When I moved to Athens, finding halal groceries felt like a treasure hunt. Eight years later, I know every halal butcher, every modest clothing option, and every shop that carries products Muslim residents and travelers need.
This guide covers everything from halal meat shops to modest swimwear sources in Greece.
Halal Grocery Shopping in Athens
Dedicated Halal Markets
Al-Baraka Market
– Address: 82 Menandrou Street, Omonia, Athens
– Metro: Omonia Station (5-minute walk)
– Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
– What they carry:
– Halal meat (chicken, lamb, beef)
– Halal cold cuts
– Middle Eastern groceries
– Spices and seasonings
– Turkish and Arabic products
– Fresh bread daily
– Halal frozen foods
– Why I recommend it: Most comprehensive halal selection in Athens. Staff speaks Arabic, Turkish, and English.
– Last verified: January 2026
Istanbul Market
– Address: 46 Athinas Street, Monastiraki, Athens
– Metro: Monastiraki Station (3-minute walk)
– Hours: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM Monday-Saturday
– What they carry:
– Turkish products (cheese, olives, preserves)
– Halal Turkish delight
– Spices
– Tea and coffee
– Some halal meat products
– Why I recommend it: Best Turkish grocery selection. Good for simit, Turkish cheese, and authentic products.
– Last verified: December 2025
Pak Halal Store
– Address: 28 Sofokleous Street, Omonia, Athens
– Metro: Omonia Station
– Hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily
– What they carry:
– Pakistani and South Asian products
– Halal meat
– Basmati rice varieties
– Spices and lentils
– Frozen Pakistani foods
– Why I recommend it: Best for South Asian groceries. If you miss biryani ingredients, this is your place.
– Last verified: November 2025
Supermarkets with Halal Sections
AB Vassilopoulos (Select Locations)
Some larger AB stores carry limited halal products:
– Central Athens location (Akademias Street)
– Some suburban stores
– Look for “Halal” labeled products in the international aisle
– Mainly frozen halal chicken
Sklavenitis (Select Locations)
– Larger stores may have international sections
– Limited but growing halal options
– Check frozen section
Note: Greek supermarkets are not reliable for halal meat. For proper halal products, use dedicated halal markets.
Halal Butchers
Omonia Area Butchers
The streets around Omonia (Menandrou, Sofokleous) have several halal butchers. Most serve the immigrant community and offer:
– Fresh halal chicken
– Halal lamb and beef
– Minced meat
– Custom cuts on request
Tips for buying meat:
– Ask to see halal certification if important to you
– Prices are reasonable (often cheaper than supermarkets)
– Cash preferred
– Some butchers don’t speak English (use Arabic or Turkish if possible)
Modest Fashion Shopping
Department Stores
Attica Department Store (City Link)
– Location: Panepistimiou Street, Syntagma
– What works: Higher-end modest options
– Brands to look for: Max Mara, Massimo Dutti (longer lengths), COS
– Tip: The ground floor accessories section has good hijab-friendly scarves
Hondos Center
– Multiple locations throughout Athens
– What works: Affordable basics, long skirts, loose tops
– Tip: Better for basics than statement pieces. Good for layering items.
International Chains
Zara
– Location: Ermou Street (main shopping street)
– Modest finds: Long dresses, wide-leg trousers, loose blouses
– Tip: Check the “Woman” section rather than “TRF” for more modest cuts
H&M
– Location: Ermou Street
– Modest finds: Occasionally has modest collections, long skirts, cardigans
– Tip: Quality varies. Good for basics.
Mango
– Location: Ermou Street
– Modest finds: Better quality basics, elegant longer options
– Tip: More sophisticated cuts that work for modest dressing
Massimo Dutti
– Location: Ermou Street / City Link
– Modest finds: Higher quality, naturally modest Spanish style
– Tip: Investment pieces that last
COS
– Location: Ermou Street
– Modest finds: Minimalist, architectural pieces. Many naturally modest.
– Tip: Excellent quality. Pricier but worth it for key pieces.
Greek Brands
BSB
– Multiple locations
– Greek brand with contemporary styles
– Some modest options in their collections
Lynne
– Greek brand, multiple locations
– Affordable, trendy
– Check for longer options
Hijab and Abaya Shopping
Online Options (Shipping to Greece)
Greece doesn’t have dedicated hijab stores. For proper hijab fashion, I recommend:
Modanisa (Turkey-based)
– Ships to Greece
– Huge selection of hijabs, abayas, modest fashion
– Delivery: 5-10 days
– Customs: May have import duties for larger orders
Annah Hariri (Dubai-based)
– Premium modest fashion
– Ships internationally
– Higher price point
Inayah (UK-based)
– Contemporary modest fashion
– Ships to Greece
– Good quality basics
Amazon
– Some modest swimwear options
– Burkinis available
– Variable quality
Local Alternatives:
Omonia Area Shops
Several shops in the immigrant neighborhoods sell:
– Basic hijabs
– Abayas
– Prayer clothing
– Middle Eastern fashion
Look on Menandrou Street and surrounding areas. Prices are very reasonable.
