Shopping in Greece

One of a traveler's greatest pleasures is shopping. The traveler to Greece will be delighted with the wide variety of authentic Greek items to be purchased. If you are an enthusiastic admirer of ancient Greek art, you can buy reproductions of just about any item from antiquity. There are masks, statues, and jewelry pieces that reproduce magnificent works of art from the past. The bronze work is very lovely, especially when it is decorated with colorful cloisonné.

Also authentic, but of more recent origin, are the icons that are for sale everywhere. These can come in silver and gold, or be painted on wood. They usually depict the deities most dear to the Greek people. The icons from Mount Olympus, made by the monks, are attractive paintings that travelers like to pack away in the corners of their suitcases.

The usual tourist souvenirs are plentiful. You can buy sweatshirts or T-shirts with Greek writing on them, or pictures of Socrates, Zeus, or Minerva, among others. Worry beads are always a favorite. Known as komboloi, the preferred ones are made of amber. These beads have no religious significance, but they are used to help relieve stress and worry. Additionally, there are evil eye charms, which are usually blue in color with and feature an eye staring out at you.

Especially appealing are the Greek costumes for both men and women. Each region and island has its own traditional costume, all different but equally beautiful. These are lovely to admire, but they can be quite pricey.