Best Souvenirs from Crete to Remember Your Vacation on the Island!

Crete is an island with which you will fall in love. And like in most love stories, you want to hold on to something that reminds you of the great you had. Cretan souvenirs can be the ideal match for a perfect reminder or a lovely gift. Keep reading to discover more than 20 of the most stunning and unique souvenirs from Crete. 

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Forget everything about impersonal fridge magnets and duty-free gifts; if you’re traveling to Crete for your holidays, you’ll discover a ton of objects that can be both a beautiful memory from your time on the island and have a useful purpose, too!

If you still have no idea what to bring home after your travels, this guide comes to the rescue!
Below are some of Crete’s best souvenirs to remember your time on the island!

Ceramics

Crete has a 12,000-year-old tradition in the art of ceramics. As a result, local experts create some of the most magnificent handmade pottery in Greece.

Whether for cooking, storing food, or decorating your home, you will love those earthly creations. Artists use water and earth to create ceramics. At the right proportion, mud can take any shape.

Then, the end product is left to dry for a few days. Finally, the artists bake the ceramic for over 12 hours to increase resistance.

Although a laborious process, the final result is worth the effort. You can see that when you enter one of the many pottery shops.

Leather Sandals

Leather sandals could be a stylish addition to your shoe collection if you want something to wear during the day.

These comfy sandals can be worn at any time, whether during work or for a night out. They are super light and comfortable to wear for the entire day.

Fortunately, there are local stores that specialize in producing leather sandals all over Crete. For example, Chania’s Road of the Leather (Skrydlof Street or Stivanadika) is full of such specialized stores.

Feel free to visit one and even ask for a pair of custom-made sandals; they are more than happy to take custom orders and create a sandal with the perfect fit for you.

Leather Boots – Stivania

Sandals are not the only products that Cretans can make from leather. Inherited by the Arabs and Saracens, the skills of working with leather have remained intact throughout the centuries.

Consequently, handmade leather boots are some of the finest Cretan products and souvenirs you can take home. 

There is even a street dedicated to leather art in Chania. Skrydlof Street, also known as Stivanadika, is Crete’s center for leather artists.

Upon your visit here, you can notice the strong smell of leather lingering around this pedestrian-only street. Even if you do not want to buy anything, you will not regret strolling around Stivanadika in Chania’s Old Town.

Komboloi

Greece is famous for its worry beads, also known as komboloi. These traditional beads connect through a string you can use with one or two hands.

Most importantly, moving the beads around can work as a stress reliever, which is especially useful for someone trying to limit smoking. 

According to local legends, komboloi can also bring good luck and relaxation. Whether this is true or not, they can be stylish decor for your room.

Finally, komboloi is an easy-to-package souvenir, so it won’t take up much of your luggage space. This is pretty handy if you want to buy multiple worry beads for your loved ones. 

When shopping for komboloi, don’t think only of the men in the house, ask to see the female version too, they are gorgeous!

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

You do not need to be persuaded to understand how unique and tasty Cretan olive oil can be. Once you spend a few days in Crete, you will experience the quality of the local olive oil.

Every tavern and restaurant uses authentic olive oil for their traditional dishes. Cretan olive oil is so abundant on the island that you can find it everywhere. Be it grocery stores, bakeries, or even souvenir stores.

After all, more than 30 million olive trees grow in Crete. Wherever you drive, you will see the beauty of these ancient trees.

Olive Wood Products

Apart from virgin olive oil, olive trees offer top-quality wood that locals use to create durable kitchen utensils, such as bowls and cutting boards.

If you want to avoid silicon and plastic, olive wood products are a more eco-friendly alternative that lasts longer. You can find such olive wood items in souvenir stores all around Crete.

You can discern their quality from the silky smooth surface and natural smell. After all, the artists use only Cretan olive oil to coat the final products; they apply no chemicals.

Artisan Jewelry

If you are looking for handmade and authentic Greek jewelry, you will be happy to know that there are plenty of jewelry shops in Crete. You can also find similar jewelry in souvenir stores.

There are even special workshops that dedicate their work to creating jewelry from silver. Enough searching lets you find any quality you wish for your pieces.

Choose anything from recyclable materials, semi-precious stones, to pure silver. No matter your choice, you will appreciate the uniqueness and creativity that Cretan jewelry makers put into their work. 

Olive Oil Cosmetics

Not only is Cretan olive oil delicious, but it is also an ingredient for authentic and healthy cosmetics.

The locals understood the health benefits of olive oil for the skin and the rest of the body. Some stories tell how grandmothers used to make certain olive oil creams to treat different skin diseases.

Thankfully, locals have used this knowledge to open stores and workshops specializing in olive oil cosmetics.

Although you can find those products in most souvenir stores and pharmacies, visiting a specialized cosmetics store is best. There, the variety is large, and the prices are lower. 

