Crete still has many people making things by hand, the way their parents and grandparents did. Buying from them is one of the nicest souvenirs you can take home.
Weaving and embroidery
Mountain villages like Anogeia are known for hand woven blankets, bags and table runners in deep reds and blacks. In many shops the weaver is the person behind the counter.
Pottery
Margarites near Rethymno and Thrapsano in Heraklion are pottery villages with a long tradition, famous for the big pithoi, the storage jars you also see in the Minoan palaces. You can watch potters at work and buy anything from a cup to a giant jar.
Cretan knives
In Chania there is a small lane of knife makers, and the traditional Cretan knife with a mantinada engraved on the blade is a classic gift.
Music instruments
Lyra and laouto makers still work in several towns. Even if you do not play, a workshop visit is fascinating.
Icons and jewellery
Byzantine style icon painting and silver jewellery inspired by Minoan designs are easy to find in the old towns. Look for workshops rather than souvenir shops for the real thing.
Try it yourself in a workshop
Updated: 2026-10-29
