Some guidebooks write that the Greek island of Zakynthos (Zakynthos) offers the most beautiful views on the planet.

It is from its shores that the Ionian Sea looks most picturesque. That exactly its history is one of the most interesting of the many Greek islands stuffed with antiquities.

And all this is true, maybe just a little embellished.

A few words about the history of Zakynthos

According to legend, the name of the island was given by the grandson of Zeus and Electra and the son of the founder of Troy - the young man Zakynthos, who sailed here and founded the first settlement.

Here the goddess Artemis loved to hunt, and her brother Apollo loved to play the lyre in the canopy of trees and look into the distance. Historians are sure that the first inhabitants settled on Zakynthos in the 15th century. BC uh, around the same time the Acropolis was built on the island.

The following centuries the history of the island was turbulent: first it was captured by the Spartans, then the Macedonians, and then the Romans.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the island was ruled by the Byzantines for a couple of centuries, and in the 12th century Zakynthos (Zakynthos) and the neighboring island of Kefalonia were donated to an Italian family from Venice, and the Venetian period in their history lasted almost 350 years.

Now this is felt in the architecture of the island, its customs and culture, in addition, several centuries ago a sufficient number of Italian families settled here, whose descendants live on Zakynthos to this day.

At the end of the 17th century, the island was captured by the French, and Napoleon even intended to make it the administrative center of seven islands in the Ionian Sea, but then this piece of land was recaptured by the Russians, and then the British were masters here until the middle of the 19th century, until the return of Zakynthos to Greece.

Another significant, tragic event occurred in the modern history of the island in 1953 - an earthquake, after which most of the local buildings here had to be rebuilt.

The story we have presented is very simplified; a detailed description of its twists and turns is worthy of a separate book. However, even from this presentation it is clear that in small Zakynthos different cultures and traditions fused together. Upon closer examination, this is noticeable in the lines and decor of surviving or restored ancient buildings, the curves of the streets and the outlines of the faces of the islanders.

This coloring, coupled with the incredible beauty of the sea, makes the island a completely unique place, which has captivated people coming here for many centuries, because the Venetians even called Zakynthos “the flower of the East.”

How to get there

There are several ways to get to Zakynthos:

By plane. From May to October, charters fly here from both Russian capitals. You can also get there with transfers, for example, through Athens or Corfu. A ticket for one person from the capital to Zakynthos and back in May will cost around 17 thousand rubles, and in August - 25 thousand.

Dionysios Solomos International Airport is located four kilometers from the capital of the island, Zakynthos, and one kilometer from the famous resort of Lagana. There is no bus connection with the city; you can only get there by taxi.

By bus. Experienced tourists recommend flying to Athens, and then boarding a comfortable bus that will take you to the island in 6 hours (including traveling by sea by ferry, right along with the bus). There are 5 flights per day from Athens to the island of Zakynthos, the ticket price is about 24 euros.

On a ferryboat. Due to its geographical location, the island receives ferries from several directions:

• From the port Killini. The port of Kyllini is located on the northwestern coast of the Peloponnese, 43 km from the city of Pyrgos. ferry ticket to Zakynthos (Zakynthos) – 7.50, for children – 4 euros. The ferry takes about an hour;
• From the port Kefalonia. Travel time is 55 minutes, ticket price is 8 euros for adults, 4 euros for children.

Weather

The Mediterranean temperate climate is considered one of the most comfortable and mild in Greece, so the weather allows tourists to relax on the island from May to mid-October.
At the same time, it is not cold here in winter, and not so hot in summer.

Average weather in Zakynthos by month:

• May: day +21, night +17;
• June: day +25, night +21;
• July: day +28, night +23;
• August: day +30, night +25;
• September: day +28, night +21;
• October: +24 during the day, +17 at night.

From June to September the sea warms up to 25-27 degrees, and, judging by reviews, sometimes this temperature is not entirely comfortable, since it does not protect from the heat.

Experienced tourists advise coming here with children in May or mid-September.

What is the island like, its main resorts

Zakynthos Island is the southernmost of the three Ionian Islands, with an area of ​​407 square meters. km. From the Peloponnese to Zakynthos - 9.5 nautical miles (14.5 km), from Kefalonia - 8.5 miles (12.8 km). The length of the coastline is 124 km.

Most of the beaches are located on its eastern part; the terrain in the west of the island is rocky.
There is no industry on the island; local residents are mainly engaged in tourism, winemaking, and growing citrus fruits.

The northern part of Zakynthos is indented with picturesque bays. Some of them can only be reached by sea, their infrastructure is completely undeveloped, but these are some of the most beautiful places on earth.

