One of the best things when going on holidays is that you usually return with plenty of gifts for the loved ones. From a small and inexpensive item to the most elaborate gift, they all show that out thoughts never left home. This is not a challenge when there is such a wide variety of stores and workshops on Naxos.
Souvenirs of all manner, shape and size abound. If you have someone with a sweet tooth you would like to please then the sweet preserves of fruit will be deeply appreciated (they go famously with yoghurt). This is a very traditional Greek combination. If it is the salty someone you know prefers, the variety is once more quite astounding and both sweet and salty are usually made by hand in family run cottage industries.
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Perhaps you have someone who appreciates wild mountain scents; there are many varieties of aromatic herbs that are handpicked off the slopes of Mt. Zas that are widely used in Greek cuisine. What better way to fill your home with familiar holiday food aromas than that? In fact while you are at the island, why not take Greek cuisine cooking classes and surprise your friends and family when you get back home?
For the more eclectic in your personal circle, there is handmade jewelry, arts and crafts by some internationally respected artists presenting their sculptures, ceramics and pottery for sale. Jewelry is especially original in concept since Greek history and specifically Cycladic history is where its inspiration is derived. The materials used are of a very wide variety but as always gold and silver play a major role.
Arts and Crafts have always been a focal point of civilization and since the Cycladic civilization is amongst the oldest in Greece and certainly in the Mediterranean basin, they are very pronounced. The influences of the past, all the way from the prehistoric period are easily spotted in the utensils and decorative items available from the myriad of shops lining the streets and alleys of old Naxos town. There is something for everyone…
Take a quick tour on Naxos island and discover its most impressive features. You may start with the following:
What's new (or old) on Naxos, from our blog articles.