Drakouli Confectionary & Bakery: Honoring 100 Years of Sweet Tradition in Aliveri

The journey of the Drakouli family begins in 1925, when they arrived in Aliveri, Evia, carrying not only their mastery of the confectionery craft but also a passionate vision for the future.

Originally from Smyrna ( Ismir in Turkey today), the Drakoulis family had to leave their homeland after the Asia Minor Catastrophe of 1922. Iakovos Drakoulis, along with his siblings and their mother, found refuge in Kalymnos island, where they stayed for two years. During this time, they focused on rebuilding their lives and planning their future.

Arriving from the «Paris of the East», the cosmopolitan city of Smyrna, where he had worked from a young age in a traditional coffeehouse and pastry shop, Iakovos Drakoulis gained deep knowledge and skill in both sweets and coffee. Surrounded by the aromas of freshly ground coffee and pastries, he cultivated a dedication to detail and quality.

Armed with this expertise, he eventually settled in Aliveri, Evia, where he established a pastry business that would shape the region's culinary identity. This tradition, rooted in the lessons and experiences he brought from Smyrna, grew and evolved in Aliveri, creating a lasting legacy of taste and quality that continues to thrive to this day.

The Arrival in Aliveri and the Founding of the First Pastry Shop

In 1925, the Drakoulis family settled in Aliveri, bringing with them the culinary heritage and expertise they had cultivated in Smyrna. Iakovos decided to open a pastry shop—a bold initiative for the time, as it was the first of its kind in the area.

They introduced unique flavors and quality sweets, which quickly became beloved by the locals. Their attention to detail and commitment to quality established a tradition that has continued unbroken for nearly 100 years.

At the same time, Iakovos also established a coffeehouse production, innovative for its era, where he introduced and popularized the "Greek Drakoulis" blend as the signature coffee, a blend closely tied to memories and flavors of their homeland.

This shop was not just a place to buy sweets; it became a gathering spot for Aliveri's residents, located in the heart of the town’s commercial center. Here, locals came together, drawn by the tastes and ambiance reminiscent of Smyrna.

A New Beginning in Thessaloniki

Iakovos Drakoulis’s journey was not without challenges. As a leftist, he faced political persecution, which forced him to leave Aliveri and relocate to Thessaloniki. There, he opened a new pastry shop in the Toumba area, once again bringing his craft to a new community. Despite the hardships, he succeeded in establishing a thriving shop, demonstrating his resilience and dedication to his art.

The Return to Aliveri and the Start of a Sweet Tradition

In 1939, Iakovos, along with his wife Katina, decided to return to Aliveri, where they settled permanently with their family. His deep love for the town and its people drew him back to the place that had welcomed and supported him initially. This return marked the rebirth of his business, with the reopening of the pastry shop and coffeehouse, rekindling a tradition of sweetness that would endure for generations.

The New Generation at the Pastry Shop and the «Anemomylos» story

Iakovos Drakoulis’s son, Takis Drakoulis, joined the family business at the young age of 23, followed later by his younger brother, Dinos, who specialized in coffee production and made a significant name for himself in Greece. In 1960, Iakovos decided to open a new and innovative entertainment venue for the area, called «Anemomylos» (The Windmill).

Anemomylos was more than just an entertainment venue; it became the gathering place for Aliveri residents for decades, both winter and summer. Starting as a countryside retreat, it gradually evolved into a family-friendly entertainment spot, featuring music, dancing, and quality food. Anemomylos left an indelible mark on the history of quality entertainment, attracting visitors from beyond Aliveri's borders.

The Drakoulis family, pioneers in the field, gained extensive experience and were the first in the area to specialize in event organization. Anemomylos hosted numerous celebrations and significant social events, such as weddings, baptisms, corporate events, and community and school gatherings, establishing itself as the heart of Aliveri’s social life and a landmark for the entire region.

This extensive experience in hospitality and event organization led the Drakoulis family to expand their business, establishing "Ktima Drakouli" (Drakoulis Estate) and becoming the first in the area to introduce outdoor catering services.

Ktima Drakouli quickly became synonymous with quality service, catering to events of all kinds and bringing the unparalleled Drakoulis family hospitality to private homes and venues outside the estate, while maintaining the same commitment to quality and attention to detail.