In areas where environmentalists do not prohibit this, you can take a motor boat, 80 euros for three hours, with gasoline, for each additional hour - 15 euros. Or 55-60 euros per hour.

(from 35 euros per day, gasoline - 1.85 euros per liter) or bicycles (8 euros per day) you can take a walk around the island; extreme sports enthusiasts will take part in a jeep safari.
A ride on a jet ski here costs 35 euros for 15 minutes, a catamaran costs 10 euros for an hour.

Numerous rental companies offer cars and... Car for 5 days – on average 300 euros (including gasoline). Scooter – 10 euros. Gasoline here is a little more expensive than on the mainland - 1.85 - 2 euros.

There is a bus service on the island, but you shouldn’t rely on the schedule, since it is not particularly observed here.
The fare is 1.5 euros.

Taxis always stand at a special stop; the route Kalamaki - Laganas costs 8 euros.

The capital of the island and many villages retain their flavor to this day; others, especially those near the sea, have gradually turned into resort centers with a developed tourist infrastructure.

Two words about the most popular.

Argassi

Located 4 km from the capital of the island, where you can walk or take a sightseeing train.

There is 24-hour fun here - in addition to the beautiful sandy beaches, the town attracts tourists with its vibrant nightlife, clubs, discos and restaurants.

Friendly groups and young married couples like to relax in Argassi. (Favorite clubs in the capital are Factory and Barrage).
Prices on the beaches - 7 euros for a pair of sun loungers and an umbrella.

Kalamaki

7 km south of the capital is the calm resort of Kalamaki.

Despite the apparent silence, the resort is well developed and meets all modern requirements.
It is more designed for those who like to lie on the beach, using the numerous services of the hotel, which can be found here for every taste and opportunity.

On the main street of the town there are shops and bars, there is a water park and an amusement park for children.

The coast is covered with golden sand; the beaches offer a wide range of sports activities, from banana boating to yachting.
Sunbeds – 6 euros per couple.
Everywhere there are volleyball and basketball courts, bowling (5 euros per game).

Rare exotic plants grow on Kalamaki; on the beaches you can see amazing flowers - the sand lily, which grows right on the sand.

Bus services and numerous rental options make it easy to get to Zakynthos or other resorts on the island.

Laganas

Very close, almost merging with the infrastructure of Kalamaki, is Laganas.

This resort center and reserve is a favorite party place for young people coming to the island (some of the most popular clubs are Moulin Rouge, Rescue, Bad Boys, Wild Cats).

Despite the fact that there are always a lot of young people in Laganas, it organically combines noisy entertainment venues, quiet corners and work to protect turtles and black seals.

Laganas is famous for its pristine beach, 9 km long, as well as magnificent views of the bay itself.

On the beach you can buy a ticket (14 euros) for a small sea cruise (3 hours) to watch the emerging turtles, explore the caves and the turtle island of Marathonisi.
Prices in Laganas are slightly higher than in other places. On the most popular beach of the resort - Gerakas, sun loungers cost 10 euros per pair and umbrella.

Tsilivi

Tsilivi (5 km from Zakynthos) has the largest number of beaches on the island, which are also famous for their quality.

Holidays here can be chosen to suit every taste - lovers of active activities will find entertainment such as windsurfing, water parasailing (40 euros) or diving (80-100 euros for a couple of dives).

Those who want to have fun at night can choose a cozy bar or restaurant on the embankment, and those who want a quiet pastime can choose a hotel far from noisy places where they can relax in silence and get a good night's sleep.

Vasilikos

Vasilikos is located 16 km from Zakynthos, ideal for families with children due to its golden beaches with clear waters and shallow waters.

Sun beds and umbrellas on the beaches of Vasilikos cost 3 euros, there are changing cabins and fresh water showers.

Here you can relax and forget about the bustle of the city, but this does not mean that in the evening you cannot sit in a coastal restaurant and taste the local cuisine, or take a ride on the sea on a catamaran or water skis.

Motorboats and speedboats are prohibited at the resort to avoid spooking the exotic turtles that lay their eggs on the west coast.
The clear waters provide an excellent opportunity to snorkel.

In general, the Greek government is very concerned about the ecology of the island; night flights are even prohibited over Zakynthos.

Prices on the island

Shopping opportunities also did not bypass the resort centers of the island and its capital, Zakynthos.

The main retail outlet is Alexander Rimsky Street, where there are popular jewelry stores, one of the most attractive is Gold M, a Hanne Mi ceramics gallery, and a huge Levantino souvenir store.

