Chabad of Crete: kosher food, Shabbat and Etz Hayyim synagogue in Chania
Where Chabad is in Crete, where to eat kosher near Heraklion and Hersonissos, how to manage Shabbat in Chania, and what to know before visiting Etz Hayyim synagogue.
- Chabad of Crete is in Hersonissos, east of Heraklion: a kosher tavern, grocery and Shabbat meals by registration.
- There is no Chabad in Chania. It has the historic Etz Hayyim synagogue, open to visitors Monday to Friday.
- Elsewhere on the island, order a Shabbat kit from Chabad of Crete (by area) or delivery from e-kosher.gr.
Landing in Heraklion? Chabad in Hersonissos is close. Staying in Chania or Rethymno? Order Shabbat food in advance and visit Etz Hayyim on a weekday.
Where is Chabad in Crete?
Chabad of Crete is in Hersonissos (Limenas Chersonisou), the resort town east of Heraklion, at El. Venizelou 44. It is the only Chabad house on the island. There is no Chabad in Chania, Rethymno or Agios Nikolaos.
- Phone and WhatsApp: +30 695 588 0500
- Website: chabadcrete.com (Hebrew and English)
If you land in Heraklion this is convenient: Hersonissos is on the north coast, in a busy hotel area. Which airport suits you, and who flies direct, is in our flights to Crete guide.
What does Chabad of Crete offer?
- The kosher tavern – a kosher restaurant, menu on the website.
- A grocery with kosher products.
- A Shabbat food market – ready-made Shabbat food to take away.
- Shabbat and holiday meals at the Chabad house, by registration.
- Shabbat kits delivered to hotels, depending on the area. Ask in advance whether they reach yours.
- Traveller information, including hotel recommendations.
The site recently mentioned registration for Sukkot and Simchat Torah. It does not publish seasonal hours, so outside the tourist season confirm by WhatsApp what is open before you go.
Shabbat in Crete
- Heraklion and Hersonissos area: register for the Chabad Shabbat meal, or order ready-made Shabbat food.
- Chania and western Crete: there is no Chabad. Ask Chabad of Crete whether their Shabbat kit reaches your area, or order from Chabad Athens' e-kosher.gr, which ships to the islands. According to Chabad, order 3–5 days ahead.
- Shabbat times: our Shabbat times in Greece page shows candle lighting and Shabbat end times for Heraklion and Chania.
- There is no eruv and no synagogue with a regular minyan outside Chabad, so book a hotel within walking distance of Chabad if praying with a minyan matters to you.
Etz Hayyim synagogue in Chania
Etz Hayyim is the last remnant of Crete's ancient Jewish community and one of the most moving Jewish sites in Greece. It is in Chania's old town, on Parodos Kondylaki.
A little history: the building was originally a church and became a synagogue in the 17th century. Chania's community was Romaniote – Greek-speaking Jews. In 1944 the Nazis deported the Jews of Chania. On 9 June 1944 the deportation ship Tanais was sunk with about 265 Jews from Chania on board, together with Greek prisoners. The synagogue stood in ruins for decades, was restored on the initiative of Nikos Stavroulakis and rededicated in 1999. Today it is an active synagogue and a community and cultural centre run by an international team, welcoming visitors of all faiths.
Visiting (from the synagogue's website):
| Hours | Mon–Thu 10:00–16:00, Fri 10:00–15:00 |
| Closed | Saturday, Sunday and Greek public holidays |
| Entry | €4. Free for children under 14 and students |
| Included | Guided tour of the synagogue |
- Services: according to the synagogue there is a regular Kabbalat Shabbat and High Holiday services, in Romaniote and Sephardic tradition.
- An old mikvah is on site.
- Dress modestly: it is an active synagogue. Prayer shawls and head coverings are provided.
- Photos: the building may be photographed, but no selfies or posing.
- Groups over 10 must give 24 hours' notice.
More on its history: Etz Hayyim synagogue in Chania.
Kosher food in Heraklion and Chania
We found no active kosher restaurant in Heraklion city or Chania. The island's regular kosher option is the Chabad tavern in Hersonissos. If you are far from it, order in advance from Chabad of Crete or e-kosher.gr. All options across Greece: kosher food in Greece.
Passover and holidays in Crete
Crete is one of the main destinations for kosher Passover hotel programmes. Details and what to check before booking: Passover in Greece. Other holidays: Jewish holidays in Greece.
FAQ
Is there Chabad in Crete?
Yes. Chabad of Crete is in Hersonissos, east of Heraklion, at El. Venizelou 44. It is the only Chabad house on the island.
Is there Chabad in Chania?
No. Chania has no Chabad house. It has the historic Etz Hayyim synagogue; Shabbat food must be ordered in advance.
Where can I eat kosher in Crete?
At the Chabad kosher tavern in Hersonissos, which also has a grocery and ready-made Shabbat food. We found no kosher restaurant in Heraklion or Chania.
Can I get kosher Shabbat food delivered to my hotel in Crete?
Yes, Chabad of Crete sends Shabbat kits to hotels depending on the area. You can also order from e-kosher.gr, 3–5 days ahead.
When is Etz Hayyim synagogue in Chania open?
Monday to Thursday 10:00–16:00 and Friday 10:00–15:00. Closed Saturday, Sunday and Greek public holidays. Entry €4.
Are there services at Etz Hayyim?
Yes. According to the synagogue there is a regular Kabbalat Shabbat and High Holiday services.
Is Chabad of Crete open in winter?
The site does not publish seasonal hours. Outside the tourist season, check by WhatsApp on +30 695 588 0500 before you go.
Details checked on the Chabad of Crete and Etz Hayyim websites on 4 October 2026. Hours and seasons can change, so contact them directly before you go.