The Third Generation at the Helm of Drakoulis Pastry Shops

The Drakoulis family’s successful journey continued for decades at the original store, consistently offering quality and authentic flavors to the residents of Aliveri.

Takis Drakoulis, with the support of his wife, Maria, strengthened the family business, embedding values such as hard work, kindness, and respect for customers. Together, they had three sons, and today, Iakovos and George, along with their families, continue the legacy as the third generation, upholding the Drakoulis reputation and successfully expanding the business.

In the 1990s, the business took a major step by relocating to its new «flagship» location: a privately-owned, three-story neoclassical building, a true landmark in Aliveri. This building, located near the original shop, housed the Pastry and Bakery, the «Aroma» (Scent) cafe inspired by Viennese aesthetics, the production workshop, and the company’s offices, blending tradition with modern style.

The successful journey continued with further expansion, opening a new store with unique aesthetics at the entrance of Aliveri, on the Chalkida-Kymi National Road. This store quickly became a popular stop for locals and passing travelers, offering high-quality sweets and freshly brewed coffee in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Today, the Drakoulis family honors tradition, continuing with dedication and passion, maintaining two stores that have become landmarks in Aliveri. The first store, located on the town’s peripheral road, is perfect for a relaxing stop, where visitors can enjoy coffee, sweets, ice cream, and snacks in a welcoming environment, ideal for both locals and travelers.

The second store, situated in the heart of Aliveri’s commercial center at the beginning of the pedestrian walkway, offers the same variety of quality options—coffee, sweets, and ice cream—in one of the town's liveliest spots. The unique atmosphere of the pedestrian area adds a special charm, making this location an ideal destination for those who wish to combine their stroll with a sweet treat and enjoy the social life of the town.

Ktima Drakouli and Catering Services: Continuing the Tradition of Event Planning

In 2002, the family established the event venue «Ktima Drakouli». This new venture marked yet another pioneering step for the area, providing a unique space for events and social occasions that upholds the family’s tradition of quality service and excellence.

"Ktima Drakouli" quickly became a beloved destination for those wishing to celebrate significant life moments against the backdrop of Aliveri's beauty. Since 2003, it has expanded into outdoor and in-home catering services, hosting over 100 events to date. It is now considered a top-tier choice not only in Evia but also beyond.

Drakouli Sweets: History, Tradition, and Unmatched Quality

The Drakoulis family name has become synonymous with uncompromising quality and dedication to tradition—a legacy kept alive for nearly 100 years.

Drakouli sweets have become an integral part of life in Aliveri, sweetening generations and creating cherished memories. This heritage of flavors continues to be honored, evolving and connecting people, preserving the spirit of tradition and authenticity to this day.

In their confectionery, emphasis is always placed on pure ingredients, unique recipes, and classic techniques—qualities that have made their sweets a hallmark in Aliveri and beyond.

Classic Flavors with History

From the beginning, signature sweets included almond pastries, chocolate treats, the famous black-and-white «Serano», the legendary «Copenhagen» dessert, and syrup-soaked delights such as galaktoboureko and kataifi, with perfectly crispy layers and cream that melted in the mouth.

Complementing these treats was always the freshly brewed Drakoulis coffee, offering the perfect reason for a sweet escape. Particularly memorable to older patrons was the patient grandmother Katina, who meticulously folded pastries with care and love.

From the past, Drakoulis handmade ice cream was another timeless part of their sweet tradition, with signature flavors like Cream, Chocolate, and Praline creating a sense of nostalgia in every bite. Today, the family continues this legacy by crafting original ice cream flavors, constantly refreshing the selection and offering new delights to visitors.

Continuing their sweet tradition, Drakoulis Pastry Shops have also embraced modern flavors and styles to suit contemporary tastes. Today, their shelves feature syrup-drenched tray sweets, baklava, tempting pastries, and unique cakes that are in high demand for special occasions.

Among their most popular items are cookie cakes, Jamaica, Black Forest, and intricately designed wedding and baptism cakes that showcase their dedication and creativity.

Notable offerings include premium energy bars made with pure ingredients for a nutritious treat and handmade chocolates crafted with care and available in unique flavors, elevating the tasting experience. The range of flavors, from classic options to innovative combinations, makes each bar and chocolate unique, offering something for every palate.

