Hotel Shaya Kosher year round in Greece
✡ Rabbi Yoel Kaplan, chief rabbi Chabad Thessalonik Location: Plaka, Greece
Organizer: Kosher Holidays
About Open all year round starting from June and including Shavuot and Succoth
Hotel Shaya is located in Plaka Litochorou of the Riviera Olympus, 2 km away from the well-known, traditional and historic Litochoro, and it is a small heaven by the sea (60 meters from it), which loves perfection, as every paradise does. The unrivalled view to the sea is the first thing that will attract your attention, with Olympus, the Mountain of Gods, in the background!
Rooms & accommodation In the hotel you can choose between many types of rooms, from the regular ones to those with a jacuzzi or a private pool:
Kashrut & dining Kashrut is strictly Lubavitch under the great supervision of Albania and the Chabad emissary to Thessaloniki - Rabbi Yoel Kaplan Shalita. For any further questions regarding kashrut, please contact Rabbi Yosef by phone
The hotel has two wings, one with a strictly kosher restaurant and one not kosher.
Religious life & Shabbat Synagogue
Activities & entertainment Outer pool Heated pool] Heated pool spa gym beach Location Address: Shaya, lithos, Plaka, Greece
Tags PLAKA GR EUR Europe Purim Shavuoth Sukkot Summer Winter sun Winter Pesach All year round Hotel
Home · Contact · List your business About this listing Year-Round Kosher Hospitality in the Riviera Olympus
Hotel Shaya offers a unique opportunity for Jewish travelers to experience the natural beauty of Greece without compromising on kashrut standards. Situated in Plaka Litochorou, this establishment is one of the few venues in the region providing consistent kosher services throughout the year, including the winter months and major holidays. The property is designed for those seeking a quiet retreat where the Aegean Sea meets the foothills of Mount Olympus, the highest mountain range in Greece. With a commitment to maintaining a strictly kosher environment in its dedicated wing, the hotel caters to couples, families, and groups looking for a seamless observant travel experience.
The hotel is characterized by its tranquil setting, located just 60 meters from the shoreline. Guests can enjoy the dual benefit of a seaside vacation while remaining in close proximity to the historic town of Litochoro. Whether visiting for a summer break, Shavuot, or the Sukkot season, the hotel provides the infrastructure necessary for a comfortable stay, combining modern hospitality with traditional Jewish requirements.
About the area The Coastal Gateway to Mount Olympus
Positioned on the Riviera Olympus, the location of Hotel Shaya is strategically chosen for its scenic diversity. Plaka Litochorou is the coastal settlement of the larger Litochoro municipality, known for its pebble beaches and crystal-clear waters. To the east lies the vast expanse of the Thermaic Gulf, while to the west, the dramatic peaks of Mount Olympus dominate the skyline. This geographical placement allows guests to move from the beach to mountain hiking trails in less than fifteen minutes.
For international travelers, the hotel is most easily accessed via Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG). The drive follows the main E75 highway south, offering a straightforward route for those renting cars or arranging transfers. The area is quiet and relatively low-density, providing a peaceful alternative to the more crowded tourist hubs of the Greek islands, yet it remains well-connected to the amenities of the Pieria region.
Nearby Jewish landmarks Exploration and Jewish Heritage
While the hotel serves as a secluded coastal retreat, the surrounding region of Pieria offers significant historical interest. Nearby Litochoro serves as the gateway to Mount Olympus, offering world-class hiking trails and vistas that have been famous for millennia. For those interested in Jewish history, Thessaloniki (Salonika) is approximately an hour's drive away. Once known as the 'Madre de Israel,' the city remains the heart of Jewish life in Greece, housing the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki and several historic synagogues including the Monastirioton Synagogue.
Closer to the property, guests can explore the Enipeas Canyon or the archaeological site of Dion. The juxtaposition of the Aegean Sea and the soaring peaks of Mount Olympus provides a unique environmental backdrop that is rare in the Mediterranean, making it a versatile destination for both summer beach holidays and cooler mountain excursions in the autumn and spring.
What to expect Accommodations and Kosher Dining
Guests arriving at Hotel Shaya will find a facility divided into two distinct wings to ensure operational clarity regarding kashrut. One wing is dedicated to strictly kosher services, including a restaurant that operates under the direct supervision of Rabbi Yoel Kaplan of Chabad Thessaloniki. This wing allows guests to enjoy prepared meals that adhere to Lubavitch standards, making it a reliable choice for the "Mehadrin" traveler. The restaurant provides a space for communal dining, particularly during Shabbat and Yom Tov, which are central features of the hotel's calendar.
The property includes an on-site synagogue, ensuring that those who wish to daven with a minyan have a dedicated space for tefillah. During peak seasons and holidays like Pesach, the hotel often hosts larger groups, creating a vibrant Jewish atmosphere. The rooms are designed to take advantage of the local scenery, with many offering views of either the Aegean or the mountain. Amenities are focused on comfort and functionality, providing a solid base for those who plan to spend their days exploring the nearby national park or relaxing by the water.
Frequently asked questions What is the kashrut supervision at Hotel Shaya? Kashrut is strictly Lubavitch under the supervision of Rabbi Yoel Kaplan, the Chief Rabbi of Chabad Thessaloniki. Please note the hotel operates two wings; one wing features the strictly kosher restaurant, while the other wing is non-kosher.
Is the hotel open for Sukkot and Pesach? Yes, the hotel is open year-round, including specialized programs and catering for major Jewish holidays such as Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot.
Are there minyanim or a synagogue on-site? The hotel provides an on-site synagogue for guests, facilitating daily prayers and Shabbat services within the property.
How far is the hotel from the beach? The hotel is situated in Plaka Litochorou, approximately 60 meters from the sea, offering immediate beach access for guests.
What is the nearest major Jewish community? The hotel is located about 2 km from the traditional village of Litochoro and roughly 90 km (approx. 1 hour drive) from Thessaloniki.