Greece
The Complete Guide for Kosher Travelers
synagogues • kosher food • kosher list • kosher hotels • Chabad houses • mikvahs
Shooting a video with a drone – Yanon Sh. aerial photography.
The Complete Guide for Shabbat and Kosher Observers in the Greek Islands - 2023
Kosher Greece - Athens
About 2,500 Jews live in Athens today, making up the largest Jewish community in the country.
Tip: An easy and recommended way to get to know Athens is a tour by Tourist bus, which allows you to get on and off alternately at the best sites in the city. The ticket is suitable for a tour on four different bus lines, and includes a fun tourist train tour around Piraeus.
The bus stops at major attractions such as the Panathenaic Stadium, the Parthenon in the Acropolis and more. Includes headphones, audio guide and free WiFi.
The tour is accompanied by audio guidance in 16 languages including guidance in Hebrew!
Ticket for a tourist bus in Athens, Piraeus and the beaches at the cheapest price ($15.71) can be ordered here >
For the Acropolis, the most famous site in Athens, it is recommended to buy tickets in advance, otherwise you will stand in long lines for hours.
- A ticket to the Acropolis and skipping the line can be bought here > and with the addition of an audio guide here >
- A ticket to the Acropolis Museum and skipping the line can be bought here > and with the addition of an audio guide here >
- A combined ticket to the Acropolis + the Acropolis Museum including an audio guide and skipping the line can be bought here > (valid for four hours)
- A combined ticket to the Acropolis + the Acropolis Museum including an audio guide and skipping the line can be bought here > (valid for a month)
Synagogues in Athens
Beit Shalom Synagogue
A Sephardic synagogue, the largest of the synagogues in Athens.
Built in 1935 and renovated in 1970, its exterior facade is made of white marble decorated in a neoclassical style.
Prayer times:
Shacharit Mondays and Thursdays: 8:30
Shabbat Eve: Minach during the Candle Lighting and immediately after Kabbalat Shabbat.
Shabbat: Shacharit at 8:30.
Shabbat at noon: Mincha 20 minutes before sunset followed by remembrances and prayer.
Address: Melidoni 5, Athina 105 53, Greece.
Tip: Due to the security arrangements, it is required to present a passport at the entrance to the synagogue. For those praying on Shabbat, it is recommended to arrive in advance before Shabbat to show the passports to the security personnel or send a copy of the passport in advance and indicate the dates of the visit to the address shabbat@athjcom.gr.
Etz Haim Synagogue (Romanioti)
The oldest synagogue in Athens, built in 1904.
The synagogue, known as the “Ioannina Synagogue” by the older members of the community, is the smaller of the two synagogues in Athens, and is mainly active on holidays. On the ground floor are the community offices.
Address: Melidoni 8, Athina 105 53, Greece.
Prayer at Chabad House of Athens
Prayers are also held at the Chabad house. On weekdays there is no regular minyan, but when there are enough tourists, they organize a minyan on the spot. You can register for a minyan prayer here >
Prayer times:
Shacharit at 8:30
Mincha and Ma’ariv at 20:00
Address: Esopou 10, Athina 105 54, Greece.
Best Hotels in Athens
Recommended hotels in the center of Athens and hotels close to Chabad House in Athens:
Electra Metropolis
Electra Metropolis – an excellent 5-star hotel in the heart of Athens, 11 minutes’ walk from the Chabad House and the Hachshara restaurant.
The hotel is located within walking distance of most sites and attractions, with an amazing view of the Acropolis. The hotel rooms are modern and elegant and include a safe, minibar and facilities for making hot drinks.
The hotel is partially accessible to the disabled – wheelchair accessible rooms and an elevator to the upper floors.
The hotel has 2 swimming pools, a gym and a health and spa center.
Nin&Bau Sarri 2
An excellent and modern apartment hotel in an excellent location in the center of Athens. A 4-minute walk from the Chabad house. The hotel is Israeli-owned, and offers cordial and exceptional service.
The rooms are air-conditioned and decorated, and include a coffee machine, an electric kettle and a refrigerator. There are also rooms suitable for families (six people).
Affordable and attractive price.
