Greece is a paradise for travellers, with its stunning landscapes, ancient history, and delicious cuisine. While traditional Greek food is often associated with dishes like souvlaki and feta cheese, the country also offers a wealth of plant-based options. Whether you're wandering through the bustling streets of Athens or island-hopping across the Aegean, eating vegan in Greece is easier than you might think. For those looking to experience the country’s breathtaking beauty while enjoying local flavours, Greek island trips offer an unforgettable way to explore. From sun-drenched beaches to charming whitewashed villages, these trips provide the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.
Traditional Greek Cuisine with Plant-based Options
Greek food is known for its simplicity and use of fresh, local ingredients. Many traditional dishes are naturally vegan or can easily be adapted. Some of the best plant-based foods to try in Greece include:
- Gemista: Stuffed tomatoes and peppers filled with rice, herbs, and spices. Often made with minced meat, but the vegan version is widely available.
- Fava: A creamy yellow split pea puree, typically served with olive oil, lemon juice, and onions.
- Horiatiki (Greek salad) without feta: A mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and oregano, dressed in olive oil. Simply ask for it without feta cheese.
- Dolmades: Vine leaves stuffed with rice and fresh herbs. Many restaurants offer a meat-free version.
- Revithada – a hearty chickpea stew, particularly popular on the island of Sifnos.
- Ladera dishes: A category of Greek dishes cooked in olive oil, such as fasolakia (green beans) and briam (Greek ratatouille).
Where to Find Vegan Food in Greece
Here's our list:
Athens: a growing vegan-friendly capital
Athens has seen a rise in vegan-friendly restaurants and cafes in recent years. Neighbourhoods like Exarchia and Psiri have several spots catering to plant-based diets, from vegan souvlaki to dairy-free baklava. Traditional tavernas also often have vegan options—just ask for "nistisimo" dishes, which are prepared according to Greek Orthodox fasting traditions and exclude meat, dairy, and eggs.
The Greek islands: a mix of tradition and modernity
The Greek islands are famous for their fresh produce and seafood, but many also have excellent vegan-friendly options.
- Santorini – Known for its breathtaking sunsets, this island offers plenty of plant-based choices, including local fava, tomato fritters, and fresh salads.
- Crete: With its rich culinary history, Crete is a great place to find traditional plant-based dishes like dakos (barley rusks topped with tomatoes and olive oil) and snails cooked in rosemary (if you’re okay with an unconventional plant-based protein).
- Naxos and Paros: These islands are famous for their farm-to-table cuisine, and many restaurants offer creative vegan adaptations of Greek classics.
- Mykonos: As a cosmopolitan hotspot, Mykonos has plenty of high-end restaurants catering to vegan travellers, as well as traditional tavernas that serve simple, plant-based dishes.
Tips for Eating Vegan in Greece
Here are the most important ones:
Learn a few key phrases
While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, it helps to know a few Greek phrases to communicate your dietary needs:
- "Eimai vegan" (Είμαι βίγκαν) – I am vegan.
- "Den troo kreas, gala, avga" (Δεν τρώω κρέας, γάλα, αυγά) – I don’t eat meat, milk, or eggs.
- "Echete nistisima fagita?" (Έχετε νηστίσιμα φαγητά;) – Do you have fasting (vegan) dishes?
Visit local markets
Greek markets, or "laiki agora," are great places to find fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and olives. Stocking up on these can be useful if you’re staying in accommodations with a kitchen.
Ask for modifications
Greek cuisine is quite flexible, and many restaurants are happy to make small adjustments to accommodate vegans. For example, you can request moussaka without meat and bechamel or order a mezze platter with hummus, olives, and grilled vegetables.
Exploring Greece as a Vegan Traveller
Vegan travel in Greece is not just about food—it’s also about experiencing the country’s rich culture and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re hiking through the mountains of the Peloponnese, wandering through the ruins of Delphi, or relaxing on a beach in the Cyclades, Greece offers something for every traveller. By choosing plant-based options, you can enjoy the country’s incredible cuisine while staying true to your values. With an abundance of fresh ingredients, a growing vegan-friendly food scene, and a culture of hospitality, Greece is a fantastic destination for vegan travellers.
