How to Be Vegan in Greece – Your Ultimate Travel Guide

I’ve been to Greece eight times now — five of those already as a vegan. And let me tell you: eating plant-based in Greece is way easier than you’d think.

Sure, in cities like Athens or Thessaloniki, you’ll find plenty of vegan and vegetarian restaurants (some of even creative and trendy).

But I’ve also visited smaller islands like Tinos, Skiathos, Skopelos, and Patmos — and even there, I never had to go hungry or live off sad salads. Quite the opposite actually.

Greek cuisine is incredibly vegan-friendly, especially if you love veggies, rice, beans, and bread. Oh, and olives. And olive oil. And olive paste. (I personally don’t like olives at all, but hey — if you do, you’re basically in paradise!)

In this guide, I’ll show you what to expect as a vegan in Greece, what traditional dishes are accidentally vegan, how the local culture (and religion!) works in your favor, and some tips for eating out, even on smaller islands.

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Veganism in Greece

While Greece might be famous for its meat and seafood dishes, veganism is gaining popularity across the country, especially in touristy places like Athens, Thessaloniki, and on the well-visited islands.

More and more restaurants now offer clearly marked vegan options or are happy to customize dishes to be vegan-friendly.

The rising awareness of veganism also means you can find vegan shops, markets, and even festivals dedicated to plant-based living.

That said, outside the main cities, vegan options might be less obvious, but the traditional Greek diet makes it easy to stick to plants.

Greek Orthodox Fasting Traditions

One unique factor that helps vegans in Greece is the long tradition of fasting in the Greek Orthodox Church. These fasting periods, which can last several weeks, involve abstaining from animal products — no meat, dairy, or eggs.

This means that many traditional Greek dishes were created or adapted to be fully plant-based, making fasting seasons an excellent time to experience authentic vegan cuisine.

If you visit during fasting periods (for example, Lent before Easter or the Nativity Fast before Christmas), you’ll find restaurants offering special fasting menus. Even outside these times, the influence remains strong in traditional cooking.

12 Typical Vegan Greek Foods

Greek cuisine is rich in fresh vegetables, legumes, grains, and herbs — all staples in vegan cooking.

Here are some classic Greek dishes you should definitely try or ask about:

1. Fasolada (Bean Soup)

This hearty white bean soup is often called Greece’s national dish.

It’s made from beans, tomatoes, carrots, celery, onions, and olive oil. It’s naturally vegan and deeply comforting.

2. Ladera (Vegetables in Olive Oil)

“Ladera” means “with oil,” referring to vegetables cooked slowly in olive oil and tomatoes.

Common examples include green beans (fasolakia), zucchini, eggplant, okra, and artichokes. These dishes are vegan by default and incredibly delicious!

3. Gigantes Plaki (Baked Giant Beans)

Large white beans baked in a rich tomato sauce with herbs. This dish is filling and perfect as a main or side dish.

4. Horta Vrasta (Boiled Greens)

Wild greens like dandelion or spinach, boiled and dressed simply with olive oil and lemon juice.

A very traditional, simple, and healthy side dish – one of my favorites!

5. Dolmadakia (Stuffed Grape Leaves)

Grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and sometimes pine nuts. The vegan version is usually called dolmadakia yalantzi – the “yalantzi” part basically means “fake” or “without meat.”

They’re super flavorful and often served cold with lemon. Often vegan, but always double-check to make sure there’s no meat or dairy added.

6. Gemista (Stuffed Vegetables)

Oven-baked tomatoes and bell peppers, usually filled with rice, herbs, and sometimes raisins or pine nuts. You’ll also sometimes see aubergines or zucchinis stuffed the same way.

Just double-check they weren’t cooked with minced meat, as some versions still include it.

It’s my go-to main dish in Greece — I could honestly eat it every day! Super simple but packed with flavor when it’s made right.

7. Fava (Split Pea Puree)

Made from yellow split peas, this silky dip is topped with olive oil and onions. It’s my favorite appetizer and 100% vegan!

8. Lentil Soup (Fakes Soupa)

Another staple, lentil soup is hearty and often served with vinegar. Simple, nutritious, and vegan-friendly.

9. Ladenia (Tomato Pie)

A kind of Greek tomato pie from Kimolos (but you’ll find it elsewhere too). It’s like a rustic focaccia topped with tomatoes, onions, and olive oil — super yum!

10. Choriatiki (Greek Salad)

Traditional Greek salad usually comes with feta, but just ask for it without cheese and you’ll get a fresh, healthy side dish.

