Walk through Monastiraki, and you’ll see thousands of blue eyes and plastic statues. But look closer at the labels—most of these “Greek” trinkets never saw the Aegean sun. At Athens FoodSteps, we believe a souvenir should be a piece of the city’s soul, not a mass-produced imitation.
If you want to take the spirit of Greece home, skip the magnets and invest in these authentic, world-class treasures.
1. The Liquid Gold: High-Phenolic Olive Oil & Olives
The olive oils found in tourist kiosks are often blends sitting in light-damaged bottles. For the real deal, look for Early Harvest (Agourelaio) in dark tins.
  • The Insider Choice: Seek out Koroneiki variety oils from the Peloponnese or Crete.
  • Olives: Look for vacuum-sealed Kalamata or Throumba olives. On our Athens Ultimate 4 hours Food Tour, we show you exactly how to taste the difference between “industrial” olives and the real, sun-ripened fruit.
2. Medicinal Greek Honey: Nature’s Pharmacy
Forget the honey bears in the supermarket. Greece produces some of the most complex honey on the planet.
3. Greek Beauty: The Power of Apivita & Korres
Greece is a global leader in natural cosmetology. Two brands stand above the rest, utilizing the Greek flora you see on our tours:
  • Korres: Famous for using Greek yogurt, wild rose, and black pine. It’s the pinnacle of “Clean Beauty.”
  • Apivita: The first company to use propolis and high-quality honey in skincare.
  • Where to find them: Visit their flagship boutiques in downtown Athens for the full experience, or ask our guides during the Luxury Greek Menu & Wine Pairing Experience by the Coastline for their personal favorites.
4. Spoon Sweets (Glyka tou Koutaliou)
This is the ultimate gesture of Greek hospitality (Philoxenia). These are fruits (sour cherries, grapes, or even rose petals) preserved in syrup.
  • The Ritual: Traditionally served to guests on a silver spoon with a glass of cold water.
  • Learn the craft: We explore the art of preserving seasonal fruits in our Cooking Lessons in a Local’s Home.
5. Beyond the Magnet: Authentic Greek Crafts
If you must buy something for your fridge, fine—but if you want a legacy piece, look for:
  • Hand-carved Olive Wood: Bowls and utensils that last a lifetime.
  • Artisanal Spirits: A bottle of aged Tsipouro or Mastiha liqueur from Chios. Discover these modern classics on our Greek Craft Beer Tasting & Food Pairing Tour.
Q&A: How to avoid “Tourist Traps” in Monastiraki?
Q: Are there any authentic shops in Monastiraki at all? A: Yes, but they are hidden. Look for the small workshops where artisans are actually carving wood or leather. If a shop sells 5,000 different items, it’s likely imported. If it sells only three things done perfectly, it’s authentic.
Q: How can I be sure the food I’m buying is real? A: Look for the PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) seal. This is especially important for Feta and Honey. When you join an Athens FoodSteps Experience, we give you the “Insider’s Eye” to spot these labels instantly.