Cretan Recipe Book

Tasting Cretan food should be among the first things to do in Crete. However, you do not always need to be on the island to enjoy the local cuisine. You can take the secrets of Cretan cuisine with you back home.

A Cretan recipe book could be the ideal companion for you or your loved ones during the cold days of winter. No matter how much time you have for cooking, you can find the right recipe to prepare and enjoy a Cretan meal wherever you are.

Prepare to travel back to Crete, even if it is only through its tastes and just for a few hours or minutes. 

Tsikoudia (and Flavored Tsikoudia too!)

If you want to bring some authentic Cretan taste back home, a bottle of tsikoudia can be the perfect souvenir. Whenever you want to relax and remember your holidays in Crete, take out the bottle and have one or two shots of this delicious Cretan raki. 

You can also find Cretan raki with honey (rakomelo), another traditional drink, and more tourist versions such as raki with coffee, almonds, and more!

Although tsikoudia comes from byproducts from the wine-making process, the taste is always exceptional. It is a strong alcoholic drink with a clear and clean taste.

As a result, it can take months to finish a one-liter bottle. Use it wisely to keep you warm during winter and until your next visit to Crete for resupplies!

Turkish (well… Greek) Cotton Towels

Crete has a long history of life under Ottoman rule. During all this time, Cretan and Turks continually exchanged ideas and skills.

Therefore, there are now skilled Greeks who specialize in the production of Turking cotton towels While on the island… if you want to avoid an international diplomatic incident, don’t call them Turkish!

These exceptional and renowned towels are extremely durable from 100% cotton. In addition, most workshops use only solar energy to make these towels ecologically friendly. You can find them in many souvenir stores and other specialized shops around Crete.

As a plus, they dry really fast, roll up easily, and take up almost no space in your luggage. They are perfect for visiting all the beaches in Crete.

Wooden Male… Parts

Crete is full of many things. There is history. There are beaches, gorges, bars, forests, mountains, and taverns. Oh, and we forgot. There are plenty of male parts, too! Wooden ones, at least…

Almost every souvenir store has a few of them on display. 

You may wonder what their use is… Well, it’s not the first idea that comes to your mind. Instead, they are often clever bottle-openers or even keychains.

At last! Phalluses are finally being put to good use in this world! So, here you have it, a unique opportunity for a special gift to your loved ones. Or to the not-so-loved ones – what about surprising your mother-in-law?… You choose!

Thyme Honey

Honey is a healthy alternative to sugar for a sweeter gift or souvenir from Crete. No wonder you can find a large pot of local honey in almost every Cretan house.

After all, honey is an indispensable part of the Cretan diet and a symbol of health and well-being.

The main reason Cretan honey is so tasty and unique is the climate. Because there are almost no rains throughout the year, the Cretan flowers become waterless and rich in flavor. As a result, the final nectar produced by bees is exceptional.

Also, since most honey on the island comes from thyme, it’s usually super fragrant. Whether you consume it raw or use it to sweeten your tea, you will notice its superb taste.

Herbs and Spices

Did you know there are more than 100 species of wildflowers, greens, and herbs unique to Crete? Since antiquity, locals have been using local herbs and spices as medicines and ways to add flavor to their meals. 

Nowadays, a wide variety of local herbs and spices can be found in specialized shops, souvenirs, and grocery stores.

If you use lots of basil, mint, or rosemary back home, you can consider visiting such a store to get some for the winter. You will notice their exceptional quality and fragrance from the first taste.

Malotira Tea

Among the hundreds of flora on the island, malotira, also known as Cretan mountain tea, stands out from the crowd. Grown only in western Crete, this unique tea is rich in antibacterial and antioxidants.

So, in addition to being a hot beverage, it can be used to treat gastrointestinal problems, colds, and inflammations.

Although Malotira is rare, many locals grow it in specialized fields, often close to Crete’s White Mountains. You can bring this unique herb home. Like any tea, it is light to carry and won’t significantly affect luggage weight. 

Briki

You cannot bring coffee back home the same way you would bring tea, but you can get yourself a briki and either test your skills at brewing Greek coffee or use it as an original decoration in any corner of your house.

Since you probably won’t be able to brew it on hot sand, as the authentic tradition requires, get a metal one (instead of a ceramic briki) to put it directly on the flame.

D.O.P. Cheese

Next to lush vegetation, Crete is also home to plenty of livestock living in the mountains. Goats, sheep, and the efforts of hard-working shepherds are the reasons behind the world-class and outstanding Cretan cheese.

Cretans adore dairy products and use them in most of their meals, alone or inside their recipes. Although there are many variations of Cretan cheese, the quality and taste are always exceptional.

You do not want to miss the chance to get some of this renowned Cretan cheese with you back home… Therefore, pack some aged Graviera Kritis and enjoy it once you’re back home… if you ever manage to make it last that long!

