Holidays in Athens and Attica; experience shopping at its best!
Shopping in Athens is a must – do
The major shopping areas of Athens are gathered inside a triangle formed by Syntagma, Monastiraki and Omonia Squares.
Monastiraki is the place to visit for hand-made leather bags and sandals. For antiques, head for Abyssinia Square in Monastiraki. You’ll find cheaper vintage bric-a-brac on Sundays, when the flea market takes over the surrounding area.
Take your senses on a journey visiting the most fascinating and fragrant part of Evripidou Market between Athinas and MenandrouSteets where Lilliputian shops sell spices, nuts, dried fruits, herbs, cheeses of supreme quality and taste any kind of delicacies.
Plaka is your chosen area for Greek folk art, handicrafts and traditional products. Paintings by local artists, fine jewelry, musical instruments, and handmade clothing can be also found.
The gift shops of Athens’ Museums should definitely be on your shopping list! Visit them to find fine pieces of jewellery, copies of ancient art as well as modern original works of art inspired by ancient Greek heritage.
Ermou Street, found right in the centre of the city, is the major commercial road of Athens and a shopping lover’s paradise. The paved road makes it easy for strolling along the shops on both sides of the road, which links 3 major ‘plateies’ (squares) and 3 main metro stations (Syntagma, Monastiraki. Thisio). It offers a wide variety of shops with clothing, shoes and jewellery. Musicians and street artists create a special atmosphere.
Your luxury shopping route begins from Voukourestiou street (0 km from Syntagma) renowned for its international brands and high-end jewelry shops. Continue towards Kolonaki: Skoufa, PatriarchouIoakeim, and Tsakalof are streets lined with boutiques full of top quality designer products of high aesthetics.
Further north, in the green Kifissia suburb, another luxury promenade invites you to visit world renowned famous brands (Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Bottega, Veneta, Ralph Lauren, Armani, to name a few), under the green canopy of trees, perfect to escape some summer heat!
Heading south, in Glyfada, is also among the most interesting choices for shopping.
Shopping in Piraeus includes everything, from fashionable clothing to traditional delicacies.
Shopping in the islands of the Saronic Gulf
Find handmade jewellery and traditional embroideries in Hydra. Try also “amygdalota”, the traditional marjipan sweets.
In Spetses you will find a wide variety of shops, clothes boutiques, jewellery shops, gift shops and pastry shops where you can taste the famous “amygdalota”.
Aegina is best known for its ceramics, but you can also find many shops with jewellery, clothes and textiles. Select a healthy natural snack, and make sure you take a taste of summer in your suitcase; try Aegina’s famous pistachio nuts! The exclusive right to identify the pistachio as “Aegina pistachio” was secured by the E.U. regulation of 1263/96, protecting the local pistachio from those of other regions. The ideal climate of the island and the unique soil composition lend exceptional flavor and aroma to the Aegina pistachio. This has distinguished it from other pistachios and earning well-deserved recognition as the finest pistachio in the world.
Celebrities like Greek fashion designers
It’s true! Greek and international celebrities appreciate Greek designers’ creations. Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Lady Gaga, Kate Moss, Carla Bruni, Naomi Campbell have shined in Modern Greek outfits.
The enthusiastic crowd (celebrities, international and local editors, photographers) that filled Zappeion, during the last Athens Xclusive Designers Week (March-April 2017) had an exciting journey through clothing, jewelry and design items, created and crafted by Greek Designers.
Greek Designer’s Fashion Goes Worldwide
Greek Fashion designers achieved an international recognition The BoF 500, a professional index of the people shaping the global fashion industry in more than 55 countries includes Greek names. They get positive reviews in British Vogue, ELLE France, or L’Officiel.
“A legion of Greek designers has their eyes firmly fixed on the future. Classic Greek style is founded on visions of the past: fluid, draped, goddess-style gowns. But a rising group of Athens-based designers are deftly proving that Greek creatives are capable of a whole lot more, from Blade Runner-style leathers and vixenish corsetry to minimalist, modern shift dresses. While traditional Greek style and aesthetics are among the most ancient in the world, this new wave is adding its own distinctly 21st-century stamp to the country’s fashion scene.” Stephen Doig, writer for the TELEGRAPH, Luxury.
Greek fashion designers participate in international fashion shows and fashion weeks in New York, London, Milan and Paris.
Sales in Greece
There are two official annual sales in Greece. Usually, Summertime Sales are on from July 15th – August 31st and Wintertime Sales are on from January 15th- February 28th.
Overall, Attica is an ideal travel destination for shopping. Stroll around its markets for bargain hunting, shop unique souvenirs for your loved ones, support local markets, and make your trip an unforgettable holiday experience.
Happy holiday shopping!