Confectionery shops will offer you a lot of original and tasty products; the island has long been famous for its sweets.

Tourists bring leather goods, embroidered tablecloths and carpets made by local craftsmen from Zakynthos.

Before traveling to Zakynthos, it is not at all necessary to buy beach accessories; there is a large selection of beach shoes, swimsuits, towels and other small items, at prices even lower than in Russian stores.

Pharmacies sell a good one (Korres, Apivita) - moisturizing and protective cream - on average from 20 euros.

The best grocery stores where you can buy household chemicals and products: Express, Veropolus, Lidl.

In supermarkets, as elsewhere in the country, they sell fresh meat (6-10 euros), cheeses (7-10 euros), fresh vegetables and fruits.
Prices in Kalamaki and Argassi are slightly lower than in the capital and Laganas.

Local taverns offer incredibly tasty local cuisine that you are unlikely to be able to try anywhere else:

• saganaki (fried cheese with spices) – 6-7 euros;
• rabbit in wine-garlic sauce – 12 euros;
• baked lamb 14 euros;
• stifado (meat with baked vegetables) – 6 euros.

And, of course, dishes and drinks popular throughout Greece:

• 7-9 euros;
• – 4-5 euros;
• local thick yoghurt with honey or jam – 2-3 euros;
• local beer Mithos – 2 euros per glass;
• Turkish delight and all sorts of local sweets – 1 – 1.50 euros per 100 grams;
• 2–5 euros (depending on the variety).

Prices in taverns in Zakynthos are on average 30-40 euros for dinner for three with meat, appetizers, salad and drinks, a grilled seafood mix with a couple of glasses of wine - 20-30 euros. And an obligatory compliment from the owner of the establishment - fruit, soufflé, biscuit, ice cream or a decanter of a local drink.

What do hotels offer?

The hotel chain in Zakynthos can satisfy any request.
For those who are used to lying on the beach throughout their vacation and not caring about entertainment or food, there are hotels on the island that offer all-inclusive holidays, both luxury and budget hotels.

However, you must understand that Greek allinclusive is still at the very beginning of its development, so paid accommodation may not include, for example, beach beds and towels or air conditioning in the room.

Ten days of accommodation during the season in such 3* and 4* hotels can cost a family of 3 people in the amount of 70 to 120 thousand rubles.

Tourists who prefer entertainment and learning new things to comfort usually stay in more budget hotels on coastlines 2 and 3.

Small, with modest furnishings, they can offer half board or only breakfast, which will not in any way affect the sincere and warm atmosphere that the owners create in such family hotels.

Most rooms here have a kitchenette, which means you can cook for yourself.

Active guests mostly only spend the night within these four walls, so the level of service and the newness of the furniture are not particularly important.

Ten days in a budget hotel for a family can cost from 40 to 60 thousand rubles.

Russian tour operators prefer to sell tours to travelers with accommodation in 4* and 3* hotels operating on a half board basis, where the quality of accommodation optimally matches its price.

Tourists most often have no complaints about them, and the opportunity not to be tied to hotel lunches and dinners allows them to better learn the culture, traditions and, of course, the cuisine of the island.

A ten-day stay in such hotels will cost a family an average of 60-80 thousand rubles, excluding flights.

Beaches

In addition to the crystal clear turquoise sea, Zakynthos (Zakynthos) is famous for its uniquely beautiful beaches.

There are about two dozen excellent beaches on the island. Some are more comfortable and have an entrance fee, others are located in hard-to-reach places, do not have showers, but boast greenery, incredible views and the purity of the sea.

Laganas Beach

Laganas is located 6 km southwest of the airport, 8 km from the capital of the island (by taxi from Zakynthos - 13 euros).

The largest in Zakynthos, it is one of the longest beaches in Greece.

These 9 kilometers of golden sand are located next to the busiest city of the island - Laganas, which is why there are always a lot of people there.

You can get to Laganas by walking along the beaches of Kalamaki or Agios Sostis.

On the territory there is music playing almost around the clock, taverns and bars are inviting.

At the same time, part of Laganas is a protected area: turtles of the rare Caretta Caretta species lay eggs, and sometimes you can observe these animals in their natural conditions.

Among the water activities on Laganas beach, you can rent catamarans and canoes (hour - 10 euros), you can also rent a small boat (hour - 40 euros), you will be given a short instruction on how to operate the boat and which places you can sail and which ones. No.

The beach is shallow, with fine sand, suitable for families with children. Its location is such that there are almost no waves here.

Plenty of sunbeds – 6 euros per pair.
The infrastructure is well developed, there are showers on the beach, toilets in the surrounding bars and restaurants.

