What is Zakynthos famous for?
Beyond its beaches and vibrant parties, Zakynthos is known for its Venetian charm, cultural monuments, and local traditions. The island's main town (locally known as "Chora"), as well as most of the island's settlements, are surrounded by olive groves, pine forests, and rolling hills. For hikers, bikers , and anyone who wants to enjoy the island's divine natural landscape, we recommend visiting Zakynthos in the spring or fall.
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| Zakynthos Island Greece |
An interesting holiday in Zakynthos
The Venetians called Zakynthos "the flower of lavender" (Fiore di Levante), and traces of the Venetian era can still be seen today in the village of Bochali, located on a hill above Zakynthos Town, where a well-preserved Venetian fortress remains. The fortress houses a museum dedicated to Dionysos Solomos, a local poet who wrote the poem "Hymn to Freedom," which later became the national anthem of Greece. In the island's main town is the Church of Agios Dionysios (built in 1926), which houses the relics of the island's patron saint.
Zakynthos's coastline and hilly landscape are ideal for hiking and nature walks among vineyards, monasteries, and olive groves. Traditional villages like Kiliomenos and Loucha offer a unique island experience. The villages of Kampi, Katastari, and Ano Gerakari offer breathtaking sea views. For an unforgettable sunset, we recommend heading to the village of Keri and spending the evening on the cliffs of Mizithres.
Zakynthos (Zante) is famous for its beautiful beaches – its varied coastline offers everything from secluded coves to long sandy beaches equipped with every amenity. But what trip would be complete without sampling local delicacies or tasting local wines right at a winery ?
The best beaches in Zakynthos
Zakynthos (Zante) attracts tourists with its long string of beaches. Laganas, Tsilivi, Gerakas, and Vasilikos are among the most magnificent beaches in all of Greece. Of course, we can't forget Navagio Beach , with its white cliffs, turquoise waters, and the famous shipwreck that washed ashore, adding dramatic flair to this sandy bay. The Blue Caves are definitely worth a visit ! While not a beach, they are still an unforgettable place for swimming or kayaking.
Gerakas Beach deserves special mention , enchanting you with its soft sand and shallow blue waters. Sea turtles also come here to lay their eggs. For this reason, beach umbrellas and sun loungers are placed away from the protected areas of the shore, and visiting the beach after sunset is strictly prohibited. We also recommend Porto Limnionas Lagoon and picturesque Keri Beach, ideal for families with children. It boasts clear, shallow waters and fine pebbles. Agios Nikolaos Beach is named after the nearby church of the same name. It is one of the busiest beaches on the island, offering all kinds of amenities and water activities.
The best time to visit Zakynthos
As one of the most popular summer holiday destinations in Greece, Zakynthos (Zante) attracts a huge number of visitors between July and August, especially for its popular beaches and nightlife. Therefore, the best times to visit Zakynthos are May-June and September-October, when the weather is still warm, the sea temperature is ideal for swimming, and the crowds are much smaller. If you're visiting Zakynthos (Zante) for outdoor activities, we recommend spring (April-May) or autumn (October-November), as the weather conditions during these periods are ideal for hiking and touring traditional villages and wineries. Easter is also a particularly pleasant time on the island – a wonderful opportunity to experience local traditions and admire the blossoming spring nature! Winter on the island is mild but very wet, and tourist infrastructure is usually closed during this period.
How to get to Zakynthos
Zakynthos can be reached by plane or ferry from various points in Greece, as well as from abroad.
- By plane: Zakynthos International Airport (ZTH) receives domestic flights from Athens year-round, with flights taking just one hour. During the summer months, direct international flights from major European cities are available, making it very convenient for international tourists.
- By ferry: If you want to get to Zakynthos (Zante) from Athens by road, the most convenient option is to travel by car or bus to the port of Kyllini, located on the west coast of Greece (approximately 3.5 to 4 hours from the capital). Ferries depart regularly from Kyllini to the island, with the crossing taking just one hour. If you're looking for a tour of several Ionian islands, you can find a wide range of sea routes on the island of Kefalonia.