Greece is a predominantly tourist country. And as a tourist country, it can offer you in addition to fantastic travel experiences, hundreds of souvenir products to take with you on your trip back home. But what are those souvenirs that you should highlight during your visit to shining Greece? Let’s discover the top 5 souvenir options to consider when traveling to Greece:
“Tagari” Bags
It is a colorful and exceptional bag, a handy purchase for the country’s female visitors, designed and woven on looms. In the old days, the country’s farmers were used to transport their crops from the fields with this bag. Today they function as bags with remarkable durability and practicality for women’s daily needs. These bags can be purchased between your walks in Monastiraki in Athens or a Cycladic island’s narrow alley. They’re pretty much everywhere.
Bouzouki
The bouzouki is in the heart of most (if not all) Greeks and the root of its folk music. The bouzouki in the form of the so-called “pandoura” pre-existed in ancient Greece in the 4th century BC. Of course, the bouzouki returned during the Mikra Asia catastrophe’s vast migration, where its popularity increased through the rebetiko song. So if you are a collector of musical instruments or just a lover of music and beautiful objects, buying a bouzouki will be a special gift!
Natural and organic cosmetics
Certainly not a “traditional” souvenir selection as we have it in mind, but just as useful and of great value. The Greek climate allows the country to produce vast quantities of fantastic products that improve our health and appearance. This generosity of nature reflects Greek producers’ natural and organic products that enhance our appearance and overall well-being. One of these suppliers is the Greek Bio Store, which through its website, you can get all those care products from the security of your home and your screen.
Worry beads or the “komboloi”
Some people use anti-stress balls and fidget spinners; the Greeks use the komboloi! A komboloi is a particular object, which is used to fight stress and reduce tension. It became famous in Greece during the Turkish occupation and was connected with the emergence of rebetiko culture. Pieces of amber and coral are joined together by tying a silk cord. Original komboloi should always have the so-called “papa” – a larger bead – and the “founda” – a tuft of fabric at the end of the komboloi. It is ideal not only for reducing your stress in your daily life but also for decorating your home’s space.
A backgammon set or the “Tavli”
Going through a busy cafe in Greece, you will probably notice several people playing devotedly something that looks like a board game with their friends. And no, what they play is definitely not chess! This game that is played on this wooden base using dice and checkers is the so-called “tavli”. Tavli is so popular among young and old alike and is a common way to accompany their coffee or drink. The most common tavli games are “portes”, “plakoto” and “feuga” – all games with simple and understandable rules. So buy a tavli and play with your friends back in your country! But we have to warn you; it’s a very competitive game, so you better be careful.