For Shabbat observant: a normal manual key. Possibility of late check-out on Shabbat night. near the Chabad house.
360Degrees Pop Art Hotel
An excellent and recommended hotel in the center of Athens, 3 minutes’ walk from the Chabad House.
Large, air-conditioned rooms, with mini-bar fridge, electric kettle and coffee/tea making facilities.
For Shabbat observant: a regular Shabbat key. near the Chabad house.
Jason Inn
A great hotel 5 minutes’ walk from the Chabad House and the Hachshara restaurant. The hotel rooms are air-conditioned and include a minibar. There are also rooms suitable for families (4 people)
For Shabbat observant: friendly attitude to Shabbat observant, helps with what is required.
Athens Lodge
A very good hotel in the center of Athens, right next to the Chabad house (one minute walk).
Relatively large and air-conditioned rooms, some suitable for families. There is a family apartment with a private kitchenette.
For Shabbat observant: friendly attitude to Shabbat observant, helps with what is required.
18 Micon Str.
An excellent boutique hotel a minute from Chabad Athens.
Air-conditioned rooms with coffee machine, electric kettle and mini bar.
Elia Ermou Athens Hotel
An excellent 4-star hotel in the center of Athens, 800 meters from the Acropolis and about ten minutes’ walk from the Chabad House. Central and perfect location overlooking the Acropolis.
The rooms are decorated to a high standard in a modern style, air-conditioned and include a minibar and an electric kettle. Some have a balcony, and some have a hammam and jacuzzi. Breakfast is served on the roof of the hotel, overlooking the view of the Acropolis.
The hotel includes a gym and a health and spa center. Adjacent paid parking.
Athens Capital Center
Excellent hotel (score 9.5 on Booking!) modern and luxurious 5 star level in the center of Athens.
Air-conditioned rooms that include a minibar, safe, electric kettle and even a coffee machine!
An outdoor swimming pool is on the roof of the hotel and a gym. On the top floor is a bar (rooftop) overlooking a wonderful view of the Acropolis.
Central Hotel
A great hotel in an excellent and central location in Athens – the Plaka area.
The rooms are air-conditioned and include a safe. Some with a view of the Acropolis. There are family rooms and rooms with a connecting door. The hotel has a lovely roof terrace with a view of the Acropolis.
Electra Hotel
An excellent 4-star hotel 12 minutes’ walk from the Chabad House. Central location, near most tourist sites, bar-restaurant on the roof with a view of the Acropolis. Renovated rooms in a classic style that include a minibar and wireless internet. Rooms suitable for families.
NJV Athens Plaza
A 5-star hotel in the center of Athens, about fifteen minutes’ walk from the Chabad House. Spacious and elegant soundproofed rooms. Courteous staff. Rooms suitable for families.
Grande Bretagne
A luxurious 5-star hotel in the center of Athens, overlooking an amazing view of the city. 17 minutes’ walk from the Chabad House. The hotel has a gym, jacuzzi, outdoor swimming pool and indoor pool.
Great Living Koukaki
An excellent apartment hotel (score 9.6 on Booking!) 23 minutes’ walk from the Chabad house.
The apartments are air-conditioned and include a balcony, kitchenette with microwave, refrigerator, stove, toaster, kettle and coffee machine.
Best Vacation Rentals in Athens
Urban Athens Apartment
A beautiful and modern holiday apartment in the center of Athens, about a ten minute walk from the Chabad House and the Beit Shalom Synagogue.
The apartment is air-conditioned and includes two bedrooms and a living room. There is a kitchen equipped with a refrigerator, oven, stove, electric kettle and even a washing machine. There is also a nice furnished balcony.
Four Streets Athens
Four Streets Athens are excellent luxury apartments in the center of Athens, about five minutes’ walk from the Chabad House, and about ten minutes from the “Beit Shalom” Synagogue.
The apartments come in a variety of sizes, suitable for up to 24 people!
All apartments are air-conditioned, and include a kitchen equipped with everything you need to prepare meals (including a coffee machine), a washing machine and a dryer.
Plaka’s Villa with Breathtaking Acropolis view
An amazing 4 bedroom private villa, in a perfect location 5 minutes walk from the Acropolis, and 16 minutes walk from the Chabad house.
