The need for a better diet is not new. However, many people are reluctant to follow it when buying organic products, as they consider them to be very expensive and will skyrocket the household budget.
So, this myth is being debunked by the organic farmers’ markets in Athens -there are of course in other cities of Greece- that offer fruits, vegetables, and other fine products at prices that exceed by just a few cents what you can find in a conventional farmers market and for sure differ significantly from the prices of organic products offered by supermarkets and retail stores.
At the organic markets, you will find products from all over Greece, while the growers themselves are on the counters to explain the production methods and answer any questions you may have. Organic farmers support mild farming, so their products are not tampered with. They also prefer prevention methods for weed control and treatment of diseases, rather than pesticides. Therefore, the fruits and vegetables here may not look perfect, but they have the perfect taste, as they retain their aromas and vitamins intact. In addition, they do not contain genetically modified ingredients, while most additives are prohibited during cultivation.
In terms of animal feed now, animals grow and thrive in environments that are close to their needs and nature, while their breeders do not adopt the destructive methods of mass production.
On the counters, in addition to fruits and vegetables, you will find legumes, honey, molasses, olive oil, olives, eggs, wines, nuts, cheeses, processed products, cereals, flour, jams, pastries, plants, aloe vera preparations, dried, capers, herbs, bean products or soaps.
The term ‘organic products’ refers to those foods for which no chemical fertilizers and pesticides are used, nor various synthetic or plant hormones to achieve greater volume, better color, and simultaneous maturation. The term ‘organic products’ has now added livestock products in which the whole production process is controlled (feed, breeding, processing, sale).
Organic products compared to conventional ones are much healthier because to cultivate them no hormones, fertilizers, vitamins or antibiotics, were used.
For the consumer, the only and simple way to identify organic products is the certification mark from an approved organization on the product label or the presentation of the certificate by the producer or trader.
Every Monday, visit the Organic Farmers Market in Kifissia for fresh Greek certified organic products from the producers themselves. It is the largest Organic Farmers Market in Greece and Europe. It hosts about 100 organic farmers from K. Karamanli Street to the end of Kokkinara Street until its junction with Panagias Eleftherotrias Street, in Politia.
Opening Hours:
Summer: 16.00-19.30 / Winter: 14.00-17.30
Every Monday, visit the Organic Farmers Market in Nea Smyrni for organic products. It hosts about 30 organic farmers on the side street of 221 Syggrou Avenue.
Opening Hours: 14: 00-17: 30 all year round.
The Organic Farmers Market in Peristeri hosts about 15 organic farmers at the junction of Paros and Demosthenous streets, next to the playground.
Opening Hours:
Summer: 16.30-19.30 / Winter: 14.30-17.30
The Organic Farmers Market in Chaidari hosts about 10 organic farmers on Filopappou Street, behind the new City Hall of Chaidari.
Opening Hours: 14: 00-18: 00 all year round
Every Tuesday, visit the Organic Farmers Market in Neo Iraklio. It hosts about 65 organic farmers at the junction of Koundouriotou and El. Venizelou, behind the "Three Stars" Cinema.
Opening Hours:
Summer: 16.00-19.30 / Winter: 14.30-17.30
Every Tuesday visit the Organic Farmers Market in Paleo Psychiko. It hosts about 70 organic farmers under shady pines at the edge of the Psychiko Grove, next to Arsakeio at the junction of Prigipissis Eleni and Nikolaos Stratigou Kallari streets, outside the Municipal Psychiko Tennis Court.
Opening Hours: 14:00 -18: 00 all year round
The market of Ilioupoli hosts about 75 organic farmers and takes place on Alexandrou Papanastasiou Street. The market extends from the side street of Vouliagmeni Avenue to Iros Konstantopoulou Street.
Opening Hours: 16:00 to 19:30 all year round
Every Wednesday, visit the Organic Farmers Market in Piraeus. It hosts about 25 organic farmers at the junction of Kleisovis and Hadjikyriakou streets, next to the Hadjikyriakeio Foundation.
