Hey there, fellow travelers and food enthusiasts! Welcome to this vegan Santorini guide. If you’re a vegan with a taste for high-quality experiences, you’re in for a treat. Join me on a journey to the captivating island of Santorini, where crystal-clear waters, breathtaking sunsets, and a surprisingly vibrant plant-based food scene await.
So, why Santorini? Well, Greece, in general, is super vegan-friendly, and when the opportunity to visit this stunning (but hopelessly overrun) island came knocking in late September, we couldn’t resist. My husband’s a teacher, so traveling outside the peak season isn’t usually an option. But with a trip to Santorini, we figured we’d start our journey before later reuniting with friends in Crete.
Greece is one of my all-time favorite countries to visit. I love the nature, the rich history, and the warm and welcoming people. I find it incredibly inspiring, it’s my true happy place.
Now, as for Santorini’s foodie scene, it’s unique in its own charming way. From delectable dishes at local tavernas to exploring the wonders of this picturesque island, I’m here to share our experience and insights. We’ll uncover where to stay, how to get around, and, of course, the most crucial part – where and what to eat as a discerning vegan.
Before we dive in, there’s a little secret, a ‘magic word,’ if you will, that can unlock the hidden gems of plant-based delights even in the tiniest town tavernas. But we’ll save that surprise for later. Keep reading if you want to know more about it!
Where to Stay: Vegan-Friendly Comfort in Santorini
When it comes to traveling as a vegan, choosing the right accommodation can make a world of difference. During our Santorini adventure, we found a charming place to call home at the Anatoli Hotel in Fira. While the hotel itself may not be overtly vegan, it surprised us with its considerate offerings at the breakfast buffet. We were greeted with a pleasant array of plant-based options. Cake, traditional cookies, muesli, fresh fruits, veggies, assorted jams, rich tahini, and, to our delight, local almond milk. It’s safe to say that our mornings began with a sumptuous and satisfying start.
Now, if you’re not much of a sweet-toothed breakfast person like us, worry not. We’d recommend picking up some hummus – readily available at local stores – to balance out your morning meal.
We were pretty happy at Anatoli Hotel, as the staff was incredibly warm and welcoming, especially with our daughter.
For those of you seeking a fully immersive vegan experience, Santorini has a couple of gems: Mod Santorini, Fira, and Ethos Vegan Retreat, Imerovigli / Vegan Suites, Fira. These are not just accommodations; they’re fully vegan hotels that embody a sustainable and eco-friendly ethos. Staying at one of these havens offers an opportunity to align your values with your vacation, making your Santorini journey even more special.
As for location on the island, we picked Fira as our base for a good reason. It’s the island’s main city and boasts excellent infrastructure, making it an ideal starting point for exploration. The accessibility, thanks to the well-connected bus system, was a bonus, as it allowed us to easily hop on and off to discover various parts of this stunning island.
So, whether you’re after a vegan-friendly hotel with thoughtful touches or prefer the all-encompassing experience of a fully vegan accommodation, Santorini has options to suit your tastes and values.
How to Get Around Santorini
Our mode of choice was the trusty local buses. Since our little one isn’t too keen on car seats, we decided to ditch the car rental altogether and opt for public transport. Santorini’s bus system proved to be a surprisingly convenient choice. Most bus rides cost between 1.5€ and 3.5€, making it a budget-friendly choice. Make sure you’ve got cash on you!
All buses originate from Fira, the island’s main city, which we found to be a strategic choice for travelers.
In our experience, Santorini’s public transportation system was surprisingly punctual and well-organized. This reliability made it easy to explore the island without the need for a car. As mentioned earlier, Fira serves as the central hub for all bus routes, making it an excellent base for travelers who want to venture around the island using the bus network.
So Santorini’s public transportation system has you covered. Whether you’re on a budget, environmentally conscious, or traveling with little ones who aren’t car seat fans, the buses make exploring this stunning island a breeze. Now, let’s delve into where to find the most delectable plant-based delights on Santorini in this vegan Santorini guide – your taste buds are in for a treat!
What to Do and See in Santorini
Now that we’ve covered where to stay and how to get around, it’s time to dive into the heart of our Santorini adventure – the activities and attractions. We were delighted to find that Santorini had plenty to offer in this department but honestly, you don’t have to plan every minute of your trip to enjoy Santorini. Just being there and taking in the island’s beauty might be an adventure of its own!
1. Black Sand Beach in Perissa:
A visit to Santorini wouldn’t be complete without some beach time, and for a vegan-friendly experience, we headed to the Black Sand Beach in Perissa. The beach itself is a unique marvel, with its dark volcanic sand. It’s the perfect place to relax, soak in the sun, and take a dip in the Aegean Sea. What made this spot even better was the presence of the Tranquilo restaurant right at the beach. With vegan options aplenty, we enjoyed delicious beachside meals without any hassle. Plus, Tranqilo owns the loungers and parasols at the beach. So if you’ve eaten at the restaurant or ordered something while on the beach, you can use their loungers for free!
