Shopping around the island of Santorini, you will find a lot of locally made products. From ceramics, to crosses, to jewelry and more, you are bound to find something that was made right in Santorini! While there are a lot of handmade products, a lot of the stores have the same types of things to buy. Here are few things you will most likely find while shopping in Santorini.
Crosses
Santorini is known for the white buildings with blue rooftops. Walking through the shops, you will notice the presents of crosses. There are many stores that sell a variety of crosses in all different colors and sizes. The Greek Cross typically represents the church rather than of symbol of Christ. Santorini is known for it's blue doomed churches, each typically has a cross on top. The largest church in Santorini is the Orthodox Cathedral located in the center of Fira. You can take home a piece of the island by purchasing a cross!
The Magirias brother's own a wood carving and painting shop. Most of their carvings are of different crosses. The brothers sell their wooden artworks at their shop at Oia Santorini and at Loggaki, Trikala. Each one is made and painted on the island. The brothers split their time at each store, making and selling their designs. Depending the size you are interested in, the prices range from 10 euro all the way to 100 euro. The brother's have been in business for 15 years. Check out their website for more pictures and information.
Some of the crosses for sale by the Magirias brother's
Ceramics
Handmade and hand painted ceramics are another item you will see a lot of while in the towns. There are a variety of different ceramics and pottery with vibrant colors and detailed designs. This trend is similar in Mykonos, Greece, where you will see many stores selling different pottery.
One store in Oia, called Utopia, is located right next to the central church. The store just opened up a few weeks ago. All their pottery is made right in Santorini by local artists. The prices in this store range from 10 euro for a mug up to 200 euro for a larger item. If you are worried about damaging your pottery, the store is very accommodating about shipping items home. They will also bubble wrap all item individually, if you want to take your items with you. Notice the use of the color blue, a staple for the island.
Ceramics sold at Utopia
Sandals
Sandals are everywhere in Santorini. You are bound to find a shop that sells leather sandals. One store, called the Sandal Workshop, hand-makes all of their sandals right in the store. The store is located right in the heart of Fira, Santorini. This store has been around for three generations. Each pair takes about 35 minutes to make. The sandals last for at least three years too. An average pair costs between 25 to 45 euros. The shop has multiple styles and colors to choose from.
If you don't stumble across this store, you will definitely come across another. Again, most of the stores have leather sandals made right on the island for sale. Most stores sell sandals starting at 20 euro depending on the type of sandal and the quality. So, buying a pair of authentic leather sandals from Santorini is a neat way to remember your time on the island! The leather sandals are comfortable to walk around in while you are shopping in Santorini.
Mr. Yannis sitting at his station, working on making the sandals.
Mr. Yannis with his son, working together to make a pair of sandals
Tourist Apparel and Accessories
You are sure to find the typical tourist t-shirts and bags, which say Santorini or have a donkey on them, as you are wondering through the towns. If you are too afraid to ride on a donkey while in Santorini, no problem, you can pick up a stuffed one at many of the local shops. "White House" stores are another common thing seen all over Santorini. Just like the name implies, they sell all white clothing and accessories. Santorini is known for it's white buildings with blue doomed roofs, so white is a staple color of the island. The clothing is also very light and airy, making it the perfect thing to wear on a hot, sunny day while exploring.
Prices vary of the tourist appeal and accessories. On average, t-shirts generally start at 15 euro. The white house prices vary depending on what you are looking for. You can find a white tunic for 25 euro, or white pants for 35 euro. The Santorini bags are typically 20 euro. You are guaranteed to find one of these items while shopping in Santorini.
Typical products sold in Santorini: t-shirts, stuffed donkey's, white apparel and bags.
Unique to the Island
While you will find a lot of the same products, there are some things that are unique to the island. Elegy is an "art and more" store located in the town of Oia, Santorini. The store sells different paintings, jewelry and other unique products. One of the most unique items in the store are little, hand-made stationary boats. The artist is from a village in Santorini called Rhodes Theologos. He has lived in Santorini his whole life and his dad taught him to make the boats. The store owner is always looking for different products to sell in the store and fell in love with the little boats. Depending on the size, the boats range from 15 to 60 euro. The store owner will wrap up the boats in bubble wrap, making sure not to damage your unique purchase.
Hand-made boats at Elegy
If you are traveling to Santorini, Greece, make sure to look out for these items! You are sure to find them while roaming through the beautiful towns! From the crosses, ceramics, sandals, tourist apparel and accessories and the unique products, Santorini is sure to make for a great shopping experience!
