Shopping in Chios Island - authentic goods, best outlets, malls and boutiques

A bottle of olive oil is one of the most remarkable and traditional Greek souvenirs. Greek have been using this product for several thousand years and they masterfully produce this product. Olive oil is a perfect seasoning but it can be also used for frying. The best one is cold-pressed Extra-Virgin Olive Oil with the low acidity level. If you have bought olive oil in a tin package, it is better to pour it into a plastic bottle, otherwise, the taste of the product can be spoiled. You can find it in plastic bottles, 3 and 5 litres jerrycans or gift packages in the shape of amphora and famous Greek characters.

Olives themselves are also popular in Greece. The best fresh olives are sold at local markets. Try them during your holiday and then buy the olives which you liked most. Canned olives with different toppings can be found in every supermarket. Natural cosmetics based on olive oil is also popular in Greece. Olives can not only be eaten, but they are also used in cosmetics production. Soap is the most popular product. It is quite cheap here and there is a variety of smells, from grapefruit to chocolate. Shampoos, lotions, creams and scrubs are based on olive oil too. You should buy these products in pharmacies or specialized shops. However, it is cheaper on markets, but you can't be sure about product composition.

Pay your attention to different products made of local mastic. It is usually used in the production of different creams and ointments for injuries. However, mastic is used in the production of varnishes and polishing products. One more Greek souvenir is Komboloi. It is a local variant of beads. It is twenty beads strung on a solid thread. Komboloi is not a cult object, it is usually used for a game. The material of the item shows the social status of a person. You can also buy matopetra. This souvenir is well-known among superstitious people. It is believed that this stone protects from the evil eye. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

A bottle of local hard drinks can be a good souvenir. Local cognac Metaxa, anise vodka ouzo and grape vodka grappa are extremely popular on Chios. Moreover, local wine also deserves your attention. You should definitely bring at least one bottle of retsina. Look for it in the refrigerators of local supermarkets, but not on the shelves with wine because it is served chilled. The most popular soft drink is coffee. Greeks love this drink, so you can find a great variety of coffee on the island.

Many tourists bring pictures from Chios. Professional artists and beginners come here to capture amazing views, so you can easily find a unique picture at a low price here. There are many churches on the island, so you can also buy original icons and cult items. Moreover, you can find shell crafts, lace from local artists and a variety of statues in the shape of ancient Greek gods and heroes here. There are several jewellery workshops on Chios. Tourists can buy unique jewellery at a reasonable price and see how it is produced. Local potters sell original items, which are similar to the historical finds, found in excavations.