a round plate with mini vegan pancakes next to a vegan chickpea omelet on a tray with fresh juice and a bread basket in santorini

Santorini Vegan Guide: Best Restaurants & Hotels

Truth be told, I never had a huge interest in visiting Santorini. I’ve seen the stunning photos of the sunsets and dramatic cliffs peppered with whitewashed buildings, but I’ve also seen the pictures of the crowds. I don’t know how all those people fit on that small island at one time, but they do!

So, what gives, why’d I go? Well, I receive a ton of client requests (I am a travel advisor, in case you didn’t know) for Greece, specifically Santorini, so I needed to figure out how I could create a more sustainable and vegan-friendly itinerary.

And I think I succeeded. I won’t go into all of those details here (if you’re interested, reach out; I can help plan a trip!), but I will go into all of the juicy vegan details that the island has to offer. If you’re planning a trip and worried about what you will eat, worry no more. You’ll find plenty of vegan-friendly restaurants and even gorgeous vegan hotels in Santorini to help you create a perfect vegan adventure!

This article contains affiliate links (paid links) and Veggies Abroad is a member of Amazon Services LLC Associated Program. At no cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — this helps keep Veggies Abroad churning out free content! For an explanation of our advertising partnerships, please review our privacy policy.

Is Santorini Vegan-Friendly?

I’m sorry to report it’s not the most vegan-friendly destination in the world, but far from the worst! Choose somewhere else if you’re expecting many vegan restaurants, shops, and stores. At the time of writing this (May 2024), there isn’t a fully vegan restaurant on the island, but plenty of vegan-friendly ones keep you well-fed! Also, the island has three stunning vegan hotels; honestly, they are the best part and the main reason I’d return. One more thing to keep in mind: traditional Greek food has a lot of vegan options like dolmas (grape leaves), giant beans, fava spread, salads, and more. So, you’ll be able to go to most places and find something; it’s just not a vegan mecca like London, NYC, Berlin, etc.

vegan breakfast platter with scrambled tofu, rice pudding, potatoes and fresh juice at ethos suites in fira santorini
Killer vegan breakfast spread at Ethos Suites in Fira

Vegetarian & Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Fira, Santorini

Veganissimo

Dekigala, Thira 847 00, Greece
I know from the name that you might be thinking, isn’t this a vegan restaurant? At its heart, yes! But it also has a non-vegan menu (it’s not on its website). When you arrive, they will ask which menu you prefer, and let me tell you, the vegan menu is extensive! I kept thinking, how in the world will I ever decide? This is definitely the place to go for a diversity of options — you could eat here all week and not get bored. One thing I really loved was their veganized Greek specialties, like eggplant saganaki (the feta was outstanding), moussaka, souvlaki, gyros, and much more!

FalafeLAND

Danezi Michael, Fira 847 00
They aren’t serving just ordinary falafel — it’s jazzed up and wrapped up with various delicious house-made sauces in amazing pita wraps. The vegetarian spot is well known for its creative falafel wraps filled with eggplant, tahini, olive paste, spicy sauce, beetroot, and more! In addition to the wraps, you can also enjoy the falafel on its own with salad and sauces (my choice). The staff is fabulous about sorting out what’s vegan vs. vegetarian, and they also usually have ultra-fudgy vegan chocolate brownies that they serve warmly!

Good Mood Food

25is Martiou, Thira 847 00, Greece
The heart of Fira’s main square is filled with various casual street food restaurants, including this spot. It’s actually part falafel and fast-casual Asian fusion restaurant. Of course, you can get falafel (but I suggest you get your falafel fix at FalafelLAND), but they also have a few other vegan options. When I visited, they had a chickpea Buddha bowl and a black quinoa and veggie salad. Both looked great!

the storefronts for good mood food and vegetarian falafel in fira's main square in santorini

Stolen Fruit

 25is Martiou, Thira 847 00, Greece
Right next door to Good Mood Food is this terrific smoothie café! The colorful spot is whipping up fruity and veggie-packed smoothies, smoothie bowls, chia pudding, fresh juices, and coffee. One of the highlights of visiting this spot (as a vegan) is that their menu is clearly labeled — there are no surprises. They also have vegan protein power if you need a boost.

Aktaion Restaurant

Firostefani, Santorini 847 00, Greece
Looking for a vegan-friendly spot to enjoy the sunset? This is it but, you’re going to need a reservation or to get there early! The small family-run spot is quite popular during the summer and for good reason. Aside from enjoying the stunning sunset, their menu has a great mix of veganized and traditional Greek dishes (and the menu is marked). You’ll find mushroom gyro, smoked eggplant, fried veggie balls, risotto, and more.

