Zakynthos has many places you will want to visit, so here are a few ideas to get you started.

Don’t just take our word for it start exploring!!

ZANTE TOWN
Over the centuries a succession of rulers have captured the capital town and left their mark and traditions. The island and town is also known as Zakynthos, the dual names derive from the Venetian rule of when they renamed it Zante, however it is probably only the tourists that still use this name.

During one of the many battles on the island the famous poet Dionysos Solomos wrote the Greek national anthem and today his tomb stands in the Solomos museum, which also houses artifacts of other prominent Zakynthian citizens.

Amongst the selection of museums there is the maritime, situated just out of town and found by following the road to Bochali, featuring artifacts and text of the Greek naval history and the only one of its kind within the Ionian Islands. Whilst in this area you must travel upwards and take in the panoramic views of town.

The capital of the island is also the main port; Zante town is easily accessible to all of the resorts and other towns and villages on the island by road.

With the town set along the harbour front it is worth taking an afternoon for a leisurely walk and an ideal chance to try the restaurants and coffee bars. Here in Zante town you will find everything you are looking for, supermarkets, shops, banks, tourist offices and bus station are all easy to find.

SMUGGLERS COVE

If not one of the most photographed areas of Greece it is definitely of Zakynthos. Situated on the north west coast is the famous shipwreck beach (Navagio), also known as smugglers cove. The beach can be viewed by traveling by taxi around the coastline and taking a glimpse down to the bay or by taking a boat trip and seeing the beach from out at sea.

BLUE CAVES
Discovered in 1897 the blue caves can be found on the northern tip of zante not far from Cape Skinari. Famous for there stunning shade of blue seas and rock formation it is definitely the location to take your cameras and venture for a day out. The main cave named Blue Grotto lies directly below the lighthouse of Cape \Skinari.

VOLIMES
The traditional mountain village of Volimes is 32km from Zakynthos Town and consists of three smaller settlements a few minutes away from each other and feels like you’re stepping back in time, as the buildings are some of the best preserved on the island and the way of life is built on tradition.

Volimes is the most important village in the north part of the island and is famous for its market, which sells local produce such as handmade rugs and lace, cheese, honey and wine.

Volimes is also close to the small port of St Nicholas where ferryboats depart daily to the neighbouring island of Kefalonia.

The coastal road also takes you to Makro Gialos where there is a beautiful sandy beach, tavernas and is also the site for the biggest beach party in Greece that is held here annually. Continuing along the road you will find Xigia the home of the famous natural health spa renowned for its healing qualities.

LAGANAS
Without doubt the most popular resort on the island with 14km sweep of soft sand around the bay. Situated on the east coast the beach is very popular with families and youth alike, a great shelving beach and shallow waters. Laganas is the main nesting area of the loggerhead turtles (caretta caretta) and continued efforts are made to preserve the natural environment for the survival of these creatures, therefore watersports and use of boats along the bay is restricted.

Nightlife is fast and fun, definitely the party centre of the island and your chance to party all night long. Starting from the beach you can head back into town and be completely spoilt by a wide range of bars, fast food outlets and clubs. Remember the bars on the main strip are not where it ends, in all the back streets you are sure to find many more that are just as good.

One of the great things about Laganas is that once you are in the resort you can walk anywhere, it’s completely flat and the amenities are all close together.

KALAMAKI
Just a short distance (3km) east from Laganas is the developing resort of Kalamaki, probably described as relatively quiet due to the fact that Laganas is so busy in comparison.

The beach forms into Laganas bay and although the beach is not as large it still offers a sandy and gently shelving cove.

Spread throughout the resort the nightlife is quite low key but there are still many bars to drink and dance in and some fabulous restaurants of different nationalities.

KERI
South west of Laganas you’ll find Keri on the southern most tip of the island, picturesque with its vineyards and olive groves.

Following the signposts you will arrive at the small harbour of Limni keriou (Keri Bay) which seems a hive of activity with all of the fishing and small excursion boats, there is even the chance to hire your own.

5km inland snuggled in the hills is the village of Keri and appears to be unaffected by tourism.

If you are feeling energetic or enjoy walking, head upward to the lighthouse at Cape Keri for breathtaking views.

ALYKES
Who could resist the stunning scenery and peaceful atmosphere of Alykes, whose away-from-it-all allure is popular with couples? Sunbathing, walking and hiring a car or bicycle to explore the island are the most popular holiday pastimes here, and the long sandy beach offers watersports.

Alykes is the coastal area on the north east coast of the island known as Alykon Bay. Alykes is famous for its Salt lakes, not surprisingly that ‘Alykes’ translates to salt field. Growing in popularity it has a magical atmosphere about it encouraging people to return year after year. The hospitality is overwhelming as you begin to know everyone by his or her first name. Ideal places to relax, unwind and still have the choice of where to eat out or go for a drink. Dishes served in tavernas and cafes range from Greek specialties like souvlaki (kebabs) to Italian. And there many bars from quiet and relaxing to lively in the high season.

Alykes has one of the best beaches north of Zante Town with its long golden sand. The resort is small in comparison to the rest of the island and due to the prevailing winds it is a popular destination for windsurfers and watersports.

It is within easy walking distance to the nearby resort of Alykanas with the two resorts practically merging into one.

ALYKANAS
Alykanas and Alykes have practically merged into one, as there is only 1km between the two resorts. Alykanas is spread out across the fertile plain amongst olive groves and has a large selection of shops, bars restaurants and tavernas which are quiet and relaxing in low season, but considerably more lively in the high season.

The beach is a continuation of the coastline golden sand from Alykes.

There are many hotels, apartments and studios to choose from to suit everyone.

Old Alykanas is situated on the outskirts of Alykanas towards the coast and is the original village; here you can find small tavernas and accommodation in quiet and peaceful areas.

TSILIVI
Tsilivi lies on a fertile stretch of the coastline north of Zakynthos Town. It boasts a superb beach with many facilities and as the water shelves gently it is ideal for families.

Tsilivi was once a patchwork of small villages nestling amongst the olive groves, but has been developed rapidly over recent years into a popular holiday resort.

This has not affected the traditional character and village charm of the area, which enchants its many visitors into returning year after year.

As the sun sets, Tsilivi becomes alive with an abundance of cocktail and music bars, providing you with excellent evening entertainment.

Dine under the stars in one of the many restaurants and tavernas, before making your way into the resort centre to dance the night away.

AGHIOS SOSTI – LITHAKIA
Aghios Sostis is situated between Laganas and Keri and the sandy beach is named after the small island that you can see from the coast.

The small island of Aghios Sostis is extremely beautiful on account of its peculiar stone, its little coves and its pine trees.

Up until a few centuries ago it was connected to the Zakynthos, but was separated from it in the 1633 earthquake. It is named after the church of Saint Sostis that stood here in the sixteenth century.

Lithakia village is 12km from the main town and is a large village in the lower slopes of Megalo Vouno (big mountain). The fertile plain of Laganas and the bay close by have led to Lithakia being one of the richest fertile areas of Zakynthos.

Both Aghios Sosti and Lithakia are beautiful unspoilt Traditional villages that give an insight into the Greek way of life.

AMOUDI
Amoudi is located just 1km from the resort of Alykanas. The village has not been commercialized and therefore is still traditionally Greek.

The area can only be described as a small paradise and is the ideal location for those people who are looking for relaxing quiet surrounding but not to be too far away from a main resort.

Amoudi has a warm and friendly village atmosphere where many visitors return year after year.

The sandy beach along the beautiful coastline is a continuation of Alykes and Alykanas and offer magnificent views over the Ionian Sea.

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