2. Sunset Walk from Fira to Imerovigli:
For a mesmerizing experience, we took a sunset walk from Fira to Imerovigli. The scenic route offered breathtaking views of the caldera and the azure waters below. It was a tranquil activity that allowed us to appreciate the natural beauty of Santorini. Make sure to have your camera ready because you won’t want to miss capturing the stunning moments.
3. Akrotiri Excavation Site
While the Akrotiri excavation site might not be the most thrilling attraction, it’s conveniently close to Melina’s Taverna and the beach. So, we decided to explore a bit of history and culture and then savor some delectable vegan dishes. It’s a great example of how you can mix sightseeing and indulging in vegan delights on your Santorini journey. Akrotiri is regarded as Santorini’s Pompei, but it’s very “beige” as most frescos are now in museums.
4. Stroll Through Fira and Oia:
Exploring the charming streets of Fira and Oia is a must. We found both these towns to be rich in character and full of small surprises.
These activities and attractions made our Santorini trip memorable. The island offers not only stunning landscapes and historical sites but also a variety of vegan-friendly experiences. So, whether you’re taking a leisurely sunset stroll or indulging in beachside meals, Santorini has something special for every kind of traveler. Next, we’ll dive deeper into the culinary aspect of our journey, revealing where to find the most mouthwatering vegan dishes on the island. Stay tuned!
Where to Eat as a Vegan in Santorini
Greece in general offers a lot of traditional dishes that have always been vegan. Simple dishes made of fresh produce, legumes, and lots of high-quality olive oil that taste like pure comfort. Up until recently, veganism hasn’t really been a huge thing in Greece but more and more places have started labeling their dishes as vegan and incorporating vegan alternatives such as plant-based feta.
One pattern I could recognize was that a lot of places are being a little bit mysterious about their vegan options. Separate vegan menus that you have to request specifically, a vegan restaurant hidden inside an omnivorous one, and even incredible vegan dishes such as Moussaka and baked vegan feta that are nowhere to be found on a menu. We found all of these incredible insider tips via Happy Cow. Here’s the ultimate vegan Santorini guide when it comes to dining out!
5senses, Fira
This upscale restaurant is an absolute must. It’s very modern and the dishes are creatively built flavor explosions, however, the staff was unusually reserved for Greek standards. Nonetheless, do not miss this. We went to 5senses for lunch but I imagine dinner on the terrace must be even more spectacular.
Melina’s Taverna, Akrotiri
This place is an absolute insider tip. It’s a very traditional taverna right by the beach with gorgeous views of the Aegean Sea and had we not checked Happy Cow, we would have never suspected this place to be THIS vegan-friendly. There are no items on the menu that are labeled as vegans and there is no separate vegan menu either, but ask the waiters and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by all the options. We went with Gigantes, Fava, Tomatokeftedes, vegan Moussaka (!), and crispy baked vegan feta (!!). As it turns out, the owner’s daughter is vegan and implemented these dishes. A true hidden gem.
Panigyri, Fira
We went by this place several times on our way from the bus terminal to our Hotel and I immediately loved the ambiance. The beautiful outside seating area beneath the olive trees hung with fairy lights just spoke to me. After googling it, I found out it has a separate vegan menu! When we sat down we were only handed the omnivorous menu, however, but thanks to our incredible research skills, we knew to ask about their vegan menu. Unfortunately, the two most interesting menu items weren’t available that night (one had Tempeh, which I love) but we had a wonderful dinner nonetheless.
Veganissimo, Fira
Another mysterious vegan place that is actually hidden inside another restaurant called “MEDFOOD” and, you probably guessed it by now, you’ll have to ask for the vegan menu. But you’ll be rewarded by a large variety of vegan dishes and incredibly friendly staff. Another plus: It’s right around the corner from the bus terminal!
Tranquilo, Perissa
This vegetarian restaurant by the beach offers a variety of dishes, that are vegan or can easily be prepared vegan. It’s a cozy, hippie spot with hammocks and floor cushions. The best thing however is that it’s right by the beach and owns a section of beach loungers and parasols. Any consumption at the restaurant grants you free access to a spot at the beautiful black sand beach.
Honorable mentions:
French Bakery, Santorini Airport
Upon arriving at the airport late at night and hungry, we were pleasantly surprised to find this bakery that had vegan spinach pie (Spanakopita), several vegan-labeled sandwiches and salads, as well as vegan donuts!
Assyrtico, Fira
This little wine shop in Fira has a small selection of vegan ice creams.
Falafeland, Fira
Tasty Falafel and an INCREDIBLE vegan orange chocolate cake I will never forget. We didn’t take any pictures, because we devoured it in our dark hotel room during a power failure that affected almost the whole island.
The Magic Word to Finding Delicious Vegan Food in Greece
My vegan Santorini guide would not be complete without telling you about this absolute life hack to amazing plant-based dishes all over Greece. The Greek word “nistisimo” (νηστίσιμο or ΝΗΣΤΊΣΙΜΟ) is a term used in Greece to refer to foods that are suitable for consumption during periods of fasting, particularly during Greek Orthodox fasting periods like Lent. These fasting periods require abstaining from animal products, including meat, dairy, and eggs, which makes “nistisimo” foods plant-based and vegan-friendly. Always double-check just to be safe as depending on the definition of “nistisimo” certain fishes and seafood may be considered nistisimo, as is honey.
