6 Best Places to Shop in Santorini (Thira), The Cyclades

The AK Art Gallery, in a converted flour mill, is the oldest on Santorini and was founded by internationally acclaimed artists Christoforos Asimis and his wife Eleni Kollaitou. He specializes in ethereal images from his home island of Santorini, and her work encompasses elegant jewelry, sculpture, and ceramics. Just outside town is the AK Art Foundation, an impressive space that houses exhibitions and cultural events.

For nearly 20 years the Kontos family have offered memorable gifts and keepsakes from their extensive travels. African drums rub shoulders with Bollywood film posters and golden icons sit cheek by jowl with vintage toys. Quirky, eccentric, and unique, it is a world away from your average souvenir shop.

In the shadow of the Orthodox Cathedral, Koukla is home to simple, modern creative jewelry from a selection of Greek designers. Individual and quirky pieces abound, and the nonpushy owners will help you select a unique memento of your trip.

There's an exuberance to the work of Yorgos Kypris, accentuated in his gallery on a bright airy perch high above the caldera. In his striking sculptural creations in glass, clay, metal, and other natural materials, seabirds flock, fish swirl in schools, and sharks loom out of the wall; some designs are also available as jewelry. The artist also has an exhibition space in an old winery in Mesaria that hosts local and international talents.

This cave-house gallery takes its name from the Greek goddess of memory, and you will definitely remember your visit here. Exquisite jewelry, all by local artists and all exclusive to the gallery, is joined by an eclectic collection of photography. A little tricky to find, it is at the north end of Ia, close to the Old Castle—follow the signs along the way.

Objets d'art are made from highly polished semiprecious stones and glow with color and form. Pantelis and Nikola Kaloteraki can also create jewelry in the stone of your choice. Vases, sculptures, and many other distinctive pieces fill the shop, which has been a presence in Santorini for almost four decades.