It’s packed with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and oregano — dressed with olive oil and lemon.

11. Bamies (Cooked Okra)

Okra slowly cooked in a rich tomato sauce, often with onions, olive oil, and herbs. It’s usually served as a main or side dish, often with bread or rice to soak up the sauce.

Very soft, very saucy, very yum!

12. Bread, Olives & Dips

Bread and pita are typically vegan – just double-check for dairy or eggs, though most Greek breads don’t contain any. And of course, olives and olive oil are everywhere.

Many dips like tahini, melitzanosalata (eggplant dip), and skordalia (garlic and potato dip) are vegan or can be requested without dairy.

Vegan Desserts in Greece

Unfortunately, Greek desserts are often dairy-heavy, but there are vegan-friendly sweets too:

Baklava

Traditionally made with honey and butter, but you can sometimes find versions made with syrup and oil instead. Just ask to be sure.

Loukoumades

Fried dough balls usually topped with honey — skip the honey or ask if they offer a syrup alternative.

Spoon Sweets (Glyka tou Koutaliou)

These are preserved fruits (like cherries, figs, or citrus peel) cooked in sugar syrup and served by the spoonful.

Naturally vegan and often homemade — a super traditional and sweet little treat!

Where to Find Vegan Food in Greece

Athens & Thessaloniki

These cities have the best vegan scene, with many dedicated vegan and vegetarian restaurants, cafés, and shops.

In Athens, some of the most popular restaurants include Vegan Beat Athens, Veganaki, and Cookoomela Grill.

My recommendations for Thessaloniki are Roots, Tarantoúla, and Merry Berry Healthy Bar.

Greek Islands

Santorini, Crete, and Mykonos have plenty of fully vegan restaurants, especially in the tourist hotspots, making it super easy to find plant-based meals.

But even on smaller islands, you might discover fully vegan spots if you look around – like I did with Pernera Vegan on Patmos.

Of course, on some of the lesser-known or quieter Greek islands, fully vegan restaurants might be rare or non-existent.

Don’t worry, though — by sticking to the classic Greek vegan dishes I mentioned earlier, you’ll always find something delicious and satisfying no matter where you go.

Supermarkets

Most Greek supermarkets, especially in cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, stock a good range of plant-based milks, vegan cheeses, and other specialty vegan products.

You’ll often find popular brands alongside local options. Even smaller towns usually have at least some basics like soy or oat milk.

If you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen, shopping at the supermarket can be a lifesaver for keeping meals simple and vegan.

Tips for Vegan Travelers in Greece

Learn Key Greek Vegan Phrases:

• “Είμαι χορτοφάγος χωρίς γαλακτοκομικά και αυγά” (Eimai hortofagos choris galaktokomika kai avga) — I am vegetarian without dairy and eggs (vegan).
• “Έχετε κάτι χωρίς κρέας, γαλακτοκομικά ή αυγά;” (Echete kati choris kreas, galaktokomika i avga?) — Do you have something without meat, dairy, or eggs?

Be Open & Ask: Greek people are very friendly and helpful. Most cooks are happy to customize dishes if you explain your needs politely.

Use Vegan Apps: Apps like HappyCow can help you find vegan-friendly restaurants and shops nearby.

Try Local Vegan Snacks: Greek street food like roasted chestnuts, figs, and fresh fruit are great vegan-friendly snacks.

Respect Cultural Traditions: Be mindful of fasting periods and understand that some dishes or ingredients may be more common during these times.

Final Words

Traveling vegan in Greece is more than doable — it’s an opportunity to dive into a cuisine rich with plant-based tradition and vibrant flavors.

Greece is one of my favorite countries, and the food plays a huge part in that love. There’s something special about how fresh, simple ingredients come together to create meals that are both comforting and exciting for any vegan traveler.

So pack your bags, bring your appetite, and get ready to discover Greece from a whole new vegan perspective!

Check out:
How to Say “I am Vegan” in 100 Different Languages
8 Simple & Useful Vegan Travel Tips for Vegan Travelers
8 Best Vegan Travel Destinations to Add to Your Bucket List
Best Time to Visit Greece – A Month-by-Month Guide
14 Quiet Greek Islands For a Relaxing Summer Holiday
Holidays on Tinos – A Quiet & Authentic Greek Island
Visiting Patmos – A Peaceful Greek Island Full of Charm
All The Best Places to See on Skiathos Island, Greece

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