Unique Greek Gifts: 8 Products Made Only in Greece

Greece produces some of the most distinctive foods in Europe, and several are so tied to one island or valley that their names are protected by law. They make wonderful gifts because they cannot be copied: real Chios mastiha only comes from Chios, and real Santorini wine only from Santorini. We ship them from Cyprus together with our Cypriot range.

1. Mastiha From Chios

Mastiha is a fragrant resin that weeps from mastic trees in the villages of southern Chios, and it carries PDO status. The trees grow elsewhere, but only on Chios do they produce it in this way. Its fresh, piney flavour appears in liqueurs, sweets and chewing gum.

• For a drinks lover: Skinos or Psychis mastiha spirit, served ice cold. Both are among our most requested bottles.
• For a sweet tooth: ELMA Mastiha Loukoum or the ELMA mastic spoon sweet.

See the whole mastiha collection and read Mastiha: the Tears of Chios.

2. Santorini Assyrtiko

On the volcanic soil of Santorini, Assyrtiko vines are trained low into basket shapes to shelter the grapes from wind. The result is a bone-dry, mineral white with bright acidity, protected as a PDO wine. Thalassitis Santorini Assyrtiko is a superb gift for anyone who likes Chablis or Sancerre. There is also a second Santorini Assyrtiko in our wine collection.

3. Olive Oil From Sitia, Crete

Sitia, at the eastern tip of Crete, is one of Greece's most respected olive oil regions and holds PDO status. Its Koroneiki oils are fruity, grassy and gently peppery. Give the Gaea PDO Sitia extra virgin olive oil or the smaller 500 ml Sitia bottle. Our olive oil guide explains what to look for.

4. Kalamata Olives

The almond-shaped purple olive from the Peloponnese is one of the best-known Greek foods worldwide. Choose Gaea organic Kalamata olives or Kalamon olives in extra virgin olive oil, a lovely addition to any food hamper.

5. Macedonian Halva

Made from tahini and sugar, northern Greek halva has a crumbly, melting texture quite unlike the semolina halva served in many homes. It is traditionally eaten during Lent. Choose almond, cocoa or peanut, or explore the rest of our tahini range.

6. Greek Thyme Honey

Bees foraging on wild thyme across Greek hillsides produce a thick, amber, intensely aromatic honey. Muses Greek thyme honey is a gift that gets used and enjoyed. For comparison, pair it with a Cypriot Tziverti thyme honey. See our honey collection.

7. Apivita Natural Skincare

Not every gift has to be eaten. Apivita is a Greek natural skincare brand built around honey, royal jelly and Greek herbs. The Queen Bee serum and Queen Bee eye cream are elegant presents. Browse all cosmetics.

8. The Greek Frappé

Invented at a trade fair in Thessaloniki in 1957, the foamy iced frappé is a Greek summer ritual. A frappé mixer and a tin of Nescafé Classic make a fun, practical gift. Our frappé guide has the method.

A Greek and Cypriot Gift Box

Because we ship Greek and Cypriot products in the same parcel, you can build a box that covers both. A few combinations that work well:

• The aperitivo box: Skinos mastiha, Kalamata olives and a bottle of Santorini Assyrtiko.
• The breakfast box: thyme honey, tahini, halva and Cyprus coffee.
• The sweet box: mastiha loukoum, Geroskipou loukoumi and soutzoukos.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a typical gift from Greece?

Mastiha from Chios, olive oil, thyme honey, olives and a bottle of Greek wine or ouzo are the most typical.

Are these products really from Greece?

Yes. Products with PDO status, such as Chios mastiha, Santorini wine and Sitia olive oil, are made in their named region only.

Can you send Greek gifts to the UK or USA?

Yes. We ship worldwide from Cyprus. Alcohol can only be sent to adults.

Want the Cypriot side of the table too? Read unique Cypriot gifts, or browse more ideas in our Cyprus gift guide.