The villa includes a balcony overlooking the view of the Acropolis, a fully equipped kitchen including a coffee machine, and two bathrooms. Free private parking. Suitable for 8 people.
A 3-bedroom villa in the center of Athens, 13 minutes’ walk from Chabad House.
The villa includes a roof terrace overlooking the view of Athens and the Acropolis, a fully equipped kitchen and suitable for 6 people.
Penthouse apartment
An excellent bright and elegant apartment with a bedroom and a living room, 20 minutes’ walk from the Chabad house.
The penthouse is air-conditioned and includes a balcony with a view of the Parthenon.
Tip: The currency in Greece is the euro. The simplest and most convenient way to buy euros for a trip is through Fly Money. Simply order the money in advance online and pick it up before the flight at the Bank Hapoalim counter in Netavgy. You can also buy in installments. To order, click here >
Kosher Food in Athens
In Athens, the only answer to kosher food is a Chabad house.
The Chabad House of Athens operates a kosher restaurant called “Gustio” and a kosher store, hosts Shabbat and holiday meals, and even has catering and delivery services all over Greece.
Restaurant GOSTIJO
Meat restaurant in Spanish-Mediterranean style
Address: Esopou 10, Athina 105 54, Greece
phone:
+30 21 0323 3825
Opening hours: Sunday 13:00-23:00 Monday-Thursday 13:00-23:00.
Website: http://www.gostijo.gr/he/
Kosher Catering in Athens
Gustio restaurant offers delivery of strictly kosher prepared meals in Athens and all parts of Greece and the islands.
The menu includes meat and fur meals, dairy breakfasts and Shabbat meals.
Must be ordered at least a week in advance.
For details and order click here >
Kosher Grocery in Athens
A kosher shop in the building of the Gustio restaurant. Deliveries to Athens and all parts of Greece.
You can also order products online here >
Address: Esopou 10, Athina 105 54, Greece
phone:
+30 21 0323 3825
Opening hours: Sunday 13:00-23:00 Monday-Thursday 10:00-23:00 Friday 10:00-15:30.
Website: e-kosher.gr
Shabbat in Athens
The Chabad house offers Shabbat and holiday meals.
The meals are held in the Chabad house’s Hachshara restaurant and you must register for them in advance here >
Mikveh in Athens
In Athens there is currently an active mikveh in the building of the Restion Jewish nursing home in the suburbs of Athens. For details >
Athens Chabad House
Address: Esopou 10, Athina 105 54, Greece.
Phone: +30 21 0323 3825
Email: info@chabad.gr
Website: www.chabad.gr
Kosher Greece - Thessaloniki
About 1,300 Jews live in Thessaloniki today.
Synagogues in Thessaloniki
The Great Synagogue
Prayer times:
Monday-Thursday: Shacharit 7:30, minachah and evening service – half an hour before sunset.
Shabbat evening: Minach followed by Shabbat reception – half an hour before the time of lighting the candles.
Shabbat: Shacharit at 8:00 a.m., minachah – an hour before sunset and then a third and evening meal.
Rishon: Dawn at a nursing home at 83 Kimonos Vega St.
Address: Ανδρεα Συγγρού 35, Thessaloniki 546 30, Greece.
Monastir Synagogue
Active mainly in the terrible days.
Address: Siggrou 35, Thessaloniki 546 30, Greece.
Prayer at a Chabad house
At the Chabad house, prayers are held on Shabbat and holidays (when there is a minyan).
Shabbat prayer times:
Mincha prayer and Shabbat reception – 19:00
Morning at 9:30
Moderator – 19:00
Address: Astoria Hotel, Salaminos 9, Thessaloniki 546 26, Greece.
Kosher Food in Thessaloniki
HaShalom Restaurant
A strictly kosher meat restaurant located inside the Astoria Hotel in downtown Thessaloniki. The restaurant provides kosher catering services to all hotels in Thessaloniki and the Halkidiki peninsula.
Address: Leof. Nikis 15, Thessaloniki 546 23, Greece
Kosher: under the supervision of Rabbi Yoel Kaplan.
