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One of the hottest young stars to burst onto the Greek fashion scene in recent years, Kotentos’s designs are snapped up as fast as he can create them by an adoring clientele of Greece’s A-list celebrities and socialites. Purchase one of his inspirational creations from his atelier.

A sprawling and varied market, and if you have an eye for an authentic antique you can pick up outstanding bargains at this Sunday market. Wake up early though – there’s not much point arriving here after 11am as the streets become jam-packed and most of the treasures disappear quickly. (see Athens’ Flea Market)

The oldest remaining coffee roaster in Greece. This caffeine-fancier’s paradise stocks a wealth of traditional Greek and Turkish coffees, plus all the paraphernalia necessary for its preparation. It also sells a range of beans from around the world, as well as espresso machines, cups, shakers and all the accoutrements one could possibly desire for that perfect cup of coffee. (see Loumidis)

Finest quality glasses, ornaments, towels, plates, cutlery, bed linen, silk scarves, ties and ashtrays – every piece embellished with the omnipresent gold laurel wreath. The epitome of overstated luxury.

Bringing a new quality to the words souvenir shop, Kori stocks an eclectic mix of accessories and ornaments by some of Greece’s brightest and best young artists, as well as replicas of museum pieces and traditional pottery, icons and statuettes.

A tiny treasure trove of all that is sinful but irresistibly sweet, Karavan sells quite simply the best baklava and kataifi in town.

An Athenian institution, this shop showcases the works of both up-and-coming and well established Greek artists. Signed and numbered silkscreens are reasonably priced.

With three years’ of work for Gucci under her belt, Elena Votsi is now making international waves with her own distinctive pieces. Items from her latest collections are currently available in London, Paris and New York, but the full range can be viewed at her boutique in Athens. Working mainly with gold, lapis lazuli, coral, amethyst and aquamarine, Votsi’s trademarks are her thickset, rough-cut necklaces and knuckle-duster rings.

Greece is famous for its leather goods, and no one designs them better than talented young Lena Katsanidou. Her sought-after heavy hide belts, breathtaking (literally) corsets and directional bags all from the softest, quality skins are available from the designer’s funky Kolonaki boutique, along with her signature one-shoulder satin tops, inspirational jewellery and a whole host of one-off high-fashion garments.

The humble origins of this natural-based, environmentally and animal-friendly cosmetics brand that is taking Europe and the United States by storm lie in this small homeopathic pharmacy. The full collection of haircare, suncare, face and body lotions is available here at very reasonable prices. Delight the senses with refreshing citrus body water spray, the sweetly spicy coriander shower gel or the orange blossom facial cleanser. Being a chemist, this shop is closed on Saturdays (as well as Monday and Wednesday afternoons, like many other shops).