There is limited parking near the beach, but you can park your car a short distance away.

Gerakas Beach

In contrast to Laganas, this beach is located far from large settlements on the Vasilikos peninsula (18 km from the capital).

The peninsula is famous for its olive groves and beautiful green landscapes.

The beach can only be reached by car, following the main road from Argassi, passing through the town of Vasilikos, after which there will be a fork, one of the roads goes straight to Gerakas beach.
By taxi from the capital – 22 euros.

There are no taverns or bars within walking distance, so it is almost always not crowded and quiet.

A special ramp has been built on the territory to help people reach the beach in a wheelchair. The beach is sandy, the sea is shallow and warm.

Two sun loungers plus an umbrella – 10 euros, there are toilets.

Car parking - on the road to the beach, you will need to walk a little to get to the beach.

Argassi Beach

The closest to the capital of the island, located just 3 km southeast of the city of Zakynthos, if you drive along the main road in the direction of Vasilikos, it is impossible not to notice it.
By taxi from the capital – 8 euros.

The beach is a sand and pebble beach, there are algae in the water here and there, but not often. The water remains shallow for a long time.

Very lively, despite its narrowness and short length (limited by road).

Tourists will be offered a huge range of water activities. There are no turtles here. A large number of pubs, restaurants, karaoke and discos in close proximity to the water. There are fresh water showers and toilets.

Two sun loungers and an umbrella – 7 euros.

Many coastal bars and restaurants provide sun loungers for free, just make a reservation.

There are not many parking spaces near the beach, but cars are also parked on the side of the main road, about 50 meters away.

Tsilivi beach

Another busy but very clean beach on the island of Zakynthos, located 5 km northwest of the capital.

There is no main road to the beach, but there is a regular (every hour) bus service to the capital.
By taxi from the capital – 12 euros.

The sand here is gray and fine, the water is warm, the beach strip is narrow, and there are no algae.
The sea remains shallow for a long time, which is good for children. Water sports are permitted far from the shore.

Literally a couple of kilometers from the southern part of the beach you can see Vodi Island. And in the afternoon, the winds here create ideal conditions for windsurfing, which is why Tsivili Beach is loved by surfers.

Sunbeds are paid (3 euros), on the territory there are bars and restaurants, showers, toilets (at establishments), the car can be parked close to the beach.

Navagio Bay Beach

Navagio Bay (Navagio) stands apart from the list of Zakynthos beaches.

Firstly, you can only get here by sea.
Secondly, this place is on the list of the most beautiful on Earth.

In fact, this is a small sandy beach, “captured” by rocks and not visible from the shore, which is why it is impossible to get here on your own.

Right on the beach lies a smugglers' ship that crashed several decades ago, which is why this place is also called smugglers' cove.

Despite the inaccessibility of the beach, there are always a lot of tourists here, sometimes even too many, because visiting the bay is a mandatory excursion for guests of Zakynthos.

In addition, due to the rocks, the sun only illuminates the beach until lunchtime. He himself is wild and not equipped with anything. But all these inconveniences are more than compensated by the incredible views and magically colored sea water.

A trip to Navagio beach will cost 20 euros, tickets can be bought directly at the port.

What to see

If you are not able to lie on the beaches, even if they are different and beautiful, for ten days, then you can buy excursions - they are short and not tiring - and get acquainted with the historical portrait of the island of Zakynthos.

The capital of the island is the city of Zakynthos

The ancient city on the seashore will be of interest to those who prefer to simply wander through the ancient streets, admire the architecture, and to those who love the silence and coolness of museums.

This is just a small part of what you can visit in Zakynthos.

It is impossible to leave the island without seeing its main attractions, described in all guidebooks in Greece: Navagio Bay, the Caretta Caretta turtles, the blue caves of Zakynthos.

You can explore the attractions on land on your own, but if you need a Russian-speaking guide, you can easily get one by purchasing an excursion at an agency or from your tour operator.

Sea excursions are somewhat more expensive than land excursions, but much more spectacular. Whichever one you choose, rest assured that you are guaranteed the most memorable experience!

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How to get to Zakynthos

There are no direct regular flights from Russia to the island. From the end of May to the beginning of October you can fly there from Moscow Domodedovo on a charter flight with Nord Star Airlines (2 times a week, travel time 3.5 hours). From June to September, charters of the Greek Ellinair fly from St. Petersburg to Zakynthos (once a week, 4 hours).

