📝 The best way to explore the Greek islands is by ferry. In summer ferry tickets can sell out quick so I recommend buying them ahead of time. The best website to book your tickets is on ferryhopper.com. I also find it useful to check ferry routes here.
📝 There are only three villages on the island. I’d recommend staying in Chora as most the restaurants and bars are here.
📝 Unlike a lot of other islands you do not need a car to get around the island. There’s a bus every half hour that can get you to most places on the island. Although, if you do want to rent a car or ATV this will cost you around €30. You won’t need one for more than a day.
📝 Whichever hotel you are staying at will organise travel to and from the port.
📝 You might see Taverna Mimis with the hanging octopus on some other lists. I didn’t think the food or service was up to scratch so would not recommend going there.
📝 You might also see Pounta/Η Πούντα on some other lists but thought it was nice but a little basic and more expensive than other places so have not included either.
1. To Goupi
Probably my favourite spot in Chora. The must-get dishes for me are the rabbit in lemon sauce which comes clean off the bone, Greek salad with a creamy local cheese, and octopus & black eyes peas. They also serve a delicious portokalopita (orange pie) for free at the end of the meal. The owner is very friendly too.
2. Spitiko
This is the best spot in Chora to go for matsata (a local fresh pasta). You can get this with rooster, rabbit or goat in a tomato or lemon sauce. All are delicious. Skip on the snails as they are small and overpriced. The only downer is prices have increased quite a bit since my last visit.
3. Papalagi
The best spot for seafood with an incredible view of the sea. Be warned you’ll need to get the bus (or drive) to Paralia Agkali then hike a little along the sea to get here.
4. O Kritikos
Go for the mixed pork and lamb kontosouvli. The meat is put on the same skewer and slowly cooks over charcoal all afternoon – I don’t think it’s ready until 20:00 or 21:00 so if you come early you won’t be able to order this. This spot has prime location situated in a beautiful square outside of the Holy Church of Theoskepasti so is great for people watching too.
5. Sinadisi
The best spot on the island for matsata (pasta). It’s a little thicker here like a picci. It’s in Ana Maria so you’ll need to get a fifteen minute bus from Chora.
6. Piatsa
A good spot for people watching. The sardines with parsley pesto are very good. I got the goat matsata – it was good but not as good as To Spitiko. I felt like everything was better the first time I went.
7. Agios Nikolaos Taverna
A nice taverna right on Paralia Agios Nikolaos. Like with Papalagi you’ll need to get the bus (or drive) to Paralia Agkali then hike a little along the sea to get here.
8. To Barbounaki
A good spot for seafood in Chora. The red mullet were delicious.
9. Souvlaki Club
A good spot for souvlaki and gyros in Chora if you’re after a quick and cheap meal.
10. The Baker
The best bakery on the island serving local and Greek classics.
James Dimitri 