| If
you're interested in fine jewelry, the prices in Fira are just a little
higher than they are in Athens, but the selection is fantastic. Porphyra
(tel. 0286/22-981), in the Fabrica Shopping Center near the cathedral,
has some impressive work. Santorini's best known jeweler is probably Kostas
Antoniou (tel. 0286/22-633), on Odos Ayiou Ioannou north of the cable-car
station. And there are plenty of shops between the two. Generally the further
north you go, the higher the prices and the less certain the quality.
In
Firostephani, Cava Sigalas Argiris (tel. 0286/22-802) stocks all the local
wines, including their own. Also for sale are locally grown and prepared
foods, often served as mezedes (hors d'oeuvres or snacks): fava, a spread
made with chickpeas; tomatahia, small pickled tomatoes; and kapari, or
capers. The store is open from 8am to midnight.
The
main street in Ia, facing the caldera, has many interesting stores in addition
to the inevitable souvenir shops. Replica (tel. 0286/71-916) is a source
for contemporary statuary and pottery as well as museum replicas; it will
ship purchases to your home at post-office rates. Further south on the
main street is Nakis (tel. 0286/71-813), which specializes in amber jewelry
and has a collection of insects in amber. |
