A store selling handmade ceramics by a friendly local artist who also gives tours of his studio ...Read more
Search in the subcategories
Search on the departments of the region
TimetableShops are generally open from Monday to Saturday, from 8am to 8pm, with a closing period at lunchtime. However, opening hours are adapted to the number of tourists: it is not uncommon for a store to close at 10 pm or even later during the high season. Off season, it is generally the opposite, with many tourist stores simply closed on the islands.
Budget & TipsYou will find cheaper items in the markets or cooperatives where the locals go. Credit cards are generally accepted in all stores. Finally, without being smokers, we feel obliged to remind you that the price of a pack of cigarettes varies around 4 to 5 € only in Greece, that is to say twice cheaper than in France...
SalesThe periods (more and more frequent) and habits are the same as elsewhere in Europe, including "Black Friday"! Nevertheless, the main sales periods are in January and February, then again in July, but the islands do not necessarily follow these calendars, especially during the high season when it is a question of earning enough money for the rest of the year. As a result, you'll find great deals in the larger cities that don't depend solely on the tourist season.
What's very localBargaining is not really de rigueur in Greece. But a discount is sometimes offered if you pay in cash... On a daily basis, you can also buy all sorts of local products in the grocery stores, bakeries and mini-markets of the islands. Outside the cities, some farmers sometimes sell the surplus in the back of their vans. As for fishing, on the coasts, it often goes directly to taverns and restaurants. But some fishermen will agree to sell you what is left. Just ask nicely.
Tourist trapsMany items sold in tourist places are not made in Greece. Beware of fake local souvenirs: bracelets against the evil eye, sponges, pumice stones, reproductions of icons or ancient statuettes are rarely Greek-made. Always opt for a craftsman rather than for the made-in-China souvenir stores that flood the streets of Santorini in particular. And, wherever you are, beware of counterfeits: the customs, upon arrival, will be merciless if you get caught!