Zakynthos is abundant with nature. Read More: A Guide to Visiting Porto Limnionas, Main Street of, Planos 291 00, Zakynthos Greece. The capital of Zakynthos lies on the eastern part of the north coast. The capital city of Zakynthos is a great little town right on the sea. In the bars, drinks can be a little bit cheaper PLUS you can get great deals from the PRs. Zakynthos Greece is a relatively easy island to get to thanks to its close proximity to mainland Greece. In Zakynthos you will never be bored go partying, scuba diving or on day trips by boat (organized tours) or hire a car or even better an ATV to reach the most secluded beaches and villages on the island. There are some that, although they dont smell like an expensive perfume, they dont stink at all. Swim here, and enjoy the currents creating pockets of hot and cold ripples massaging your skin. While hard-to-reach Navagio on the northwestern part of the island is ideal for. and facilities are available in a number of locations. Location: Marathonisi Island, Zakynthos, Greece. Zakynthos International Airport DionysiosSolomos receives domestic flights from Kefalonia and Athens all year and during summer the airport receives flights from numerous cities around Europe. Read More: A Complete Travel Guide to Psarou. Is Lake Bohinj worth visiting? Please see ourPrivacy Pagefor more information. Private transfers:We recommend using an online pre-bookedZakynthos transfer service, which provides transfer by taxi, minibus, or private VIP car and arranging a pickup directly from the airport, port, or your hotel. Laganas is one of the most renowned beaches all around the Ionian, offering various watersports, budget-friendly umbrellas and sunbed sets, and a plethora of bars that, along with its crystal clear waters, make for an amazing experience! Do not forget to try the two local cheeses, the . This beach town has plenty of laidback bars and taverns, where you can enjoy local wines and shots of ouzo. It is internationally known as a legendary party island; however, the amazing Zakynthos beaches are not to be overlooked. Go visit Gerakas beach, Laganas Zante, Vasilikos beach and Spiantza beach. An even more fabulous way to meander through the lagoons is by sea kayak, giving you more freedom. Dionysis Solomos, the famous Zakynthian poet, sat on the slopes of Strani Hill overlooking Zante Town in 1823 when he wrote his Ode to Liberty which later became the national anthem of Greece. Here you will have the opportunity to swim and snorkelin the clear water and maybe you are lucky to experience the Loggerhead sea turtles. He has been travelling and working abroad since 2008 and has more than 10 years of experience in online business, finance, travel and entrepreneurship. listen)) or Zante (Greek: , romanized: Tznte), is a city and a former municipality on the island of Zakynthos, Ionian Islands, Greece. Porto Vromi Beach in Zakynthos (Zante) is a small, natural pebble bay only about 25m in length. The vast sandy beach offers a sense of seclusion, however watersports are limited so as not to disturb the Caretta Caretta turtles that nest here. Ionian Islands Greece Zakynthos - Famous for its Shipwreck Beach and rare Seaturtles June 18, 2020 lindabertelsen zakinthos, zakynthos, Zante Zakynthos is famous worldwide for its Navagio (Shipwreck) beach and the rare Loggerhead sea turtle living in the turquoise blue waters around the island. Vibrant flowers and gorgeous cliffs add to the charm of this Greek island in the Ionian Sea. Copyright 2023 Goats On The Road | GOTR Media LLC. Therefore, learning about the stages from the growth of the fruit until the oil processing is quite a remarkable event. The Venetians didnt nickname the lush island, (Flower of the East) for nothing. The gentle blow of the summer breeze of Zakynthos. Its better to drink bottled water. Plus, the owners are very friendly. Just 2 kilometres west of busy Laganas is the more laid back Agios Sostis. On organized beaches you will find water sports to keep you entertained during the hot summer days! An anti-mosquito lotion can also be very helpful. Christianity was brought to Zakynthos by Maria Magdalene in 34 AD, who spread the word of God on her way to Rome. Some of the artworks in the Byzantine Museum were even saved from collapsed churches after the quake shook Zakynthos. Zakynthos, otherwise known as Zante, is the third biggest island in the Ionian Sea. Tickets cost 37.45 (includesferry). Dont forget to go inside the buildings, where the walls are decorated with frescos that date back to the 1500s. Click here for more info. From there you cantake a bus to Killini and go to the island by ferry. Visitors can explore the island's rugged coastline, with its many coves and beaches, or take a boat trip to explore the nearby caves and secluded bays. Learn more about visiting Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Cove) in our detailed guide here. The blue of the Ionian sea right before your eyes. Zakynthos All Day Tour Shipwreck