Jaipur Palace

Epar. Od. Firon-Ormou Perissis, Karterados 847 00, Greece
Just like falafel, Indian cuisine is another where you can always find at least a couple of things to eat. Although this vegan-friendly spot isn’t in the heart of Fira, it’s pretty close (about a 15-minute walk), and if you’re looking to switch up your dinner routine, it’s worth it. They have a full vegetarian section on the menu with many traditional vegan options like Channa Masala, Aloo Gobi, veggie samosas, lentil dal, and more!

Where to Find Vegan Gelato & Bakeries in Fira

Zotos

Gold Street, Φηρά 84700 Φηρα, 847 00, Greece
This gelato shop started scooping up ice cream in Santorini in the late 1800s and has continued its traditions through five generations of family. It is the most vegan-friendly gelato shop you’ll find in Santorini! Here, you won’t get stuck with just one option—there were 14 when I visited! If you like to try unique things, grab a scoop of their Lava Santorini, a sweet coconut and chocolate mix inspired by the volcanic island. In addition to that, their vegan pistachio can’t be beat!

Assyrtico

Φηρά, Thira 847 00, Greece
I’ll admit, I really wanted to go back to Zotos to try more flavors, but then this spot’s “vegan” sign caught my attention, and I had to support that. There is a full café menu, but to be honest, I didn’t get past the gelato! Right at the front of the shop, you’re greeted with a full ice cream freezer filled with nine different vegan options. The unique spin is that all their flavors, from chocolate hazelnut to melon, are made with olive oil! If you think it must have a weird taste from the oil, think again. If I hadn’t told you, you’d never know!

Svoronos Bakery

25is Martiou, Thira 847 00, Greece
Unfortunately, there isn’t a vegan bakery just yet in Santorini, but if you’re interested in trying a couple of veganized Greek pies, come here! Tucked in the back of their display case, they generally have a vegan potato leek and spinach pie. They aren’t the easiest to find, so if you don’t see them, ask the staff for help.

two vegan pastry options in the back row of a pastry case in santorini

Vegan-Friendly Restaurant in Oia, Santorini

Like in Fira, many restaurants in Oia can be vegan-friendly, but for a stellar experience in a unique space, check out this spot.  

Karma Greek

Nik. Nomikou 11, Oía 847 02, Greece
I said from the outset that Greek cuisine has many vegan options. Well, Karma Greek has taken those and said, you know what, we can do a step better! Their menu is super well-labeled, one of the best I’ve found on the island; in addition to determining what’s vegan, it shows what can be made vegan and gluten-free with simple swaps. One more bonus: They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner; you could eat here your entire time in Oia!

For breakfast, start with a stack of Inner Calmness (banana oat pancakes that can be made vegan by swapping out honey), or amp up the day with a bowl of High Vibrations (coconut yogurt with fresh fruit and chia). Later in the day, you’ll want to come back for a beautiful salad with vegan feta, house-made pasta, stuffed veggies, and more.

Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Akrotiri & Perissa, Santorini 

Whether your Santorini adventures are taking you down to the beach or exploring ancient artifacts, have no fear; you’ll find plenty to eat at these vegan-friendly spots.

TranQuilo

Perissa 847 03, Greece
If you’re hanging out on Perissa’s beautiful black sand beach, there’s no better place to eat than this vegetarian restaurant! The colorful spot offers a diverse breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu. You can start the day with a chickpea omelet and Green Love juice, pop in for a quick cocktail, or enjoy a feast for lunch or dinner. The menu has massive salads, Greek dishes, and globally-inspired cuisine. You won’t be disappointed dining here.

Fisherman’s House

Βλυχάδα 847 03, Greece (located next to Minimarket Vlychyda)
Now, I wouldn’t have found this spot if I hadn’t been hanging out with locals—one of the many reasons to chat with the people at restaurants and your hotel about where to go and what to see! They’ll have fantastic recommendations. The traditional family-run restaurant is very familiar with what vegan means and has many delicious small-plate options (like Melina’s Tavern). You can order beetroot salad, tomato fritters, garlic sauce, stuffed grape leaves, fava, and more. The best way to cap off a meal here is with a Greek coffee!

a large spread of vegan greek appetizers like dolma, fried tomato fritters, fava, bread, and beets at the fishermans house in santorini

Melina’s Tavern

Akrotiri 847 00, Greece
The quaint spot overlooks the water, making it a scenic lunch or dinner spot. At first glance, you might think, wait, this spot isn’t vegan-friendly, but I promise, I’m not sending you down a dead end! Although the menu isn’t marked, it has quite a few vegan-friendly dishes, almost all of which fall under their salad or appetizer sections. Now, if you don’t like to share or aren’t into a selection of small dishes “tapas-style,” maybe this spot isn’t for you. Some dishes you should try include beetroot salad, boiled greens, local fava, stuffed vine leaves, grilled eggplant, fried potatoes, and more!

