Anyone who’s ever fallen in love with Crete knows that leaving the island behind is the hardest part of any trip. Those magical evenings in tavernas, the warmth of Greek hospitality, the aroma of wild herbs in the mountains – they stay with you long after you’ve returned home. And let’s face it – we all need a little piece of Crete in our lives between visits!
That’s why I’ve put together this carefully curated list of 41 Cretan treasures you can order right from Amazon. Whether you’re missing your annual trip to the island, planning a Greek-themed gathering (what a brilliant idea!), or shopping for someone who holds Greece and Crete dear to their heart, these picks will bring those cherished Mediterranean vibes right to your doorstep. And hey, if someone’s been asking what you’d like as a gift, maybe accidentally leaving this article open on their computer wouldn’t be the worst idea!
From authentic Cretan olive oil to books that’ll transport you straight back to your favorite village, from traditional spirits to artisanal kitchenware – each item has been chosen to help you recreate that special Cretan magic at home. Think of this as your ultimate guide to finding the perfect Cretan and Greek gifts, whether they’re for someone special or for treating yourself.
Ready to bring a piece of Crete into your home? Let’s dive in!
Drinks
- Tsikoudia (Cretan Raki): This traditional grape-based spirit (35-40% alcohol) is the heart of Cretan hospitality. Crystal clear and potent, it appears at every gathering and celebration. If you prefer something sweeter, rakomelo offers the same spirit infused with honey and warming spices. Both bring back memories of those evenings when a friendly taverna owner insisted on “just one more.”
- Ouzo: Greece’s signature anise-flavored aperitif (38-43% alcohol) turns mysteriously milky white when mixed with water or ice. Made from distilled grape must and aromatic herbs, it’s best enjoyed slowly with mezedes.
- Mythos Beer: Introduced in 1997, this crisp lager has become a symbol of contemporary Greek brewing culture. Created with carefully selected barley malt and hops, it’s the refreshing taste we all know and love from our Cretan adventures. No Crete-themed gathering is complete without a few chilled Mythos beers to share with friends.
Cretan Olive Oil
- Cretan Olive Oil (750ml): A premium PDO-certified extra virgin olive oil from Crete’s renowned Messara region. Made from Koroneiki olives, it boasts an exceptionally low acidity (0.2-0.3%) and that distinctive peppery kick we’ve come to love.
- Vassilakis Estate EVOO (500ml): An award-winning single-estate olive oil produced exclusively from first cold pressing of Koroneiki olives. With its fruity aroma and characteristic peppery finish, it’s the kind of premium oil you’d find in those family-run tavernas where the owner proudly tells you it’s from their own trees.
- Minotaur EVOO (5-liter canister): Perfect for serious Cretan cuisine enthusiasts, this organic extra virgin olive oil comes in a generous size that’ll keep your kitchen stocked. The same authentic taste you fell in love with in Crete, ready to elevate your home cooking with that distinctive Cretan character you’ve been missing.
Cookbook
- Aegean: Recipes from the Mountains to the Sea: A stunning collection by Marianna Leivaditaki, who grew up in her family’s seafood taverna in Chania. From sun-ripened vegetables to mountain herbs and fresh seafood, these recipes capture the true essence of Cretan cuisine. The beautiful photography of rustic village life and detailed instructions make recreating your favorite Cretan dishes at home feel like a warm hug from a Greek grandmother.
Kitchenware
- Olive Wood Chopping Board: Handcrafted from centuries-old Cretan olive trees, each board tells its own story through unique grain patterns. Treated only with olive oil, these boards carry a piece of Cretan heritage into your kitchen.
- Honey Wooden Dipper: This beautifully crafted dipper, made from sustainable Cretan olive wood by local artisans, is perfect for serving that golden Cretan honey you love. Its traditional design prevents drips and mess, just like the ones used in mountain villages. The natural wood grain makes each piece uniquely yours.
Greek Sweets
- Kourabiedes: These heavenly almond shortbread cookies dusted with clouds of powdered sugar are traditionally served at Christmas in Greece – though many Greeks I know enjoy them year-round. They practically melt in your mouth, just like the ones from your favorite zacharoplasteio (sweet shop).
- Melomakarona: Though traditionally Christmas cookies, these honey-soaked treasures are too good to enjoy just once a year. Flavored with orange, cinnamon, and cloves, then drenched in honey syrup and sprinkled with walnuts, they’re wonderfully sticky and aromatic.
- Merenda Chocolate Spread (1kg): Greece’s beloved hazelnut-chocolate spread comes in a generous 1kg jar. Smoother and nuttier than its Italian cousin, it’s perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat. A Greek chef once shared his secret of drizzling it warm over homemade loukoumades and pancakes – and trust me, once you’ve tried it, no other chocolate spread comes close!
- Luxury Sweet Gift Box: A generous 750g selection of different baklava variations, each layered with crispy phyllo, nuts, and sweet syrup. From the classic walnut-filled to pistachio versions, these treats bring the essence of those charming Cretan pastry shops to your home. Perfect for gifting – or keep it for yourself (we won’t tell!).
