Where Athens shops, snacks and lunches: the markets worth your morning.
Food markets, farmers markets and covered halls: where Athens shops, snacks and lunches.
Varvakios on Athinas in Athens is the city's central food market, built in 1886 with a fish hall, a meat hall and the spice and olive stalls.
Go for: Fish, Meat, Olives, Spices
Tip: Go early; the best fish goes by 09:00. The spice and olive shops on Evripidou run later.
Kallidromiou in Exarchia is the Saturday farmers' market that Athens runs, on the FT World's Best list, a Strefi-Hill-edge street market with seasonal fruit.
Go for: Fruit, Vegetables, Olives, Honey
Tip: Most stalls are cash only; the spillover from Strefi Hill end has the best honey vendors.
Maison d'Olive on Xanthippou in Kolonaki Athens is the olive oil cellar of the city, 200 internationally awarded Greek olive oils plus bottarga, truffles.
Go for: Olive oil, Honey, Cheese, Greek wine
Tip: The daily counter tasting is free; ask the in-house sommelier for the day's PDO and varietal flights.
Evripidou Street near Varvakios in Athens is the spice and dried-herbs strip, a row of small shops with mountain tea, oregano, saffron and cured meats.
Go for: Spices, Dried herbs, Olives, Cured meats
Tip: Closed Sundays. Saffron from Kozani is the souvenir buy; the herb shops sell by the gram.
Kostarelos in Kolonaki Athens is the cheese-counter destination, three generations of cheesemakers with 14 cheeses, charcuterie and a sit-down counter.
Go for: Greek cheese, Yogurt, Charcuterie
Tip: The Sunday morning rush ends by noon; ask for the day's graviera flight to taste.