Santorini Vegan Dining Tip

Before you dive into this guide, I want to give you one tip/something to keep in mind. When you look at restaurant menus, just because nothing is marked vegan (most menus won’t be labeled) doesn’t mean there aren’t vegan options, especially if it’s a Greek restaurant. Greek cuisine has a lot of vegan options or dishes that can be made vegan, like fava spread, giant beans, dolmas, boiled salad, tomato fritters, and more. It’s pretty easy to go to most restaurants and find at least a couple of things. So, if you look at this list and think, my options are limited; plenty of other spots will have something!

Vegan Hotels in Santorini

What Santorini lacks in vegan dining, it makes up for with its vegan hotel selection. There’s not one but three vegan hotels on the island! Before you book your hotel, here are a couple of tips to keep in mind:

  • Santorini isn’t giant, but most people spend all their time in Fira or Oia. You can base yourself in one of these spots, but I recommend renting a car to explore other parts of the island. Consider spending a few days in one of those areas, then heading to Perissa and enjoying the beach.
  • If you prefer to avoid massive crowds, avoid visiting the island in late June through August. The best times to visit are May or September. For a really relaxed and calm experience, visit in the off-season (October – April). Some things might not be open yet, but you can enjoy the island’s scenery without getting whacked with a selfie stick.

Vegan Hotels in Fira, Santorini

Right in the heart of the island, you have two vegan hotel options to check out.

Ethos Vegan Suites

Fira 847 00, Greece
This family-run property is simply amazing—the food is delicious, the rooms are thoughtfully designed, but my favorite part was the family running it. From the moment you step through their door, you know they not only care that you have a fabulous experience but also care about their community and the planet.

Inside the rooms, you’ll find a selection of consciously chosen toiletries like slippers made from hotel towel waste and plastic-free shampoo/conditioner/soap pods. You can enjoy tea or coffee in locally-made pottery while relaxing in your own private hot tub, but it gets even better.

When morning rolls around, you’re greeted with breakfast at your door, which features a sweet and savory dish that often includes veganized Greek specialties like tiganitous (light and fluffy pancakes made using the co-owner’s grandma’s recipe), Kagiane (a scrambled tofu dish with potatoes and roasted tomato), crepes with tahini, and much more.

a large rectangle breakfast platter filled with golden vegan pancakes, a chickpea omelet, bread and juice at ethos vegan suits in fira santorini
Book Your Stay

MOD Santorini

Firostefani, Santorini 847 00, Greece
Not far from Ethos and the center of the city is another beautiful vegan hotel! The quaint spot offers the opportunity to slow down and recharge while staying in sleek, modern accommodations and enjoying a massive lineup of vegan cuisine. Breakfast is included with your stay, but guests also have the opportunity to dine at the MOD Garden Café for lunch or dinner. You can enjoy stellar dishes like whipped vegan feta, gyros, orange cake, and more!

Book Your Stay
inside of a modern guestroom with white walls and neutral tones at the vegan hotel mod santorini in greece
Credit: MOD Santorini

 

Vegan Hotel in Imerovigli, Santorini

Ethos Vegan Retreat Imerovigli

Imerovigli, 847 00, Greece
The same fantastic family behind Ethos Vegan Retreat in Fira opened a second property in Imerovigli. If Fira is too busy for you, or you’re looking for a place to really check out, these gorgeous villas are for you!

outdoor plunge pool with a view of the ocean at ethos vegan retreat in santorini

Each villa includes two bedrooms (perfect for four people), an outdoor kitchen, a private plunge pool, luxurious bathrooms, and more. An amazing breakfast feast is included with your stay, but you also have the opportunity to add on a delicious three-course lunch or dinner, take part in cooking classes, and much more.

Just like at Ethos Fira, this location also prioritizes the environment and provides eco-friendly toiletries, supports locally-owned businesses, uses eco-friendly and vegan cleaning products, and more. If I were coming back to Santorini, this would be my ideal place to stay!

Book Your Stay
large outdoor dining space with a communal dining table and cooking space at ethos vegan retreat in santorini

Santorini Vegan Wrap Up: More Travel Help

If you’re looking for more travel inspiration, you’ve come to the right place! Check out these guides and articles!

Where Vegans Should Travel to in Europe Right Now
Berlin Vegan Guide: The Best Places to Eat & Explore
Can’t Miss Vegan Food Tours to Add to Your Trip Itinerary
Fun & Educational Vegan Events Worth Traveling to This Year

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *