a large hypermarket located at Piraeus, 180. There are several floors with clothes, furniture, and souvenirs. Also on the territory of the shopping center there is an ice skating rink and a supermarket.
3. Mall "Athens" - a shopping center considered one of the largest in Europe. There are stores of world brands here: Adidas, H&M and others. You can find a hypermarket in the Maroussi area.
4. The golden hall - a shopping center, also located in the Maroussi area at the address: Kifisias Av. 37 A, this is one of the most interesting hypermarkets in the country.On its territory there are a large number of stores of both world and Greek brands.

Outlets

In the capital of Greece you can find several outlets. One of the most popular is Athen Designer. It is located in the heart of Athens and stretches along an entire street. Here you can buy items from many world brands with a discount of up to 70%, which lasts throughout the year.

Not far from the Athens airport there is a Factory outlet - here you can also purchase goods with a 70% discount, which is valid all year round.

Markets

The central market “Varvakios” is located on Monastiraki Square. Locally produced products are sold here. Despite the low cost, the quality of the products is always high.

Not far from the bazaar there is a famous flea market - Monastiraki Flea Market. Here you can buy souvenirs, books, dishes, jewelry, and icons.

If you plan to visit Athens not only to relax, but also to visit shops, remember a few rules:

1. Greece is a southern country; siesta is highly respected here, so you shouldn’t be surprised if a retail outlet closes in the middle of the day.
2. Unlike other hot countries, it is unlikely that you will be able to bargain in Greece.

You can try this in small souvenir shops and bazaars. But you shouldn’t count on a discount in boutiques.