The Joy of the Greek Farmakia

Some say they are too expensive; I say they are magical!

Special Finds in the Farmakia

After stepping into about six different pharmacies—or farmakia—to fill a simple prescription, we were met with a variety of responses, none of which involved a filled order. First, there was the “No, we don’t have that,” followed by the “We have one box, but your prescription is written for three.” This often came with a puzzled look that said, “No AMKA? No IKA?”—the Greek equivalent of social security and Medicare. No AMKA means extra paperwork for them and a bigger bill for us. Some pharmacists asked flat-out, “Why would you even need these?” At last, in a small, rather sparse shop, we found Dimitri. He apologized that he only had one box and would have to charge us the outrageous sum of €2.27—the equivalent of $2.45 at today’s exchange rate for a box of 30 tablets. He also lamented that prices might vary slightly next time depending on the vendor. The U.S. retail price? About $1 per pill, or $30 for a month’s supply—$8 if you’re savvy with GoodRx.

We went with the €2.25 box. No insurance. No hassle.

Here in Greece, there’s a popular slang expression, “Φαρμακείο οι τιμές,” or “The prices are like a pharmacy,” used to describe anything overly expensive. But I haven’t found that to be the case, especially for most medicine. Sure, you might find some high-end cosmetics, toothpaste, and luxury shampoos selling for a few more euros than in a supermarket, but many of their everyday remedies are miraculous—and surprisingly affordable. Some products I’d in the U.S., while others were completely new to me. For anyone visiting or living in Greece, it’s worth a trip to the farmakia. After all, there is one on almost every corner. Here are a few favorites worth every cent:

Pulvo 47 – This little-known remedy seems to be in every household’s medicine cabinet. It contains horse liver catalase, an enzyme that pulls out toxic substances from the body, and neomycin, an antibiotic. Now, why horse liver? Who knows! But when my husband took a nasty fall, the pharmacist cleaned his wounds and handed him a bottle of Pulvo 47, instructing him to apply it twice a day. It worked like magic; he healed quickly and has no scars. Pulvo 47 costs around €11 (about $12 US). I also tried it after clipping an ingrown nail that had turned red and sore. Just a few sprays, and voilà—redness gone by the next morning. While I’ve never seen it in the States, I discovered it’s a go-to not only here but in Morocco, used for burns, ulcers, and surgical wounds. Curious? Check out Ubuy Morocco for the best prices. (Yes, Ubuy)

Fig-Scented Body Wash –

I’ve recently become obsessed with the heavenly aroma of fresh fig trees. The scent is nothing like the actual fruit but is more of a caramel-meets-herbal delight. Two standout body washes let you capture that fragrance and splash it all over your body: Korres Pure Greek Olive Shower Gel (Fig), creamy and luxurious, and Apivita Refreshing Fig Shower Gel with essential oils. The Korres wash costs about double, so I’d recommend Apivita for a better deal—around €8. Both are divine.

Korres product

For the Peri- and Post-Menopausal - Gentlemen, feel free to move right passed this if you so desire (although you might learn a thing or two.) Ladies, this one’s for you. In the U.S., my OB-GYN recommended an alternative to hormone therapy for—you guessed it—dryness in a certain area, suggesting a product called Bonafide Revaree. It’s hormone-free and packed with hyaluronic acid, promising hydration and a renewed sense of, let’s say, youthfulness and vitality. And it works! The downside is the price, especially since it’s sold by subscription. The recommended 3-month plan costs $43 a month ($129 quarterly), or a single month’s supply goes for $63—even on Amazon. Here’s where my husband gets the credit. Sensing an opportunity to help both of us, since he, too, was enjoying the results of the product, he began researching and discovered a Greek alternative called i for me by Help Pharmaceuticals. Mostly the same ingredients, especially the quantity of hyaluronic acid. I’m extremely allergic to many chemicals so I was reluctant to try the new product. But I did and sure enough, at €23.68 for a month's supply, they work miracles.  It’s been a game-changer.

Final Thoughts: Essentials for the Greece Traveler

It’s not just about pharmacy discoveries; every trip to the farmakia can be an adventure. On your Greek travels, you may want to add a few trusty items to your list. Valsartin for blood pressure support, no prescription and just a few dollars. Prozac or Duloxetine? No prescription is needed. Repel Spray and After Bite for those pesky mosquitoes and who-knows-what bites, and Fogo Calming Cream for sunburn and rash relief are all small investments that will keep you enjoying the beauty of Greece without interruption. So whether it’s a miracle cream, a €2 prescription, or a quick fix for post-hike mosquito bites, remember—the magic of farmakia awaits!

Gia sou!

Karen