Kosher hotels in Crete: what really exists, and how to manage in any hotel (2026)
We found no hotel in Crete that keeps kosher all year. What does exist: kosher Passover programmes in large hotels, and Chabad, which supplies kosher food and Shabbat meals to hotels in the area.
- As far as we found, no hotel in Crete runs kosher all year.
- At Passover, kosher programmes run in hotels such as Creta Maris (Hersonissos) and I Resort (Stalis).
- The rest of the year: a regular hotel plus kosher food from Chabad of Crete in Hersonissos or e-kosher.gr.
For a kosher holiday in Crete outside Passover, choose a hotel in the Hersonissos–Stalis–Malia area near Chabad and arrange meals and Shabbat food in advance. For Passover, book an organised programme early.
Is there a kosher hotel in Crete?
As far as we found, no hotel in Crete keeps kosher all year round. What shows up as a "kosher hotel in Crete" is usually one of two things:
- A kosher Passover programme run by an organiser who takes over a large hotel for the holiday.
- A regular hotel near Chabad, whose guests get kosher food from Chabad of Crete.
Kosher Passover programmes in Crete
| Hotel | Area | Organiser (Passover 2026) | Kashrut, per organiser |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creta Maris | Hersonissos | Shainfeld Tours | Glatt kosher, supervised by Rabbi Yaakov Gluskin |
| I Resort Beach Hotel & Spa | Stalis, about 30 min from the airport | Signature Kosher (adults, 12+) | Glatt kosher, Badatz of Nice |
These run only on set dates and change from year to year, so check with the organisers for Passover 2027. More: Passover in Greece: kosher hotels and Seder.
How to get kosher food in any hotel in Crete
Chabad of Crete is in Hersonissos (El. Venizelou 44, WhatsApp +30 695 588 0500). According to its website:
- A kosher tavern and a grocery.
- Ready-made Shabbat food to take away.
- Shabbat and holiday meals by registration.
- Shabbat kits delivered to hotels, depending on the area.
- Traveller information, including hotel recommendations.
Another option: Chabad Athens' e-kosher.gr ships across Greece, including Crete. Order 3–5 days ahead.
Where to stay in Crete if you keep kosher
- Hersonissos: within walking distance of Chabad. The easiest for Shabbat.
- Stalis and Malia: east of Hersonissos, many all-inclusive hotels. Fairly close to Chabad, though not always walkable.
- Heraklion: close to the airport and the sights. No Chabad.
- Chania and western Crete: no Chabad. There is the historic Etz Hayyim synagogue. Order food in advance.
More: kosher food, Chabad and Shabbat in Heraklion · Chabad of Crete and Etz Hayyim.
Before you book
- Ask the hotel whether you may bring outside food to your room and the dining room, and whether rooms have a fridge.
- Electronic key cards and lifts: a Shabbat issue. Ask for a low floor and a regular key.
- All-inclusive does not mean kosher. Fruit, vegetables and sealed products may be fine, but cooked food is not kosher.
- Shabbat times for Crete: Shabbat times & kosher in Greece.
FAQ
Is there a year-round kosher hotel in Crete? As far as we found, no. There are kosher Passover programmes in large hotels, and the rest of the year kosher food comes from Chabad of Crete.
Where is there a kosher Passover programme in Crete? At Passover 2026 kosher programmes ran at Creta Maris in Hersonissos and I Resort in Stalis. Check with the organisers for next year.
Can I get kosher food at an all-inclusive hotel in Crete? Yes, through Chabad of Crete, which supplies Shabbat kits and food to hotels by area, or through e-kosher.gr. Coordinate with the hotel too.
Which area of Crete suits families who keep kosher? The Hersonissos area, close to Chabad, with many family hotels.