Whatsapp phone:
00-972-584354770
Email: chabadsaloniki@gmail.com
Opening hours: the restaurant is active during the tourist season March-October on Sunday-Thursday 14:00-22:00. (In the winter months of November-February, frozen prepared food can be obtained at the restaurant)
Cosmos Restaurant
A strictly kosher meat restaurant in Thessaloniki.
The restaurant also serves Shabbat and holiday meals by pre-order.
Address: Kalapothaki 16, Thessaloniki 546 24, Greece.
Phone: T +30 231 0222202
Kosher: part of Beit Yosef, Israel cooking and Fat Israel.
Opening hours: Sunday-Thursday 13:00 – 23:00, Friday 13:00 – 16:00, Shabbat about half an hour after Shabbat ends until 24.00.
Kosher Butcher in Thessaloniki
Shmuel Ben Sasson
Nea agora in the city center.
phone:
30 2310 222171 +
Shabbat in Thessaloniki
Chabad house offers Shabbat and holiday meals.
The meals are held at the Hasholom Hachshara restaurant, every Shabbat evening and Shabbat at noon after the prayers. and must be registered for them in advance.
You can register for Shabbat meals through the hotel, by email or by phone. Details here >
Kosher hotel in Thessaloniki
Astoria
A hotel that offers kosher food all year round, in the center of Thessaloniki, a few minutes’ walk from the promenade and the city’s famous port. Spacious rooms designed in a modern style, equipped with a mini bar and a safe. The balconies of the rooms overlook beautiful city views. Free wireless internet access throughout the hotel. Strictly kosher breakfasts.
For Shabbat observant: a team aware of the special needs of Jews on Shabbat, solutions through foreigners, etc.
In the hotel there is a Chabad house and in it the restaurant ‘HaShalom’, a strictly kosher restaurant that offers lunch and dinner at special prices for hotel guests.
Hotels close to Chabad House of Thessaloniki
Electra Palace Thessaloniki
An excellent and luxurious 5-star hotel in the heart of Thessaloniki, on Aristotle Square.
It is a 2-minute walk from the Kosmos Hachshara restaurant, and less than ten minutes from the Chabad House of Thessaloniki.Large and beautiful rooms, with mini-bar fridge and safe. Some have a balcony with a sea view and a coffee machine.
The hotel has 2 swimming pools, outdoor and indoor, gym and spa.
For Shabbat Observers: Very close to the Chabad House and Hachshara Restaurant, convenient stairs for Shabbat Observers.
Mediterranean Palace
A 5-star hotel adjacent to the Chabad house and the Hachshara restaurant (a minute’s walk!). Excellent location in the center of Thessaloniki, near the port and Leddika area.
The hotel rooms are luxurious and spacious, and include a coffee/tea maker and an electric kettle. The rooms on the higher floors overlook a spectacular view of Theramaikos Bay. The hotel has a spa, gym, small swimming pool and adjacent parking.
Tip: It is recommended to upgrade to a premium room, which includes a balcony overlooking the view of the bay.
The Mood Luxury Rooms
An excellent hotel (score 9.4 on Booking!), modern and well-maintained, 4 minutes’ walk from the Chabad House and the Hachshara restaurant.
The hotel rooms are spacious and decorated, some are suitable for families, and include a minibar and a coffee machine. Great staff service and close parking. Attractive price.
Downtown Seaside Studios
An excellent apartment hotel 7 minutes’ walk from the Chabad House and the Hachshara restaurant. The apartments include a washing machine, and a kitchenette with a microwave, kettle and fridge.
DeniZen Boutique Apartments
An excellent and cheap apartment hotel 5 minutes’ walk from the Chabad house.
The apartments have a modern and modern design, are air-conditioned and include a balcony. Each apartment has a kitchen with a refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, electric kettle and even a coffee machine.
Apartment in the city center
Excellent vacation apartment (score 9.9 on Booking!) in the heart of Thessaloniki, about ten minutes’ walk from the Chabad house.
The apartment has a bedroom, a living room and a balcony, suitable for up to 4 people, air-conditioned and includes a kitchen equipped with everything you need: fridge, oven, stove, kettle and even a coffee machine. There is also a washing machine.
