Yamas or Stin ygeiá sas means to our health.

One of the most fantastic things about the Greek islands and of course Skiathos is the amazing food and drink! We are blessed with lots of great local food and thankfully still some traditional tavernas where you can while an afternoon away drinking Tispero or Ouzo accompanied by a delicious meze dish.

Whats lovely about enjoying a meze is that it is just as lovely sat on the sea front or harbour on a hot summers day as it is wrapped up in a taverna by an old smoky stove crushed into a corner on a cooler winter day.

Jon and I really enjoy spending this time with friends putting the World to rights and socialising in this way. Jon enjoying a Tispero which is the local spirit of the Volos area flavoured with anise (but can be ordered without the anise) and me sipping on an Ouzo with ice watching the clear spirit turn cloudy as you add a touch of water. There are various different types to choose from as well as sometimes some homemade versions as well if you are brave enough!

Each small (200ml) bottle is served with a 'Meze' a small plate or appetiser which traditionally was just a very small bite of cheese or olives but now days consists of a fantastic variety of vegetable, fish and sometimes even meat dishes always served with some local bread for the table. It really is the best way to try lots of different traditional Greek dishes in one sitting.

Some Examples of fish meze dishes:

Some Examples of vegetable meze dishes:

Stopping time to enjoy a Tispero is something that all of the locals enjoy and is something that I feel should be on every holiday makers list to experience.

I firmly believe that people should take the time to find 'their' places but a few of our favourites are Kabourelias, Bakaliko, Amfeliki and Mouragio for an authentic feel. So go enjoy... Yamas!