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Santorini is a small island in the Aegean Sea in Greece. The island is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, unique architecture, and delicious food. Traditional products of Santorini include wine, olives, figs, and cherry tomatoes.
The climate on Santorini is ideal for growing grapes, and the island has been producing wine for centuries. The most famous type of Santorini wine is called Assyrtiko. This white wine is made from a local grape variety that thrives in the island’s volcanic soil. The wines of Santorini are known for their crisp acidity and mineral flavor. But you will see more Santorini products below!
When visiting a place, you must try the local cuisine and especially if that place is Santorini in Greece. We have selected our very favorite Santorini Products for you to try!
Products of Santorini
1. Fava Beans
It is a very simple dish with Ancient Greek origins. This variety of pea is only grown in Santorini and Anafi, so make sure you try them! Surprisingly, archaeological excavations have revealed grains of fava from the ancient site of Akrotiri, on the island’s southern side, indicating that this product has been cultivated for approximately 3,500 years.
Fava is planted in December and harvested in June. They are easily found in every grocery store on the island, but they are also served in every restaurant and Greek taverna. We have prepared the best fava recipe if you want to try making this Santorini food!
2. Olives
Olives are another traditional product of Santorini. The island has been cultivating olives for thousands of years, and the olive trees are an integral part of the landscape. The olives from Santorini are small and intensely flavored. They are often used in Greek cuisine, as well as in cosmetics and skincare products.
Are you planning to visit Santorini island? Check our Santorini Food Tours!!
3. Figs
Figs are also grown on Santorini. The climate and soil conditions on the island produce exceptionally sweet and flavorful figs. These delicious fruits are often used in desserts or eaten fresh as a snack.
4. Fish and Seafood
Most of the time, you can see the fresh fish you want before it’s cooked. Try the grilled octopus with olive oil and vinegar, seafood pasta, or any grilled fish! You can thank us whenever you want…
Every taverna on the island, big or small, serves fresh fish and seafood. Inquire about the day’s fish!
5. Melitinia
These are hand-made pasties filled with a local soft cheese called “anthotyro” or “myzithra.” They are only made in Santorini and are a delectable dessert!
These are available in any bakery on the island and are frequently served as a dessert in restaurants. Request them and attempt to top them with honey and cinnamon!
6. Katsouni
A cucumber with a distinct flavor is named after the people of Santorini. It is smaller, thicker, cooler, and lighter than other cucumbers and contains seeds. It is an essential component of classic Greek salads and makes an excellent spoon sweet.
>> Interested in more recipes from Santorini?
7. Santorini Wine
Santorini is widely known for producing high-quality wines that boast a unique taste and distinct aroma. The island’s volcanic soil, along with its dry climate and strong winds, creates the perfect conditions for cultivating indigenous grape varieties like Assyrtiko, Athiri, and Aidani. These grapes produce wines with a crisp acidity and mineral character that are perfect for pairing with the island’s flavorful cuisine. Vinsanto, Assyrtiko, and Nykteri are just some notable kinds of Santorini wine.
One of the most famous wines in Santorini is the Assyrtiko, known for its citrusy, mineral-rich flavor profile. The dry white wine pairs well with seafood and light, fresh dishes. The Athiri grape variety is another popular wine in Santorini, with a fruity, aromatic taste that pairs well with spicy foods. Meanwhile, the Aidani grape variety produces a sweet, floral wine that is often used in dessert recipes.
Santorini Wine tasting tour – Learn about Santorini wine history
Aside from these indigenous grape varieties, Santorini is also home to a unique wine-making technique called “kouloura.” This traditional method involves training the grapevines into a circular shape, creating a basket-like structure that protects the fruit from the strong winds and intense sun exposure. The resulting wine is said to have a distinct, complex taste and is highly sought after by wine connoisseurs.
Visitors to Santorini can explore the island’s numerous wineries and vineyards, many of which offer guided wine tours and wine tastings. Some popular wineries in Santorini include Santo Wines, Gaia Wines, and Venetsanos Winery. Many restaurants on the island also offer an extensive wine list featuring local wines, allowing visitors to savor the unique taste of Santorini wines with their meals.
8. Cherry Tomato
Its rich juicy body and distinctive flavor, which have made it Santorini’s most popular products, are a result of the dry, volcanic soil, which is suited for growth because it does not require much water. Cherry tomatoes can be eaten fresh in salads, sun-dried, preserved, as a tomato paste, or even sweetened with a spoon. The tomato fritters, which are available in every restaurant in Santorini, are a must-try for travelers.
9. Capers
A famous Santorini product is the flavorful capers, considered one of the island’s most valuable agricultural products. Capers grow all over Santorini, particularly in the villages of Oia, Thirassia, and Firostefani. Santorini capers have a unique taste and texture due to the island’s volcanic soil and the unique climate conditions, which produce a milder and more aromatic flavor than capers grown in other regions.
Capers are harvested in May and June before they bloom into white flowers, and then they are pickled in vinegar and salt to be preserved. They can be used in a wide range of dishes such as salads, pasta sauces, fish dishes, and more, adding a distinctive, tangy flavor that enhances the taste of the food.
In addition to their unique taste, Santorini capers are also known for their nutritional value. They are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including vitamins C and K, iron, and quercetin, a potent antioxidant that may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
Santorini Products FAQ
What does Santorini produce?
Santorini produces a variety of agricultural products, including cherry tomatoes, white eggplants, capers, and fava beans.
What goods are Santorini known for?
Santorini is also known for its wine production, particularly the dry white wine made from the Assyrtiko grape variety.
What is Santorini’s main export?
The main export of Santorini is wine, followed by cherry tomatoes, capers, and olive oil.
Traditional Santorini products
The traditional products of Santorini Island offer a taste of this beautiful place’s unique culture and history.
We suggested some of the most famous Santorini foods that you can’t miss while you are relaxing on the island!
START BOOKING YOUR TRIP TO SANTORINI
We recommend the below options to book your hotels, flights, and activities in Santorini:
🍷 Food and wine tours in Santorini: greecefoodies.com
⛵ Sailing Tours in Santorini: getyourguide.com
🚗 Rent a car in Santorini: economybookings.com
🏨 Hotels in Santorini: booking.com
✈️ Flights to Santorini: wayaway.io
** Please note that we get a small commission if you book via our referral links. We use this to invest in new foodie content and to update this website.
A team of foodies, cooks, and travelers. Alios Tours was founded out of our passion for Greek food. We share the delicious side of Greece.
