Travel tips · Updated 11 October 2026 · 6 min read
Baby food, formula and nappies in Crete: where to buy
You can buy nappies, wipes, baby food, swim nappies and baby sunscreen easily in Crete, in supermarkets, resort mini markets and pharmacies. Formula is sold mainly in pharmacies and some larger supermarkets, but your exact brand may not be available or may have a different recipe, so pack enough for the first days. Use bottled water with low mineral content for bottles if you are unsure about the tap water.
| Nappies and wipes | Supermarkets, mini markets and pharmacies |
|---|---|
| Swim nappies | Most supermarkets and resort shops in summer |
| Formula | Pharmacies, some larger supermarkets |
| Jars and pouches | Supermarkets; pharmacies carry some ranges |
| Baby sunscreen | Pharmacies (widest choice) and supermarkets |
| Water for bottles | Bottled still water with low minerals is the cautious choice |
Supermarkets in Crete
Crete has a mix of national chains and Cretan chains. In and around Heraklion you will see Chalkiadakis (linked to Sklavenitis), Sklavenitis, Lidl and AB Vassilopoulos, along with the Cretan chain Kritikos, which has recently been acquired by Masoutis. Larger branches sit on the edges of towns, such as on the main roads out of Heraklion, Chania and Rethymno, while resorts like Hersonissos, Malia and Platanias have smaller supermarkets and mini markets.
In a large supermarket you will normally find:
- Nappies in a range of sizes, from international brands and supermarket own labels.
- Baby wipes, nappy bags and swim nappies (more stock in summer).
- Fruit pouches, baby rice and cereal, jars and toddler snacks.
- Fresh fruit, yoghurt and soft cheese for babies on solids.
- Bottled water in large packs.
Mini markets in resorts are handy but have a smaller range and usually charge more. If you have a car, one bigger shop at the start of the holiday saves time.
Pharmacies (farmakeio)
Greek pharmacies, marked with a green cross and the word ΦΑΡΜΑΚΕΙΟ (farmakeio), are the best place for formula, baby sunscreen, teething gel, nappy cream and baby medicines such as paracetamol syrup. Pharmacists are well trained, and in tourist areas many speak English. Every town and most resorts have at least one, and there is a rota of pharmacies open late and at weekends; the duty pharmacy is usually posted on the door of closed pharmacies.
Formula milk in Crete
Formula is sold mainly in pharmacies, and larger supermarkets carry some ranges. Brands you may find in Greece include NAN, Aptamil (sold under the Milupa name), Almiron, Novalac, Frezylac and Humana, but stock varies by shop, and the recipe can differ from the product with the same name at home.
Because babies can react to a change of formula, we suggest you:
- Pack your usual formula for the whole trip if you can, or at least enough for several days.
- Bring a photo of the tin, including the ingredients, so a pharmacist can help you find the closest match.
- If your baby uses a specialist formula (for reflux, allergy or prematurity), bring all you need, as it may not be in stock.
- Check your airline's rules on carrying formula and baby milk in hand luggage.
Water for bottles
Mains water in the main towns is treated, but quality can vary with old pipes, storage tanks and the building you stay in, and many locals drink bottled water. For babies, bottled still water is the cautious choice. Look for a still water with low mineral and low sodium content on the label, and follow the preparation instructions on your formula and the advice of your own health visitor or doctor. Large packs of bottled water are cheap in supermarkets.
Ask your hotel or villa for a kettle if there is not one in the room, and bring a bottle brush and a small travel steriliser or sterilising tablets.
Baby food and eating out
Babies on solids are easy to feed in Crete. Tavernas serve plain dishes such as rice, potatoes, grilled fish, chicken, yoghurt, fava (yellow split pea purée) and lots of vegetables, and staff are usually happy to bring things plain or without salt. Ask for a high chair when booking, or rent a high chair for your apartment or villa.
Baby sunscreen and swim nappies
Pharmacies offer the widest choice of baby and children's sunscreens, including mineral filters and sensitive-skin formulas, and supermarkets sell children's SPF 50 too. Keep babies under six months out of direct sun as much as possible, and use shade, hats and UV clothing for all small children. Swim nappies are widely sold in summer, but bring a few for the first beach day.
Greek words that help
| English | Greek | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy | Φαρμακείο | far-ma-KEE-o |
| Nappies | Πάνες | PA-nes |
| Baby milk / formula | Βρεφικό γάλα | vre-fee-KO GA-la |
| Baby food | Βρεφική τροφή | vre-fee-KEE tro-FEE |
| Wipes | Μωρομάντηλα | mo-ro-MAN-dee-la |
| Sunscreen | Αντηλιακό | an-dee-lee-a-KO |
| Water (still) | Νερό (χωρίς ανθρακικό) | ne-RO |
| Baby | Μωρό | mo-RO |
What to pack from home
- Your baby's usual formula, plus any specialist food.
- Nappies and wipes for the journey and the first day or two.
- A few swim nappies and a familiar sunscreen.
- Any regular medicines, with the packaging.
For a full list, see our Crete with a baby packing list.
Arrive with the basics ready
If you would rather not hunt for nappies on your first evening, Holiday Stork's welcome box (€39) includes nappies, wipes, swim nappies, baby SPF 50 and fruit pouches, delivered with your gear. You can add a stroller, i-Size car seat, travel cot or high chair, from €7.80 per day with a 4-day minimum rental. We meet you at Heraklion Airport or deliver to your hotel or villa. More tips in our Crete with a baby guide.
