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

Tilos Island is the perfect destination for the tourists who’d like to buy something unique and hand-made by the local masters. Besides, you can buy such stuff here as clothes, shoes, accessories, cosmetics, and perfumes by famous brands, of course, but there is no big variety of it and the prices are just like in Europe. So, if you want to do really good shopping, it’s better to go to the continental part of Greece for a couple of days.

But remember that siesta takes place here from 12.00-13.00 till 15.00-16.00 (depends on an organization). What is more, there is no point going for shopping on Sundays, as the majority of stores are closed; the opened ones are pretty expensive.

An article made from an «eye-gemstone» would be a rather exceptional gift. There is a belief among locals since the ancient times that it’s not just a piece of nice jewellery but also a true charm that brings lucks and protects from troubles. Nevertheless, any person would like such a souvenir just for its look, not necessarily because of its mystical meaning. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Besides, there is another genuinely Greek thing you can buy here. We’re talking about is worry beads (kompoloi) – a string of beads which had appeared even before Christianity came here. Worry beads have no religious purpose, Greeks use it as a social status indicator by the gem beads, or they can also just hold it in hand as a matter of relaxation.

Moreover, people can also purchase highly pretty gold and silver jewellery with precious or semiprecious stones. Local craftsmen create it often by an extremely rare nowadays Byzantine technique (only Greek jewellers use such method in modern days). You can buy finished jewellery or order a customized one according to your own design. In addition, some workshops even allow their customers to watch the making process.

Paintings by local painters are also really popular among tourists. Professional as well as amateur artists come to Tilos to draw local picturesque scenes so you can choose yourself any type of painting and for any cost – landscapes, still life or portraits. Icons and other religious articles are also sold here in large quantities.

Goods made by local tanners are famous for its high quality. Diverse bags, wallets, shoes, and accessories are being made here for several decades. In addition, all the craft secrets have been handed from father to son. Many women sew on hook highly professionally and then they sell their marvellous items to tourists. So, hand-sewn tablecloths, serviettes and pillowcases are presented in the local souvenir shops. However, it’s better not to passionately seek the cheapest prices as you’re likely to buy factory-made goods from Asian countries, not the original ones. Another common memento here on the island is various hand-painted plates and pots.

During the last years, all-natural cosmetics has become highly popular on Tilos Island. For example, local people create olive oil soap with diverse aromatic flavorings, face masks, hand gels, shampoos, etc.

The best places for buying such products are specialized and drug stores. Even though prices there are higher than, for instance, on markets, they guarantee a high quality of goods.

So, if you want to buy fresh olives, you should definitely go to a market – selection there is much wider than in usual supermarkets. Canned olives with different fillings would be a nice present for relatives. Furthermore, local olive oil is absolutely worth buying. It’s sold in pretty souvenir bottles, or just in plastic ones for one or one and a half litters, or even in huge canisters for three or five litters. The best oil is of Class 1, cold pressed and with a low acidity status.

Concerning sweets, you can buy, for instance, baklaves and brittles. Moreover, local coffee and a cezve would be very useful presents from the island. Regarding alcohol, buy retsina – you can find it in any local supermarket in a fridge near the bear section. Local wines, Metaxa brandy, and ouzo (anise-flavoured beverage) would be a highly good purchase. In addition, ouzo has its peculiar taste, so it’s better to think in advance who better to give it.