Santorini shopping: where to go, what to buy, what it costs
Fira or Oia, wine or jewellery: a short guide to shopping in Santorini, with tips on saving money and claiming VAT back.
- Fira has the widest choice; Oia has more galleries and higher prices.
- Local souvenirs: Assyrtiko and Vinsanto wine, fava, capers and jewellery.
- Non-EU residents can claim VAT back in Tax Free shops.
Shop in the morning or at midday, buy food at a winery or supermarket, and keep your receipts if you want a VAT refund.
Where to shop in Santorini
Shopping in Santorini centres on two places: Fira, the main town, and Oia at the northern tip of the island. Both have narrow paved lanes, and in season the shops stay open late into the evening. Out of season, from November to March, many shops are closed. See Santorini off season.
Shopping in Fira
Fira has the widest choice. In the lanes above the caldera, including the street nicknamed "Gold Street" for its jewellers, you will find jewellery, linen and cotton clothing, leather sandals, ceramics and souvenirs. The lanes further in are sometimes cheaper. Fira also has supermarkets and delis, where local products cost less than in the tourist shops.
Shopping in Oia
In Oia the shops line the main marble path leading to the sunset viewpoints. There are more galleries, art and designer jewellery, and prices are usually higher. One well-known shop is Atlantis Books, a small bookshop that has become a sight in its own right. Sunset is the busiest time, so shop in the morning or at midday.
What to buy in Santorini
- Local wine: Santorini is known for white wines from the Assyrtiko grape and for the sweet Vinsanto. Buy at the wineries after a tasting.
- Pantry products: local fava (yellow split peas), capers, and sun-dried cherry tomatoes or tomato paste. Easy souvenirs to pack.
- Jewellery: gold and silver pieces inspired by ancient Greece, and jewellery with volcanic stone.
- Ceramics and art: blue-and-white plates, cups and tiles, paintings and prints of the island.
- Toiletries: olive-oil soap and cosmetics.
Prices and how not to overpay
Santorini is one of the most expensive Greek islands, and that includes shopping. See how expensive Greece is by island. A few tips:
- Compare several shops before buying expensive jewellery, and ask for a receipt and a certificate.
- Buy food products in a supermarket or at a winery, not in the souvenir shops on the main path.
- Non-EU residents can claim a VAT refund on purchases above a minimum amount per receipt, in shops that take part in Tax Free schemes. Ask for the form in the shop and have it stamped at the airport when leaving the EU.
Wine and olive oil in your luggage
Wine and olive oil in glass bottles must go in checked luggage, well wrapped. Liquids over 100 ml are not allowed in hand luggage. Some wineries sell special travel packaging.
All about the island, its beaches and its weather is on our Santorini page.
FAQ
Where is the best shopping in Santorini? Fira has a wide choice and a range of prices; Oia has more galleries and designers, at higher prices.
What is the most local souvenir from Santorini? Vinsanto or Assyrtiko wine, and local fava. Both come from the island's volcanic soil.
Are Santorini's shops open in winter? Most close from November to March; in Fira mainly shops serving residents stay open.
Can I get a VAT refund on shopping in Santorini? Yes, if you live outside the EU, in shops taking part in Tax Free schemes and above a minimum amount per receipt.