The cheapest way to fly from Moscow to Zakynthos is with Aegean Airlines with a transfer in Athens. True, the journey in this case will take 17 hours. More expensive options compared to charters - with a transfer in Prague (Czech Airlines or Smart Wings, 10 hours), London (British Airways, 13 hours), Brussels (Brussels Airlines). From St. Petersburg you can fly with a transfer in Prague (Czech Airlines, 17 hours) or Munich (Lufthansa, 16 hours).

From airport to city

Dionysios Solomos International Airport is located 4 km from Zakynthos, the administrative center of the island. There is no public transport at the airport. A taxi to Zakynthos and the nearest resort towns of Argassi, Laganas and Kalamaki costs 24-28 EUR, to Planos - 38 EUR, to the port of Agios Nikolaos located in the north of the island - 66 EUR. Prices on the page are as of November 2018.

Search for flights to Zakynthos

Ferries

Zakynthos is connected by ferry to mainland Greece, the islands of the Ionian archipelago and Italian Brindisi. Ferries from the shipping companies K/X Ionian Group (office site in English) and Kefalonian Lines (office site in English) run from the port of Kyllini in the Peloponnese to the port of Zakynthos. During the summer season they make up to 10 flights per day. The first ferry to Zakynthos leaves at 6:45, the last at 21:00, travel time is 1 hour. The fare is 9.50 EUR per person and 39.20 EUR for an economy class car.

The ferry is a convenient option to get to Zakynthos for those who fly into mainland Greece airports and travel around the country in a rented car.

Transport

KTEL buses (office site in English) regularly run between Zakynthos, Laganas, Argassi, Kalamaki and other towns of the island. The schedule is posted at stops and varies depending on the season and day of the week - there are fewer flights on weekends. The driver takes the fare, the cost of the trip is 1.80-3.60 EUR.

Unfortunately, keeping to the schedule is not one of the virtues of bus drivers. Being 15-20 minutes late is common.

From the central bus station KTEL (Iatrou Mothonaiou, 29100) intercity buses depart to Athens (4-5 times a day, travel time including ferry crossing is 6 hours, ticket costs 29 EUR), Patra (3-4 times a day , 9 EUR) and Thessaloniki (1-2 times a week, 55 EUR). Ferry travel is paid separately.

Taxi

Taxis can be called by phone, ordered online, or taken at special stands in popular tourist destinations. The cost of a short trip is 25 EUR. To explore the island on your own, you can take a taxi with a time fee: 40 EUR/hour.

Cruises around the island start from the port of Zakynthos, prices start from 30 EUR. Navalio Bay and the Blue Grottoes can be reached by boat from the port of Agios Nikolaos or from Cape Skinari in the north of the island, the cost is 10-20 EUR.

Bicycles for rent

Short distances and good roads have turned the island into a convenient place for cycling. You can rent a road or mountain bike at street rental points in resort areas and in a good half of the hotels. The price of pleasure is 7-10 EUR per day.

Maps of Zakynthos

Rent a Car

The best assistant for those who want to see the most beautiful views of the island is a car. At the airport there are counters of international rental companies Avis, Hertz, Sixt, etc., in Zakynthos, Lagonas, Kalamaki and Argassi - offices of local companies Faros, Auto-Moto Sakis, Giant Rentals, etc. with lower prices. In addition, a car can be ordered at the reception in many hotels.

Unlike international ones, Greek rental companies allow payment in cash. You can even bargain with them a little.

During the season, it is better to book a car in advance. Otherwise, there is a risk of not getting a car of the required class. It is worth considering that the roads in the interior of the island are very narrow and winding in places, which creates difficulties when driving large vehicles. Another problem is the clearly insufficient number of road signs and indicators, so a navigator will not be superfluous. But there are no problems with traffic jams (they are very rare) and free parking (you can leave your car in any place where there are no prohibitory signs).

The greatest danger on the roads is posed by young Britons riding quad bikes, who came to the island to have fun and get weird in all available ways.

Zakynthos Hotels

There is a suitable hotel in Zakynthos for everyone. Tourists accustomed to comfort are welcome in one and a half dozen mini-state-like “fives” with large, well-groomed territories and infrastructure that allows you to completely forget about everything that happens outside their borders. True, at the peak of the season, such “forgetfulness” costs no less than 250 EUR for a double room. 4* hotels are not much inferior to their more “star” counterparts in terms of quality of service and infrastructure, but in terms of prices - from 140 EUR, they undoubtedly have an advantage.

Regardless of the number of “stars” and even in their complete absence, all hotels and apartments on the island have free Wi-Fi and parking.

