ATTRACTIONS
In the much-sung island of Zakynthos, the “Flower of the East”, the motherland of poet laureates Solomos and Kalvos, with the age-old musical and cultural heritage, your holidays will be “scented” with the aroma of wildflowers and herbs, “refreshed” by crystal clear waters and filled with images of beautiful landscapes. This enchanting Ionian island, the 3rd largest in the group, is a destination that combines the peace and tranquility of nature with lively nightlife and entertainment. You wish to relax and unwind? Then the small mountain villages like Keri and the serene sandy beaches removed from bustling crowds are the ideal destination for you. Or do you enjoy an exciting and entertaining nightlife? Choose the town of Zakynthos, Laganas, Kalamaki, Argasi, Tsilivi and Alykes and you can party till the break of dawn.
Our introduction to the island begins with a romantic stroll in the town of poets… The coast is dominated by the Church of Agios Dionysios, patron saint of the town of Zakynthos. Strata Marina makes for a lovely walk that leads to the town’s largest square, the statue-decorated Solomou Square, where locals meet daily to have coffee, confectioneries, and enjoy some good company. You will see the statue of Dionysios Solomos in front of the Byzantine Museum, the Cultural Centre housing the Library and the Historical Archive, the building near the square that houses the Post-Byzantine Museum, and the church of Agios Nikolaos Molos (1561), where the sacerdotal vestments of Agios Dionysios are kept.
Next stop, the Agios Markos square with the Solomos-Kalvos and Eminent Zakynthians Museum, and the catholic temple of Agios Markos (1518).
Third stop, one of the most historic neighborhoods in Zakynthos, the Bohali district, that offers to visitors stunning views of the town, the port, Argasi, Laganas bay and of the castle situated right above it.
Next stop of our tour is the castle, the island’s capital during the Venetian period. Following the circular route you will pass the ruins of the church of Agios Ioannis Theologos (15 – 17th centuries.), the Minotto bastion (1646-47), the remains of Panagia Laurentaina (17th century) and Sotiros (late 12th- early 13th century) churches, the large gunpowder magazine of the Venetian period (mid-17th century), the remains of the headquarters and the barracks dating from the English period (1809-64), and, winding up to the hilltop, you will be awed by the panoramic view to Laganas bay and the midland villages.
Leave the town to begin your tour of the island and discover many beautiful traditional settlements like Keri, Agalas, Machairado, with the church of Agia Mavra renowned for its magnificent carved belfry, Loucha and Gyri, Volimes, Kampi and Anaphonitria.
One of the island’s strong suits are its beaches, located on its east side. Heading northward from the town of Zakynthos, you will find Tsilivi, Psarou, Alikanas, Alykes and Makris Gialos and farther north the Blue Cave and Volimes beaches. Some of the most popular beaches that await if you head south to southeast from the town include Argasi, Xirokastelo, Porto Zoro, Porto Roma, Gerakas, Dafni, Kalamaki, Laganas, Agios Sostis, Porto Koukla, Keri, Limni Keriou.
Whether you choose to arrive by boat from Agios Nikolaos or Porto Vromi in order to swim in its matchless waters, or to take in a panoramic view of its scenery from the special platform raised near the monastery of Agios Georgios Krimnon, the Navagio beach is the island’s number one destination and one of the most photographed places in the world. It is famed as one of the most extreme BASE jump spots on the planet, attracting hundreds of athletes each year, who gather to enjoy the Summer Base Jump Boogie event, making up to 300 jumps in 5 days!
Except for Navagio beach, internationally acknowledged as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, the beach of Gerakas is considered one of the best on the island and is part of the National Marine Park zone, as a breeding site of the protected sea-turtle Caretta-Caretta. Here you can also see the vast precipitous rocks named “glines”, a unique geological monument of the area.