Kosher and Chabad in Hersonissos, Crete: kosher taverna, Shabbat and hotel delivery
Crete's only Chabad house is in Hersonissos: a kosher taverna, grocery, Shabbat meals and Shabbat kits delivered to hotels. What's open in winter and how to book.
- Chabad of Crete: El. Venizelou 44, Hersonissos. WhatsApp +30 695 588 0500.
- Kosher taverna, grocery, Friday food market, Shabbat meals and hotel Shabbat kits.
- From 25 October a reduced winter schedule: arrange ahead on WhatsApp.
If you fly to Heraklion and keep kosher or Shabbat, book a hotel within walking distance of Chabad in Hersonissos and order Shabbat meals and kits ahead on WhatsApp, especially out of season.
Is there a Chabad house in Hersonissos?
Yes. Chabad of Crete is in Hersonissos (Limenas Chersonisou), the resort town east of Heraklion, at El. Venizelou 44. It is the only Chabad house in Crete, so it serves Israelis all over the island, including Heraklion, Malia and Agios Nikolaos.
- WhatsApp: +30 695 588 0500 (the main way to get in touch)
- Website: chabadcrete.com, in Hebrew and English
What does Chabad Hersonissos offer?
| Service | What it is | How to book |
|---|---|---|
| Kosher taverna | Kosher restaurant, menu and hours on the website | Reserve a table on WhatsApp |
| Kosher grocery | Kosher products | Online and on site |
| Shabbat food market | Ready-made Shabbat food, on Fridays near the house | Fridays |
| Shabbat and holiday meals | Communal meal at the Chabad house | Register in advance: date, number of meals and guests |
| Shabbat kits for hotels | Friday-night kit delivered to your hotel | Order ahead, set delivery zones only; taxi charged separately |
In winter: reduced service
According to Chabad of Crete's website, the house moves to a reduced winter schedule from 25 October. In winter you contact them on WhatsApp to arrange weekday kosher meals and Shabbat hosting. The site does not say when full service resumes, so always ask before travelling out of season.
Where to stay in Hersonissos near Chabad
There is no eruv and no transport on Shabbat, so observant travellers will want to stay within walking distance of the Chabad house. Hersonissos has many hotels along the main street and the seafront. Before booking:
- Ask Chabad which nearby hotels suit Shabbat. The website has a hotel information page.
- Check with the hotel whether it uses a regular key or an electronic card, and whether the entrance doors are automatic.
- If you are further away, check whether your hotel is inside the Shabbat-kit delivery zone.
What if I'm in Chania or Rethymno?
There is no Chabad house in western Crete. In the Chania area, check whether the Shabbat kit reaches you, or order ahead from Chabad Athens' delivery service (e-kosher.gr), which ships to the islands, usually 3–5 days in advance. Chania has the historic Etz Hayyim synagogue. Full details in our Chabad Crete guide.
Shabbat times in Crete
Candle-lighting and Shabbat end times for Heraklion and Chania update every week on our Shabbat times & kosher page. In Crete Shabbat starts a little later than in Athens.
How to get to Hersonissos
Hersonissos is about 25 km east of Heraklion airport on the main north-coast road. Several airlines fly direct from Tel Aviv to Heraklion. See our flights to Crete guide and the list of Chabad houses in Greece.
FAQ
Where is Chabad in Crete? In Hersonissos, at El. Venizelou 44. It is the only Chabad house on the island. Contact them on WhatsApp at +30 695 588 0500.
Is there a kosher restaurant in Hersonissos? Yes, Chabad of Crete's kosher taverna. Menu and hours are on chabadcrete.com; reserve on WhatsApp.
Can I get kosher Shabbat food delivered to my hotel in Crete? Yes. Chabad of Crete delivers Friday-night kits to hotels in set delivery zones. Order ahead; the taxi is charged separately.
Is Chabad Crete open in winter? From 25 October service is reduced. In winter, arrange meals and Shabbat hosting in advance on WhatsApp.
