Travel bans, lockdowns and the closing of all but essential stores until further notice have left the streets of Greece quiet. “Where is everyone?” is the thought that echoes in your head when venturing out for some much-needed exercise and on rare trips to the supermarket. Once back inside, however, other people are suddenly easy to locate: they’re online.

From Zoom work meetings to online yodeling lessons, virtual connections have swiftly replaced the real-life ones temporarily severed by our social distancing. And while no app can replace the experience of actually traveling to a country, one can still virtually explore Greece in myriad ways, from virtual museum tours to importing elements of the famed Mediterranean diet into your own kitchen.

And if you were planning on spending a day or two shopping on a now-postponed trip to Greece, there’s a solution to that too. Plenty of Greek lifestyle and fashion brands boast sleek, and professional e-shops that you can use without fear. And by shopping online away from the e-commerce giants, you can help support small Greek companies hit by the current crisis, and cheer yourself up with pretty things at the same time. (Or why not surprise a loved one you’re not able to visit right now by sending them a well-chosen gift from Greece?)

If you are worried about your orders being unable to reach you due to the potential disruption of postal services, please see the info box at the bottom of this page. Also note that delivery times stated in this article are those claimed by the e-shops, and may change.

Sea You Soon

The name of this brand is particularly comforting these days. Indeed, as soon as the threat of the virus is under control, we will return to the islands and the incredible beaches of Greece. When we do, we wouldn’t mind sporting some of the beach accessories available through their online store. Check out the Aztec pattern towels, bags, and swim shorts.

Waks

The luxurious candles made by Waks will make your home smell heavenly, and some of the scents, such as saltwater, fig leaf and lemon mint, will help your mind travel to Greece in no time. Their pricey but beautiful limited-edition series of candles in special containers made by Greek ceramic artists, like the Chios collection, scented with mandarin and orange blossom, echo design traditions of Greek villages.

Phee

If you’ve ever been to Greece in early spring, you’ve seen the beaches covered in piles of dead seaweed. Before the beach bars open, the seaweed is raked up and discarded as waste. This company found a way to make attractive and environmentally-friendly items like beach rackets, sunglasses, phone cases and storage boxes from the washed up vegetation (namely the sea plant Posidonia Oceanica).

Tips & Sales: Shipping is free within Greece, aside from a €4,50 charge if you choose to pay cash on delivery.

Ergon Mykonos

These aren’t clothes one would ordinarily put on to lounge around at home, but until we get another event season, you can always model them on social media. Famous for using cotton fabrics woven on looms inspired by those used in Hellenistic times, Ergon Mykonos creates statement pieces you’ll definitely want to show off. Through the choice of the patterns and materials, their latest collection, Byzantium, represents the merging of traditions from East and West in the Byzantine Empire.

Zeus+Dione

Known for minimalist silhouettes often inspired by geometric and Doric elements, this brand’s clothes could be described as the ultimate stylish yet laid-back cruise wear, but we would love to lounge on our balconies in some of their creations this spring as well. The materials used for their elegant women’s clothing are sourced from throughout Greece.

Tips & Sales: Subscribe to the newsletter and get 10% off your first order. Free delivery for orders above 250 euros

3Quarters

Handmade from upcycled balcony awnings, these zero-waste, waterproof bags are made in a tiny workshop in Psyrri in central Athens and sent all over the world (to Europe via the online store, and to selected retailers overseas). The name of the company and the design of the bags were inspired by the choice of material; about three quarters of an apartment building in Athens is covered by awnings.

Tips & Sales: The site is currently offering 30% off selected bags. Shipping is free within Greece. If you live outside Europe, you might find a retailer, or another e-shop selling the brand’s bags, here.

Marmarometry

A piece of jewelry from this online shop would be the perfect gift to send to someone who you know loves (or has had to cancel a trip to) Greece. Inspired by ancient works of art, the earrings, rings and pendants are made out of beautiful pieces of Greek marble.

Maa Boo

The colorful swimwear from this brand is best described with one word: joyful. Aside from the allure of Greek summer, their surf suit, one piece and bikini designs are inspired by Californian beach culture and exotic summer motifs.

Salty Bag

Another sustainable bag choice, the totes, luggage and handbags sold at this online store are handmade on the island of Corfu using old sails and ethically produced leather (vegetable-tanned, leftover material from the meat industry). Be advised that each bag is unique, with different coloring, texture and stitching depending on the sail that was used to create each one.

Tips & Sales: Shipping is free within Greece, aside from a €3 charge if you choose to pay cash on delivery

Hommer

After days in self-isolation, most of us need a bit of pampering. Hommer creates hair styling and beard grooming products for men with wonderful scents and whimsical packaging. Seemingly made for the typical Greek hipster, products like their tattoo sunscreen and beard wipes with hemp oil, “balmade” and anti-aging aftershave are sold individually and in gift packs.

Tips & Sales: Use the coupon code STAYATHOME to get a 25% discount on your order. Free delivery within Greece for purchases above 25 euros.

Korres

Using Greek plants and herbs such as thyme, sage, olive, mastic and saffron to create cosmetic products inspired by ancient literature, this brand is one of the world’s biggest names in plant-based cosmetology. They practice no animal testing, and make it a point to source raw materials from local producers and cooperatives. You’ll find all of the company’s products through its online stores.

Tips & Sales: Sign up for the newsletter and receive 15% off your first order. Use the directory through the link above to find retailers and your country’s Korres e-shop for local offers and shipping information.

Phi-Male

When you think Greek sandals, these are not what you’ll picture in your head. Bold and brightly colored, the quirky designs you’ll find in this eshop are the perfect summer accessory, and we think they’ll brighten any day in self-isolation as well. Featuring espadrille soles and satin or leather straps, the sandals are embroidered with symbols and motifs characteristic of Greece, such as souvlaki, ancient columns, and citrus fruits.

Tips & Sales: Sign up for the newsletter and receive 10% off your first order. You can also check for international retailers near you here.

Sandalista

These modern sandals, made in a workshop in Athens, on the other hand, look more like adaptions of what you might imagine an ancient philosopher pairing with his chiton. For some of the designs, traditional leather straps are paired with trendy platform soles, while others feature beads and tassels.

Tips & Sales: Delivery is free everywhere in the world aside from Cyprus (€3.90 per pair of sandals+ €3 for cash on delivery). One return for a size change is also free of charge.

Ancient Greek Sandals

Sandals are arguably the fashion item to purchase from Greece, and this online store features so many styles for both women, men and children, you’ll almost certainly find some to fall in love with. Each design is made locally from chemical-free, naturally tanned leather, and many feature the “Hermes wing”, the trademark of the mythical sandal maker of ancient Crete, said to have given Hermes the ability to fly.

Tips & Sales: Right now, you will receive a surprise pair of extra sandals with each order.

Made in Greece

You can find plenty of more Greek products from various brands and artists through this site, which features art, jewelry, cosmetics, clothes, home decor, food products and more. Note that while you can purchase a wide range of products from this e-shop, your order will be sent directly from the store of each brand, meaning that shipment times etc may vary.