Shopping in Ithaka Island - authentic goods, best outlets, malls and boutiques

Ithaka is famous for its jewellery. It is always handmade items and you can even see the process of its production. The jewellery is usually made in Venetian style, which is used only in Greece. The most popular materials are gold, silver, precious and semi-precious stones. You can not only buy a usual accessory but also ask to make something unique and bring your own materials.

Many tourists buy komboloi. It is a local variant of beads. It is twenty beads strung on a solid thread. Komboloi is not a cult object, it is usually used for relaxation and concentration. Beads can be made of wood, ceramics and even semi-precious stones. Komboloi is a symbol of status for Greek people. Malopetra souvenir is well-known among superstitious people. It is believed that this stone protects from the evil eye. Even if you are not superstitious, you can buy this souvenir. It looks unusual and can be an interesting gift for your friends.

A painting bought from local artists is an unusual souvenir. Ithaka is a picturesque island with rich nature, so it attracts artists from all over the world. Beginners and professionals come to Ithaka to capture amazing views. Moreover, they sell their works at low prices. Icons are also popular here. The majority of Ithaka population is Orthodox Christians, so you can find different icons. But remember that icons have no historical value. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Local ceramics is also popular among tourists. Amphorae and plates are painted in different techniques and you can buy them at a low price. Local lace and handmade items can be nice gifts too. If you want to buy high quality products, pay your attention to handmade leather products. They are made with great care. The most important thing is to be careful and avoid Chinese counterfeit. Coffee is a favourite Greek drink. You can buy a coffee machine or a cezve of good quality on Ithaka.

Natural cosmetics has become popular in Greece. Local pharmacies and specialized shops offer a wide range of creams, scrubs, shampoos and conditioners based on natural ingredients. Don’t buy these products on markets, the composition of a good can be doubtful. Natural soap based on olive oil is the most popular product. There are different smells of it. From grapefruit to eucalyptus and mint.

Olive oil itself is a very popular Greek souvenir. It is obvious because you will hardly find a local kitchen without a couple of olive oil bottles on it. This product is an essential ingredient of Greek cuisine. The best olive oil should be cold-pressed one with low-acidity level. The oil is sold in 1 litre bottles, big jerrycans or souvenir packages in the shape of amphorae. If you have bought olive oil in a tin package, it is better to pour it into a plastic bottle, otherwise, the taste of the product will be spoiled.

Olives are very delicious in Greece. The best fresh ones can be found on local markets. Supermarkets offer a wide range of tinned olives with different toppings. Be sure to take home baklava, nougat and lokum. You can also buy a pack of coffee. Don’t pass by local retsina. Look for it in the refrigerators with beer but not on the shelves with wine because it is served chilled. Local cognac Metaxa, anise vodka ouzo and grape vodka grappa and local wine deserve your attention.