A compromise choice is 3* hotels, usually with a restaurant and a swimming pool. The lack of spa and fitness centers and the small area are more than compensated for by the affordable room rates: 80-120 EUR. The cheapest accommodation option (from 40 EUR) are apartments and guesthouses located a 15-20 minute walk from the sea.

Beaches of Zakynthos

One of the undoubted advantages of the island is its beaches. Sandy and pebbly, large and small, framed by rocks and pine trees, settled and completely wild, different from each other and very beautiful. The noisiest and most crowded is the densely packed Laganas beach with numerous bars and taverns. The main contingent is European youth 17-25 years old. Neighboring Kalamaki is for more respectable vacationers who prefer a comfortable, leisurely holiday.

The stunningly beautiful Navagio Beach can only be reached by sea. The beach is completely wild - there are no umbrellas, no toilets, no fast food sellers here. At times it can be “overpopulated” due to the large number of passengers from the boats that have sailed here.

The best time for photography is from 15:00 to 17:00, when the bay is fully illuminated by the sun and the water takes on a very beautiful color.

Shallow water Banana Beach with a relaxed, serene atmosphere is the largest on the Vasilikos peninsula and is well suited for families. The water here is clean and warm, there are sun loungers, umbrellas, changing cabins, showers, cafes and restaurants. Children's entertainment includes water slides and banana rides.

The cost of renting two sun loungers and an umbrella on the beaches of Zakynthos is 4-9 EUR.

The cozy Xigia beach with turquoise water is a real natural outdoor spa. Sulfur springs rich in collagen flow into the sea right off the coast, which have a healing, rejuvenating and anti-cellulite effect. The only inconvenience is the smell of hydrogen sulfide, which, however, you quickly get used to. High above the beach there is a tiny cafe with Greek cuisine, ice cream, soft drinks and a “magic” basket on a rope that allows you to lower everything ordered directly to the beach.

What to bring

In addition to gigabytes of photographs, honey, olive oil, almond pastille “mandolato”, and spicy salty cheese “ladotiri” are brought from Zakynthos. Traditionally, soaps and cosmetics based on olive oil are good. Fine handmade embroidery can be purchased at the convent of Panagia Eleftherotria. The island's vineyards are the basis for the production of wines at the family winery Callinico. Among the best is white dry Verdea, which has been produced since the 19th century.

The main “heroines” of the local souvenir counters are the Caretta-Caretta turtles: large and small, made of ceramics, glass or wood, on T-shirts, mugs, magnets. And rarely does a child leave Zakynthos without a soft plush turtle.

Cafes and restaurants in Zakynthos

From expensive restaurants and family taverns with national cuisine to pizzerias and budget fast food eateries, it is easy to find catering establishments of any price category in Zakynthos. The most delicious breakfast - in the nearest bakery and pastry shop with a cup of Greek coffee and freshly baked “tiporita”, “spanakorita” or “bougatsa” (in other words, pies with cheese, spinach and custard), will cost no more than 5 EUR.

For lunch, choose a coastal tavern that serves Greek salad, marinated octopus, moussaka, souvlaki, fried sea bream with excellent house wine. There are also colorful village taverns in the central part of the island. The food there is prepared according to grandmother’s recipes, and hardly anyone can resist the temptation to try spit-roasted pig or “stifado” - meat stewed in wine, onions and cinnamon. The pleasure gained from such a dinner is much higher than the 15 EUR paid for it.

You can feel like a real gourmet in the pretentious restaurants of Zakynthos, Laganas or Kalamaki with original cuisine, exquisite interior, excellent service, beautiful views and live music. True, dinner with a glass of good wine here will cost about 30 EUR.

One of the most popular in Zakynthos is the Ole-Ole restaurant with home cooking, a family atmosphere, reasonable prices and incredibly large portions (office site in English). It is appreciated by men who love to eat a lot and tasty, and their companions who watch their figure - one serving of Greek salad is enough for two.

Entertainment and attractions

Rocks stretching into the water, blue grottoes, pine-covered shores - the architect of the main attractions of Zakynthos is Her Majesty Nature.

From early morning, a whole flotilla of boats sets off on sightseeing cruises along the coast. It is from the water that Zakynthos appears in all its splendor. The routes for boat trips are very diverse. In 8 hours you can go around the entire island on a boat stylized as a pirate sailing ship. Or you can limit yourself to visiting the famous Navagio Bay: sheer cliffs surrounding the small beach on all sides make this natural wonder inaccessible from the shore. On the snow-white sand lies the rusty wreck of the ship "Panagiotis", hence the name of the bay, translated as "Shipwreck".

