If you are wondering how to spend your summer but don’t want to lie flat on your stomach or back, we have the perfect news for you. Summer 2024 is the perfect time to take a shopping vacation in the fashion capital of Europe, because as the temperature rises, sales begin not only in stores but everywhere. Recently, Arkia Airlines has joined the sales sale, offering a variety of flights at amazing prices, perfect for shopping lovers who can’t give up Europe in the summer.
If you’re looking for the hottest designer items, unique vintage finds, or simply new holiday wear, Europe is the perfect destination. Home to a plethora of fascinating cities, each with their own unique personality and fashion style, you’ll find everything you’ve ever dreamed of at incredible prices. (Credit: MEIR BLEICH)
Athens: Greek chic and Mediterranean tradition
Believe it or not, Greece’s capital offers a fascinating mix of ancient history, rich culture and a vibrant fashion scene. In summer, the picturesque alleys of the old town, Plaka, come alive with souvenir shops, handmade jewelry, lightweight linen clothes and leather sandals.
Ermou Street is the main shopping street in Athens, starting from Syntagma Square and running to Monastiraki Square. Here you’ll find well-known international chains such as Zara, H&M and Mango, as well as local Greek shops selling original designs for clothes, shoes and jewellery. Be sure to also explore the side streets of Ermou Street, where you’ll find vintage shops and interesting bookstores.
Kolonaki – An upscale district filled with high-end boutiques from Greek and international designers, here you’ll find unique and highly designed items that you won’t find anywhere else. Kolonaki also has trendy cafes and restaurants, so you can combine your shopping with an indulgent coffee break or a delicious lunch.
Monastiraki Flea Market – Athens’ lively flea market in Monastiraki Square. Find everything from antique furniture and jewellery to second-hand clothes and souvenirs. The market is open every day but is at its busiest on Sundays.
How much it costs: $180 for flights to Athens with Arkia Airlines from July 13-15. (Credit: INGIMAGE)
Rome: The Sweet Life of Ceres
Italy’s enchanting capital is a perfect mix of history, culture and fashion: in summer, its picturesque streets become the stage for colorful fashion shows, where boutiques and popular Italian brands host enticing discount sales.
Via del Corso is Rome’s main street, bustling with people and lined with all kinds of shops, including well-known chains like Zara, H&M and Mango, as well as local Italian stores like OVS and Coin, selling fashionable items at affordable prices.
The most convenient way to get to Via del Corso is by metro (line A, stop Spagna or Flaminio). Before heading out shopping, don’t forget to have a delicious breakfast to fuel you for a long day. Start your day with a quality Italian cappuccino and a buttery croissant. Along the street, you’ll also find a variety of cafes and restaurants, including Antico Caffè Greco, Rome’s oldest cafe, and Giolitti, an ice cream parlour famous for its unique flavours.
Via Condotti is Rome’s most prestigious street, home to top fashion houses such as Gucci, Prada, Valentino, Bvlgari and Armani. If you’re looking for luxury items, this is the place to be: look for classic and timeless models from these brands, such as the Gucci Jackie bag or Valentino Rockstud shoes.
Porta Portese Flea Market – Rome’s largest and most famous flea market, held every Sunday morning. Here you’ll find unique vintage finds, antiques, second-hand clothes, jewellery, books and more. Don’t forget to bargain! Arrive early to avoid the crowds and grab some bargains. You’ll also find authentic Italian food stalls serving pizza al taglio and fresh pasta.
How much does it cost?: Arkia flights to Rome from August 26 to September 4 cost $399 (Credit: INGIMAGE)
Barcelona: Shopping with a Catalan twist
The vibrant Catalan capital is a fashion lover’s paradise: wide boulevards, stunning architecture and shops of every kind make Barcelona the perfect destination for a summer shopping holiday.
Passeig de Gràcia – Barcelona’s famous boulevard, where luxury brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Gucci are lined up and offer huge discounts. Passeig de Gràcia is easily accessible by metro (L3 line, Passeig de Gràcia station). Don’t miss the boutiques of Spanish designers such as Loewe and Adolfo Domínguez, which offer unique and high-quality designs.
El Corte Ingles – Spain’s famous department store sells everything from clothes and shoes to electronics and food. El Corte Ingles is located in Barcelona’s central square, Plaza Catalunya. The upper floors of the department store offer great panoramic views of the city, and the store also has a gourmet restaurant and a deli with a wide selection of cheeses and sausages.
El Born – A picturesque neighborhood with narrow alleyways and unique boutique shops. Here you’ll find clothes from local designers like Custo Barcelona and Desigual, handmade jewelry, and vintage items. El Born is also a great place to sit in a cafe or tapas bar and take in the lively local atmosphere. Don’t miss the Santa Caterina Food Market, which offers a wide selection of fruits, vegetables, cheeses, sausages, and local foods.
How much it costs: Flights to Barcelona with Arkia from July 21 to July 28 cost $399. (Credit: INGIMAGE)
Important Tips for a Shopping Trip
Be prepared: Before you head out to shop, make sure you have a sufficient credit limit with Papanoya and contact your credit provider for any upcoming purchases.
Comfortable clothing: Wear light, comfortable clothing that you can easily take off and put on during your measurement, and comfortable shoes that will allow for lots of walking.
Trolleys: Please bring an empty trolley to make it easier to carry your luggage.
Plan ahead: Make a list of the stores you want to visit and find out their locations and opening hours.
Shopping order: Start with larger, more expensive items like shoes and coats, and move on to smaller, less expensive items later.
Take a break: Don’t forget to take a break with a coffee and a pastry to recharge your batteries before continuing your shopping.
Safe payments and tax refunds
Credit card: the most convenient and secure payment method in Europe. Please make sure you have sufficient available credit and notify your credit card company about your international travel.
Local currency: You will need to exchange some money into local currency (EUR, Euros) in case you want to pay in cash in small shops and markets. You can exchange money at the airport, banks and exchange offices.
Tax Refunds: Tourists are entitled to tax refunds when making purchases in Europe. Keep your receipts and check the conditions for getting a tax refund in each country. You will usually need to present your receipts and passport at the airport before returning to Israel.