beach, view point-Blue Caves. This lesser-known Greek Island features one of the most incredible beach views, perched thousands of feet overlooking an old shipwreck. Absolutely! Eat at one of the family-run tavernas and try the Zakynthos-inspired stuffed rabbit, (a Zakynthos take on beef stew in tomato sauce). a hard table cheese made from goats milk and stored in olive oil so that it has a distinctive salty taste. Furthermore, new wings were added in the nearby monastery around 2000, like a museum and a conservation workshop. Explore the amazing Keri caves and cross the famous Arches from underneath. Take unique photos of turtles at a close distance as you sail through the crystal clear waters off the coast of Zakynthos on a glass-bottomed boat. The majority of sights are pretty close to the port and the main area of Zante Town, so if most of your visiting choices are near the center, you could get away with no transportation at all. Last Name Thisisnta resort for a good nights sleep although there have been recent movestorestrictloudmusicin theearlyhours. This island is blessed with sunny weather, hidden coves, dramatic cliffs and powdery white sand, so if youre coming to Greece for a beach holiday, this might be the island to Our Experience Traveling in Zakynthos Greece, A Complete Travel Guide to Tsilivi & Planos, our favourite things that we did in all of Greece, swim with loggerhead turtles in Zakynthos, Top 15 Beaches in Zakynthos You Wont Want to Miss, Guide to Visiting Shipwreck Cove/Navagio Beach, Unnamed Roadd, Meso Gerakari 291 00, Zakynthos Greece, Main Street of, Planos 291 00, Zakynthos Greece, 15 Best Places to Visit in Nova Scotia, Canada, in 2023, 15 Best Things to Do in Naxos, Greece, in 2023, Top 15 Beaches in Zakynthos You Cant Miss in 2023. Plentiful restaurants are spread around Zante Town, especially along the promenade next to the port, ranging from low-budget family taverns with seafood to high-class restaurants if you're searching for a fine dining experience. The capital of Zakynthos lies on the eastern part of the north coast. Visit the houses of Solomos and of Xenopoulos, they will give you a good aspect of the town's culture. Zakynthos is among the most exotic Greek islands along with Kefalonia, LefkasPaxoi. The reefs around Zakynthos are healthy and are home to the peculiar loggerhead sea turtle. Read more about our last experience traveling Zakynthos Greece here. Theres a very simple explanation: Greek sewage pipes are approximately two inches (50mm) in diameter. Check Ryan Air, Volotea, British Airways, Jet2, Ellinair and other budget airlines for direct flights to Zante in June through September. TUE 24 WED 24 THU 23 FRI 24 region-id="pin-13"; The island of Kefalonia, in the Ionian Sea, is famous for its beautiful beaches, national park and welcoming locals that are always game for a laugh Between the other islands of the Ionian Sea stands grand Kefalonia. Where is warm in Summer in Europe? All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Honey-based desserts such as pasteli with sesame seeds and mantolato using egg-whites and almonds are popular on the island. The admission fee is 2-5 euros. It is the best way to enjoy the stunning coastline of Zante island and make stops at some of the islands beaches which are only accessible from the sea. The Ancient Greek myth says that Apollo sang, accompanied by his lyre and attendants, because he was inspired by the islands beauty. With amazing accommodation options, fantastic restaurants, welcoming locals, and some of the best beaches in Greece, its no surprise why this island is one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the country. Partway down the Vasilikos peninsula before you reach the beaches of Banana Beach and Porto Azzuro youll find Argassi. As you pass Alykes and continue north, you start to see less and less development and more mountains and craggy cliffs, that is until you reach the tiny port town of Agios Nikolaos (not to be mistaken for the beach of the same name on the south end of the island). You can enjoy a sunset dinner by the cliffs, or explore a sea cave by boat. The total population of Zakynthos is 40,759, but as I mentioned earlier, this number is much higher during the peak tourism season when tourists outnumber the locals 10 to 1. Check out bars like Rescue Club, Zeros Club and Pure Zante for some late night parties and also check for advertisements around town that list upcoming events. It is best to take an early cruise because you will have undisturbed access to the quieter parts of the island. A sporting alternative on land is biking. There are over a dozen for you to choose from, so grab your favorite drink and have a great time! ), poets Andreas Kalvos and George Tertsetis, painters Nikolaos Koutouzis and Nikolaos Kantounis and writers like Gregory Xenopoulos. The island, also known as Zante, is a popular summer destination in Europe, receiving thousands of visitors from late May well into September. Private