Greek Coffee
- Greek Mocha Coffee: A triple pack of the beloved Loumidis brand (3x194g), delivering that authentic Greek coffee experience you’ve been missing. Ultra-finely ground and carefully roasted, it’s perfect for making your morning coffee ritual just like in Crete. Rich in aroma and full of character, it’s waiting to be brewed in your briki!
- Traditional Briki (125ml): This essential copper coffee pot is the key to achieving that perfect καϊμάκι (kaimaki – creamy foam) on your Greek coffee. Sized perfectly for 1-2 cups, it’s exactly like the ones used in those cozy kafeneia where you first discovered what real coffee should taste like.
Greek Language
- Greek Language for Beginners: Much more than just a language book – this is your key to deeper connections in Crete. Perfect for mastering those essential phrases that bring smiles to local faces, from ordering your favorite dishes to chatting with the taverna owner. With clear pronunciation guides and practical dialogues, you’ll be ready for your next Cretan adventure with more confidence than ever.
Food
- Greek Balsamic with Thyme Honey: This clever fusion marries aged balsamic vinegar with aromatic Cretan thyme honey, creating a perfect sweet-tangy balance. A 250ml bottle of pure genius that elevates everything from salads to grilled vegetables, just like those perfectly dressed dishes you enjoyed in your favorite Cretan tavernas.
- Kalamata Olives: These plump, meaty olives are hand-picked and naturally cured to perfection. Deep purple-black and bursting with flavor, they’re the same olives you’ll find in your authentic Greek salad in Crete.
- Aegina Pistachios (500g): Though not from Crete, these PDO-certified gems from the September 2024 harvest simply had to make the list – they’re honestly the best pistachios you’ll ever taste! Smaller than common varieties but packed with more intense flavor, they’re the perfect snack for your Greek-themed evenings.
- Greek Dolmades (2.1kg): A generous 2.1kg tin of tender grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs from Palirria, a trusted name in Greek cuisine for over fifty years. These ready-to-serve delicacies are perfect for your Greek-themed gatherings – just drizzle with lemon juice, a sprinkle of Greek oregano, and a touch of olive oil.
Natural Cretan Cosmetics
- Cretan Natural Beauty Set: A luxurious collection crafted with the island’s finest ingredients: pure Cretan EVOO, local beeswax, and wild herbs gathered from the mountains. Each product contains extracts from plants that flourish in Cretan soil. The set includes soaps, shower gel and body lotion, all beautifully packaged – like bringing a piece of Cretan wellness traditions into your daily routine.
DVDs
- Zorba the Greek: Anthony Quinn’s legendary 1964 performance brings Kazantzakis’s unforgettable character to life in this Oscar-winning classic. Shot in stunning black and white across Cretan landscapes, it captures the essence of the Cretan spirit. That famous beach scene with the sirtaki dance still gives us goosebumps – you’ll want to get up and dance along 😉.
- The 11th Day: A powerful documentary about the incredible bravery of Cretan resistance during WWII. Through interviews with survivors and historical footage, it tells the remarkable story of how ordinary villagers armed with farming tools stood up against Nazi forces. A moving tribute to the indomitable spirit of Crete that every lover of the island should see.
Greek Honey
- Cretan Pine, Wild Herbs and Thyme Honey (450g): A unique blend making up 60% of Greek honey production. Darker and less sweet, with a subtle resinous flavor that resists crystallization. The wild herbs add their own regional character, making each batch of this Cretan honey unique.
- Cretan Thyme Honey (450g): Collected from bees feasting on wild thyme flowers that carpet Crete’s hillsides. Golden in color with an intense aromatic profile, this is the honey you fell in love with at that mountain taverna, drizzled over fresh yogurt or warm sfakianopita at that mountain taverna.
- Greek Oak Honey (950g): The absolute champion of antioxidants among all honey varieties! This 950g jar holds a nearly black honey with a fascinating caramelized flavor and occasional spicy notes. Less sweet than flower honey, with those distinctive woody undertones, it contains three times more antioxidants than thyme honey – making it a powerhouse of health benefits. I always keep a jar in my cabinet, especially in winter to help my family through colds and flu.
- Greek Chestnut Honey (950g): A 950g jar of bold, dark brown honey with reddish tints and the second-highest antioxidant content of all honey varieties. It offers an intense aroma and slightly bitter profile that honey enthusiasts adore.
Apparel & Accessories
- Greek T-shirt: A comfy cotton tee featuring a creative design that combines a heartbeat line with a heart-shaped Greek flag. The ECG line runs across the chest, punctuated by that vibrant blue and white we all know and love. Available in various colors, it’s a perfect way to wear your love for Greece, even when you’re thousands of miles away.
- Personalized Greek Name Necklace: A delicate piece of sterling silver jewelry that translates your chosen name into Greek letters. Each necklace is custom-made and comes with a card explaining the Greek letter translations. It’s like carrying a piece of your Greek adventures close to your heart – and makes for great conversation when someone asks about those beautiful characters!
