Vegan vacations in Greece

The funny thing about veganism in Greece is that while the concept itself isn’t yet very well known here – outside cities you will often struggle to get people to understand what you want – in fact, much of the cuisine is already suitable for vegan travelers. In part that’s down to the nature of Mediterranean cuisine, which of course puts a lot of emphasis on fresh fruit and vegetables, and wow, do they grow them well in Greece – the markets on Crete are especially renowned. But religion, specifically Greek Orthodoxy, also plays a role.

During Greek Orthodox Lent, it is normal for adherents to observe a period of fasting. This involves abstaining from eating any animals – or products from any animals – with red blood, as well as any type of seafood that has a backbone. So although it doesn’t correspond exactly with the vegan diet – squid, octopus and honey are still allowed – the dishes served during the Greek fasting period come very close. Easter in Greece is typically very busy as people return home from the cities and abroad to celebrate, and many restaurants close their doors, but the weeks preceding can therefore be a fantastic time for vegan travelers. Like Western Lent, this fasting period also lasts 40 days, but also includes Sundays, and Easter in the Greek Orthodox Church usually falls later than it does in Western Christianity – check online for dates each year.

Vegan vacations in Greece see you staying at a villa close to a protected lagoon in a picturesque coastal village on coast in the Peloponnese. Over the course of a week your hosts will take you through the nourishing benefits of slow-cooked food, emphasising the potential for a vegan diet to be ultra healthy, free of toxins and very nutritional.

You’ll dine at local restaurants that serve a range of excellent vegan dishes, wines and beers, and enjoy rustic meals in farmers’ tavernas. You will wander around markets to select seasonal vegetables, fruits, nuts and pulses – with translation provided by your hosts if needed – and even knock up a vegan picnic. There will even be the opportunity to do a little foraging for wild herbs around olive groves and beaches.