The city centre and the secrets of meze

The city is famous for its mellow seafront and its beautiful backdrop of Mount Pelion. Volos is one of the best mid-sized towns in Greece for a relaxed long weekend! Located almost between Athens and Thessaloniki (and thus quite far from any major airport), Volos has managed to remain traditional and almost unspoilt, representing the country’s largest agricultural region.

As you walk through the main streets of Volos’ city centre, you suddenly start to realize that certain parts of it have still kept some of the past’s charming nostalgia. There are various traditional coffee shops and small businesses selling from baked goods to all kind of pantries. People are very welcoming at the door and many young people as it is a student city can set the perfect start for your day!

The main square by the Cathedral Church of St Nicholas hosts some of the action too, with a certain tango dancing group making appearances every now and then - passers-by join the beautiful act of a small town and become one with the locals and regulars. North and east from the square multiple cafés, drink and brunch shops have been established lately in a mini movement that has transformed that part of the city - and albeit noisy during the evenings, it does add a colorful vibe to the city.

Another reason why Volos is well known is for its assortment of meze ( a small plate of food) and tsipouro (a clear alcoholic beverage). It is very common amongst locals to visit the tsipouradiko any day of the week after 12pm for a few bites and some of that divine alcohol. Kind of like the old days when workers by the sea needed a quick stop for lunch as they were not able to get back to their neighbourhoods, when small restaurants sprang up offering small bites and tsipouro shots sourced from Tyrnavos and Pelion. The secret here is that you can find anywhere in Greece these kind of shops called tsipouradiko but the tradition began in Volos.

There is a long list of which tsipiuradiko is the best in Volos but having tried all of them as a local the winners are here: the quaint pantry Kritamo and the traditional setting of Kavouras in the old town, Jimmys the seafront taverna in Agria and, of course, MeZen with their mordern dishes - my personal favourite which is located in a small alley in the centre.

Extra tip: In all tsipouradika in Volos when you order tsipouro the meze will follow for free. The more tsipouro you order the more meze will come to your table. But be cautious because the alcoholic beverage is strong. It is recommended to mix it with some still water.

That's all for now my happy travellers! Stay tuned to discover the rest of my city.

Till then, I wish you safe travels!

xoxo

Eva