Remember Eduard Bagritsky - “three Greeks are bringing contraband to Odessa”? So - “Panagiotis” secretly transported a cargo of cigarettes from Turkey to Italy, but ran aground and was thrown ashore by the waves. They say that the cigarettes found in its holds were enough for all the smokers on the island for six months.

The northern coast of Zakynthos in the area of ​​Cape Skinari is riddled with arches and grottoes, where you can swim by boat. Piercing turquoise water, reflecting from the white arches, fills them with an incredible blue glow. Another Keri caves are located in the southwest of Zakynthos in the Gulf of Laganas. Opposite them lies the small island of Marathonisi, favored by the giant caretta-caretta sea turtles for laying eggs. You can see them in their natural habitat during “turtle” cruises or on your own from a rented boat.

A trip deep into the island through vineyards and olive groves with a tour of natural beauty, ancient temples, monasteries, wineries and villages with a traditional way of life also promises a lot of interesting things. The largest of them, the village of Katastari, is one of the few that survived the devastating earthquake of 1953 and has preserved many old buildings. The patron saint of the island, Dionysius of Zakynthos, lived for 20 years in the tiny monastery of Our Lady of Anaphonigria, with an area the size of a city apartment. His relics in a silver shrine are in a temple built in his honor on the waterfront of the city of Zakynthos. They say that Saint Dionysius, helping people, continues to walk around the island, which is why his slippers get dirty and washed out. They are periodically replaced with new ones, and pieces of the old ones are distributed to parishioners.

Weather

Zakynthos lies in the temperate Mediterranean climate zone. There is more rainfall here in winter than in the rest of Greece, making it a very green island. Even in cold January, the temperature does not drop below +11 °C. In March, spring comes to the island in all its colors and it becomes clear why Zakynthos is called the flower of the East.

In June, vacationers begin to fill it, and the water warms up to quite comfortable levels. Temperatures and housing prices peak in August. Thanks to the abundance of greenery and a light breeze, the summer heat is easier to bear than on the mainland, but air conditioning in the room will not be amiss. September is the best time in Zakynthos: the sea is still warm and the air temperature drops slightly. Housing prices only fall in October. In November, the weather deteriorates and prolonged rains finally “wash away” all tourists from the island.

Zakynthos or Zakynthos is an island of poets, artists and musicians, the southernmost of the seven Ionian islands.

Here is the famous Navajo Bay, where a smuggler's ship lies on the sand; here huge Caretta Caretta turtles crawl onto the beaches; here olive groves alternate with orchards; here ancient secrets are hidden in mysterious grottoes and caves...

Cuisine of Zakynthos

The signature dish of the island of Zakynthos can be considered “sartsa” - beef with tomatoes, garlic and special sheep cheese “ladotiri”. Olive oil and all vegetables are local, fresh, straight from the garden. We recommend trying the hearty appetizer skordostubi - eggplants and tomatoes mixed with olive oil and garlic.

There are several cheese factories in Zakynthos where they make myzithra cheese - it tastes bland, so it is served with honey or sugar. Of course, you can easily order moussaka, souvlaki, and Greek salad - the national cuisine is held in high esteem here. To go with the coffee you drink here at any time of the day, we recommend ordering the local sweets mandolato (almond, honey and egg) or pastel (sesame, honey and almond).

Other resorts in Greece:

Zakynthos Island (Ζακύνθος) is one of the Ionian islands of Greece, located 8 nautical miles south of Kefalonia. The area of ​​the island is 402 sq. km, and the total length of the coastline is no more than 125 km. According to 2010 data, the population of the island is 50,000 people. The capital is the city of Zakynthos. The island is famous for its sandy beaches and nature reserves.

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Weather in Zakynthos

The climate on the island is typically Mediterranean: the average annual temperature is 18.9°C. Winters in Zakynthos are mild, with an average temperature of about 11°C, and summers are quite warm: in July the average temperature reaches 26.1°C, and the highest point is recorded in August at +35°C.

It should be noted that the relative humidity in Zakynthos is about 70%. Compared to other Cyclades islands, this figure is the lowest on Zakynthos, which makes holidays on the island the most comfortable.

By the beginning of May, the sea water temperature warms up to 24°C, and in mid-June it can reach 25-27°C.

Sights of Zakynthos

Blue Caves

One of the most beautiful places on the planet is located in Zakynthos, namely at Cape Skhinari - the Blue Caves Nature Reserve. The caves are a complex of arches and grottoes. In 1897, the largest one, the Azure Cave, was opened. You can get to the Blue Caves only by sea.

