7 Best Shopping in Santorini (Thira), The Cyclades

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.

The AK Art Gallery, in a converted flour mill, is the oldest on Santorini and was founded by internationally acclaimed artists Christoforos Asimis and his wife Eleni Kollaitou. He specializes in ethereal images from his home island of Santorini, and her work encompasses elegant jewelry, sculpture, and ceramics. Just outside town is the AK Art Foundation, an impressive space that houses exhibitions and cultural events. There is also a small sister gallery in Ia.

Many of Kostas's exquisite gold necklaces and bracelets take their inspiration from the art of ancient Thira and Crete. The shop also sells excellent wines from the family's Antoniou vineyards just south of Fira around Megalochori.

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.

There's a Greek exuberance to the work of Yorgos Kypris, accentuated in his gallery on a bright, airy perch high above the caldera. In his striking sculptural creations in glass, clay, and other natural materials, seabirds flock and fish swirl in schools; some designs are also available as jewelry and bowls.

Objets d'art are made from highly polished semiprecious stones and glow with color and form. Pantelis and Nikola Kaloteraki can also create jewelry in the stone of your choice. Vases, sculptures, and many other distinctive pieces also fill the shop, which has been a presence in Santorini for more than a quarter of a century.