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Zakynthos island
Zakynthos is a Greek island located in the Ionian Sea, known for its diverse beaches and abundant flora. It has a temperate climate and a coastline of 123 km. Zakynthos is the third largest island in the Ionian Sea, after Corfu and Kefalonia.
1. Zante Town
The island’s port is in Zante town. Although se- verely damaged in the 1953 earthquakes there are still many elements that denote a glorious past.
2. Agios Nikolaos
This small port offers a shuttle boat service to Pesada, Kefalonia. Facing the port’s entrance, there is Agios Nikolaos islet with monastic ruins on it. Distance from the capital town: 32 km NW.
3. Volimes
It is a scenic mountain village that actually comprises three smaller hamlets: Ano Volimes, Kato Volimes and Meses Volimes. It is famous for the local colourful woven fabrics and em- broidery crafted by the members of the village’s Rural Cooperative. You can visit the Blue Caves from here. On your way to Volimes, visit the picturesque Orthonies village. Distance from the capital: 32.5 km NW.
4. Katastari
Katastari is the most populous village on the island of Zakynthos. It is located on a hill overlooking the tourist destination of Alykes Bay and is surrounded by olive trees and vineyards. Katastari has a long history of music and is home to a Philharmonic Orchestra. It is located 16.5 km northwest of the island’s capital.
5. Alykes
It’s a seaside village and a very popular tourist destination. A river runs nearby with a stone bridge over it. The village was named after the salt mines in the area. At a small distance, there are many small beaches and coves. Distance from the capital: 17.5 km NW.
6. Agios Leon
This is a traditional mountain village with stone houses and dry-stone courtyard walls. Distance from Zante town: 24 km W.
7. Argasi
Argasi lies at the foot of Mount Skopos and it is a busy and popular seaside resort. The village’s popular beach features a 19th-century stone bridge and the ruins of a medieval castle. From June 1st to October 31st, after sunset, it is forbidden to camp or remain within the greater seaside area of Argasi’s beach or any- where around cosmopolitan Vasilikos resort (11 km S.), as lights and noise seriously disturb the egg-laying patterns of the sea turtles. Distance from the capital: 4 km. SE.
8. Laganas
It is the island’s cosmopolitan top resort with bars, cafés, and restaurants. Part of the beach is subject to restrictions regarding the protection of the Caretta-caretta sea turtle as Laganas bay, the islets Marathonisi and Pelouzo and Strofades islets are within the “National Marine Park of Zakynthos”. Distance from the capital: 11 km S.
9. Keri
This is a picturesque village at the island’s southern tip, with a beautifully paved square and the ruins of a medieval community. In Limni, the harbour area of Keri, (5.5 km NE) there are many fish tavernas. This place is also the site of tar reserves known since antiquity (at “Pigi Irodotou”). Distance from the capital: 21 km SW.
Quick must see – The 1745, Renaissance-style Panagia Keriotissa church, featuring a beautiful belfry and an outstanding wood-carved iconostasis.
Activities in Kea
1. Visit Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach, for its stunning setting and beautiful views.
2. Take a boat tour of the Blue Caves, a series of sea caves on the north coast of the island.
3. Explore the island’s museums, including the Byzantine Museum and the Museum of Solomos and Kalvos.
4. Relax on one of Zakynthos’s beautiful beaches, such as Laganas Beach.
5. Camping in Pisses. If you enjoy living in nature, then camping is kindly suggested as well
6. Go scuba diving to see the island’s rich marine life.
7. Learn to windsurf or kitesurf at one of the island’s schools.
8. Visit one of Zakynthos’s charming villages, such as Volimes, and watch local craftsmen at work.
8. Try the local seafood and wine at one of the island’s fish tavernas.
8. Visit the Church of Agios Dionysios, the patron saint of Zakynthos.
Useful phone numbers in Zakynthos
Zakynthos Municipal Office: 26953-61.300-1, Police station:26950-48.266, 26950-24.475, Tourist Police:26950-24.482-4, Hospital: 26950-59.100
Country code: +30
What to visit in Zakynthos island
1. Navagio Beach: This beautiful beach is only accessible by boatThe beach is surrounded by towering cliffs and is a must-see destination on the island.
2. Blue Caves: The Blue Caves are a series of sea caves located on the north coast of the island. The water in the caves is a bright blue color due to the sunlight reflecting off the white limestone walls.
3. Museums: Zakynthos is home to several museums, including the Byzantine Museum and the Museum of Solomos and Kalvos. These museums offer a fascinating glimpse into the island’s rich history and culture.
