Easily connected to the Greek mainland and several European cities, Rhodes, located in the Dodecanese, is a major Greek island destination. And once you’ve spent a vacation there, you’ll want to remember it with some amazing souvenirs. Make sure you’re not caught out by tourist traps or overpriced trinkets by visiting these places to buy the most unique souvenirs in Rhodes.
Established in Rhodes in 2014, When In Greece is not your average souvenir shop. Forget magnets, clichéd slogan T-shirts and tote bags. Here, you will find the latest generation of souvenirs, the kind that won’t gather dust on a shelf. Ranging from homeware, fashion items and accessories, stationery and beachwear, When In Greece’s collection includes products created by a team of designers, suppliers and small craftsmen from all over Greece so you can be certain your holiday reminder is truly authentic.
A stroll around Rhodes Old Town will take you through countless souvenir shops and stalls. But if you happen to walk on Polidorou Street, the little shop at number 42, My Greek Me, will quickly turn into one of your favourites. This shop showcases the extent of Greek craftsmanship and talent through its unique, cool and modern souvenirs. From jewellery, fashion items, home décor and local products and delicacies, you’ll definitely find something you’ll just have to bring home with you.
As with the culinary offerings in every region and island around Greece, Rhodian cuisine is a great example of Mediterranean gastronomy, yet it retains a few local specialities. A great way to bring the taste of Rhodes home with you is to visit the Women’s Agrotourism Cooperative Oi Apolloniatises. There, you’ll discover traditional recipes and ingredients while members promote local products. These include treats such as melekouni, the traditional sweet of the island made of sesame seeds and honey, liquors, wine, spoon sweets (sweet preserves served in a spoon), as well as herbs from the nearby mountains. Why not improvise a night of cooking with these ingredients once you’re home so you can share a typical meal with your friends and family?
A few streets away from the busy corner of Rhodes Old Town, you will find OhDeer.Me, a simple yet colourful souvenir shop with limited edition souvenirs. Focusing on presenting the Greek savoir-faire to foreign audiences, OhDeer.Me offers a wide range of mementos from cool printed tees to small trinkets and accessories that represent aspects of Greek culture and history. Choose between an array of T-shirts for adults and children, enamel mugs (perfect as they won’t break during the trip back), bags and accessories to find the perfect souvenir for your loved ones or yourself.
For those who hate souvenir shopping, Rodoscope Creative Gallery is a must. This gallery/store features items created by Rhodian artists. You’ll spend hours strolling around the displays of jewellery, paintings, ceramics, sculptures, clothing and even food items. However, if all the shopping is too much for you, take advantage of the outdoor courtyard, where you can sit and enjoy some refreshments under the shade of the citrus trees – sometimes these relaxing memories are the best souvenirs of all.
Eclectia may not be a traditional souvenir shop, but once you see what’s inside this little store, it’ll win you over. A Greek fashion brand founded in 1997, Eclectia is a boutique located in the Old Town of Rhodes where you can find stylish clothes. Characterized by a minimalist style, comfortable design and airy lines, Eclectia focuses on producing clothes in Greece that are made with 100% natural fabrics – because not all souvenirs were meant to be on your shelf.
Want to bring back holiday gifts that you and your friends and family will actually like? Then head to Olive Corner. This little shop is all about handmade souvenirs and goods made from olive wood and terracotta, with an extensive selection of cookware, crockery and wooden products. Bring your mom a beautifully carved platter or even put your favourite holiday picture in an olive wood frame, making your stay in Rhodes even more memorable.
