Crete Island Markets and Other Shopping

Here are some insider tips for shopping in Crete.

Municipal markets can be found in most towns in Crete (as well as all over Greece). They're open from the morning until early afternoon. At the markets you can buy fresh food, some local crafts, drinks, even clothes. At some municipal markets you can have a cup of coffee or lunch.

Hania's Market supplies all the local products that you might want - produce like chestnuts, bread, bananas, honey and "eptazyma" toasts. Try some of the famous Cretan grappa "raki" or "tsipouro." You can also buy leather items, hand-made ceramic souvenirs, various fabric and jewelry.

There's an old shopping centre in Herakleio downtown where you can find a lot of things at good prices, and you can try bargaining for a lower price.

The Saturday gypsy market is situated near the port and the bus station for Chania - Rethymno (main station). It begins with the usual pirate market, where you can buy fake Rolex watches or Chanel knockoffs, and expands into a real market for real Cretans, which means that food is cheap and abundant. Buy some Dictamus tea - cures colds, stomach ache and is good for many other contitions. Tastes like sun and spring in the mountains.

Agora is the main shopping center in Chania. It's in an old building, and inside you can find most grocery items, local breads, cheese, milk, botans and more, including souvenirs. The shops are very close to each other, and the whole building has the shape of a cross, with four entrances.

Editor's note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about Crete island markets and shopping.