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Perhaps the only thing better than traditional Greek food is traditional Greek desserts.
Whether you’re on a multi-stop itinerary throughout the wonderful country of Greece, taking a city break to Athens, or enjoying an Aegean sunset on an island like Milos, Greek food will of course be one of the absolute highlights of your trip. But even when you think you’re totally stuffed, it would be a crime not to leave room for some typical Greek desserts.
Some of the familiar favorites below have been shared throughout history between Greece and its neighbors. However, many of these traditional Greek sweet treats are only found in Greece.
We have listed some specific restaurants and bakeries below, but this Greek food walking tour will also let you sample some of our recommendations too.
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1. Portokalopita
If there were one absolute bomb of a dessert that could satisfy even the strongest sweet craving in one mouthful, it would be the portokalopita.
The name of this dessert comes from the words “orange” (portokali) and “pie” (pita). However, the English word “pie” does not really sum up the succulent, gooey texture and irresistible tangy sweetness of this traditional Greek dessert.
Its spongy base is soaked in syrup, and the portokalopita goes very well with a generous scoop of our final feature on this list.
Since many recipes of this cake-like dessert substitute butter for olive oil, and use filo pastry instead of flour, it may just be the quintessential Greek sweet dish and is certainly one of the more typical Greek desserts.
Where to try portokalopita
You’ll find the portokalopita throughout Greece, but I’ve had an excellent homestyle rendition of it at Vyrinis in Pangrati, Athens.
If you’re in the Old Town of Corfu, you can also get it to take away at the Chryssa Bakery right in the town center.
2. Melomakarona
There are many benefits to traveling off-season in Greece, but one of the best may be the chance to try melomakarona during the Christmas season.
The singular form of the word is “melomakarono,” but trust me, you’ll definitely want to try these in the plural.
A mix of the words “honey” and “macaroon”, these lightly orange-flavored cookies are dipped in honey and sprinkled with crushed walnuts. This one is definitely for the honey lovers among us. Melomakaronia often have a slightly gritty texture from the semolina used in some recipes.
Because this typical Greek dessert is egg-free and dairy-free, you may also often find melomakarona at times of fasting such as Orthodox Lent.
Where to try melomakarona
The artisan bakery chain of Apollonion (like this branch in Kolonaki) always makes great melomakarona. Having said that, you’ll have no problem finding these Christmas treats all across Greece in November and December.
3. Lihnarakia
Hailing from Crete, lihnarakia (the “h” is pronounced like the “ch” in “loch”) are small bitesize pastries made with deliciously sweet and creamy mizithra cheese, finished off with a sprinkling of cinnamon.
The name “lihnarakia” refers to the traditional style of Greek oil lamps used in the past, which the shape of this dessert reflects. In that sense, lihnarakia is certainly a typical Greek dessert.
The creamy texture of the sweet cheese filling perfectly complements the slightly crispy biscuit of the pastry itself.
It is mostly bakeries that sell lihnaraki, and typically you won’t find them as desserts in Greek restaurants. Order them along with your freddo espresso, and you won’t be disappointed.
Where to try lihnarakia
Of course, Crete is the best place to try lihnarakia. If you’re lucky enough to be in Chania, go to Doroundous Bakery on 1866 Square.
4. Kourabiedes
Just like the melomakarona we described above, kourabiedes are another traditional Greek sweet served at Christmas. You will have no trouble finding them at every bakery in Greece around that time of the year.
While the name originates from the Middle Eastern “qurabiya,” the Greeks have truly made this treat their own. The basic idea of an almond-based shortbread biscuit is shared across the region, but Greek kourabiedes are distinct in their use of local liqueurs like Metaxa brandy, mastika (read more about this one below), or even ouzo.
Sprinkled with powdered sugar to finish, you might also find kourabiedes served at baptisms in Greece.
Where to find kourabiedes
I associate kourabiedes with cozy winter days in the mountain villages of the Peloponnese or northern Greece. When visiting Stemnitsa on our one-week Greece itinerary, visit the tiny bakery of To Arkadiko to try their homemade kourabiedes.
5. Galaktoboureko
A variation on the bourekas / börek found throughout the eastern Mediterranean and Balkans, “galakto” means the addition of dairy to the mix.
The galaktoboureko consists of crispy filo pastry and a sweet, creamy, custard filling, all doused with the sweet syrup that is ubiquitous in many typical Greek desserts. The syrup also contains hints of citrus and cinnamon, adding an exciting dimension of flavor to the galaktoboureko.
Traditionally, Greeks eat galaktoboureko until the Carnival, before the long forty days of Lent when such gluttony is discouraged. In reality, though, you should find galaktoboureko in many bakeries across Greece all year.
Similar to the galaktoboureko is the galopita (“milk pie”) which you may see around Greek bakeries too. It’s a very different milk pie to that which is famous in South Africa.
Where to try galaktoboureko
While in Athens, stop by Stani, just north of Omonia Square, to sample their beautiful galaktoboureko and other traditional Greek desserts.
6. Ravani
Ravani is another typical Greek dessert with shared heritage in the wider region. This cake may not be quite as common as the other desserts listed here, but you are in for a treat when you do get a chance to try it.
The cake itself is a very simple idea: a lemon-based semolina cake, light and fluffy in texture. Afterwards it is soaked in sweet orange syrup and sometimes topped with coconut flakes.
Think of it as the lighter, slightly less sinful version of the portakolopita. Together with a cold coffee on a warm summer’s day, this is an excellent combo, and is one of the best traditional Greek desserts.
Where to try ravani
If you’re in Thessaloniki, take a moment to swing by the Pasalidis Patisserie and sample either the ravani or one of the other tempting cakes on offer.
7. Baklava
It would be impossible to talk about traditional Greek desserts without bringing up the most ubiquitous sweet treat in the eastern Mediterranean: baklava.
Since baklava is also widely represented in the cuisines of Türkiye and the Middle East, it is likely that you will already be familiar with it before landing in Greece.
One nuanced distinction of the Greek baklava is that walnut or almond fillings are often favored, although you will still find pistachio baklava everywhere. Greek baklava also often use melted butter instead of oil.
The “correct” way to eat a baklava is to hold it upside down, so that not a drop of its syrup drips off.
Where to find baklava
You’ll have absolutely no trouble in finding baklava anywhere around Greece. Picking one favorite baklava shop is almost impossible, but Belle Vue Patisserie in the Nea Smyrni neighborhood of Athens is an excellent choice.
8. Mastiha ice cream
It might seem like a cop-out to list an ice cream among our typical Greek desserts, but this is something that you will truly only find in Greece (although the Syrian dessert booza is quite similar).
Mastiha is a Greek liqueur made from a tree resin called mastic. You will be constantly reminded by every aperitif-offering waiter that mastiha comes from the Greek island of Chios. The distinctive taste of pine- and cedar-infused flavors are sweetened to create this unique and moreish liqueur.
Translated into ice cream, mastiha has a refreshing and complex aroma essentially unparalleled by any more common ice cream flavors. Whenever you get to try it, you’ll find how it can be the perfect light companion to some of the heavy-hitting traditional Greek desserts above.
Where to try mastiha ice cream
Pagotomania or Kokkion in the central Athens neighborhood of Psyrri are great places to try mastiha ice cream. You will also find mastiha ice cream everywhere around its spiritual home of Chios island.
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