Ionian Corfu is a commercialized addition to Greece’s most beautiful islands. As the second largest island in its group, it experiences a hefty thoroughfare of starry-eyed tourists. It does have a characteristic green side, with coastlines shrouded in brightly-colored vegetation. There’s oodles of cultural history, too. Fort ruins, anyone? Yet, when you’re not indulging in beach days and sightseeing, Corfu excels in the retail sphere. Shopping is a big part of what Corfu is known for.
Corfu Town is the island’s epicenter; nothing quite tops the lively experience of weaving through its flagged shopping streets and dipping into markets. With that said, it’s important to choose souvenirs that sustain their value — long after you’ve recovered from the initial purchase buzz. So, how do you find the best souvenirs from Corfu? Here are the best local shops in Corfu; scoping out handmade crafts and meaningful souvenirs justifies that extra weight in your carry-on.
Why Bring Home a Piece of Corfu?
They say that memories last forever, and visions of the stunning villa rentals Corfu boasts sure will. Yet, there’s something extra special about the power of a tangible object. It’s possible to develop deep emotional attachments to inanimate objects. A well-chosen souvenir becomes a tasteful part of your home and a memory trigger — essentially acting as a portal that whisks you mentally back to the shores of Corfu. In other words, bringing home a piece of Corfu can keep that initial fire alive. Who wouldn’t want that?
Aside from serving as memory prompters, Corfu souvenirs also support the local economy. When you purchase from a local shop, you’re supporting businesses. Conscious tourism is all about ensuring your money reaches the right places. With so many foreign-owned businesses and investments, investing in locally owned ventures is important. Bonus points for hand-crafted goods that feed into cultural preservation and heritage. Where you spend money truly matters more than you might believe.
Most Popular Corfu Souvenirs
Following the crowd isn’t always the wisest approach. But when it comes to the most popular souvenirs from Corfu, where there’s smoke, there’s fire. Tourists really could be onto something with these five top souvenir categories — do any grab your attention?
1. Ouzo
Ouzo is a transparent alcohol made from anise. This primary ingredient has a distinctive licorice-like taste, similar to sambuca (a similar Italian adaptation). Visit distilleries like Mavromatis or just take a trip to a local supermarket. There’s no need to pay premium tourist prices for a bottle of Ouzo.
2. Ceramic Pots
Everyone knows that Greece is famed for ceramics, both historically and in the modern-day. Pots, vases, and bowls are tasteful additions to your home aesthetic. Browse shelves and walk away with one of the most popular Corfu souvenirs; practical yet pretty, you won’t regret it.
3. Leather Sandals
Another staple of common knowledge, Greece is famed for this footwear. Ancient Greeks would have worn practical and reliable sandals, so leather sandal-making is a craft that’s been perfected over centuries. Given their classic aesthetic and huge cultural backstory, is it any wonder these items are such popular Corfu souvenirs?
4. Olive Wood Utensils
Olives are an expected sight on most Greek islands, but Corfu takes a particularly creative approach to the olive wood itself. Utensils crafted from this classic material make beautiful gifts and souvenirs alike. Their eye-catching designs result in plenty of purchases. If your kitchen drawers need a spruce up, investing in some olive wood cutlery could be worthwhile.
5. Jewelry
When you envision a meaningful souvenir, jewelry is a prime candidate. These pieces are easily passed down to children (and grandchildren) and equally suit being placed pride-of-place on a stand at home. Besides, if you indulge in a souvenir spree towards the beginning of a holiday, you’ve got an accessory to adorn yourself with throughout your stay.
Foodie Gifts from Corfu
There is a simple truth: some of the best possible souvenirs won’t last forever. But after tasting them, we think you’ll make peace with that. As the second largest Ionian island, Corfu takes its produce extremely seriously, and with more rainfall than the southern islands, it’s an ideal spot for foodies.
Feeling guided by your stomach? These are the items to squeeze into your carry-on (or potentially checked) luggage.
1. Honey
Beekeeping is surprisingly popular in Corfu. As a result, there’s delicious honey to be found — all bottled and ready for your flight home — across the island. Join a guided tour, shop at tourist stalls, or head to a local supermarket to secure the cheapest rates.
2. Olive Oil
Olive oil is a definite classic when scouring the island for souvenirs. Greece is utterly renowned for its high-caliber olive oil, so where better to pick up a bottle?
‘Extra Virgin’ is the type to purchase; this is the highest possible grade of oil. Quality-wise, it should have a fruity aroma and be stored in a dark bottle to reduce the speed of oxidation. Take a tasting tour, head to a corner store, or purchase from a souvenir stall.
3. Herbs
Packets of herbs are every foodie’s dream purchase in Corfu. After back-to-back (and heavenly) Greek culinary experiences, there’s not much better than being able to recreate a dish at home. Oregano, sage, and rosemary are just a few of the best herbs to buy. Do your research, and browse different bags and blends.
4. Figs
Corfu has black figs with notoriously thick and sweet flesh. While you’ll have to travel carefully with this precious cargo — figs aren’t the ideal items to accidentally squish — they make for a tasty souvenir. Plenty of fresh fruit stalls stock these items; maybe you’ll have to invest in a suitable container for safe transportation, too.