Modest Swimwear
Finding burkinis in Greece requires planning.
Online (Before Your Trip):
– Modanisa has excellent burkini selection
– Marks & Spencer ships to Greece
– Amazon has options
In Athens:
– Some sports stores carry “full coverage” swimwear for water sports
– Decathlon sometimes has modest options
– Dedicated modest swimwear is rare in physical stores
My Recommendation:
Buy your burkini before coming to Greece. Selection is too limited here.
Muslim Essentials
Prayer Rugs
Where to buy:
– Shops around Athens Central Mosque (Votanikos)
– Omonia area shops
– Online (Amazon, Islamic shops)
Tip: Bring a travel prayer rug from home. Greek selection is limited.
Qurans and Islamic Books
Athens Mosque
– Small selection sometimes available
– Ask at the mosque administration
Online
– Amazon ships to Greece
– Islamic bookstores online
Note: Arabic bookstores in Omonia area may have Qurans and Islamic materials.
Miswak, Attar, Prayer Beads
Omonia Shops
– Several shops carry Islamic items
– Prayer beads (misbaha/tasbih)
– Miswak
– Attar (Islamic perfume oils)
– Kufis (prayer caps)
Look in the shops around Menandrou Street.
Shopping in Other Greek Cities
Thessaloniki
Halal Markets:
– Several in the city center
– Smaller than Athens options
– Check near the university area
Modest Fashion:
– Standard chain stores (Zara, H&M)
– No dedicated modest fashion stores
Rhodes
Turkish Quarter (Old Town)
– Turkish shops with some modest options
– Halal sweets and Turkish products
– Near Ibrahim Pasha Mosque
Islands
Be Prepared:
Islands have very limited options for both halal food and modest fashion. Stock up before island travel.
Practical Shopping Tips
Clothing Sizes
Greek/European sizing applies:
– Women’s dress sizes: 34 (XS) – 44 (XL)
– One size up from US sizing typically
– Try before buying when possible
Payment
- Credit cards accepted at malls and chains
- Cash preferred at small shops (Omonia area)
- Some halal markets prefer cash
Shopping Hours
Regular stores:
– Monday/Wednesday/Saturday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
– Tuesday/Thursday/Friday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
– Sunday: Most closed (except malls)
Note: Hours vary and have become more flexible. Chains often have extended hours.
Malls:
– Usually 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
– Open Sundays
Omonia halal shops:
– Often longer hours
– Many open Sundays
Best Shopping Areas
For Fashion:
– Ermou Street (Syntagma to Monastiraki): Main shopping street
– Kolonaki: High-end boutiques
– The Mall Athens (Maroussi): Large mall with all chains
– Golden Hall (Maroussi): Upscale mall
For Halal Groceries:
– Omonia area (Menandrou, Sofokleous streets)
– Monastiraki (near central market)
Sales Seasons
- Winter Sales: Mid-January to February
- Summer Sales: Mid-July to August
- Discounts up to 70% possible
Packing Recommendations
What to Bring
Modest Clothing:
– Bring key pieces from home (better selection in Muslim countries)
– Greece can supplement basics but not specialty items
Hijabs:
– Bring your supply (limited selection in Greece)
– Greek scarves can work as emergency hijabs
Swimwear:
– Bring burkini (very limited availability in Greece)
– Pack extras for longer trips
Prayer Items:
– Travel prayer rug
– Compass app on phone
– Small Quran if desired
What You Can Buy
In Greece:
– Basic modest clothing from chains
– Hijabs and abayas from Omonia shops
– Halal food supplies
– Toiletries and basics
My Shopping Routine
As a resident, here’s how I manage:
Weekly: Fresh halal meat from Omonia butchers
Monthly: Stock up at Al-Baraka Market
Seasonally: Order modest fashion from Modanisa (sales are excellent)
As needed: Basics from Zara/H&M
For travelers, I recommend shopping before your trip for specialty items and using Greece for restocking basics and fresh halal food only.
Related Guides:
– Complete Guide to Halal Restaurants in Athens
– Essential Travel Guide for Muslim Visitors to Greece
– Halal Food Guide for Authentic Athens Dining
Last Updated: January 2026
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