Attica is the historical region of Greece that surrounds Athens, the country's capital, encompassing ancient monuments, stunning Mediterranean coastline, and verdant mountains. Home to some of the world's most iconic ancient sites including the Acropolis and Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, Attica blends millennia of history with a vibrant modern city culture.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Hand-painted Greek Pottery
Reproductions of ancient Athenian black-figure and red-figure pottery as well as modern interpretations — quality ranges from tourist trinkets to museum-quality pieces
Price: €8-200+
Where: Plaka shops, Monastiraki market, Museum of Cycladic Art shop
Attica Thyme Honey
Attica thyme honey (meli thymou) from Mount Hymettus is considered the finest honey in Greece, with a distinctive aromatic flavor prized since antiquity
Price: €8-25
Where: Central Market, specialty food shops, farmers' markets
Gold and Silver Jewelry
Greece has an exceptional jewelry tradition — both ancient-inspired pieces and modern Greek designer jewelry is sold throughout Athens. Kolonaki has the finest contemporary designers.
Price: €20-500+
Where: Kolonaki boutiques, Monastiraki silver shops, museum shops
Kilim and Woven Rugs
Handwoven Greek rugs and textiles, often with traditional geometric patterns or classical motifs
Price: €30-300+
Where: Monastiraki flea market, traditional craft shops in Plaka
Premium Greek Olive Oil
Greek olive oil is world-class — look for Attica or Peloponnese PDO-certified extra virgin olive oil in distinctive bottles as a premium gift
Price: €8-30
Where: Central Market, specialty food shops, airport duty-free
Komboloi (Worry Beads)
The quintessential Greek artifact — strings of beads used for relaxation and passed between fingers, made from amber, coral, bone, or glass in various designs
Price: €5-100+
Where: Monastiraki shops, Plaka souvenir shops, specialty komboloi stores
Greek Mythology and History Books
Beautiful illustrated books on Greek mythology, ancient art, and Athens history — excellent museum shops carry high-quality publications
Price: €12-50
Where: Acropolis Museum shop, National Archaeological Museum shop, Eleftheroudakis bookstore
Greek Herbs and Dried Flowers
Wild-harvested mountain herbs from Attica and across Greece — oregano, mountain tea (sideritis/tsai tou vounou), chamomile, and dried lavender
Price: €3-15
Where: Evripidou Street herb market in Central Market area, farmers' markets
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Athens Central Market (Varvakios Agora)
Athens' historic covered market is a sensory experience of meat, fish, olives, honey, spices, and produce. The fish hall (Psaragorá) and meat hall (Kreopoleio) are legendary. The surrounding streets are filled with herb, nut, and specialist food shops.
Where: Athinas Street, Omonia, Athens
Hours: Mon-Sat 7AM-3PM
Monastiraki Flea Market
Athens' most famous flea market spreads across Avyssinias Square every Sunday with antiques, vintage items, old coins, furniture, and curiosities. The permanent shops around the square operate daily.
Where: Avyssinias Square and surrounding streets, Monastiraki
Hours: Sunday 8AM-4PM (market area shops open daily)
Evripidou Street Herb Market
A few blocks from the Central Market, Evripidou Street is lined with shops selling dried herbs, spices, teas, and natural remedies in bulk — one of Athens' most aromatic and atmospheric shopping experiences.
Where: Evripidou Street, Central Athens
Hours: Mon-Sat 8AM-3PM
Glyfada Laiki (Street Market)
The best weekly street market on the Athens Riviera with local farmers selling fresh produce, olives, honey, cheese, and seasonal fruits alongside clothing and household goods.
Where: Glyfada, Athens Riviera
Hours: Tue and Fri 7AM-2PM
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Ermou Street
Athens' main pedestrian shopping street connects Syntagma Square to Monastiraki and is lined with international chain stores, Greek fashion brands, and shoe shops. Very busy on weekends.
Best for: International fashion brands, H&M, Zara, mainstream retail
Kolonaki
Athens' most fashionable neighborhood is home to Greek designer boutiques, international luxury brands, art galleries, and the most sophisticated shopping in the city. Skoufa, Tsakalof, and Milioni streets are the main arteries.
Best for: Greek designer fashion, luxury brands, art galleries, antiques
Monastiraki
The most tourist-friendly shopping area with everything from cheap souvenir magnets to quality Greek crafts, antiques, and vintage clothing. Pandrossou Street is known as the 'flea market street.'
Best for: Souvenirs, antiques, vintage items, traditional crafts
Plaka
The historic neighborhood hosts dozens of shops selling handmade jewelry, ceramics, leather goods, natural cosmetics, and quality souvenirs. Higher quality (and higher prices) than Monastiraki.
Best for: Quality souvenirs, handmade jewelry, traditional Greek crafts
Piraeus Flea Market
Less touristy than Monastiraki with a more local Athenian feel. Furniture, vintage items, tools, and antiques at lower prices than the city-center markets.
Best for: Authentic flea market experience, antiques, local atmosphere
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Golden Hall
One of Athens' premier luxury malls in Marousi with international designer brands, premium dining, and a cinema. The most upscale shopping mall experience in Attica.
Hours: 10AM-10PM daily
Athens Metro Mall
Large modern shopping center in Agios Dimitrios with over 200 stores, food court, and cinema. One of the largest retail complexes in Greece.
Hours: 10AM-10PM daily
McArthurGlen Athens Designer Outlet
The largest outlet mall in Greece near the airport in Spata, with 120+ designer and premium brands at discounted prices — ideal for last-day shopping before departure.
Hours: 10AM-9PM daily
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is expected and acceptable at the Monastiraki flea market (especially on antiques and larger items) and street markets — start at 70% of the asking price
Fixed-price shops throughout Athens operate like anywhere in Europe — bargaining is not appropriate in boutiques or established shops
Ask for a discount when buying multiple items from the same shop — 'Exete ekptosi?' (Do you have a discount?) is worth asking
Paying cash often earns a small discount in smaller shops where credit card fees are a burden
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Exporting genuine ancient artifacts or antiques without documentation is illegal and carries severe penalties — any genuinely old item requires provenance documentation
Tax Refund: VAT (ΦΠΑ) refund available for purchases over €50 at participating shops — look for the 'Tax Free' sticker. Claim at the airport before departure. VAT in Greece is 24% on most goods.
Duty Free: EU duty-free allowances for returning EU residents do not apply within the EU. Non-EU travelers: standard customs limits apply on returning home (eg. US $800 per person exemption).
Shipping: DHL, UPS, and FedEx offices available in Athens for international shipping of purchases. Most shops in Monastiraki and Plaka can arrange shipping of pottery and larger items.