Santorini, or “the most beautiful”, according to its ancient name “Kallisté”, is a wonderful island forming part of the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea, around 100km from Crete and less than a three-hour flight from Athens. As well as its beautiful scenery and architecture, Santorini is excellent for shopping.
Article updated on the 20th of February 2024
In the centre of Fira and Oia, the two main towns, there’s always a lively atmosphere. The white houses topped with the typical blue domes offer a stunning view of the sea and invite you to explore the very special culture of this Greek tourist destination. Clinging to the cliffs, the nicest shops selling arts & crafts and ceramics provide a showcase for items inspired by findings from archaeological sites, and the local market stalls display a whole range of vases, plates, ornaments, etc.
Taking time to visit Santorini and its little hillside villages is definitely the best way to discover its many myths and hidden treasures, and while you’re enjoying the 360˚ itinerary of Santorini, don’t forget to look out for local products to take home with you.
To help you, we’ve chosen some markets and artisan shops that are well worth visiting in Santorini.
Where to shop in Santorini
Typical markets in Santorini: the fruit market
Where to find it: Oia, Santorini
What makes this market different from the other street stalls is its schedule, as it usually sets up in the early evening. After a few hours spent lazing on a volcanic beach or strolling along the trails exploring the prettiest villages and viewpoints, biting into freshly picked fruit is a particularly pleasurable experience. The fruit market in Oia is always very crowded, colourful and vibrant. Enjoying the intoxicating aromas of the fruit and the cooler temperatures of the evening is a lovely thing to do for locals and visitors alike. A great way to relax and recharge your batteries!
The little fish market in Santorini
Where to find it: Piazza Theotokopoulou, Fira
The popular central Piazza Theotokopoulou in Fira, the capital of Santorini, is a nice place to watch the world go by and get a view of everyday life on the island. Here, as well as lots of bars and souvenir shops, you’ll also find a small fish market. We’d recommend you come early in the morning for the catch of the day, because it sells out fast. Once here, take the opportunity to visit the Orthodox Cathedral and the art galleries in the area, and to try one of the many excellent restaurants or bakeries in the town.
Arts & Crafts in Santorini: The Secret Room
Where to find it: Mirtidiotissis, Kamari 847 00, Greece
The Secret Room has some very interesting giftware, accessories and clothing, perfect as a memento of Santorini, with original and creative souvenirs. This shop, up on high, has a range of handmade items that are locally sourced or come from the major Greek cities. You’ll find colourful fabrics, woven jewellery, bowls and other artisan ceramic items, T-shirts and lightweight summer garments.
The shop, with its warm and welcoming atmosphere, is near Kamari beach, one of the most charming spots in Santorini. Open every day, including Sundays, until 11pm.
Where to buy ceramics in Santorini
1260° CERAMIC STUDIO
Where to find it: Megalochori 847 00, Greece
The 1260°Ceramic studio, owned by Marina Taliadourou and Giannis Vlantonopoulos, displays ceramic tableware inspired by Santorini life and nature. The black volcanic soil, the red terracotta, the blue of the sea, the white and the orange-red hues of the sunset all come together in these unique pieces. The studio is named after a technique used to produce ceramics, by firing them only once at high temperatures.
The studio can be found on the south side of the island, just a few metres from the junction for Akrotiri.
CANAVA
Where to find it: Oia, Thira 847 02, Greece
Perched high up in Thira, close to the Archaeological Museum, the Canava boutique has many gift options for friends and family: ceramic objects in all different colours, stoles, woven bags, hats, fine fabrics, paintings and postcards. Many of these items are handmade by local artisans. You’ll also find here the four varieties of olive oil produced on the island, as well as some local wines.
Shopping in Santorini: where to buy local wine
SANTO WINES: TASTINGS AND VINEYARD TOUR
Where to find it: Pyrgos Kallistis 847 00, Grecia
You can’t spend a few days in Santorini without visiting a picturesque vineyard, cultivated in the old way and capable of offering a wine with a characteristic taste. Santo Wines Winery is one of the wineries that regularly welcomes tourists who love their wine. Its shop sells all the wines produced and including gift sets: after a stroll around the estate, guests can taste the finest bottles accompanied by local cheeses or other delicacies on the terrace.
Santo Wines Winery is located in Pyrgos Kallistis, the highest village on the island in terms of altitude. Many go there to admire the stunning views of Santorini and to visit the shops and wine cellars. The Santo Wines estate is less than 10 minutes’ drive away from Santorini’s domestic airport. The villas and hotels in the vicinity could be a good option for accommodation in the archipelago.
Santorini, splendid all year round
When visiting this Greek island, immerse yourself in the sensory experiences of the outdoor markets. Fragrances, colours, atmosphere… they’ll offer you a complete change of scenery to help you recharge your batteries.
And whilst there are more frequent events held during the summer months, remember that the artisan workshops and ceramicists of Santorini open their doors all year round. Experience Greece differently, maybe by also trying new experiences along the steep trails carved out during the volcanic eruption of the 16th century BC.