Mikveh in Thessaloniki
There is an active mikveh in Thessaloniki today.
Phone: 303-122-3921
303-122-1124
Address: Gravias Corner With Kimonos, Thessaloniki
Kosher Greece - Rhodes
The island of Rhodes, located east of Greece, has a rich and glorious Jewish history. Before World War II, there were about 1,900 Jews on the island. Most of them perished in the Holocaust, and only 150 of them survived, but most of them did not return to the island. Today, the community of Rhodes is the smallest Jewish community in Greece and has about 40 Jews.
Synagogues in Rhodes
Kehal Shalom Synagogue
This is the oldest synagogue in the Greek islands, and the only one that still exists on the island of Rhodes. Built in 1577.
Today, prayers are held there only on the terrible days, and sometimes also on Shabbat evenings of the summer season.
Address: Perikleous 9-5, Rodos 851 00, Greece.
Prayer at a Chabad house
Prayers are also held in the Chabad house.
Prayer times:
Shacharit at 8:00
Mincha fifteen minutes before sunset,
Shiur 2 Halachot, and Ma’ariv immediately after.
Shabbat:
Mincha prayer and Shabbat reception while lighting candles.
Shacharit at 10:00.
Minach during candle lighting, Ma’ariv and Havdalah at the end of Shabbat.
Address: Iraklidon 84, Rodos 851 00, Greece.
Kosher food in Rhodes
Chabad Rhodes Restaurant
A strictly kosher meat restaurant located inside a Chabad house.
Address: Iraklidon 84, Rodos 851 00, Greece
Kosher: under the supervision of the Chabad Rabbis of Rhodes.
phone:
+30 694 848 8761
Opening hours: morning 9:00-12:00
Lunch – evening 14:00-23:00
Kosher Ice Cream in Rhodes
Kosher ice cream in the old city – in the Lindos market. The B&J ice creams are kosher (foreign milk).
Shabbat in Rhodes
The Chabad house offers Shabbat and holiday meals.
The meals are held at the Chabad house, every Shabbat evening and at noon on Shabbat after the prayers. You must register for them in advance at the Chabad house only until Friday at 2:00 p.m.
There is also the option of catering prepared food by pre-order until Thursday evening, in the form of Shabbat boxes.
Recommended hotels near the Chabad house of Rhodes
Villa Di Mare Seaside Suites
A luxurious 5-star suite hotel adjacent to the Chabad house and the Hachshara restaurant (a minute’s walk!). The hotel is located on the beach, and includes a gym, indoor and outdoor swimming pools. The hotel has beautiful suites facing the view, with a kitchenette, some of them include a private pool, with a balcony and a patio.
Chabad House of Rhodes
Address: Iraklidon 84, Rodos 851 00, Greece.
phone: +30 694 848 8761
Email: info@chabad.gr
Website: chabadrhodes.com
Kosher Greece - Crete
Crete is the largest island in the Greek Islands. In the past, a Jewish community numbering hundreds of people operated on the island, mainly in the cities of Chania, Rethymnon and Heraklion. Today, a Jewish family remains in the city of Chania, maintaining the synagogue that is still standing.
Kosher food in Crete
Yamanis Restaurant
Kosher meat restaurant.
Address: Hersonissos, Crete.
Kosher: Glatt Kosher Beit Yosef, Israel cooking and Pat Israel. Under the supervision of Rabbi Aharon Israel, rabbi of the community of Thessaloniki, Greece.
phone: +30 694 666 9558
Opening hours: Thursday 14:00 – 21:00.
Chabad of Crete
The new Chabad house in Crete offers a kosher restaurant for weekdays and Shabbat meals.
Address: Aegeou, 700 14 Analipsi, Greece 700 14 Chersoniso, Greece
Phone: T 054-733-8770
Email: Cretechabad770@gmail.com
Please note: the Crete Chabad house is only active during the season, that is, from Passover until the end of November.
Villas and apartments near Chabad of Crete
Nagia Luxury Family Villas
stunning and modern villas with a private swimming pool, suitable for families.
Include a fully equipped kitchen, a washing machine, a yard with barbecue facilities and lounge chairs and everything you could dream of for a pampering vacation.
