Greece is the sea. It’s the crystal waters of the Mediterranean and the sound of the waves lapping on golden shores. But it’s also the food. The connection with the sea expresses itself on your plate as well as your palette. The seafood in Greece is some of the best in the world and you cannot leave without trying some of these traditional dishes.

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Shrimp Saganaki

Shrimp saganaki (or garides saganaki) is a classic Greek seafood dish. Saganaki refers to a special type of appetiser that is traditionally served in a small frying pan with two handles. Another form that you must try is cheese saganaki. For this dish however, fresh shrimps are deglazed using ouzo, which gives it a distinctly Greek flavour. The shrimps are then added to a delicious tomato sauce flavoured with paprika and other herbs and spices. Finally, this dish wouldn’t be complete without some feta cheese on top!

Mussels

Fresh mussels are a seafood lovers dream. In Greece you can try them as a saganaki with a generous sprinkling of feta cheese, or as a meal with either rice or pasta. The seafood in Greece is best enjoyed at a traditional taverna, with an ocean view and plenty of lemon slices!

Grilled Octopus

When you’re exploring the islands, outside fish tavernas (psarotaverna) it’s common to see an octopus hanging to dry in the sun. Not only does it make for a quintessential Greek photo is also makes a great meal! Grilled octopus is a popular seafood dish in Greece. After the excess water has evaporated during the day, the octopus is taken down in the evening and grilled over charcoal, giving it a crunchy texture and great taste.

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Marides

Dusted with flour and then deep-fried in olive oil, marides is a seafood in Greece that you will see on every menu. Because these tiny fish are so small they can just be eaten whole. They are often served as a mezes (an appetiser). Squeeze over some fresh lemon juice and enjoy! These bite-sized morsels, along with any seafood you order are always bound to attract some furry feline visitors! So beware, you might end up sharing!

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Bakaliaros

Bakaliaros or cod fritters are another seafood in Greece you need to try. This tasty meze is served with a creamy garlic sauce. It is often referred to as bakaliaros skordalia. Bakaliaro meaning codfish and skordalia referring to the garlic aioli. While this fish is eaten all year round it is especially popular on the 25^th of March. This is an important Greek tradition that celebrates the Annunciation of Theotokos (Virgin Mary). It is also Greek Independence Day!

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Deep-Fried Kalamari

Deep-fried kalamari, or kalamarakia tiganita as it is called in Greek, is a delicious way to start a meal! This is a must have meze if you are ordering at any seafood tavern. Kalamari or squid is one of the most common and delicious kinds of seafood you’ll find served throughout Greece, especially on the islands. It is also one of the most inexpensive, which is great if you’re traveling Greece on a budget. Regardless, crispy, golden, and deep-fried is an irresistible way to have kalamari!

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Astakomakaronada

Another seafood in Greece that you need to try is lobster. The best way to experience this is by ordering astakomakaronada, also known as lobster pasta! Delicious succulent lobster meat still in its shell will be presented to you alongside a serving with spaghetti pasta, with a rich tomato and herb sauce. This is a decedent option for those that are wanting to try something special!