Opening Hours: 14:00 - 17:30 all year round
It hosts about 35 organic farmers at the junction of Stratigou Ventiri and Agia Filothei streets.
Opening Hours: 14:30 - 18:30 all year round.
Every Wednesday, visit the Organic Farmers Market in Chalandri for fresh Greek certified organic products from the producers themselves. It hosts about 25 organic farmers at the junction of Timfristou and Ioannina streets, on the Square.
Opening Hours: 14:00 - 18:00 all year round
Every Thursday, visit the Organic Farmers Market in Gerakas. It hosts about 70 organic farmers at the junction of Ethnikis Antistaseos and Mavrovouniotou streets, in the middle of Ethnikis Antistaseos street.
Opening Hours:
Summer: 16.00-19.30 / Winter: 14.30-17.30
Every Thursday, visit the Organic Farmers Market in Thrakomakedones for fresh Greek certified organic products from the producers themselves. It hosts about 10 organic farmers at the junction of Zafeiraki and Makedonomachon streets on Albanella Square.
Opening Hours: 13: 30-18: 30 all year round
The Organic Farmers Market in Paleo Faliro accommodates about 60 organic farmers starting from the Restio Swimming Pool to the free parking lot of Tae Kwon Do.
Opening Hours:
Summer: 16.00-19.30 / Winter: 14.30-17.30
The Organic Farmers Market in Petroupoli hosts about 10 organic farmers at the junction of Crete and Dodecanese streets at the entrance of the Botanical Garden.
Opening Hours: 14: 30-17: 30 all year round
Every Friday, visit the Organic Farmers Market in Agia Varvara for fresh certified organic products by the producers themselves. It hosts about 15 organic farmers at the junction of El. Venizelou and Meg. Alexandrou, on the pedestrian street of Koundouriotou.
Opening Hours: 13:30 - 17:30 all year round
Every Friday, visit the Organic Farmers Market in Kaisariani. It hosts about 25 organic farmers at the junction of Solomonidou and Philadelphia streets behind the Near East stadium.
Opening Hours:
Summer: 16: 00-19: 30 / Winter: 14.30-17.30
The Organic Farmers Market in Nea Ionia hosts about 25 organic farmers at 4 Patriarchou Ioakeim Street.
Opening Hours: 13:30 - 17: 30 all year round
Every Friday, visit the Organic Farmers Market in Cholargos. It hosts about 45 organic farmers on Syros Street, next to the Town Hall of Papagou - Cholargos.
Opening Hours:
Summer: 16: 00-19: 30 / Winter: 14.30-17.30
Every Saturday, shop at the Organic Farmers Market in Voula. It houses about 50 organic farmers on Nireos Street (at the height between Iras and Zeus streets).
Opening Hours: 09: 00-14: 00 all year round
Every Saturday, visit the Organic Farmers Market in Eleusina. It hosts about 15 organic farmers at the junction of Ioannou Agathou and Dimitros streets, behind the City Hall of Eleusina.
Opening Hours: 09: 00-14: 00 all year round
The Organic Farmers Market in Ilion hosts about 70 organic farmers in Dimokratias Avenue, at the entrance of the Escape Center in the Park "A. Tritsi ".
Opening Hours: 09: 00-14: 00 all year round
Every Sunday, the Organic Farmers' Market in Porto Rafti, which hosts about 15 organic farmers at the junction of G. Gregou and Myrrinountos Avenues.
Opening Hours: 09: 00-14: 00 all year round
For a little cooking inspiration, read our Top Traditional Greek Products for a Mediterranean Diet, and write down a list of products for you to buy at an Organic Market.
For our vegetarian friends out there, our ‘Vegetarians’ Greek Cuisine Paradise’ is a great read to get some excellent ideas on what ingredients to buy to make a tasty Greek Vegetarian Dish.
Last but not least, we have the perfect Gemista Recipe for you! Note the ingredients and off to the organic farmers’ market you go!
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