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Discover Zakynthos!

Climb up to Bochali. The highest point in Zakynthos town, just 2 km from the centre, with a panoramic view over the port, Argasi, and Laganas gulf. Bochali is the oldest neighbourhood in Zakynthos and was built during the first phase of the expansion of the citadel. The great earthquake of 1953 led to the collapse of the villas that adorned it, although a walk through its narrow lanes and green hills is still a must. In the central square of Bochali is the church of Zoodochos Pigis, with the Byzantine icon of the Virgin Mary.

Walk through the town. Its noble grandeur may no longer exist, but Agios Markos Square (St Mark square) still maintains its belle epoque colours. It was and continues to be the centre of social life on Zakynthos. It is a historical site in the town since this is where the Popolo set fire to the Libro D’Oro (Golden Book) of the nobles in 1797. The tree of freedom in the centre of the square symbolises the liberation from the Venetians and the reception of the French Democrats. The square is also the location of the historically important so-called Casino of the island, which was a meeting place of the Liberals. It was destroyed in the earthquake of 1953 and in its place was built the Mausoleum of Solomos, Kalvos and Eminent Zakynthians, which is also the most important structure in the square. The Catholic church of St Mark is also located here, which was founded in 1518 as a chapel of the monastery of the Franciscan monks. It later became the cathedral of the Latin Diocese of Zakynthos and Cephalonia. It is the only Catholic church on the island.

Alexandros Romas Street, the main shopping street in the town, also starts from this square, which is connected to Solomos Square via a pedestrian street. In the south of the square is the church St Dionysios, one of the largest Greek Orthodox sites of pilgrimage in the Ionian region and in which the relic of the saint is housed. This grand church was built in 1926 and was designed by the renowned architect Anastasios Orlandos. It was left untouched by the huge earthquake.

Spend an evening in Keri. This verdant bay of Marathi, the picturesque village of the same name and the Lighthouse with the magical view is an excellent way to end a beautiful day in Zakynthos. With a view over Marathonisi (which is also a great place for a trip).

Visit the island’s monasteries. At the peak of Mount Skopos, southeast of the town and at an altitude of 450 metres is the monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa, famous for its miracle-working icon. The architecture of this 15th-century monastery is stunning and the environment idyllic. Another important religious monument is the monastery of St George at Gremna, 2.5 kilometres from Volimes. In this deserted area in 1535 the monks Makarios and Varlaam founded the monastery of Saint George, with a strange tower that was built a little later to provide protection from pirate raids. A little further down there is an iron veranda from with a fantastic view over Navagio.
In the region of Tsilivi, on the hill of Tragaki, look for the little church of Panagia Spelioula, which, as its name indicates, is situated inside a cave.

Explore the mountain villages of Zakynthos. Start with Koiliomeno, located in central Zakynthos, 16 kilometres from the town, it is one of the few traditional villages left on the island. The village is also called Agios Nikolaos (St Nicholas) after its church, the belfry of which was built in 1893 by local stonemasons. Its stone dwellings are fascinating, a typical example of the traditional architecture of the island. On the north side of the island visit the verdant plateau, the centre of which is Loucha: picturesque lanes, stone belfries and houses, a green and wooded landscape. Very near Loucha is Gyri. The few houses of which are all made of stone and are heroic since they survived the great earthquake, instead creating a very charming landscape. The capital, however, of the mountain villages is Volimes, which is worth stopping off at.

In the very busy and highly developed Laganas there is a particularly picturesque spot, the pine-clad islet of Agios Sostis. This little island, which is today privately owned and which until the earthquake of 1633 was joined to the mainland, is today linked to the mainland via a large wooden bridge. It can be visited, although you will need to buy a ticket.

The beaches of Zakynthos

The ultimate destination on Zakynthos is its beaches. With the beach of Navagio (Shipwreck) at the top of the list – which can only be reached by boat or rented yacht –Zakynthos has wonderful, exotic and hospitable waters along the whole of its coastline. The coaster MV Panagiotis was built in 1937 and shipwrecked in 1980 on the isolated coast of Ai Giorgis in Zakynthos, while it was transporting contraband cigarettes. Despite the huge scandal, the wreck of the ship quickly became an attraction, to the extent that the beach, along with the precipitous rocks, white pebbles and bright-blue waters were renamed Navagio (shipwreck). If you enjoy swimming then try the little bay at the entrance to the gulf, where there is also a small and untouched version of Navagio, without visitors. It is best to go to the beach in the morning or late in the afternoon so as to avoid the crowds. You should try to arrange it so that the boat that is taking you to Navagio takes a stop at Galazies Spilies (Blue Caves). These are among the most beautiful natural attractions on the island: two little bays that form a series of caves along the length of the northwest coast of Zakynthos and which owe their name to the remarkable reflection of the light in the water.

