7 Best Places to Shop in Crete, Greece

Museum-standard copies of ancient amphora, pots, and pithoi are hand-painted by supremely talented artist Nic Gabriel and they can be shipped all over the world.

This shop is a cave of delights selling many of the best herbs, spices, oils, and other ingredients that Greece offers and that flavor the cuisine served just around the corner at the restaurant. Many of the offerings are unique to the shop and give a true taste of the local area. Oil and wine tastings are given, and beyond the culinary offerings, a range of cosmetics and beauty products is presented.

On the edge of town, in a trendy, pale-green, award-winning modern building, a unique interactive-experience store from a pioneering eco-cosmetics company introduces you to their range of perfumes, soaps, sun protection, and creams. All products are 100% natural, organic, vegan, and cruelty-free and harness the knowledge of the last 40 centuries.

This enticing store just off the harbor sells the work of contemporary jewelers and other craftspeople from Crete and throughout Greece, as well as the work of owner Carmela Iatropoulou and her artist husband.

For over 50 years Chez Sonia has offered an appealing array of beads, quartz and silver jewelry, woven tablecloths, carved bowls, and other handicrafts, alongside carefully chosen beachwear, scarves, and printed dresses.

An outwardly unassuming shop, inside is a treasure trove of kompoloi (worry beads) and rosaries. Semiprecious stones of all hues, wood, amber, even camel bones are polished and strung together to make a calming and therapeutic handmade souvenir. Beautifully crafted Cretan knives are also offered.

Many of these antique blankets and rugs were made for dowries from homespun wool and natural dyes and they make beautiful souvenirs. Warm bright colors are decorated with folk art motifs, and worldwide shipping can be arranged.