Artisan T-Shirts Made in Crete

If you are a fashion lover, you will adore the artisan t-shirts made in Crete. Cretan artists follow global trends and add their own style and design to create authentic local t-shirts. 

Most importantly, they only use materials and fabrics handwoven in Crete. As a result, the final product is of top quality and can last for years.

You can find such T-shirts all around the island. Pay attention to the quality and the small writing on the label to ensure you have the right type.

Metal Wine Jar (Maybe my Favorite Souvenir of All!)

To all wine lovers, remember that Crete produces some of the finest wines in Europe. It is no wonder Cretans have been drinking their own wine since the Bronze Age.

Although there are as many wine varieties as there are vineyards in Crete, you will notice that every wine is of top quality in taste and smell.

But when it comes to eating out in a taverna, you won’t often find bottles, as you find in modern restaurants. Here, you’ll drink wine house served in these cute metal jars in several colors.

Most souvenir shops have them, so pick the size that is right for you. And if you don’t drink wine, use them on your desk to put pencils in. Memories from Crete will come to you even when you have to deal with everyday routine!

Cloth and Embroidery

If you are looking for stylish decor for your house, look no further than Cretan cloth and embroidery. No matter your taste and style, whether white or colorful, cotton or wool… You can find the perfect fit. 

Asian, African, and European countries influence Crete’s cloth and embroidery industry. You can typically find Cretan patterns in tablecloths, covers, and even shepherd backpacks (vagia).

However, you can also find Turkish, Egyptian, and Italian styles in every clothing store. Even if you do not buy anything, you will enjoy a visit to a local embroidered store.

Cretan Scarf – Sariki

This knitted scarf, part of the traditional Cretan dress, was used by men on the island during the 20th century after the Turkish occupation. It’s usually worn and wrapped around the head with a fringe known as tears.

According to locals, the sariki represents the years of Ottoman domination, and it’s also a memory of the holocaust in Arkadi.

A sariki can be white or black, the first one is used in happy celebrations, such as baptisms or weddings, while the black one on mournful situations. A symbol of honesty and pride, the sariki can also be carried on the shoulders, with the extremes ending on the chest.

Cretan Sfinaki

A sfinaki glass is what we use in Crete to serve our tsikoudia (or raki), it’s a simple shot glass, but it will come with a unique decoration related to the island and its traditions.

Moreover, a sfinaki will take up almost no space in your luggage, and you can always ask for it to be wrapped well when you buy it.

You can purchase them when you buy your raki or from souvenir shops in most towns.

Linen Clothing

Top-quality linen garments are commonly produced in Greece and Crete. If you’re looking for an elegant beach cover-up or a fresh dress to wear around town when the temperatures are very high, don’t fill your luggage with summer dresses; purchase a few in Crete!

These gorgeous dresses, often white, light blue, or clear shades of beige and grey, are a must on the Greek islands, have a flowy and classic style, and are versatile pieces you will wear for ages.

Sarongs

Alternatively, you will also find fine cotton sarongs and other artisan beach cover-ups made in Crete, they often have colorful patterns, but there are also some beautiful white sarongs with delicate embroidery.

And on an island with such gorgeous shores, this item must be packed in your beach bag!

They are quite affordable and can be a lifesaver if kept in your bag, especially when you need to cover your shoulders during a visit to a monastery or enter a place with air conditioning and feel the need to cover up.

Cretan Knives 

Finally, a souvenir list from Crete could not be complete without Cretan knives. These traditional knives have long been part of Cretan culture and life.

A few hundred years ago, every Cretan male had to carry two knives wherever he went: one for food and another to defend himself. 

Nowadays, only a few males honor this tradition. However, Cretan knives continue to symbolize gallantry and pride for the locals.

At the same time, it is an ideal gift for your loved ones. After all, according to Cretan tradition, offering a Cretan knife is often an indication of everlasting friendship and respect.

As you can see, there are plenty of ideas when you think about what to bring to your friends and family as a souvenir from Crete… you need to make up your mind! Have you chosen your perfect gift?
What souvenirs from Crete are you planning to carry back home?

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More resources to enhance your Crete adventure

Start by checking out my guide to planning your trip to Crete, packed with helpful essential information. Explore the articles on prices in Crete, common mistakes to avoid, and insider secrets. You can also get one of the digital travel guides I’ve written about Crete. They are affordable and practical to check from your mobile.

When it’s time to plan, explore the best places to visit on Crete Island, discover my tours and activities, and be amazed at Crete’s incredible beaches. If you are exploring specific areas like Heraklion, Rethymnon, Lasithi, and Chania, I’ve got detailed guides to help you make the most of your time.

Suggested accommodation in Crete

No time to read all my accommodation guides? Check out these places to stay:

• Heraklion: Galaxy Hotel.
• Chania: Porto Antico.
• Rethymnon: Archipelagos Hotel.
• Agios Nikolaos: Hotel Port 7.

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