Here’s how you can use it to your advantage:
- Identifying Vegan-Friendly Options: When you see the word “nistisimo” on a menu or when inquiring about it at a taverna, you can be confident that the dish is free of animal products. It’s an indicator that the food is likely suitable for vegans.
- Variety of Options: During fasting periods, Greek cuisine offers a wide range of “nistisimo” dishes, often rich in flavor and creativity. These dishes are typically based on vegetables, legumes, grains, and a variety of herbs and spices. You can expect to find options like vegetable stews, bean soups, salads, and more.
- Understanding Local Culture: By understanding the concept of “nistisimo,” you can engage more effectively with local taverna owners and chefs. When you ask for “nistisimo” dishes, it shows that you respect and appreciate Greek fasting traditions, which can lead to a more positive and accommodating dining experience.
- Navigating Small Towns: In smaller towns or villages where vegan options may not be as explicitly labeled. Inquiring about “nistisimo” is a reliable way to ensure a vegan-friendly meal. Locals are generally familiar with these dishes and can guide you toward suitable choices.
So, for vegans traveling in Greece, “nistisimo” is a useful term to keep in mind. It opens up a world of Greek culinary delights and simplifies the process of finding plant-based options, even in the most remote or traditional settings.
What to Eat as a Vegan at Local Greek Tavernas
Whether you’re traveling with non-vegans or you just want to eat off the beaten path, here are some dishes to look out for that are typically vegan.
Tomatokeftedes: Typical Santorinian tomato fritters. An absolute must-try!
Dolmades: These are stuffed grape leaves filled with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes pine nuts. They are often served with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon.
Fava: A creamy yellow split pea puree, often served as a dip or spread. It’s flavored with olive oil and lemon and garnished with chopped onions and capers.
Melitzanosalata: This is an eggplant dip made with roasted eggplant, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. It’s similar to baba ganoush.
Gigantes: Large butter beans cooked in a rich tomato sauce with olive oil, herbs, and spices. They are often baked to perfection.
Horta: A simple yet nutritious dish made from wild greens (often dandelion or chicory) blanched and served with olive oil and lemon.
Gemista: Stuffed vegetables, often bell peppers or tomatoes, filled with a flavorful mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes pine nuts. Baked until tender.
Skordalia: A garlicky dip or sauce made from mashed potatoes, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and almonds or walnuts. It’s pungent and full of flavor.
Moustokouloura: Traditional grape and molasses cookies that are usually vegan and can often be found at breakfast buffets.
If this vegan Santorini guide made you hungry for Greek food, try making my vegan Portokalopita (Greek orange cake) recipe, or check out one of my favorite cookbooks: Nistisima by Georgina Hayden.
General Tips For Santorini
- Vegan Options: Don’t be discouraged right away if a restaurant doesn’t have obvious vegan options. Ask for vegan or “nistisimo” dishes.
- Good shoes: You’ll likely be walking all day, so bring comfy shoes.
- Travel Offseason: If possible, avoid Santorini during the summer months. We went in late September and it was still pretty busy. I can’t even imagine how overrun it must be in July or August!
- Sun Protection: Santorini is known for its sunny weather, so pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to stay protected from the strong Mediterranean sun.
- Cash vs. Cards: While credit cards are widely accepted, it’s a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases and in case you visit places that don’t accept cards. Especially if you want to take the bus!
- Dress Code: Dress comfortably, but keep in mind that some churches and monasteries may require modest attire, covering shoulders and knees.
- Local Phrases: Learning a few basic Greek phrases can enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.
- Book Accommodation Early: Santorini is a popular destination, so booking your accommodation well in advance is advisable, especially during the peak season.
- Mind the Donkeys: While donkey rides can be a common sight, consider the ethical implications and your impact on animal welfare before choosing to ride.
- Traveling with Kids: We found the Greeks to be incredibly kid-friendly. High chairs were available at almost all the restaurants we went to. Bring a comfy carrier though, the old streets are not made for strollers!
vegan santorini guide
As our Santorini adventure comes to a close, I hope this Vegan Santorini Guide has been a helpful companion for fellow vegan foodies seeking high-quality experiences in this picturesque island paradise. We’ve explored where to stay, how to get around, and, most importantly, where to indulge in delectable vegan delights. Santorini, with its crystal-clear waters and stunning sunsets, offers an unforgettable experience for all travelers, vegan or not. If you’ve enjoyed this guide and are eager for more travel inspiration, be sure to check out my other travel content on the blog. And for a daily dose of everyday life, vegan lifestyle tips, mouthwatering dishes, and breathtaking destinations follow me on Instagram [@compassionate_snob].
Thank you for joining me on this vegan Santorini guide, and here’s to more adventures, flavors, and unforgettable moments on the horizon!
Nicole
Thank you for this wonderful vegan guide to Santorini! The food looks incredible! We are very excited to visit and to try all your recommendations 🙂
Mitzi
Happy to help! 🙂 Have a wonderful time in beautiful Santorini!