Spices & Tea
- Greek Oregano (1kg): A premium-grade wild oregano used abundantly in Greek and Cretan cuisine. Under the Minotaur brand, its intense, robust aroma is essential for authentic dishes – drizzle it generously on gyros and dakos, stir it into stews, or sprinkle it on grilled meats. Once you’ve cooked with real Greek oregano, the supermarket variety just doesn’t cut it anymore.
- Greek Thyme (1kg): Harvested from sun-drenched hillsides, this aromatic herb by Minotaur brand carries the essence of Greece’s mountains. A generous package ensures you’ll have plenty for your Mediterranean cooking adventures.
- Meat Spice from Agios Nikolaos (70g): A treasured blend crafted in the historic town of Agios Nikolaos, combining local herbs and spices in perfect proportion. This is the mix that gives Cretan grilled meats their distinctive flavor – sprinkle it on your souvlaki or grilled lamb to bring those taverna memories rushing back.
- Three Cretan Teas (3x50g): A thoughtfully curated collection from Agios Nikolaos featuring Cistus Creticus (one of my favorite Cretan teas), Traditional Malotira mountain tea, and a special Cretan tea blend. Each variety offers unique therapeutic properties and the authentic aromas of Crete’s mountains.
Books
- Lost in Crete: A multi-layered narrative following three generations of women – Diane, Catherine, and young Ellie – whose lives change when they discover an ancient Minoan earring. Their journey to Crete unravels family secrets spanning three thousand years, from the Minoan civilization through WWII to the present day. A perfect blend of historical mystery and family drama that showcases Crete’s timeless ability to hold secrets close.
- The Cretan Runner: George Psychoundakis’s extraordinary firsthand account of his role as a resistance fighter during WWII. His vivid descriptions of Crete’s mountainous terrain and the courage of its people during the German occupation make this more than just a war memoir – it’s a testament to the indomitable Cretan spirit.
- Footsteps of Fate: A captivating dual-timeline novel that connects Lancashire to Crete, specifically the haunting Spinalonga and picturesque Elounda. Inspired by an old Lancashire legend, it weaves together past and present through two compelling protagonists. The author’s deep love for Crete shines through in vivid descriptions of mountain villages, local traditions, and the mystical atmosphere of Spinalonga – a story that will resonate with anyone who’s felt the island’s magnetic pull.
- Winds of Crete: David MacNeil Doren’s intimate exploration gives us a precious glimpse into life in Crete during the 1960s. From the White Mountains to remote coastal villages, this book captures the essence of “old Crete” and its people. His detailed observations of customs, folklore, and daily village life offer incredible insights into the real Crete – a simpler time that many older locals still reminisce about.
- The Island: Victoria Hislop’s international bestseller brings Spinalonga’s haunting history to life through a powerful family saga spanning generations. Writing from her home near Agios Nikolaos, where she overlooks Mirabello Bay and snow-capped mountains, Hislop weaves an unforgettable tale of love, family, and loss. If you’ve visited Spinalonga, this story will touch your heart even more deeply.
- One August Night: Victoria Hislop returns to the world of Spinalonga in this sequel to “The Island.” Set in 1957, it explores the aftermath of the leper colony’s closure and its impact on the local community, weaving a tale of love, loyalty, and redemption in post-war Crete.
- Crete: The Battle and the Resistance: Renowned military historian Antony Beevor’s definitive account of the 1941 Battle of Crete and its aftermath. This meticulously researched work brings to life both the strategic significance and the human stories of courage and resistance that make this chapter of Cretan history unforgettable.
- Zorba the Greek: Nikos Kazantzakis’s masterpiece follows the adventures of a young intellectual and his friendship with the larger-than-life Alexis Zorba. More than just a novel, it captures the essence of the Cretan spirit – that unique philosophy of living life to the fullest that we all fall in love with during our time on the island.
Conclusion
Whether you’re recreating the flavors of your favorite taverna, organizing a Cretan-themed gathering, or simply missing the island’s magic, these carefully selected items can help bring a piece of Crete into your daily life all-year-round. Each product has been chosen not just for its quality, but for its ability to transport us back to those special moments we’ve experienced on the island, whether it’s a splash of olive oil in your morning eggs, a cup of mountain tea on a cold afternoon, or the comforting aroma of Cretan herbs in your kitchen.
While I always prefer to support Cretan businesses directly, I’ve found that many smaller producers aren’t set up for international shipping, and several I contacted were unable to fulfill orders outside of Greece. Amazon has proven to be a reliable alternative for accessing these authentic Greek products when direct purchasing isn’t possible, with many items coming from Greek family businesses who have chosen Amazon as their international distribution platform.
If you purchase any of these products, consider leaving a review – it’s a wonderful way to support these Greek businesses and help other Crete lovers discover their products. Here’s to bringing a little bit of Cretan sunshine into your home, wherever you may be!
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