Like Mykonos, Santorini has many little shops that are perfect for gift buying for friends and family back home. Amidst the sea of t-shirt stands, shoe stores, and touristy shops, you will find yourself drawn to stores that sell handmade ceramics. Made by local artists, each piece is unique and tells a story. Ceramics in Santorini have a distinct style and are full of color and vibrant patterns.
Colorful ceramic pieces catch shoppers eyes as they walk down the street.
In the town of Thira, just off of Gold Street is the town's main shopping and dining location. In this maze of storefronts and restaurants are some great shops if you're looking for ceramic pieces. From mugs and kitchenware to home decor and wind chimes, there are many different pieces to choose from--all from various price ranges. Santorini has many fish and floral patterns, unlike the more abstract pattern work in Mykonos, so if you're planning on visiting both islands, expect different designs.
Fish patterns and pieces seem to be a popular theme on the island.
When shopping for gifts to bring home, try not to get a typical t-shirt or magnet, but buy something the person would like that's also unique to the place you're visiting. For Santorini, these handmade pieces are the perfect gift. Since Mother's Day is approaching, everyone needs a great gift for my mom (especially if you'll be missing the holiday while on your trip), and there are so many good choices: I love you pieces, flower designs and beautiful wreaths. The shops also have many pieces with the "blue eye" as well. If you don't know what that is, it's a talisman that wards off bad spirits. Almost every shop you visit in Greece will have one of these blue eyes. You may know it by another name, the "evil eye," but in Greece, so few people have light-colored eyes, especially blue eyes, so the designs are always blue or green and are referred to as the "blue eye" instead. These ceramic stores include many blue eye pieces in their designs, because most of these items will be hung in the home, so the eye protects the home from these spirits.
Florals and cats are also very popular subjects of these ceramics.
Supporting these local artists is key to allowing the island to thrive in the way it's meant to. The people of Santorini should benefit from your time on their island, and buying beautiful handmade work from local artists is one of the best ways to ensure that! Instead of buying a mass-produced t-shirt or bag, take the time to check out these local shops with unique pieces that you can only get on the island. Who doesn't want a one-of-a-kind piece anyway?
You can never go wrong with a handmade mug.
And if you are afraid that your purchase might break when you're traveling, don't worry - the store owner assures that they wrap it well and put it in a box. They "do this all the time" after all!
