Oh, how I love thee, Santorini!
The white-washed homes and the cobalt domes.

The golden, endless sunsets that resemble a painting.

The magical, crescent-shaped caldera.

This absolutely breathtaking island is one of my favorite places.
I actually came here for the first during a semester abroad in college. It was much quieter and less crowded back then, but the jaw-dropping beauty was always there!

I started hosting retreats in Santorini in 2015 and always enjoy sharing this magnificent place with my guests. I adore seeing their faces the very first time they see a Santorini sunset or explore the town of Oia. And although I have been to Santorini about 10 times, I will never stop marveling over its unmistakable beauty.

One of the activities my guests enjoy is shopping during our free time or when we explore Oia. There are so many wonderful treasures to purchase and here are my top 5 picks of what to put in your suitcase:

WINE
Santorini is home to indigenous grape varieties like Assyrtiko, Athiri, and Aidani, which have been cultivated for centuries and are beloved among wine enthusiasts.

The Greek islands volcanic soil and Mediterranean climate create a special atmosphere that contributes to the production of unique and extraordinary wines.
We also do a fabulous wine tasting at sunset on our retreat!

wine tasting at sunset on sole’s annual retreat in santorini

LEATHER SANDALS
Walking along the narrow streets in Santorini, there are numerous boutiques displaying rows of leather thongs, lace-ups and the classic Gladiator style. I have purchased numerous styles (the traditional styles are my favorites!) and they have lasted for years (and I am one who does a considerable amount of walking!) I will show you my favorite spots on our annual retreat!

shopping for leather sandals in santorini, greece with sole Holidays

OLIVE OIL
Olive oil, the staple of the Mediterranean diet, has a unique flavor influenced by the climate and volcanic soil. There are numerous organic, EVOO that you can find in specialty shops, food markets and small boutiques. I love to drizzle the oil over fresh feta cheese and tomatoes. Delicious! The food on our retreat is always local and delicious with the best olive oil.

JEWELRY
From the famous gold street of Fira (one of the largest gold markets in all of Greece) to the boutiques of Oia, one can find gorgeous jewelry for every style and budget crafted from silver, gold and with precious gems or lava stones.
A design unique to Greece is the evil eye. It can be found in just about any jewelry store in the form of earrings, rings, bracelets and necklaces.

The evil eye symbol is the protection of its wearer from harmful energy and negativity. I wear a necklace with a teeny evil eye that I purchased in Oia a few years ago. I think it’s been working!
There will be plenty of time to shop in Oia or Thira on our annual retreat.

shopping for beautiful, locally-made jewelry in santorini, greece

CALDERA/CHURCH MINIATURES
I absolutely adore these small souvenirs that resemble the churches, windmills and homes of the island. Not only are they perfect for displaying at home to remember your trip, but they can easily fit into your suitcase! You can find these charming mementos just about everywhere in Fira or Oia.
I always bring back one of these (as well as an evil eye) each time I go to Santorini.

What else would you buy in Santorini?!
Want to shop with SOLE in Santorini?
We will back for our Annual Sublime Santorini Luxury Wellness & Lifestyle Retreat, Sept 12-18, 2024.

Book your space and get your shopping on!

Journal

Shopping in Santorini, Greece. What to Buy!