Crete Shopping Guide

If you’ve got money to spend, and like shopping, Crete’s a good destination. The island’s shops are where all the produce of Crete- food, wine, accessories and more- finds its way, and there’s usually plenty to splurge on. Crete’s local handicrafts- ceramics, leatherwork, textiles, embroideries, lace, mats  and rugs, wood carvings and jewellery- make particularly attractive souvenirs. Less durable souvenirs- but equally gratifying- are Crete’s amazing range of food and wine. Any gourmet- or gourmand, for that matter- can have a field day browsing through the shops and markets, sampling local specialties such as wine, raki, cheeses, olive oil and honey flavoured with thyme. 

Most shops in Crete open between 8 am to 1.30 pm from Monday to Saturday, although shops in larger cities often stay open till much later- sometimes till well after sundown.  Many establishments re-open from 5.30 to 8.30 pm on Thursdays and Fridays, especially during the tourist season.