Santorini, Greece Travel Community

Best Souvenirs to Bring Back from Santorini

1 - 3 of 3 Posts
K

knicks_fan87

Active member
I am going to Santorini soon and I love to shop and get gifts for people.

Could anyone suggest the best souvenirs to take home from Santorini that would give a taste of the local culture and charm to friends and family? I'm looking for things that are unique to the island - something you can't find just anywhere else!

Any tips on where to find these local treasures would be super helpful, too.


santorini-shopping.jpg
 
Santorini is of course known for its lava and pumice rock; you can find jewelry made with it. It is also known for its wine (available worldwide) and its tomatoes. You might be able to find some local tomato by-products that would make it back through customs. Beaded bracelets are nice; you might be able to find a shop where you can design your own. Any item with the image of the Thera Frescoes would be unique to the island. Anything handwoven or handpainted on the island would be very nice. Otherwise you’ll find items like tote bags, tee shirts, key chains, candles, pottery, mugs, and worry beads with a Santorini motif, but also available everywhere in Greece.
 
  • Like
Reactions: k_tsoukalas
Yes to the Lava jewelry - I agree, Deborah. I can't help myself - every time I go there I try to hunt down the jewelry made of lava stones because to this day, they are still some of my favorite pieces. They are unique and fun to wear and I love saying they were made of beads taken from the ancient Santorini lava. There is also some fantastic art that you can find in the shops of different Santorini scenes.
 
1 - 3 of 3 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

Santorini at Christmas - worth the trip?

I’ve visited Santorini before, but always during the warmer months when the island is buzzing with energy. Lately I’ve been thinking about going off-peak, specifically around Christmas, and I’m curious if anyone here has done it.

Is Santorini in winter worth it? I know many hotels, restaurants, and shops close for the season, but I’ve heard mixed things — some say it’s peaceful and magical, others say it’s too quiet and the weather can be unpredictable. I’m not expecting beach days, but I do wonder what it actually feels like to walk around Oia and Fira in December. Are there still good food options? Do any wineries stay open? Is the sea too rough for boat trips?

Santorini for an Anniversary Trip

A friend of mine is thinking about going to Santorini for an anniversary trip, and she asked me for suggestions. I’ve been to Santorini quite a few times over the years, but almost always as part of family trips, so my experiences there have been a little different from what she’s looking for.

She’s only been to the island once before and really loved it, so she wants to go back and make it a special anniversary trip with her husband. The problem is that I’m realizing most of my recommendations are things families tend to do, and I’m not as sure what the best ideas would be for a more romantic visit.

For those of you who have gone to Santorini as a couple, what did you enjoy most? Are there particular villages, hotels, restaurants, or experiences that felt especially romantic? I’d love to pass along some good ideas to her.

Best Place to Swim on Santorini?

I'm curious where people think the best place to swim on Santorini is. The island is obviously famous for its views and sunsets, but I don't hear as much discussion about the actual swimming.

I've seen recommendations for Perissa, Kamari, Red Beach, Vlychada, and even swimming from boat excursions around the caldera. They all look beautiful in photos, but I'm wondering which spot people enjoyed the most once they were actually in the water.

Do you prefer the black sand beaches, the more dramatic scenery around Red Beach, or some lesser-known location that visitors often miss? I'm also interested in places with particularly clear water, good snorkeling, or a relaxing atmosphere where you can spend several hours.

If you've been to Santorini, where was your favorite swim? Was it a beach, a hidden cove, or somewhere reached by boat? I'd love to hear your recommendations and why that spot stood out.

Is Red Beach Worth a Visit?

I'm starting to put together my Santorini itinerary, and Red Beach keeps coming up as one of the island's must-see spots. I've read mixed opinions—some people say it's too crowded, while others say the unique red cliffs and sand make it unlike anywhere else in Greece.

Personally, I think it looks well worth visiting. Even if you don't spend the whole day swimming, it seems like a wonderful place to relax on a beach chair, take in the scenery, or enjoy a leisurely meal at one of the nearby tavernas overlooking the water. Better yet, why not do both? It sounds like the perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon.

For those of you who have been, what did you think? Did you spend time on the beach, have lunch at a taverna, or both? Would you recommend Red Beach to first-time visitors, or are there other Santorini beaches you enjoyed even more?

Is Akrotiri worth visiting?

I’m heading to Santorini soon, and I keep seeing mixed opinions about Akrotiri. Some travelers say it’s one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Greece, a “Minoan Pompeii” with incredibly well-preserved houses, fresco fragments, and that haunting feeling of a city frozen in time. Others say it’s too restored, too curated, or too quick of a visit to justify the entrance fee.

For those of you who’ve been: is Akrotiri actually worth visiting, or is it more for serious history lovers? Did the site feel immersive, or does the roofed structure make it harder to picture the ancient city? How much time did you spend there, and is it better with a guide?

I’m trying to decide whether to fit Akrotiri into a tight itinerary. I’d love to hear your impressions, was it memorable, educational, emotional, or just “fine”? Any tips for making the visit more meaningful?
Share and discuss Santorini photos, questions and experiences!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join WorldwideGreeks.com here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top