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

Probably, one of the most common souvenirs, brought by travelers from the island of Leros, is olive oil. This product is produced in Greece in general and in Leros in particular in large quantities and of different kinds. You can, for example, buy oil in an ordinary bottle, in a tin can of 3 or 5 liters, or it can be in a vessel in the form of an amphora or an ancient Greek goddess. The most expensive and highest quality oil is considered to be the Extra-Virgin Olive Oil, slightly worse one is the Virgin Olive Oil. Pure Olive Oil, a mixture of the first cold pressed and refined oil, is usually used for frying, not for salads dressing. As a gift from Leros, you can bring the olives themselves, both canned and fresh, with fillings and without, they are sold in large quantities in any store.

Many experienced travelers advise bringing honey from Leros from the local beekeepers. You should definitely pay attention to the alcoholic beverages. Metaxa cognac, anis vodka ouzo, grape vodka rakia – that's what you should pay attention to if you like strong drinks. If you prefer wine, then you should definitely buy retsina and think about buying not only bottled wine from large-scale productions but also homemade – it will be offered to you in almost any tavern.

As a gift to yourself or your friends, you can buy cosmetics based on olive oil. The most popular is flavored natural soap, but you can think about buying a cream, shower gel or scrub. You can find such cosmetics in the local drugstores and in the shops selling natural goods. Another traditionally Greek souvenir is ceramics. It can be either handmade, or completely factory made, or it can be a hand-painted factory piece. Anyway, this is a very good gift for every taste and budget. The art connoisseurs can be advised to take a closer look at the paintings of the local artists. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

As an inexpensive, but memorable souvenir you can buy shells or products from them. A more practical option would be a sea sponge. It is better to buy a sponge on the market, where they are sold with a minimal chemical treatment. Many tourists buy clothes and shoes from the local firms that are not too well known outside Greece. You can see their products in any small store in the cities of Leros. As a rule, there is an opportunity to bargain with the seller for the shorts, a tank top or a handbag you liked.

There is also a large selection of gold and silver jewelry on the island. Here, as in all of Greece, the Byzantine traditions of working with this precious metal have been preserved. Therefore, the local jewelry is distinguished by an unusual producing technique. Interestingly, the price here is usually assigned for the piece entirely, regardless of its weight. In many workshops, it is possible to order a unique product from gold, silver, precious, and semiprecious stones.

The napkins, towels, and tablecloths with handmade embroidery are also sold in large quantities. You can bring from Leros the local lace, and if you want, even a carpet. If you plan to give a present to your second half or your children, then pay attention to the local sweets. Baklava, lokum, and candies are very tasty and will easily survive even a long trip. Candies in a nice package are usually called shokolataka, and they are sold with a variety of fillings. Coffee fans should definitely buy at least one can of this great drink from the local producers in Leros.