The 6 things to do in Zakynthos

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Going to visit Zakynthos, one of the most heavenly Greek islands? Here are the 6 things to do in Zakynthos!

Otherwise called Zante or Zacynthe, Zakynthos is one of the Ionian islands off the Peloponnese in Greece. It is a world-renowned island for its fine sandy beaches, where the "Caouanne" sea turtles are protected. It is the Ionian island, which attracts the most visitors after Corfu, and it is planted with 41,400 inhabitants (2005). The island concentrates several cultural activities in the port of Zakynthos, the Venetian citadel and at the mercy of the many churches that testify to the time Byzance dominated the region.

What about Zakynthos? You will not be bored as soon as cultural visits are over, direction the mountains to hike and the heavenly beaches, deep down the cliffs and wet by waters of pure blue, sapphire and turquoise color.

Between the tops of the island, the typical Greek mills, the rocks of Zante and the beaches, there are many things to do. Here are the 6 things to do by visiting Zakynthos, who will surely want to go back!

1. Zante

Zante is the capital of the island, located south of the east coast. This is the main port of Zakynthos. In 2011, the population was 16,810 inhabitants, surrounded by the abrupt hill of Sirani and Bohali, where a Venetian fortress was established. Bars and restaurants are concentrated near the pier.

In the port area, do not miss a tour of the vast food market, especially to buy freshly fished fish. The main interest of the city is on Place Solomos, a palm-lined esplanade north of the city centre. Not far, the museum of Zakynthos and the Byzantine museum, the churches of Saint-Nicolas and Dionysos will fill your desire for cultural visits. To walk a little, climb to the Venetian castle ( see the trace ).

2. Tsilivi

What to do in Zakynthos? On the road to the north, do not miss seeing the Venetian Aqueduct (the Ionian Islands were administered by the Republic of Venice from the 13th to the 18th century) in Akrotiri.

In Tsilivi, there will be no other thing to do than pre-empt (what violence!) on the large beach of Tsilivi, near the countless hotels where to stay in Zakynthos, restaurants and bars. It is a very touristic seaside town due to the beauty of its beach offering little denived and a very lively nightlife.

The children will be filled by the Tsilivi water park, however the largest will then be able to leave for a walk to the Venetian Watch Tower, An old Venetian stone house. Unveils a beautiful view of the coast and the sea.

3. The North Cape of Zakynthos

On the road to the north, you will find beaches with a loss of view, with each village of accommodations, bars, beach resorts with restaurants.

The seaside town of Agios Nikolaos is among the immanquables of a stay to visit Zakynthos: in front of the Vardiola St. Nicholas, you descend on the hillside to find Agios Nikolaos, a small village licked by the calm waters of sapphire color and the beautiful beach of Mantrakia. A road – if you have rented a car – leads north to see the Skinari Lighthouse, with two possibilities: walking on the heights or sailing in canoe-kayak in the Blue Caves – Blue caves – a particular geological formation with natural arches rising above the sea at the foot of the cliffs.

4. A boat ride

If you are on the Ionian coast, it is a step that you must not miss under any pretext: boat rental in Zakynthos . Take full advantage of the turquoise waters surrounding the island and explore nearby treasures.

You could, for example, navigate to Pyrgos and Patras , located in front of the island, or go to the beautiful Cephalonia .

5. The bay of the wreck

Even if you were wondering what to do in Zakynthos, we bet you had already planned to see that beach. On the road to the southwest, a must-see step is to do: visit Zakynthos without seeing the bay of the wreck would be like going to Athens without seeing the Acropolis. Present on all travel photos, the bay of the shipwreck, also named the beach of Navágio , was named more beautiful beach of all Greece.

Beware, as all the most beautiful places in the world, do not hope to go and find a deserted beach: tourists read the same travel guides and all famous paradisiacal places are unfortunately always crowded. It is an isolated bay to the west of the island, renowned for its fine sand and high cliffs – naturally conferring shade to the beach – that surrounded it.

On the sand, the wreck of a smuggler boat – the Panagiotis – failed on the sand, adds charm to this already heavenly setting. Be careful, there is no path to get there: you have to take a boat either in Porto Vromi or in the port of Saint Nikolaos Volimes, or then from the port of Zakynthos.

6. The National Marine Park

Second National marine park from Greece after the one created in Alonissos, that of Zakynthos is designed to protect the Caouanne Sea Turtles. A total of 650,000 visitors visit Zakynthos and this national park every year: to say that it is difficult to implement a protection of the biosphere with such an affluence.

However, the park's beaches are monitored day and night and visitors are ordered to pay great attention to their passage. This is the most important place of the Caouanne turtles in the Mediterranean, with more than 500 females laying on the beaches of the south of the island (1,200 nests from April to October), laying their eggs at about forty centimeters under the sand.

How to go to Zakynthos?

There are daily flights from Athens and flights from Corfu, Cephalonia and Thessaloniki. International flights are available in the summer. To find yours, you can take a look at our partner's website Ulysses .

By sea, the island is connected to the ports of Brindisi ( Italy ), Sami ( Cephalonia ), Igoumenitsa ( Greece ) or Killini (Peloponnesis).

Where to stay in Zakynthos?

To stay in Zakynthos, the main communes are Zante, Planos (Tsilivi), Laganas and Ag. Sostis in the south. Remember to book your accommodation in advance, because the tourist affluence is important on the island. To do so, you will find a cheap hotel by searching for this Compare hotels .