Additionally, Drakoulis Pastry Shops are renowned for their spectacular custom birthday cakes, made to order according to each customer’s wishes and dreams, delivering a personalized work of art and flavor.

Drakouli Handmade Ice Cream: New and Classic Flavors

Drakouli handmade ice cream has been a timeless part of their sweet tradition for over 70 years, with signature flavors such as Cream, Chocolate, Parfait, and Praline. These flavors evoke nostalgia among older generations and have left a lasting impression in the region.

Today, the tradition continues as the family refreshes the range of handmade ice cream flavors, offering new delights to visitors. Alongside the classic flavors, modern preferences now include Cookies, Chocolate Jamaica, Mango Pomegranate, and the popular Galaktoboureko ice cream, among many others that stand out for their quality and have become particularly popular.

The art of pastry and baking reaches its peak with the Drakoulis family. With respect for tradition, commitment to quality, and an eye on modern preferences, the family continues to create sweet memories and flavors that stand the test of time, offering the best for every occasion and celebration.

Drakouli Seasonal Sweets: A Tradition That Sweetens Every Occasion

At the heart of the Drakouli family’s confectionery tradition are their seasonal sweets, which bring the flavors and aromas of the holidays to homes and hearts each year. With an unwavering commitment to quality and tradition, the Drakoulis offer sweet creations that honor customs and traditions while meeting modern tastes.

Vasilopita Cake: A New Year’s Classic

Every year, Drakouli’s «vasilopita» (New Year’s Cake) is a highlight of the New Year’s table, as the Greek custom is to devide cake for each family member and find the hidden golden coin in the cake which will bring luck and joy. Made with special care and the finest ingredients, these vasilopitas combine traditional flavor with a rich texture, full of fragrance and nostalgia. This tradition dates back to the earliest days of the pastry shop, when the family adapted recipes from Smyrna with love to Greek customs.

Beloved Kourabiedes and Melomakarona

Drakouli kourabiedes and melomakarona have become must-haves for every holiday celebration during Christmas holidays. Made with fresh butter and almonds, the kourabiedes melt in the mouth, filling the palate with flavor and aroma. The melomakarona, made with high-quality honey and flavored with cinnamon and orange, are juicy and crunchy, always making a lasting impression.

Longtime customers fondly remember Drakouli’s kourabiedes as an essential part of Christmas, a flavor tied to warm family moments and festive atmospheres. This dedication to preserving authentic recipes and flavors reflects the family’s commitment to honoring tradition.

Panettone: An International Touch to Greek Festivities

Beyond traditional Greek sweets, the Drakoulis have successfully incorporated Italian panettone into their offerings. With its distinctive texture and rich pieces of dried fruit, the panettone quickly became popular with customers, adding a unique touch to the holiday season.

Delicious Tsoureki for Every Occasion

Drakouli tsoureki is known for its fluffy and rich texture, filled with the aromas of mahleb, mastic, and butter. From Easter celebrations to everyday treats, tsoureki is a favorite for young and old alike. Filled varieties, including praline, chestnut, or fruit-stuffed tsoureki, are equally popular, offering a range of flavors to suit every taste.

A Legacy That Continues

Today, the Drakoulis family is approaching a century of history in Aliveri, with two stores that honor their long-standing tradition: one in the heart of Aliveri on the bustling pedestrian street, and the other on Aliveri’s Peripheral Road, ideally positioned for easy access and a perfect stop for travelers.

Their success is built not only on their sweets and businesses but also on their dedication to the community and the people who have supported them over the years. The Drakoulis name is synonymous with quality, innovation, and a deep respect for tradition.

With the third generation carrying on the legacy of their ancestors, this story exemplifies how persistence, hard work, and a sense of duty can lead to enduring success. The Drakoulis family is more than a business; they are a part of the history and the heart of Aliveri.

A Sweet 100-Year Story That Inspires

The story of the Drakoulis family is a testament to resilience and the ability to overcome hardship. From their journey from Smyrna to settling in Aliveri and facing challenges along the way, the Drakoulis family has built something more than a business.

They have created a sweet tradition that has become intertwined with people’s lives and their fondest memories.

As they approach 100 years of operation, the Drakoulis family continues to look toward the future with optimism, honoring tradition while evolving their business. Their story is a shining example of how traditions can thrive and grow through dedication and a genuine love for community and craft.