7 Best Restaurants in The Sporades, Greece

This long-established landmark entices with its playful and innovative takes on classic Greek dishes. While the awe-inspiring panoramic vista of the Aegean Sea would be enough to please customers, owner Nikos Stamatakis and his chef father, Stamatis, wow diners with the island's most exciting cuisine, like chicken in geranium sauce, or moussaka with tuna instead of beef. The setting is laid-back yet elegant enough for a special occasion.

The balcony pairs inviting breezes and sprawling views, a perfect setting in which to enjoy fresh local fish. Owner Christos also takes pride in the organic vegetables he serves, all from his own garden. Service is attentive, the white house wine crisp and refreshing, and the feather-light ekmek (custard cake) with mastic ice cream is a near-perfect dessert.

Crowning the Venetian Castle, the picture-perfect blue-and-white painted restaurant—a converted barn—enjoys probably the most breathtaking views in Skopelos Town, overlooking the glittering Aegean and the Panagitsa Church below. Traditional Greek fare like baked aubergines, souvlaki, and stuffed peppers are on the menu, plus plenty of local liqueurs. Tap into a Greek vein with owner Giorgo Xithari, who, along with local musicians and friends, will strum up a storm after 9:30 pm on his bouzouki and sing rembetika, traditional Greek acoustic blues.

One of Volos's claims to fame is its tsipouradiko taverns, named for the regional spirit made by distilling the residue of the grapes after pressing them to make wine. There are plenty to be found in the city's nooks and crannies, including this one, near the waterfront, which has combined the tradition with a youthful spirit that draws from modern gastro-style restaurants, with Edison lightbulbs, copper tubing, and aged raw wood. In addition to dozens of varieties of artisanal tsipouro, ouzo, raki, and zivania; the kitchen turns out a host of traditional mezes, also updated with an inventive gourmet touch.