Shopping & Souvenirs

What to Buy in Halkidiki

Halkidiki isn't just about beaches — it produces some of Greece's finest food products. These make excellent gifts and souvenirs that capture the flavors of your holiday.

Halkidiki Green Olives (PDO)

Halkidiki's green olives carry Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status and are considered among the finest in the world. They are large, fleshy, and mild in flavor — distinctly different from Kalamata olives. The olive groves cover much of the interior landscape. You can buy them everywhere: supermarkets, olive oil mills, roadside stands, and specialty shops. Vacuum-packed options travel well in luggage.

Local Honey

Halkidiki produces exceptional honey, particularly thyme honey and pine honey. The area around Nikiti is a beekeeping center. Buy directly from producers at the Arnea Saturday market or from dedicated honey shops in tourist villages. Thyme honey has an intense, aromatic flavor; pine honey is darker with a rich, earthy taste.

Olive Oil

Cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil from local mills. Halkidiki's olive oil is fruity and mild, perfect for salads and cooking. Buying from local producers or even supermarkets gives you excellent quality at a fraction of the price you'd pay abroad. Tin cans are best for transport.

Tsipouro

The local grape spirit, similar to Italian grappa or Turkish raki. Available with or without anise flavoring. A staple at every Greek meal, usually served alongside meze (small dishes). Buy at liquor stores or supermarkets. Makes a unique gift.

More Souvenirs

• Handmade soap: Olive oil-based soaps infused with lavender, thyme, or honey — lightweight and easy to pack
• Olive wood crafts: Cutting boards, salad servers, bowls, and kitchen utensils carved from local olive wood. Each piece is unique due to the wood's natural grain.
• Natural sea sponges: Harvested by local divers, available in tourist shops throughout the peninsula
• Local wine: Look for Malagouzia (aromatic white) and Assyrtiko (crisp white) from local vineyards. Porto Carras winery in Sithonia is well-known.
• Herbs and spices: Dried oregano, mountain tea (tsai tou vounou), and sage from the hillsides

Where to Shop

• Arnea Saturday Market: The most authentic shopping experience — local producers sell honey, olive oil, handwoven textiles, herbs, and fresh produce every Saturday morning. The village itself is worth the trip.
• Polygyros Market: The capital of Halkidiki has a good weekly market and several specialty food shops
• Tourist shops in Afytos: Charming shops along the stone-paved streets selling crafts, jewelry, and local products
• Tourist shops in Nikiti old village: Small artisan shops in the restored stone houses, specializing in honey and olive products
• Supermarkets: Lidl, AB Vassilopoulos, Masoutis — excellent olive oil and olives at very low prices. Stock up before you leave.
• Airport duty-free: Limited Halkidiki products; buy locally for better selection and prices

Packing Tips

• Olive oil in tins is safer than glass bottles for luggage
• Vacuum-sealed olives pack flat and won't leak
• Honey jars should be wrapped in plastic bags as a precaution
• Tsipouro bottles should be padded in checked luggage
• Check airline liquid limits for carry-on if buying last minute