Where to Buy Vegan Ingredients in Crete

Finding vegan ingredients while on holiday in Crete is surprisingly easy, especially if you know where to look. Fresh fruits and vegetables are available everywhere, from small local grocery stores and supermarkets to the island’s traditional farmers’ markets, known as laiki.

The laiki (farmers’ market)

These weekly street markets are highly recommended: most vendors are local producers offering seasonal, fresh and often organic produce at excellent prices. Visiting a laiki is also a wonderful way to experience local life. Every larger town has one on a set day of the week — ask your host or check the town hall notices.

Supermarkets

Most big chains stock plant milks (soy, oat, almond), vegan cheese and an increasing range of vegan alternatives. Legumes, tahini and hummus are naturally vegan and you can find them everywhere. When it comes to variety, AB Vassilopoulos and Sklavenitis offer the widest selection. They have invested the most in catering to vegan customers, so you’re more likely to find products such as tofu, nutritional yeast, vegan ice cream, plant-based cheeses, meat alternatives, and many other vegan essentials.

Health-food shops

Most towns have at least one health-food shop for specialty items — tofu, protein, supplements, and gluten-free baking. If you’re nearby, two specialty stores that are well worth a visit are Peri Kalou in the heart of Heraklion and Bioagora in Chania. Both offer an excellent selection of organic and vegan products, including many items that can be difficult to find in regular supermarkets.