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Ia mostly abjures the trinket madness of Fira and instead offers a variety of handcrafted items. Since the shops are not so dependent on cruise ships, a certain sophistication reigns in the quiet streets. Art galleries, objets d'art shops, crafts shops, and icon stores set the tone.
One of the great bookshops of the world is an unexpected but welcome treat in Ia. Built into a cave, it is like something from Harry Potter, with handwritten notes, painted ceilings, and books crammed onto every surface. Mostly English language books are stocked, with a great kids section and some very desirable first editions. It is a wondrous place. Ask them to stamp your book with their famous logo for a great souvenir.
Manolis and Chara Kourtis sell antiques, ceramics, fabrics, jewelry, and clothes in a delightful shop below their Red Bicycle restaurant. Exploring their collection is a pleasure, with sea creature-painted plates a favorite.
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