Markets and souvenirs

A good way to soak up the Greek atmosphere is to visit one of the many types of market in Greece and Cyprus.

The Greek word for market is αγορά (aghora), which is also the root for the English word ‘agoraphobia’, the fear of being in open spaces.

You can find fresh fruit and local produce, as well as clothing and household goods, at the λαϊκή αγορά (la-ee-kee aghora), ‘folk’ or ‘people’s’ market, which moves to different locations on different days of the week to sell fresh seasonal produce.

If you are looking for a souvenir of your trip, markets in the larger towns are a good place to find accessories, leather goods, local crafts, even antiques and furs. In general in shops and at market stalls sensitive bargaining, or παζαρεύω (pazar-evo), is accepted, maybe sometimes advisable!

In rural places you can also see many items, from fresh produce, table linen, to even garden furniture being sold from the back of an open truck. Loudhailers advertise the items on board, and you could be forgiven for thinking a political rally is under way, until you learn to decipher the words Πατάτες! Πατάτες! Φρέσκες και καλές! (patatez patatez freskez keh kalez), ‘Potatoes! Potatoes! Fresh and good!’