It’s a 4-minute walk from the new Chabad house in Crete.
Recommended Hotels and Vacation Rentals in Crete
Puzzle Residence Villa with private pool
a luxurious new residence in Rethymnon, in the center of Crete.
The house with 3 bedrooms and a living room is on the ground floor, air-conditioned and includes everything you need for a perfect family vacation. From a private heated pool, a garden and a comfortable sitting area, to a fully equipped kitchen and equipment for children.
Private swimming pool, deck chairs, barbecue.
* Minimum 4 nights for booking.
Seascape Luxury Residences
Excellent and modern apartment hotel (score 9.5 in Booking!) in Agia Pelagia, minutes walk from the beach. There are two swimming pools, fitness facilities and a spa.
The apartments are decorated and air-conditioned, and include a kitchen equipped with a refrigerator, an electric kettle and a coffee machine. and a balcony with a sitting area overlooking the view.
Minos Palace Hotel & Suites
5 star deluxe hotel, right in front of the sea with a breathtaking view.
Luxurious rooms, suites and bungalows, some with a private pool, with a minibar and coffee/tea making facilities.
The hotel has a swimming pool, a health and spa center and a private beach.
Mitsis Laguna Resort & Spa
An excellent luxury hotel where my sister stayed. The rooms, the service, the pools and the other treats – 20 stars and more at a ridiculous price. This is a pampering resort that includes 4 swimming pools, 3 outdoor and one indoor, a private beach, a spa and sports fields.
Porto Plaza Hotel
A 3-star hotel 2 minutes’ walk from Yamanis Hachshara restaurant. The hotel has a swimming pool, a gym and a health and spa center. Free parking. Cheap and attractive prices, excellent value for money.
Kosher Greece - Ioannina
Ioannina is the largest and most central city in the district of Epirus in northern Greece, and lies on the shores of Lake Pambotis.
The city of Ioannina has a rich Jewish heritage, of which only the ancient synagogue remains, where prayers are held on holidays and can be visited by appointment.
Recommended Hotels in Ioannina
Hotel Du Lac
An excellent 5-star deluxe hotel, located on the shore of the lake and including a luxurious spa and an outdoor swimming pool.
The hotel rooms are elegantly and luxuriously furnished, and overlook the views of the lake and gardens. They include a bathtub, a mini-bar and an electric kettle.
Recommended Hotels in Meteora
Archontiko
A romantic hotel located in an authentic renovated mansion in the village of Kastraki (the village in front of Meteora), offering elegant suites facing an amazing view of the cliffs of Meteora.
The suites are spacious (from 42 square meters) and air-conditioned with an elegant design. They include a mini-bar, electric kettle and coffee machine. Some have a fireplace (fireplace) and a patio.
Epavlis Meteora Suites Hotel
A great and inexpensive suite hotel in the town of Kalbka, with a wonderful view of the Meteora cliffs.
The suites are large, air-conditioned and include an adjoining balcony, a fireplace that is active in the winter, a minibar, a kettle and facilities for making coffee/tea. Some with a massage bath.
Hotel Doupiani House
A 3-star hotel in an excellent location in Kastraki, adjacent to the Meteora cliffs with an amazing view.
The rooms are air-conditioned and include a balcony overlooking the view and a refrigerator.
Meteora Hotel at Kastraki
A great 4-star hotel in Kastraki, at the foot of the Meteora Cliffs.
The hotel includes an outdoor swimming pool facing the view and a gym.
The hotel rooms include a bathtub, refrigerator, electric kettle and facilities for making hot drinks.
CAVE THEOPETRA METEORA
A villa in Kalbka with 3 bedrooms and a living room that is especially suitable for families (up to 9 people!).
The villa is air-conditioned and includes a kitchen equipped with everything you need for cooking and baking. It also has a washing machine and an outdoor seating area.
* Minimum 3 nights for booking.
Kosher List for the Greek Islands
A list of products that can be bought in regular stores throughout Greece without fear of kosher:
http://www.chabad.gr/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/66080/jewish/Kosher-products-list.htm
- Thanks to Rav Handel from Chabad of Athens for his assistance.
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