Are you flying to Corfu and you’re wondering what gifts and souvenirs you can buy for your loved ones back home? Perhaps you just want something for yourself to preserve the memory of the trip physically? Either way, today, we’ll take a look at 10 things we’d recommend you buy while in Corfu!
Mandolato
Nougat from Corfu
Nougat is a popular sweet snack in southern Europe. Corfu actually has its own nougat – Mandolato. Most commonly, it’s a soft nougat with almonds and/or peanuts. We recommend the Kumquat version! A 300g pack will set you back €4-6.
Leather sandals
Shoes from Corfu
Corfu has lots of great shoemakers, so you can take the opportunity and buy yourself some local handmade sandals! You can find plenty of boutiques on Filarmonikis Street in the town of Corfu – there’s also a dedicated shop at Φιλελλήνων 9, with hundreds of lovely sandals to choose from. If you’re buying them from a souvenir shop or something along those lines, make sure to check whether they’re actually made in Corfu. Prices range from €20 to around €100.
Kumquat!
Liqueurs and marmalades
Kumquat, a tiny long orange-looking fruit, is very popular in Corfu. You’ll find plenty of Kumquat-based products, like liqueurs, marmalades, rum and loukoumi. You can also just buy the fruits themselves. You actually don’t peel Kumquat, as that’s where the sweetness is.
Honey from Corfu
Greek Honey
You’ll also find plenty of local honey produced by diligent little bees. It often hides hints of thyme, myrtle or rosemary. You can find plenty of it in local markets.
Ginger beer
Also non-alcoholic
Ginger beer has been produced in Corfu since 1860, popularised during British rule. It’s not really beer as we know it, as it’s literally made from lemon juice, water, sugar and ginger alone. You can either buy it bottled or find it in cafes and restaurants. It’s incredibly refreshing on those unbearably hot days.
Patounis olive oil soaps
Local soaps from Corfu
Patounis soaps have been produced since the 19th century too. You can find a Patounis shop in the centre of Corfu, on Ioannou Theotoki street. You’ll find plenty of different fragrances on site in the shop, though you can also look through their offer online. Additionally, there’s an option to see how these soaps are made!
Ouzo
Greek Vodka
Ouzo is a traditional Greek vodka consumed far and wide in Greece. It typically reaches about 48% and is served with additional water. You’ll need it, trust us. It’s commonly served as an aperitif with seafood and Greek meze. Ouzo varies from recipe to recipe, as different herbs are added in different regions to infuse the flavour.
Olive wood utensils
Corfu souvenirs
Since we have an abundance of olive trees in Corfu, we can also find plenty of people putting that wood to good use. You can find bowls, crockery, spoons, everything. On top of that, olive wood is also used to make souvenirs, so you may find plenty of wooden figurines.
Corfu wine
Is it worth buying wine in Corfu?
Corfu has been famous for its wines for centuries. Homer praised Phaeakeans wine in the Odyssey. Many local types of wine are produced in Corfu, including Kakotrygis, Petrokoritho and Skopelitiko. The islanders also often make their own homemade wine, it’s a popular tradition. Wines are best bought in local produce shops or cheaper in the market – but look for indications on the bottle that it is locally produced. The price per bottle is around €8-10.
Corfu olive oil
Greek olive oil
Greek olive oil is commonly noted as the best in the world. It’s a vital part of Greek history and has always been a staple ingredient in Greek cuisine. The Venetians destroyed local vineyards en masse in order to plant olive groves on their land precisely to produce olive oil in Corfu. You’ll find many variants of olive oil here, ranging from €5 to €50 per bottle, such as the Governor. You can also go on tours of olive groves and olive oil producers. The Governor offers one such trip in Άγιος Ματθαίος, Kerkira.
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