Zakynthos or Zante is the diamond of the Ionian and you will hear it characterized by the nickname the Flower of Levante, that is the Flower of the East!
Once you visit her you will understand why as you will fall in love with her from the first moment!
The island of the national poet of the Greeks, Dionysios Solomos, inspires all travelers with its artistic aura.
Wonderful beaches, hospitable inhabitants, rich vegetation, unique flavors and culture in every corner compose the setting for an unforgettable holiday experience.
The city of Zakynthos is full of monuments, historic squares and impressive churches and everywhere you will find shops, restaurants and cafes to stroll for hours.
When you arrive you will see the imposing church of Ag. Dionysiou with the huge bell tower and the Monastery of Ammos with the Ecclesiastical Museum.
The medieval center of the city is located in the square of Ag. Markou where you can also visit the Museum of Solomos, Kalvos and Eminent Zakynthos.
On the beach of the city is Solomos square with the church of Ag. Nikolaou and the Museum of Zakynthos which hosts one of the most important collections of Post-Byzantine art.
However, do not forget to walk in the picturesque neighborhood of Bohali with the old houses and the wonderful view, above which is the Venetian fortress of the island.
If you are looking for endless hours of unconditional fun, cosmopolitanism and crowds then the destination in Zakynthos is one. Laganas Bay attracts a large number of tourists every summer who make the most of the island’s nightlife.
A more authentic and calm side of Zakynthos is hidden in its traditional settlements.
You will find traditional cuisine, cultural attractions and folk architecture in Keri with the famous lighthouse, Kambi with the magical sunset and the mountainous Volimes.
Finally, we suggest you visit the picturesque village of Kiliomenos with the old houses that look like fortresses.
The beaches are the jewel of the island. The Shipwreck is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece.
Clear turquoise waters, white sand and imposing rocks and the wreck of a ship that has been washed away for years compose a cinematic setting.
In the Blue Caves you will find small caves bathed in light. As for the Shipwreck, you will need to take a boat to live the ultimate summer experience of Zakynthos.
The most cosmopolitan beach of the island is Laganas that is full of life. Other popular organized beaches that we suggest are Argassi, Agios Nikolaos Vasilikos and Gerakas.
While if you are looking for peace and relaxation, choose to swim in the rocky bay of Limnionas.
If you take a boat do not miss to go to Marathonisi with its dense vegetation and the two exotic beaches.
And do not forget that Zakynthos is also a refuge for two endangered species, the sea turtle caretta caretta and the Mediterranean seal monachus monachus, which is why there is a National Marine Park on the island.
If you see small turtles being born on a shore, then be quiet, move away and enjoy the miracle of nature.
We will share a secret with you. Zakynthos is not only ideal for summer vacations.
Visit it during the Carnival, Orthodox Easter or the three days of the Orthodox Holy Spirit celebration and the experience will be unforgettable as the events that take place on the island gather crowds every year!
The breaking of the pitchers on Holy Saturday, the medieval skirmishes and the renaissance aura in Giostra and the Speeches influenced by the Commedia dell arte at the Zakynthos Carnival are some of them!
Activities
- In Zakynthos the leisure activities have their honorary. Water Sports, kite, parachute, climbing, sailing and kanoe-kayak are some of them.
Also, if you are a fan of hiking on the island you will find a large and organized network of trails!
- If you love horses and have connected riding with carefreeness and freedom like the Ionians, then do not forget to visit the equestrian clubs and farms of the island and enjoy the Zakynthos landscape on horseback!
- Full of underwater treasures with its rocky shores, caves and precipices, Zakynthos is a prime destination for diving enthusiasts.
The bottom of the island will captivate you while it is very likely that you will encounter rare marine species in your diving!
Sights
- The most famous sights of the island are the beach of Navagio with the trunk of the rusty smuggling ship on the shore and the Blue Caves in Keri with Kamares and Myzithres, imposing rock formations that dive into the sea!
- In Zakynthos you can discover the history of the island through the collections of museums. The most important of these are the Museum of Post-Byzantine Art of Zakynthos, the Museum of Solomos, Kalvos and Eminent Zakynthos, the Mansion of Alexandros Roma and the Helmi Museum of Natural History.
If you are interested in learning about protected Caretta-Caretta Turtles then visit the Sea Turtle Thematic Exhibition Center that operates on the island.
Influenced by Ionian gastronomy but with its own special characteristics, Zakynthian cuisine satisfies even the most demanding.
We suggest you try rabbit stuffed with meat with livers and local oil cheese, Sofigadoura, ie mutton with garlic and kefalograviera and scales in oil paste.
Accompany your meal with garlic stoumi, ie aubergines with garlic and tomato and the local white wine Verdea, made from the local Gustolidi variety.
In Zakynthos you will also find Bordeto, a local variation of the well-known Ionian recipe, with salted cod and spring onion that you will lick your fingers!
In your tours of the cafes and taverns of the island you will definitely taste the local oil cheese with excellent taste and black currant, one of the main agricultural products of Zakynthos.
And to close your meal sweetly? What more than an excellent Zakynthian nougat with almonds, meringue and honey and frying pan, a kind of fried semolina halva prepared on the island!
