A trip to Corfu creates memories that last a lifetime, and many visitors want to bring home a little piece of the island.
Here are 7 ideas for authentic local gifts from Corfu that won’t cost a fortune, are easy to find, and make wonderful souvenirs for yourself or your loved ones.
1. Kumquat
The signature fruit of Corfu and one of the most iconic souvenirs you can bring home from the island.
You’ll find this aromatic tiny citrus as Corfu’s signature liqueur, marmalade, spoon sweet, loukoum, chocolates, biscuits and candied fruit.
Where to buy:
• Kumquat factories (Lazaris, Vassilakis, Mavromatis)
• Traditional food shops in Corfu Town
• Airport and souvenir shops (usually at higher prices)
Interesting fact
Corfu is the only place in Greece where kumquats are cultivated commercially.
The first trees were brought to the island from China by the British botanist Sidney Merlin during the British Protectorate in the mid-19th century.
Around 20 years after cultivation began, local producers started turning the fruit into liqueurs and sweets, helping kumquat become one of Corfu’s most recognisable symbols.
You can read the full story in our article Kumquat of Corfu. How a Tiny Fruit Became the Island’s Brand.
2. Spetseriko (Pastitsada Spice Mix)
Spetseriko is a fragrant spice blend which is famous for giving its signature taste to the most renowned traditional Corfiot dish, pastitsada.
It’s a very practical gift that will help you recreate the authentic taste of pastitsada at home perfectly, without the struggle of finding and measuring all the ingredients.
If you want to learn about Spetseriko and other Greek spices, read our article about a traditional Corfu Spice Shop.
Where to buy:
• Traditional spice shops in Corfu Town
• Local delicatessens
• Food markets
Interesting fact
Spetseriko is a unique blend of 12 spices and herbs, typically including sweet paprika, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cumin, coriander, allspice, bay leaf, oregano, thyme and parsley.
Although the exact proportions vary from shop to shop and are often closely guarded family secrets passed down through generations, the 12 ingredients traditionally remain the same.
3. Fig Pie (Sykomaida)
Known locally as Sykomaida, this traditional Corfiot delicacy is made from sun-dried figs blended with spices, grape must or honey, and a splash of ouzo.
It pairs amazingly well with cheese as well as coffee.
Where to buy:
• Corfu Town food shops
• Kumquat factories
• Local producers
• Street markets
Interesting fact
In 2009, Sykomaida received PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) status from the European Union, meaning authentic Sykomaida can only be produced in Corfu using traditional methods.
Corfu kumquat products received the same PDO recognition in the same year.
Despite having the same protected status and authenticity, Sykomaida remains one of the lesser-known local specialities and is often overlooked by visitors in favour of kumquat products.
4. Corfu Honey
Corfu is home to excellent wildflower, thyme and forest honey thanks to its rich and diverse flora and its millions of olive trees.
There are hundreds of honey producers in Corfu, from larger companies selling their products on a commercial scale to small family beekeeping households that sell their honey locally to neighbours and friends.
Even a small jar of Corfu honey that fits in your hand luggage makes a wonderful gift for nature lovers and anyone who appreciates organic products.
Where to buy:
• Village producers
• Farmers’ markets
• Local delicatessens
• Monastery shops
Interesting fact
The taste of Corfu honey changes dramatically depending on where the bees forage, making every producer slightly different.
For example, thyme honey is aromatic and intensely floral, wildflower honey is light and delicate, and forest honey has a richer, deeper flavour with woody and earthy notes.
5. Olive Oil & Organic Skincare
Extra virgin olive oil and natural skincare products made with olive oil are among the most useful gifts from Corfu.
Look for soaps, hair products, shower gels, body and face creams, lip balms and other locally produced cosmetics made with olive oil.
In the shops selling Corfu honey, you may also find cosmetic products made with propolis, beeswax and essential oils.
Where to buy:
• Olive oil producers
• Organic shops
• Pharmacies
• Cosmetic boutiques
Interesting fact
Corfu is home to around 4 million olive trees, many of them centuries old.
This is a clear sign that olive cultivation is one of the oldest agricultural traditions of Corfu.
6. Silver Jewellery
The Old Town of Corfu hosts many family-run jewellery workshops.
They create beautiful handmade silver pieces inspired by Venetian, Byzantine and Ionian traditions.
Most of the pieces are one of a kind.
Where to buy:
• Jewellery shops around Campiello
• Old Town artisan workshops
• Local galleries
Interesting fact
In some of these shops, you can still buy silver jewellery by weight rather than at a fixed price.
7. Easter Jug (Botides)
The famous red clay jugs thrown from balconies on the morning of Holy Saturday have become one of the most distinctive souvenirs from Corfu.
You can find them in shops all year round, not only during the Easter season.
Where to buy:
• Ceramic shops in Corfu Town
• Souvenir shops
• Pottery workshops
Interesting fact
The Easter celebrations of Corfu are among the most spectacular Easter traditions in Greece and one of the most unique Easter celebrations in the world.
Every Holy Saturday at 11:00 a.m., thousands of clay jugs filled with water are thrown from balconies across Corfu Town within just a few minutes.
For many years, people from all over the world have been coming to Corfu to witness this spectacular tradition in person.
