General Information About Zakynthos
The Venetians, who owned it for 600 years, called it "the Flower of the East". Zakynthos is still one of the lushest and most-loved Greek islands, with green hillsides covered with flowers in spring and early summer, cliffs dropping to dazzling turquoise waters, and some of the country´s best beaches. Along with its natural beauties, it is claimed to be the sunniest among the island of the Ionian Sea, matching its natural beauties with a sizzling nightlife.
The great majority of Zakynthos´visitors are particularly attracted by the vast selection of dazzling beaches that the island has to offer. The Flower of the East though, manages to keep the holidaymakers entertained with a lot more options, ranging from museums to architectural beauties or ancient ruins. Covered by lush Mediterranean vegetation, the area that stretches along the southern coast from the promontory of Marathia’s Cape to the beach of Gerakas, has been designated as a National Marine Park, housing many engendered species and several walking trails.
Round The Island Cruises
Excursion boats leave daily (buy tickets the night before at the quayside or at your hotel) from all the island resorts and throughout the whole summer.
The trips head to the Blue Grotto, a marine cave carved out of thousand years old white limestone cliffs, and to the so-called Smugglers Wreck, the rusty hulk of a Syrian cargo vessel that ran aground in the 1980’s on a spectacular white beach overlooked by towering cliffs, which, for its secluded location, is almost impossible to reach if not by boat.
Seaplane Flights
There are no direct ferries from Zakynthos to other islands but you can choose to hop on one of the sea-planes operated by Hellenic-seaplanes. The trip might be on the expensive side, but the experience is certainly worth it.
Alykes
On an east-facing bay, Alykes is midway along the northeast coast of the island. It features a long sandy beach, plenty of water sports facilities and a good choice of tavernas and bars where to sample traditional specialties as well as a handful of small discos.
Argassi
Argassi beach stretches for 1 km along Zakynthos´ south-eastern coast, featuring an impressive assortment of water sports and facilities for families. The numerous coves and rock formations make Argassi an excellent snorkelling spot and an interesting area to explore.
Kalamaki
Separated from Laganas by a 5 km stretch of beach designated as part of the National Marine Park (and as such, free of buildings), Kalamaki is less raucous than its near neighbour and certainly more appealing to families and couples. It shares the same marvellous sands and striking views, and it is very close to the airport.
Laganas
This unique gem – a 14 kilometers long stretch of sand that runs, almost uninterrupted, from Geraki at the southeast tip of the island to Laganas and beyond – is one of the last nesting grounds of the endangered loggerhead turtle. Parts of Laganas Bay and the beach have been designated as a National Marine Park to protect egg-laying females and hatching turtles.
Although powered water sports are banned within its waters, Laganas is still the island’s biggest and noisiest resort, with dozens of pubs, bars and clubs.
Vassilikos
Close to the southeast tip of Zakynthos and looking west across Laganas Bay, Vassilikos is one of the most attractive and peaceful among the island’s beach resorts, featuring also some of Zakynthos´ best hotels. The beauty of the sandy beach blends with the thick vegetation that encloses it, featuring well-kept olive groves. The restaurants are located along the main road as well as nearby the seafront, serving national and international delicacies and fresh catch seafood.
Keri´s Lighthouse
Keri´s lighthouse is located about 20 km from the town of Zakynthos. It is built on the edge of a steep cliff at Cape Marathia and it was constructed in 1925. The view is stunning and captivating, especially when the sun is setting: deep blue water and wild natural beauty combined with the green mountain landscape compose an unforgettable picture.
Bohali Castle
This is a Venetian castle located in Bohali, just 2 km from the city. It is built on the top of a green hill where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the sea. Although there isn´t much of the castle it used to be left, it has a great historical importance because the capital of the island was situated in Bohali throughout the years of Venetian rule.
Get ready for a long climb up a steep walking path.
Marathonisi Island
The only known resident of this island is the loggerhead sea turtle, making this secluded paradise Zakynthos´ marine sanctuary and a dream destination that boasts some of Greece´s best beaches and stunning caves.
Several tours of the island take place everyday and, though no restaurants nor bars are located in Marathonisi, a picnic boat cruises around, offering snacks and beverages.