Kosher food, Chabad and Shabbat in Heraklion (2026)
Heraklion city itself has no Chabad house and no kosher restaurant. Eastern Crete's kosher address is Chabad in Hersonissos, about half an hour's drive east.
- There is no Chabad in Heraklion city. Chabad of Crete is in Hersonissos, at El. Venizelou 44.
- Chabad has a kosher tavern, grocery, ready-made Shabbat food and Shabbat meals by registration.
- You can also order kosher food from Chabad Athens' e-kosher.gr, 3–5 days ahead.
If keeping Shabbat or a minyan matters to you, book a hotel in Hersonissos within walking distance of Chabad. If you stay in Heraklion, order Shabbat food to your hotel in advance and check by WhatsApp what is open out of season.
Is there kosher food in Heraklion?
Heraklion city itself has no kosher restaurant and no Chabad house. The nearest kosher food is at Chabad of Crete in Hersonissos, the resort town east of Heraklion on the north coast. It is the only Chabad house on the island.
| Address | El. Venizelou 44, Hersonissos |
| Phone & WhatsApp | +30 695 588 0500 |
| Website | chabadcrete.com (Hebrew and English) |
What does Chabad of Crete offer?
- A kosher tavern – menu on the website.
- A grocery with kosher products.
- 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.
Chabad does not publish seasonal hours, so outside the tourist season check by WhatsApp before you go.
Shabbat in Heraklion: how to manage
- Staying in or near Hersonissos: register for the Chabad Shabbat meal or order ready-made Shabbat food.
- Staying in Heraklion city: order a Shabbat kit or ready food in advance and check it is delivered to you.
- Another option: Chabad Athens' e-kosher.gr ships across Greece, including the islands. According to Chabad, order 3–5 days ahead.
- Shabbat times: our Shabbat times & kosher in Greece page has candle-lighting and Shabbat-end times for Heraklion.
- There is no eruv and no regular minyan outside Chabad. If praying with a minyan matters, stay within walking distance of Chabad in Hersonissos.
Synagogue in Crete
The island's only historic, active synagogue is Etz Hayyim in Chania, in western Crete, about two and a half hours' drive from Heraklion. It is open to visitors Monday to Thursday, and according to the synagogue it holds a regular Kabbalat Shabbat. Details: Chabad of Crete and Etz Hayyim.
Where to stay if you keep kosher
- Hersonissos: the most convenient. You can walk to Chabad, the kosher tavern and prayers. The area has many hotels.
- Heraklion city: convenient for sights (Knossos, the Archaeological Museum), but plan your food ahead.
- At Passover organised kosher Passover programmes run in Crete hotels. See kosher hotels in Crete.
Getting there
Heraklion airport has direct flights from Tel Aviv most of the year. Details in our flights to Crete guide. From Heraklion to Hersonissos go by car, taxi or KTEL bus along the north coast. More on the island: Crete guide.
FAQ
Is there a Chabad in Heraklion? Not in the city itself. Chabad of Crete is in Hersonissos, east of Heraklion, at El. Venizelou 44.
Where can I eat kosher in Heraklion? At Chabad's kosher tavern in Hersonissos, or with food ordered in advance from Chabad of Crete or e-kosher.gr.
Can I get Shabbat food delivered to my hotel in Heraklion? Chabad of Crete delivers Shabbat kits to hotels depending on the area. Ask by WhatsApp in advance.
Is there a minyan on Shabbat in Crete? At Chabad in Hersonissos, in season. Out of season, check with Chabad in advance.