5. Kumquat Liquor
Many of us dabble in an alcoholic beverage every now and then. When you do, kumquat liquor is easily one of the most cultured and unusual picks. These tiny citrus fruits look like small oranges when fresh. This liquor is a traditional beverage that was born out of the sheer volume of kumquats available on Corfu. The result? A fragrant tipple with plenty of tang and a popular Corfu souvenir.
Where to Buy Authentic Souvenirs in Corfu
Shopping in Corfu is understandably exciting. The island is, quite frankly, a wealth of possible souvenirs. It’s fascinating to browse items with such significant cultural ties. And, given Corfu’s history as a trading and commercial powerhouse for the Phoenicians, shopping feels like a form of sightseeing — rather than a tacky tourist activity.
Depending on where you stay in Corfu, you might have to travel to find the most authentic souvenirs. Here are the primary areas to shop, plus the items and specific stores for which they’re best known.
1. Central Market
Souvenir type: Food
Central Market is a place of culinary magic and is conveniently located right in the heart of Corfu Town. As an open-air space where vendors sell fruit, vegetables, olive oil, and herbs, it’s an ideal place for foodies. For those prioritizing culinary souvenirs, it’s the best spot for authentic purchases. Catch it between 8:30 am and 15:15 pm (Monday through Saturday only).
2. Patounis’ Soap Factory
Souvenir type: Soap
Patounis Soap Factory is a family-owned venue and one of the island’s most famous product-based attractions. Take a guided tour of the site, and treat yourself to an easily transported, all-natural soap at the end. It’s within easy walking distance of Old Port Square, perfect for those disembarking from cruises.
3. Old Town
Souvenir type: Jumbled mix (clothes, trinkets, and foods)
Sometimes, it’s better to take a straightforward approach. Is Corfu Old Town the most touristy place to shop for souvenirs? Yes. But is it also one of the best? That’s a second nod. Take a walk of the entire district and just lap up the atmosphere and generous selections. Its streets are lined with traditional souvenir shops like Corfu Sandals and Woodpecker Crafts (with beautiful olive wood trinkets).
Aside from the sheer selection of shops, its Venetian architecture and UNESCO status highlight Corfu Old Town as the place to be. If you’re averse to heavy tourist crowds, just book to visit Corfu in the off-season and be mindful of what time you shop.
Budget-Friendly Souvenirs
Everything comes with a price, but shopping in Corfu can be budget-friendly. It’s worth recapping. These are some of the best-value souvenirs to pick — without stretching your purse strings too far.
- Herbs
- Soap
- Postcards
- Small olive wood utensils
Another alternative is to print pictures or create personalized photobooks. If budget is important to you, or you’ve opted for limited carry-on only, consider using photography to create your own souvenirs later.
Luxury & Boutique Souvenir Finds
Interested in locating the highest caliber of souvenirs in Corfu? Here is a selection of luxury and boutique finds that might be worth splurging on.
- Custom-fit sandals
- Jewelry
- Rugs
- Olive oil
- Larger olive wood utensils and kitchen goods
- Ceramics
Always allow extra time to factor in tailoring or custom-fit designs. Also, be mindful of finding suitable packaging for delicate souvenirs like ceramics.
Souvenirs Tied to Local Culture
Cultural heritage is the backbone of most authentic souvenirs. It doesn’t just tell a story of your experience in Corfu; it speaks to the more complex tales beneath the island’s surface. With these souvenirs, ‘meaning’ is a much more multidimensional concept.
With that in mind, what cultured local souvenirs should you be browsing for?
Religious Items
Christianity is the primary religion in Corfu, and residents particularly follow the Greek Orthodox Church. This branch of Christianity uses a lot of icons (depictions of religious scenes, images, and figures — including Christ). For those visitors who are religious themselves or are intrigued by religious history, these items make culturally poignant souvenirs.
There are a handful of ‘Church supply shops’ dotted around the island, but Miracle of Faith is a particularly good place to find religious items.
Traditional Handicrafts
Grecian culture is massively centered around craftsmanship. There are numerous souvenir types that you can invest in, engaging with local culture and supporting independent artists. Keep an open mind, but particularly look out for the following:
- Sandals – Visit Corfu Sandals in the Old Town
- Ceramics – Visit Medusa
- Olive wood items – Visit Woodpecker Crafts
Souvenirs to Avoid
Adopting a ‘right or wrong’ approach to souvenirs in Corfu is (almost) redundant. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and what could be one man’s rubbish might be another man’s treasure. However, ultimately, it is possible to differentiate between the quality and ethicality of souvenirs — even if souvenir shopping is an individualistic process. There are some things to consider when sifting through shelves to find your match made in heaven.
- Is this an impulse buy? Or something you’ll genuinely value or utilize at home?
- Can you adequately transport this souvenir?
- Are there restrictions on this souvenir at border control? Or with your airline?
- Is this over-priced? Do you know the going rate for items in this category?
- Is this store locally owned? Could you buy the same product elsewhere and benefit Corfu’s economy better?
Being a conscious consumer and a responsible tourist go hand-in-hand. Similarly, while it’s worth learning a long list of “be careful” style questions, it’s equally essential to understand the culture and origins behind simplistic-looking items. Those sandals? Ask about their production. That punnet of figs? Ask where they’re from.
As a general rule, by dodging kitschy souvenirs like fridge magnets and researching handmade crafts, you’re already miles ahead. But dig deeper when shopping in Corfu — heritage is found in surprising places.