What To Buy In Zakynthos Island, Greece

what to buy in zante
Megan
Megan 
Updated
| 4 min read

Zakynthos Island is a dream vacation for many. The Greek Island is a wonderful, almost dream-like vacation destination with its white sand, deep crystal waters, and crazy scenic views. Indulge in slower days just relaxing out on the beautiful beaches of Shipwreck Beach, Laganas, Gerakas, Vasilikos, Marathonisi and the Blue Caves, or step it up with some adventure going on a jeep safari tour or snorkeling. Your days will be filled with wonder. When you’ve had your share of fun at the beaches, travelers can also visit the National Marine Park for the turtles and stroll through the lovely town of Bokhali. But what’s a trip without a little shopping, right? With their own slew of gift shops, boutiques, and small little quaint stores, here’s a list of what you should buy in Zakynthos Island, Greece, to remember your trip here.

1. Natural turquoise

Natural Turquoise
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user John Phelan used under CC BY-SA 3.0

After seeing the turquoise perfection of the waters, it is only natural that one would want to bring back a keepsake. The next time you are shopping and strolling through the quaint little stores of Zakynthos Island, be sure to keep a lookout for the small shops that sell minimal jewelry. Some of them are even handmade by the locals themselves. Turquoise is a hot favorite but among those sold are other semiprecious stones as well like amethyst, jade, and quartz.

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2. Chic dresses and tunics

Chic dresses
Source: Photo by Flickr user Mathilda Samuelsson used under CC BY-SA 2.0

You may have packed more than enough clothes for your vacation, but after a trip too many to the beautiful pristine beaches, it’s time to give in to the temptation of purchasing more summer wear. There will be a chance to wear them eventually! It’s no difficult task to spy cute fashion boutiques all around, especially those that display a splash of the popular Mediterranean blue. Flowy, elegant and flirty, pick your favorite tunic or dress to go frolic near the waters!

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3. T-shirts with interesting pictures and inscriptions

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

We are all quite familiar with the tourist t-shirt, the one that pledges love for the city with big bold words albeit hosting a sometimes tacky look to it. However, here at Zakynthos Island, you don’t have to settle for those quirky factory designs. A quick look around will be enough to inspire you with some edgier options, t-shirts with meaningful inscriptions. To the friends who say a tourist tee can never be cool, prove them wrong by keeping a lookout for these.

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4. Handmade sandals

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Every holiday goer knows that the tropical vibe isn’t complete without a pair of trusty sandals and the island keeps you fascinated with their own options. Evolve your look to even greater stunning detail by picking out a pair of handmade leather sandals, often complete with their own unique details like charms, tassels and pom poms. These shoes are a dream come true.

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5. Perfumes based on natural oils

Perfumes based on natural oils
Source: Pixabay

Here at Zakynthos Islands, it is not surprising to see perfumes being sold as a local product, especially so when the scents are so in-demand and the trade so sustainable. During some tours organized by the locals, travelers can even opt to see the entire process of making the perfumes. These perfumes are made from Mediterranean aromatic plants and essential oils to formulate the smells of local flowers like the bougarini and sambac jasmine. Be sure to pick up a few of your favorites.

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6. Colorful rubber rings for children

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

For the travelers looking to accessorize, stores in the town of Kalamaki specializes in colorful rubber rings for children. A quick browse through them will reveal many of its unique and quirky entities. To complete your own fashionable look or if you are traveling with your kids and want them to bring a slice of the island home, pick out some colorful rubber rings that are simple, but the perfect accessory for the summer months. Surely they will be a charming addition to their wardrobe.

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7. Traditional clay turtles

Editor’s Note: There’s no photo available at the time of writing

If you are looking for a decorative object to place in the comforts of your own home, perhaps atop the mantelpiece or the dining table, then a traditional clay turtle is a superb choice for a souvenir. Pay attention to the shops selling masterpieces from local craftsmen and explore the products they make. Typically sold alongside other crafts including decorative masks, painted plates and crafts from clay, the traditional clay turtles definitely stand out as a cute must-buy. They will surely remind you of your time in the Greek islands.

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8. Dream catcher made of wood

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Remember the craze for dream catchers? Well these beloved constructions of a small hoop, string and beads have found their way into the hearts of Zakynthos Island itself. Step into a shop selling local crafts, typically those that hand make their goods with clay or wood and be pleasantly surprised by the endearing wood dream catchers these stores offer. They come in various colors and you will be spoilt for choice.

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9. Magnets

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The next item is almost a no-brainer! Possibly one of the easiest ways to remember your vacation to Zakynthos Island is to have a magnet on your fridge, to look at it at the start of every day. This also makes for a good bulk gift if you are planning to buy several presents for your family and friends back home. Look out for stores that cater to tourists and these magnets in their fancy and creative shapes and sizes, won’t be too hard to find.

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10. Colorful hats

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Several gift stores also house colorful hats as a bold and fashionable gift to bring home or wear through the sunny days of your holiday. These hats spell fun and beach and are bound to remind you of the great days you spend frolicking in the sun and sand. In addition, despite being a cute accessory, these hats are also sure to block any unwanted sun as you lounge, people-watch and laze on the beach.

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Zakynthos Island, a marvelous shopping paradise

Zakynthos Town IMG 7820 - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Paul Lakin used under CC BY 3.0

A trip to Zakynthos is a dream vacation. Be sure to purchase a gift or a souvenir to bring back home. They are perfect mementos to keep the memory of your wonderful holiday alive and fresh.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Megan is an ardent writer, eater and sleeper. Studying communication studies at Nanyang Technological University, she is rewarded with learning every day in school and at work. She believes...Read more

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