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. These markets are highly recommended, as 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 Cretan food culture.

For organic and specialty products, Heraklion offers several excellent options. Peri Kalou is one of the city's best-known organic stores, located in the central market area. While not exclusively vegan, it stocks a wide selection of organic, health-focused, and plant-based products.

Another popular choice is Akratón, which offers a broad range of vegan-friendly products, including superfoods, snacks, plant-based staples, and specialty ingredients. It is conveniently located just 15 minutes from Heraklion city centre, on Knossos Avenue, along the road leading to the famous archaeological site of Knossos.

If you are staying in Chania, you can visit Bioagora and Froutagora, two stores known for their selection of organic and health-food products. Here you can easily find plant-based milks, vegan yoghurts, tofu, nutritional yeast, and many other vegan essentials.

When it comes to tofu and nutritional yeast, these products are usually found in the health-food or specialty sections of larger supermarkets. Tofu is widely available in chains such as Sklavenitis and AB Vassilopoulos, while Lidl occasionally carries it as well. Nutritional yeast is still considered a more specialised product in Greece, but it can often be found in Sklavenitis stores, selected organic shops, delicatessens, and specialty food stores throughout the island.

Nut and dried-fruit shops are another excellent resource for vegan shoppers. They often offer high-quality products at competitive prices, including peanut butter, almond butter, tahini, and other nut spreads, some of which are freshly ground in-store. Popular local examples include Karpos Choraïtis and Charonitis, both well known for their variety, quality, and value.

Plant-based milks and vegan cheeses have become increasingly popular in recent years and are now widely available throughout Crete. You can find them not only in large supermarkets but also in many smaller neighbourhood grocery stores, making it easier than ever to maintain a vegan lifestyle while exploring the island.