and group classes are available, making this not only a charming shopping place but a culturally enriching experience in Zakynthos. The Mill Bar, open since 1988, is another wonderful choice. Porto Vromi Beach. Read More: A Complete Travel Guide to Laganas Beach. For a luxurious guided experience you can opt for a tour. We spent 10 days there, exploring by renting a car and a boat, and got to see many of the islands highlights. The famous ancient Greek poet and writer, Homer, first mentioned the island in his masterpieces, the Iliad and the Odyssey, stating that the first inhabitants of it were the son of KingDardanosof Troy and his men, who called the island Zakynthos. View on map Location: On the north western side of Zakynthos island Description: Navagio is the most famous beach of Zakynthos. Inspired by the clarity of the water on the island, he used banana boxes to create a device that pulls people underwater with a rotatable swivel so that they feel like theyre dolphins. The largest resort isLaganas, whose beach stretches around 10 km. You may have to plan two days on your itinerary for Navagio Beach so that you can see it from the cliffs and actually go for a swim in the water as well as part of a day trip by boat. Where to eat? The northern and eastern shores of Zante contain numerous wide sandy beaches, many of which are packed with tourists in summer months. The tour boats even sail under these stone arches. It's only a brief 20-minute hike away from the center of the town, plus it offers you a magnificent view over Zakynthos Town, too. Chatting with these warm and friendly people is. A lot of people choose to rent a car in Athens and drive over to the Ionian Islands. By ferry| Five daily departures to and from Zakynthos from the portof Killini (accessible from port of Patras by bus). Geothermically heated mud pours into the beach in between a couple of rocks giving the water a cloudy glow and your skin a nice treatment. Zakynthos is abundant with nature. Luxury, tradition and amenities, all combined into two vacation homes. Using a car rental allows visitors to discover Zakynthos Town and many otherplaces of interest in Zakynthosat their own pace. If you enjoy hot perfect sunny days the best time to visit Zante is between, If you still cant make up your mind, then. Eastern half is a densely populated fertile plain, with long sandy beaches, interrupted with several isolated hills, notablyBochali, overlooking the city, and the peninsula ofVasilikosin the northeast. Zakynthos boasts about 123 kilometres (76 miles) of stunning coastline, but not all of it is stunning white sand like that found on Shipwreck Beach (Navagio). You can walk over the walls of the fortress, which tragically has been destroyed during invasions and more recent earthquakes. Location: Keri, 290 92, Zakynthos, Greece, photo by Andy Buckingham (CC BY 2.0) modified. If you plan to go to Kefalonia by ferry, youll come here to catch it, but it wouldnt be a mistake to linger here for a while. The procession is followed by a fireworks display and plenty of dancing. Read More: A Complete Travel Guide to Zante Town. Zante Town, along with the rest of the island, is the most famous amongst the Ionian islands for its cocktail beach bars and wild nightlife. We spent 10 days there and could have easily stayed longer. The trip takes anhour. Koufonisia are some of these islands. Itisnamedafterashipwreck(MVPanagiotis)whichsunkon theshorearound1980. 01 of 06 Santorini: Best for Sunset Views and Luxury Grafissimo Address Thera 847 00, Greece Santorini is probably the most popular Greek Island. Zante has a thriving tourism industry. If the smell of sulphur on the beach doesnt bother you too much, Alykes is a beautiful beach in a secluded cove complete with a free natural spa treatment. The island was united with the Greek state in 1864. Zakynthos is an exotic island belonging to the Ionian cluster of Greek islands not far from Corfu. I especially loved Bochali, it is a suburb of Zakynthos with green trees and some hills to overview the area. Location: Platia Solomou, Zakinthos 291 00, Greece, Open: TuesdaySunday from 8.30 am to 3 pm. If you said yes, we have great news for you! Kalamaki is a great place for couples and families. Also, Laganas beach is no more than 8kms away from Zante Town, making it a 20-minute drive and quite a rewarding one, too. Dont forget to capture the exterior of the museum its rebuilt according to ancient Greek styles, with towering pillars and elegant arches. Zakynthos is a stunning island to visit with fantastic beaches, a dramatic coastline and plenty of things to do. Apart from Zakynthos Town, it is also calledChora. Book an unforgettable Tour in Zakynthos or get there with your own car rental. Other endangered creatures include the Mediterranean Monk Seal Monachus Monachus as well as dolphins that sometimes swim by boats, enjoying their interaction with people. The Greek National Road 35, a road linking Zante and Porto Roma; and another road