Azure waters gently crash onto golden shores; there’s no better setting to get stuck into a new book than the Greek Islands.
While Greece may boast as many as 6,000 islands and islets, a handful of its most beloved ones also happen to be home to some exceptional bookstores. We’ve rounded up for you here.
Levakis Konstantinos “Mediterraneo Bookstore”
A key stop for readers exploring Crete, Levakis Konstantinos’ “Mediterraneo Bookstore” is a charming, compact shop near Chania’s Old Venetian Port. It offers a curated selection of titles in multiple languages, with a particular emphasis on Cretan history. English readers will be in luck as there’s a dedicated section laid out on the central table.
Wooden shelves line both walls, giving the store a rustic feel. Just be aware that the owner prefers books not to be handled, so it’s best to look with your eyes, not your hands.
Address: Kountourioti 57, Chania 731 31, Greece
Atlantis Books E.E.
As if the natural beauty of Santorini wasn’t enough, it just so happens that this island is where you’ll uncover the literary gem of Atlantis Books E.E.
Founded by a group of explorers who were in awe of Santorini’s charm on a visit, the shop has gradually become the island’s go-to destination for new and used books, including fiction and non-fiction. The space is airy and inviting, a welcome change from its previously cramped location in Oia. If you’re lucky, you might see the shop’s resident cat, often wandering around the grounds.
Address: Nomikos Conference Centre, Firostefani 847 00, Greece
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 12PM - 6PM
Plous Books & Coffee
Hidden in the alleys of Corfu Town, Plous Books & Coffee is visually stunning. It’s a maze of book-lined hallways and a chilled outdoor area, complete with cushioned seating and tables.
Many of the books here might be in Greek, but they stock more English options during the summer to cater to the influx of tourists visiting the island. Don’t leave without getting your cover stamped by the store to prove you bought it there; they’ll also stamp other items if you ask.
Address: Nikiforou Theotoki 91, Kerkira 491 00, Greece
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10AM - 10PM
- Saturday: 10AM - 3PM, 7PM - 10PM
- Sunday: Closed
Papyrus
Papyrus may have started small with just a few books, but it has quickly become the main store on the island. They pride themselves on their used selection, which easily exceeds 10,000 covers, featuring modern literature and classical writings for people of all ages.
One fantastic service they offer is that those who manage to finish the books they buy here before leaving the island can return them for a half refund.
Address: Naxos 843 00, Greece
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10AM - 2PM, 6PM - 10PM
- Sunday: 6PM - 10PM
Το Λογάρι / LOGARI
For our next pick, we’re heading to Andros, where Το Λογάρι / LOGARI lies. Situated in the port of Gavrio, you’ll find books here not just in Greek but also in English, German, and Italian, especially novels. The fabulous collection of souvenirs and toys is perfect for anyone looking for a few extra tidbits to take home from their trip.
One thing LOGARI gets a lot of praise for is its affordable prices. You can pick up some truly rare finds for a fraction of what they’d cost on busier islands.
Address: port, Gavrio 845 01, Greece
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 9:30AM - 2:30PM, 6:00PM - 9:30PM
Symmetria Bookstore
Few bookshops do it better than Symmetria in Corfu. Open since 1993, it has a unique layout with floor-to-ceiling shelves in different shapes designed by renowned architects Antonis Kitsikis and Nerina Lymberopoulou.
A well-rounded mix of crime, fiction, historical, and philosophical titles can be found at Symmetria Bookstore, but most are in Greek.
Address: Grigoriou Marasli 42, Kerkira 491 00, Greece
Opening hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9AM - 9PM
- Wednesday & Saturday: 9AM - 3PM
- Sunday: Closed
Prospect Books And More Santorini
Tourists always complain about the lack of places that have a solid lineup of English volumes when they visit the Greek Islands. But Santorini’s Prospect Books And More breaks away from the norm and offers just that.
The outside might look like your average souvenir stop, but don’t be fooled. Past the entrance, it’s packed with stories for curious minds, including many specifically about Greece. There’s even a little table where you can sit and flip through a few titles before making your pick.
Address: ΚΑΜΑΡΙ, ΣΑΝΤΟΡΙΝΗ, ΚΥΚΛΑΔΕΣ 847 00, Greece
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 9:30AM - 9:30PM
- Sunday: 10:30AM - 9PM
Kivos Books & More
Kivos Books & More in Argostoli was set up with one main goal: to make Kefalonian literature more accessible to visitors. But that’s not all; they also stock a generous range of foreign titles, comics, and children’s books.
The space is well laid out, with soft music in the background and a knowledgeable team that’s great at helping you find exactly what you’re looking for. There’s also a photocopying service and some lovely trinkets up for grabs.
Address: Sitemporon 39, Argostoli 281 00, Greece
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8AM - 2:30PM, 5:30 - 9PM
- Saturday: 9AM - 3PM
- Sunday: Closed
Akadimia Bookshop
Lying in the heart of Rhodes, Akadimia has a handful of English books in its well-appointed store on Amerikis. The options may be limited, but for ladies, it’s a winner, as there’s a strong focus on female-related topics, with several novels thrown in.
When you get there, don’t be surprised if you can’t spot the English section right away; it’s downstairs. It can be a bit tricky to find, but just ask someone working there for directions, and they’ll point you in the right direction.
Address: Amerikis 93, Rodos 851 00, Greece
Opening hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9AM - 2:30PM, 5PM - 9PM
- Wednesday: 9AM - 2:30 PM
- Saturday: 9:30AM - 3PM
- Sunday: Closed
International Press/Αναγέννηση Bookstore
If you’re holidaying in Paros this year and need something to add to your collection for a beach day, International Press/Αναγέννηση Bookstore has your back. They’ve got manga, comics, newspapers, and everything else you can think of. Plus, there’s lots in English and French, too.
Many stop by International Press/Αναγέννηση Bookstore for their stationery needs to pick up things like office supplies, so it draws in a pretty nice mix of folks. Sometimes, the owners like to host book launches in the courtyard, which also draws a crowd.
Address: Paros 844 00, Greece
Opening hours:
- Monday: 9AM - 8:30PM
- Tuesday to Sunday: 9AM - 9PM
Αντίλαλος (Antilalos)
Half café, half bookstore, Αντίλαλος (Antilalos) is located in Chora on the island of Tinos. It’s popular thanks to their “blind date book” section, where you pick a book wrapped in a cover so you can’t see the title. When you open it, you get a surprise. If English is your first language, you’ll want to go for the ones with red covers.
Besides the cool concept, the cafe is also seriously good, especially the lemonade on a warm summer day. Sipping one with a book in hand while relaxing in the whitewashed outdoor seating area is everything you’d imagine a Greek dream to be.
Address: Αφεντούλη, Paxamadi και, Tinos 842 00, Greece
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 9AM - 1:30AM
