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Places in Greece, which are famous for the products they produce and in many cases export around the world, are perfect for trips ... with a purpose.

From the remote lake Kirkini and Soufli in northern Greece to famous Kalamata, Aegina and Chios, you will find unique Greek products which stand out for their quality and taste. Many of them are products "with a protected designation of origin" and all have a unique value.

Kerkini Lake for buffalo meat and dairy products

Many species of flora and fauna live in one of the most important water reserves in Greece, located west of Serres near Mount Belles and covering 25 kilometres of the Strymonas River (Struma), 10 km from the Kerkinitis River and large areas of farmland.

The largest number of buffaloes in Greece live in the swamp forest. The biggest pot of buffalo meatballs was prepared for The Guinness World Records at the Second Congress of Gastronomy in Serres in 2009. 305 kg of buffalo meat was used and more than 4,000 delicious meatballs were prepared. Each season, more than 200,000 visitors come here to admire the buffaloes from the lake.

In the taverns of the area and the villages around the lake you can try buffalo meat (e.g. pot stew, steaks and sausages), haggis, as well as dairy products from buffalo milk, and the outstanding dessert “kazan dibi”.

Soufli for high quality silk

When Chinese monks brought silk from China in 500 AD, Soufli was one of the most important centres where in the late 19th century sericulture was the main occupation of the inhabitants.

The long history of silk is recreated in the city Silk Museum.

Soufli is the only region in Europe which deals with silkworms and the silk which is produced is considered to be the best in terms of quality. In the shops of the city you will find handmade silk products and fabrics, accessories, curtains, towels, etc.

When you go to Kalamata... bring olives and olive oil

In the shadow of Taigetos, Kalamata and the region are famous for their olives and olive oil. Kalamon olives are world famous and are the most famous table olives which are considered the "black queen" of olives. They are almond-shaped and have a length of about 2 - 3 cm. They are grown only in Greece and are a product "with a protected designation of origin".

The extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata and Messinia boasts excellent quality. It is served in small bottles with toasted bread in restaurants and taverns.

Chios for healing and aromatic mastiha

On Chios, a special kind of mastic tree is grown from which natural resin is derived. It is also called mastiha and is the most important product of the island which supports the local economy. Mastiha is produced in a small geographical area in the southern part of the island and the settlements there are called “Mastihohoria” (Mastic villages).

Of the 24 “Mastihohoria”, those which did not suffer major damage from the devastating earthquake in 1881 are the best preserved. In recent years, significant construction works have been carried out in these villages in order to restore the stone houses.

Although mastic trees have been grown since antiquity on Chios, the first chewing gum factory was created there in 1957. Since then, there has been a great leap in the manufacture of mastiha products – pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food ones. Mastiha is used as a remedy for stomach ulcers, as well as in cooking as a seasoning.

The island of Aegina for aromatic pistachios

Aegina, which is located near Athens, despite the fact that it is underrated, is known for its ceramic products and lace, but mainly for its pistachios, which are grown in the southern part of the island.

Pistachios have been grown on Aegina since 1860, and the local variety is the best in the world. In the period between the two world wars, its cultivation expanded and it started being called "Aegina Pistachio." In 1996, it was recognized as a product with protected name of origin. It is unique with its special aroma and taste which distinguish it from other types, even those which are grown in Greece.

You will find it in stores with local products all over the island.