linking Zante andVolimes. Zakynthos, also called Zante, is widely known among British teenagers and young adults, who are regular visitors of Laganas. Corfu. It was built back in 1959 and its initial purpose was to host anything that could be salvaged after the destructive 1953 earthquakes and fires. The beaches in Zante are so breathtaking that you may actually find it difficult to peel yourself away from the sand and explore the rest of the island. In my post about Zakynthos you will find everything you need to know for your perfect holidays in Zakynthos. We especially liked the north and central parts of Zakynthos, away from the more touristy south. Olive trees are plentiful, having doubled in recent years, with the island best known for its dopia olive trees, many of them around 2,000 years old.. Zakynthos has outstanding beaches, including one of the most famous beaches in Greece, the Navagio (the Shipwreck beach). You have a few options for getting to Zante and leaving the island when your vacation is finished. The people of this island are proud of their artistic heritage and break into a traditional kantada serenade at every opportunity. * Some hotels require you to cancelmore than 24 hoursbefore check-in. Is there a dress code for clubs in Zante? Thanks to the nesting turtles, there are no hotels right on the sand and there are no watersports, which give the sandy beach here a nice, relaxing atmosphere. Consider that time schedules might change according to the season. After many efforts in preserving anything they could, some of the most historical buildings of the capitalwere effectively rebuilt, in a collective effort to overcome these tough times. Bradford-on-Avon A magical town in Wiltshire you have to visit! Welcome to Chris & Jo Villas, where you can live your own Zakynthos experience. Or maybe you'd prefer one of many pedestrian streets, like Solomos Square (named after the poet Dionysion Solomos) or even Roma street (right next to SaintMarc) which offers plenty of souvenir shops, or even the gorgeous promenade near the harbor! Read More: Guide to Visiting Shipwreck Cove/Navagio Beach. Easter, Christmas and July & August are the absolute peak visitor times for Zakynthos and during those times the prices can skyrocket. Hence, numerous cultural crossovers and distinctive Venetian elements are apparent throughout the island's capital. How to get to the Church of St. Primo and Felicijan? Peninsulas ofVassilikoson north andMarathiaon south enclose wide and shallow bay ofLaganason the southeast part of the island. The church built in his honor has an identical bell-tower to that of. Zante is another name for the beautiful Ionian island of Zakynthos. Bus servicesto other villages are infrequent, tel. The ferry from mainland Greece (Kyllini, Peloponnese) has scheduled departures seven times per day starting at 5:30 in the morning and the last sail is at 22:30. Hence, it shows lots of artwork, as well as the progression of the island's influences. Navagio beach is only accessible by boat, or maybe by parachute jumping from the cliff above . Theres decent accommodation options down here and some great restaurants. The whole western shore, from Keri toSkinari, contains numerous interesting rock formations, particularly arches. There is no . The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. The exotic island boasts spectacular nature, beaches, and villages and it is located in the Ionian Sea The Venetians didnt nickname the lush island Il fiore di Levante(Flower of the East) for nothing.. Zakynthos is a beautiful island, mainly flat but You can hire mountain bikes in most resorts and go biking in the hills. The capital is Zante town, a charming seaside city with many restaurants, bars and historical sites. sand, crazy-blue waters and breath-taking landscapes. You will never be asked for ID in any Zante bar, club or restaurant or at any event. It covers an area of 410 km2(158sqmi) and its coastline is roughly 123 km (76 mi) in length. The airport of Zakynthos is located 5 km from Zakynthos Town. Most people who visit Zante will stay in Laganas. Meadows carpeted with chicories, daisies and poppies as well as many other varieties of flowers create hues of color and fragrance throughout the year. This is a fantastic activity with kids, mainly because the owners rent out mountain bikes at affordable prices. This is also why the Ionian islands, including Zakynthos, have a lush vegetation with forests and fertile plains. Why does Zante have two names? The people of this island are proud of their artistic heritage and break into akantada (serenade) at every opportunity. You can reach the viewing platform by car. Shortly after the 400-year Venetian takeover of the island, around the beginning of the 19th century, Zakynthos along with the rest of the Ionian islands were cornerstones for Greece's eventual Independence since Filiki Eteria, a revolutionary secret organization, had many members residing and unionizing in the Ionian. That said, you can see all the highlights in 2-3 days. You can use tap water to clean your teeth or cook with though. Check out our full review of Lofos and dont miss this restaurant. I have read and agree to the terms & conditions. Which Greek island has the least mosquitoes? Read More: A Complete Travel Guide to Tsilivi & Planos. Here are a few of our favourites. Which Greek island has the best nightlife? It receives thousands of vacationers every year. You can alsobook your taxi online. Then go another dayby ATV to view Navagio beach from the dramatic towering cliffs above. When we visited Zakynthos we were actually really surprised by how much we loved it. Sign Up for Premium Content, Special Offers & More. