Carmelas jewellery shop – Old Town Topanas – the charming and slightly eccentric Carmela has brought together a rich and eclectic collection from Greece’s best jewellers, including her husband. She herself is a gifted potter and was finally convinced a few years ago to offer here own work, which is tempting indeed. Carmella’s is a must for presents for self or loved ones.
Top Hanas carpet & fabric shop – Old Town – Topanas – At the beginning of Angelou is home to a well-kept secret – home-made, antique Cretan bed throws, wall covers and carpets. These come in many shapes and sizes and the most striking are in rich reds and pinks with black or mulitcoloured embroideries. There can be few more treasured souvenirs to take home from Crete. Opening hours are variable – best to call 697 870 3592 Kostas
To Mikro Karavi Bookstore – Old Town – Splanzia – Just a few steps from Splanzia Square this is the place to find fine modern Greek literature, prose and verse, in translation (and in Greek, of course) – a valuable contribution to understanding the Greek spirit.
Exantas Book & Map Shop – Old Town – Topanas – great for art books and old prints – branching more into ceramics recently.
JustBrazil – Old Town – Potie and Karaoli & Dimitriou Streets – great outlets for fresh and colourful summer clothes – evening, day time and beachwares, along with accessories; a cut above most other summer clothes shops.
Psegiannakis –City Centre – Peridou Street – probably the best Cretan/Greek deli in town; a wide selection of local specialties including the spiced sudjuk susages and pressed beef we use in our breakfasts, plus cheeses, rusks, preserved fish, etc, etc. Try trahana, an old staple of grain dried with yoghurt or buttermilk, as a vacation souvenir and unusual addition to your kitchen repertoire. Or perhaps avgotarakho, pressed roe of grey mullet encased in wax – Greece’s version of bottarga/poutargue/karasumi.
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