If you wish to continue with “the must see” of Zakynthos, then stick to the east side of the island. Porto Limnionas can be reached by car, but this is still tricky. Rocky natural steps lead you into the green waters, which are perfect for those who wish to have a dive or even just go snorkelling.

Continue south and pause at Porto Zoro, with a few organised amenities, a sandy beach and a landscape characterised by the trees along its “back” and the large rocks inside the sea.

Further down look for the beach of Keri. Pebbly, it communicates with a picturesque harbour and is crowned by the verdant village of the same name that is located above it. If you are a good swimmer try to reach as far as Marathonisi opposite, a small uninhabited paradise, which just as with the beach of Keri, is a refuge for the loggerhead sea turtle, which lays its eggs here. Consequently, bathers must adhere to the beach rules.

Another refuge for the loggerhead sea turtle and continuation of the Marine Park that protects it are a further two wonderful beaches, with a few organised immunities and continuous supervision by members of Archelonas, an organisation for the protection of the loggerhead sea turtle. With much attention and care then, it is worth enjoying the sandy broad beaches of Daphne and Gerakas. The tourist beach of Laganas, just before, stretches out for a length of 9 kilometres. Also, busy and popular with tourists is the beach of Tsilivi, in the east of the island.
The same coastline, however, has many alternative options: the friendly family beach of Argasi, the exotic Makrys Gialos and the exquisite Xingia. This last beach is famous for the smell of its water, as sulphur is emitted from the cave along the beach, giving an almost therapeutic character to your dips into the water.

Sea excursions from Zakynthos

Aside from the almost obligatory boat trip to Navagio and Galazies Spilies, the island also offers other options for sea excursions. Boats depart from the gulf of Laganas for heavenly Marathonisi and the caves of Keri. Moreover, if you take a boat you can swim to the deserted beaches of Marathia and Myzithra, two huge white rocks that rise above the crystal-clear waters.

Of great interest are Strofades, the wonderful islands opposite Gerakas with a castle-monastery of the 13th century. Strofades became known for its beauty and rich vegetation, which have made it a refuge and passage for over 1000 species of migrating birds. Their rich fauna is complemented by the permanent presence of the loggerhead sea turtle (part of the marine park) and dolphins. Agios Dionysios was a monk in the Byzantine monastery, with its stunning architecture. Visitors will see the empty grave of the saint and meet the only hermit monk who looks after it today.

Food in Zakynthos

A Mediterranean cuisine with meat, fish, olive oil and vegetables as its base and with local recipes that survive mostly in the little tavernas of mountain villages and which welcome you to the Zakynthos dinner table.

Lamb, chicken and beef are cooked in a variety of ways. The most characteristic dishes of the island are stuffed rabbit cooked in wine or sautéed, beef or lamb kavourmas (sautéed), papatoli (beef shank) and sofigadouras (a Zakynthian version of goat meat in red sauce with garlic, vinegar and kefalograviera cheese). The Zakynthians love ladera dishes that are cooked in olive oil in the oven, which they prepare in delicious ways: stuffed peppers and tomatoes, briam and iman bayaldi. The cheeses are also delicious. Aside from the universally loved feta, which accompanies the oily dishes in restaurants in Zakynthos, you will be served manouri (made from goat’s milk), spicy tyrokafteri cream cheese, and ladotyri (a spicy cheese that is eaten on its own or cooked in a dish).

Walnuts, almonds and cinnamon play a major role in Zakynthian pastries and, consequently, baklavas and kadaifi have pride of place. On the island they also make delicious bougatses (custard pie), pastelia (honey and sesame sweets) and fritoures (semolina fritters).

The varieties of Zakynthian wine produced in over 5000 acres of cultivable vineyards will satisfy all palates – Goustolodi, Pavlo, Skiadopoulo, Robola, Avgoustiati, Verdea, all products of the local wineries.

Nightlife in Zakynthos

The bars and clubs of Zakynthos are associated with mass tourism: Laganas and Tsilivi are filled with bustling pubs, clubs and discos.

A similar scene can be found in Kalamaki and Argasi. You will find quieter options in the central pedestrian streets of the town as well as the picturesque lanes of Bochali.

Getting from the airport to Zakynthos town

Zakynthos Airport is located 5 kilometres from the town. Taxis from and to the airport are available 24 hours a day. The journey to Zakynthos town takes 10-15 minutes and the fare is approximately 10 euros.