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. Explore the entire island of Zakynthos by sea on a one-day cruise. Birthday This is where youll find some spectacular beaches like St. Nicholas, Banana Beach and Porto Azzuro. A 4-hour tour of Marathonisi Island starts from 25 per person. km; coastline: 123 km). Discover the non tourist side of Zakynthos in this lovely bus tour. In her studio in Vassilikos, 15 km south of Zakynthos town, its owner has created a display of colorful mugs, plates, and other ceramics. By bus| Catch the KTEL bus for Athens-Zakynthos. The service is excellent and the appetizers are particularly delicious. The food isnt fantastic here, but its the only place to eat around Limnionas so give it a try if youre here around mealtime. Exploring Zakynthos, maybe hiring an ATV for a day or hiking, you will discover picturesque villages on hilltops, medieval monasteries and gorgeous landscapes. Right: Nobelos Restaurant. Alykes Beach is one of our favourite beaches anyway, but having this beautiful little beach bar there really kept us coming back. From Thessaloniki to Crete Its about more than just taking a trip Labor Day, this year September 5, marks the n american diplomats love letter from thessaloniki, sesklo and dimini: unearthing thessalys prehistoric past, 10 lesser-known facts about ancient greece, nostalgic photographs: capturing greece in the 1960s. If you get too hot, you can always head to one of the many beaches to cool down. Cracks in the wall, the crumbled courtyard, and the clock tower make for a charming scene. mi) and its coastline is roughly 123 km (76 mi) in length. Though, the overwhelming majority of clubs are in Laganas, which is around 15 minutes away by car, so you could have many more options if you don't mind taking a taxi or if there's a driver around (don't drink and drive, safety first!). After travelling around Greece for nearly 3 months in total, we still consider Zakynthos one of our favourite islands to visit. The island has one airport, the Zakynthos International Airport, DionysiosSolomos (on former GR-35) in its southwest which connects flights with other Greek airports. Many all-night bars and clubs are located in Laganas, a British-frequented resort on the southern side of the island, and things often get extreme. Renting a boat in Zante is relatively affordable and easy to do. You will totally love Zakynthos for its exotic beaches with. From the Instagram-famous Shipwreck Beach for which the island is known, to secluded secret coves, the beaches on this Ionian island are nothing short of unforgettable. Navagio Beach was originally known as Agios Georgios. These direct international flights usually only connect Zante to the rest of Europe during the summer months. With amazing accommodation options, fantastic restaurants, welcoming locals, and some of the best beaches in Greece, it's no surprise why this island is one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the country. And more? Here are the best places to stay in Zakynthos. But the island is probably more famous outside Greece for Navagio Beach, a little cove with a pristine beach and crystal clear waters home to a famous shipwreck. Afloat in the Aegean, east of the mainland, it is typically Cycladic with its blinding white houses, blue and pastel shutters and roofs. Much of the coast is craggy cliffs and dramatic rock formations. There are also a few small islets around Zakynthos including Marathonisi and Kalonisi to the south. Unnamed Roadd, Meso Gerakari 291 00, Zakynthos Greece. Believe it or not it is far more beautiful in reality! Tip:Since buses dont always stop at every scheduled stop of their itinerary, our advice to visitors is to inform the driver about their final destination, so that he makes a stop there. Nevertheless, we loved it there! Apart from your run-of-the-mill beach thrills, Zakynthos is the birthplace of the subwing craze that was invented by Norwegian teenager Simon Sivertsen while on vacation at the Peligoni Club at St. Nicholas. We use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience and to analyze site traffic. There is a Keri Village on the west of the island and Keri Beach town on the southeast, which are about a 10-minute drive apart and both offer great accommodation options.