What to buy in Greece

They say one person's salt is another person's sugar. I get and love the premise of this statement, but cannot relate because I love them in equal measure.

The same thinking applies to shopping. While it is a luxury, and shopping while travelling is even more of a luxury, there tends to be two different categories of thoughts that enter people’s minds when entering a store:

Thought 1: I ❤️ this so much
Thought 2: I must have done something really bad in a previous life to end up here

So this article is for both camps, may you be united.

Whether you love to shop and are looking for some inspiration, or you despise shopping and just want to get this over and done with so you can go lay by the pool and get friendly with some Souvlaki, this piece should help you all in equal measure.

Mamma Mia, did you just say low fees?

What to bring home from Greece

I can’t fit everything Greece has to offer into an article. I can’t even fit the highlights into an article. But I have had a look at the top questions people ask Google before heading to the Hellenic Republic (that means Greece, I too, didn’t know that meant Greece, thank you Google, knowledge is power).

And what I found is that you’re all looking for four things:

• Clothes
• Bling
• Beauty
• Something to take home to your family or colleagues so you can pretend you thought about them on your holiday

Clothes to buy in Greece

Think colour, casual, classy, flowy, glowy, make people go “wowee.” They’ve got it all.

Affordable

Let us begin on the affordable side of the spectrum with three Greek brands

Funky Buddha

Casual made cute

STAFF jeans

Greece’s answer to Levis

Celestino

If ASOS, H&M and Zara had a baby

High-end

Reading the fancy section? Someone’s been using their Wise Jar.

Daphne Valente

So fancy they have “lookbooks”

ThemisZ

Patterns galore

Cristina Beautiful Life

It’s all in the name

Excuse me, what about before?

If you happen to be a “Thought 1” person reading this, then you are most likely going to shop beforehand, and on your trip.

Should you be so inclined, our Wise card is there to help you spend on international websites like you’re a local so you can look like one once you get there.

Accessories

The Greek’s make fabulous accessories. 10/10, gold, first place, encore. The hard hitters tend to be all jewellery, sandals, swimwear, bags, hats, anything with an evil eye on it. You’ll be able to find these beauties on your adventures, but can, of course, use the above brands too.

What beauty products to buy in Greece

Three names in particular kept popping up and they have been given the seal of approval by my Greek friends. All three beauty brands are known for their natural ingredients, homage to their country and environmental friendliness. So you can make your face look flawless while basically being a remarkable, responsible human being.

Korres

Natural ingredients from Greek shores, routed in homoeopathy and they cover everything from skin care, hair care, to sun cream. I’ve been told to give a shoutout to their Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser.

Apivita

Apivita means “life of the bee” and was founded by two Pharmacists in 1979 who utilised everything the busy bees had to offer. They're known for their face, hair and body products that use all kinds of herbs, plants and loveliness Greek nature has to offer. That being said, they’re famous for their products containing elements like honey and beeswax, because it’s where it all began.

Fresh Line

Fresh Line can be put in the same category as The Body Shop and LUSH if you’re trying to understand their product offering. The difference is, everything they make is inspired by Ancient Greece’s herbal therapies and recipes. The family-owned business grew big thanks to its combination of tradition, natural ingredients and killer (in a good way) products.

What souvenirs to buy in Greece

This section has been saved for last because let’s face it, buying souvenirs is also the last stop on every trip. If you’re a better person than me, and have opted to not pretend you forgot or settle for a postcard from the airport, here are a few options that the Greeks are famous for:

• Olive oil
• Honey
• Mountain tea
• Fresh Herbs
• Tipples like Ouzo or local wines
• Evil eye embossed anything
• Ceramics
• Worry beads (AKA Komboloi/ Komboloi which are beaded strings to fiddle with as a pastime)

Worry beads are practical and pretty, but if you’re looking to de-stress a little and stop clutching those beads for dear life, we can help with our account that's built to save you money around the world.

Come shopping with me

P.S If Japan’s next on your list, today’s your lucky day. Or just a day. Or maybe you’ll read it and get absolutely nothing out of it. Anyway, I wrote this.