Eastern Macedonia and Thrace is Greece's northernmost region, stretching from the Nestos River delta to the Turkish border. It combines ancient Macedonian ruins, Byzantine fortresses, Ottoman mosques, tobacco-scented market towns, dramatic Rhodope mountain scenery and an undiscovered Aegean coastline that sees a fraction of the crowds found further south.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Rhodope mountain honey (dark, aromatic; sold at village markets and Kavala market)
Local tobacco products (Kavala was Greece's tobacco capital; souvenir pouches and pipes)
Thracian spice mixes (kofto – mixed spice blend used in Thracian cooking; Komotini bazaar)
Xanthi gold jewellery (hand-crafted; old town jewellers)
Ouzo and Tsipouro (local spirits; purchase at liquor stores in all major towns)
Hand-woven textiles (traditional Thracian embroidery; Folklore Museum shop, Komotini)
Kavala olive oil (extra virgin from the Kavala region; available at Kavala Agora)
Mastic sweets (not regional but available at patisseries throughout the region)
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Komotini Pazar (Bazaar)
Spices, textiles, gold, tobacco products, traditional sweets
Where: Old Town, Komotini
Hours: Mon–Sat 08:00–20:00
Kavala Central Market (Agora)
Fresh fish, olives, local cheeses, vegetables, honey
Where: Kavala city centre
Hours: Mon–Sat 07:00–14:00
Xanthi Saturday Market
Seasonal produce, local herbs, cheese, eggs
Where: Xanthi, near old town
Hours: Saturday 07:00–14:00