Err on the side of caution and take home a bright blue bauble to ward off the evil eye. Matia, as Greeks call these charms, are ubiquitous throughout the country. Small ones start at $1 a piece. Mati, tel: (30-210) 321 0285, a store in a back lane in Psiri, is a good place to pick them up. It sells the glass charms alongside monastery lamps and candlesticks.

• 1. Psiri
  Athens, Greece 37.9777823.725 More info