Zakynthos, one of the seven Ionian islands, is the 3rd largest island in the Ionian Sea. Centred around the major hub and capital 'Zakynthos Town', it features beaches such as Agios Nikolaos, Porto Vromi, Xigia Beach and of course, the most popular of all, Navajo Beach, aka Shipwreck! As well as its beautiful beaches, Zakynthos also has a wide range of activities, including sight seeing, shopping, night life and adult only inclusive resorts. With so much to do on the island, it can sure be overwhelming to factor your to do list down to just 5 things. So let us help you out...
Number One:
Ship wreck beach
Arguably one of the most famous landmarks in the whole of Greece, maybe even in the whole of Europe, the famous Shipwreck has been a popular tourist attraction since October 1980! Also known as Navajo beach, it is only accessible by boat, with the closest port located in Porto Vromi, Maries. If boats aren't your thing, you can admire the view from the famous shipwreck lookout point. However, in peak tourist seasons, with temperatures reaching 35 degrees +, the queue can get up to an hour long, so make sure you go out of season (season is May - October), or go early in the morning before the tour busses get there!
Number Two:
Beaches - Agios Nikolaos, Porto Vromi, Xigia Sulfur, Kalamaki
Where the whitest sands meet the bluest of seas, Zakynthos is known for its beautiful beaches. Whether you spend one week or one day making your way around these beaches, here are a few that simply cannot be missed off of your list! Located on the north of the island, Agios Nikolaos beach is the perfect spot for all you adventure seekers, as it boasts ample opportunities for waterspouts activities such as scuba diving. Porto Vromi Beach, in the north west of the island, is a secluded narrow beach, surrounded by a green and rocky landscape, perfect for the ultimate relaxation. Perhaps one of the most unique beaches is the Xigia Sulphur beach, located on the eastern side of the island. Thanks to the sulphur in the rocks, the sea is known for its calming and healing powers for your skin and any health related issues. Just be sure to prepare yourself, as its often said to have rather a strange smell!! And last but not least, if you fancy your typical family friendly beach, with the option for on-the-beach dining, shallow, calm water and pedal boat hire, Kalamaki beach is for you. Lined with 2 rows of sun beds, there is optimal space for the little ones to run around and build sand castles. And when you're feeling peckish or in the mood for a mythos, head up to the restaurant located right on the sand!
Number Three:
Olive Oil Factory (bonus wine tasting)
Perhaps one of the most popular industries on the island of Zakynthos, is the production of Olive Oil. With approximately 1,700,000 olive trees in Zante, it would be near impossible to embark on any island tour without learning a little bit about the islands production history and how they sell their produce to earn a living. From world wide factories to the locals selling the olives grown in their backyards, everyone has the potential to earn a living from Olives.
If you happen to find yourself in Eco Chora, make sure you take yourself to the oldest living olive tree on the Island. At over 2000 years old, the tree is near impossible to miss as it is located right on the corner of the Main Street. Take note of how the branches are incepted and twirl around each other!
Zakynthos also hosts a variety of olive oil tastings across the island... if this is something that interests you, be on the look out for those that are also accompanied by a local wine tasting! You won't want to miss it!
Number Four:
Caves - Blue caves, Keri caves, Black caves, Damianos Cave
Zakynthos is estimated to boast over 400 caves throughout the island, the most popular being the Blue Caves. Accessible by boat, you can even request to swim in them during the quieter periods of the month. But that's not all. Perhaps the most picturesque caves on the island are the Keri Caves. Situated on the south of the island, they are surrounded by mini coves/white sand beaches, only accessible by small boat.
If the sea is not your thing, there is also some pretty impressive caves based firmly on the land. Both the Damianos caves and the Black Caves offer beautiful views of the land of Zakynthos, but be warned, comfortable shoes must be worn as you will need to walk/hike a short distance to get there. Trust me, the views are worth it!
Number Five:
Zante Town - Agios Dionysius's church, Solomos square, Bochali hill.
Zante town is the capital of the island. After the destructive earthquake in 1953, the town was rebuilt in the traditional Venetian Style, giving the locals significant protection against any future earthquakes. The town hosts events all year round from night clubs (especially popular with the locals) to traditional greek restaurants, as well as a number of tourist shops. There is also a stunning view point located in Bochali Hill, where you can admire the views of the south of the island, and watch the ferries sail in and out of the port. If you get a ferry to/from the island, chances are you will get the chance to explore the town, as the port is situated in the very centre. Within the town, there are a number of popular attractions that are too good to miss. Agios Dionysius church is the largest church in Zakynthos and is open to the public on many occasions. With free entry, you can take a look around inside, whilst spending as little or as much time as possible. As part of greek traditions, upon entering, you will find a table with a piece of paper and pen, where you can write down the names of someone close to you, and put it in the box. At the end of the day, a service will be held in the church, and all those names will be read out and a prayer will be given in their honour.
Just remember that as you are entering a holy place, you will need to dress respectfully. No swimwear, no shoulders on display and no short shorts/skirts.
PRO TIP: If you are visiting in peak summer time when temperatures can reach up to 35-40 degrees, take a kaftan/cover up and you can use this to cover your shoulders and bum, (on top of your vest and shorts) as you enter the chapel.
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