Natural park with an area of ​​500,000 square meters. m. is a unique collection of flora and fauna of the island of Zakif. More than 45 different species of animals live in the park; About 200,000 plant species grow there, and some species are more than several centuries old. Askos Stone Park is a nature reserve of a contact type: a visitor can not only look at representatives of the fauna, but also touch or stroke some of them.

You can get to the park on your own, in a rented car, or by ordering an organized excursion from your tour operator.

The Church of Agios Dionysius, located in the city of Zakynthos, is one of the oldest buildings on the island. It was erected in honor of a saint originally from Venice - Dionysius, the patron saint of the island. Delightful frescoes and icons leave a lasting impression on visitors to the church.

https://youtu.be/ZTGc7GaDZLs

Excursions in Zakynthos

Since Zakynthos is a natural reserve, you will find many excursions related to the natural heritage of the island. For example, you may be offered to take a six-hour sightseeing tour of the island or go and plunge into the clear waters of the Ionian Sea there.

It is also worth paying attention to the unique excursion “to the turtles”, which is held in July-August. It was during this period that the Caretta Caretta turtles, listed in the Red Book, swim to the shores of Zakynthos to breed their offspring.

Beaches of Zakynthos

Zakynthos has many pristine sandy beaches, most of which can be found in the eastern part of the island. The most popular beach is Navagio Bay or “Shipwreck Bay.” The peculiarity of this beach is that the bay is surrounded by rocks from the shore and you can get to the beach only from the sea.

It is also worth visiting Agios Nikolaos beach with well-developed infrastructure and Gerakas beach, which is considered the best beach on the island. But since these beaches are in close proximity to turtle nesting sites, some types of water activities are prohibited.

Zakynthos Hotels

The island of Zakynthos is very popular among tourists from many countries of the world and therefore has a well-developed hotel infrastructure. Your tour operator will easily select and book a hotel in Zakynthos.

Zakynthos Map

Photo: nationalgeographic.com, tsharenko, Innokentia

Of the almost innumerable number of Greek islands so different from each other, I personally love the Ionian seven-island archipelago of Eftanis the most. It includes the arrogantly aristocratic Corfu-Kerkyra, the snow-white-pacified Lefkada-Lefkas, and the multilingual and magnificent Kefalonia-Kefallinia, as well as the patriarchal-original Zakynthos, which will be discussed.

Like other Greek Ionian islands, it has a couple of name variations, due to the centuries-old influence of the Venetians who dominated here. And besides them, the island was at different times under the protectorate of Norman, French, then Russian and later British. But, unlike the rest of Hellas, the Ionian Islands, including Zakynthos, were never part of the Ottoman Empire.

The Venetians officially called it Zante - a name that, thanks to them, spread throughout Europe. The poets of the Venetian Republic gave it another name, and I personally like it much more, a name that in Italian sounds like “Fior di Levante,” which translated means “Flower of the Dawn.”

By the way, this is the name of the Greek ferry boat plying between the island and the mainland, awarded in 2015 the title of the most beautiful ferry in the world.

The Greek name of the island is pronounced Zakynθos. And it is no coincidence that among Russian letters I use the Greek θ here, because it once existed in the Old Slavic Cyrillic alphabet, denoting exactly that phoneme - something between F and T, which sounds in this name. True, this letter left the Russian alphabet as a result of the reform of 1918, as unnecessary. In Russian-language literature and on the Internet, the most common interpretation of the name of the island is Zakynthos.

How to get there

There is no direct regular and non-stop air service, like any other, between Russia and Zakynthos. Charter flights are highly irregular and completely depend on the conditions of the tourism market. Therefore, we will consider here mainly multi-way options for moving to the island. But, believe me, the effort spent on the road is worth it!

By plane

The island, despite its small size, has its own air harbor, which is named after Dionysios Solomos, a native of Zakynthos, the national Greek poet and author of the poem “Hymn to Freedom,” which serves as the basis for the national anthem of Hellas.

From Russia

In the summer, the airport accepts charter flights from Moscow-Domodedovo operated by NordStar, as well as from St. Petersburg by Ellinair.

For example, a ticket for a direct flight lasting 4 hours from St. Petersburg to Zakynthos on an Ellinair Boeing 737 costs 240 EUR.

If it is possible to plan a flight in advance for the most affordable date, then in this case there are opportunities to significantly save on air tickets, although you will have to make transfers and wait for intermediate flights.

• Night flight lasting 3 hours 45 minutes. by Aegean A320 to Heraklion on Crete.
• After a 14-hour wait, a flight on an Olympic Air A320 to .
• Another overnight wait of 6 hours 25 minutes, followed by an early morning 55-minute flight on an Olympic Air Dash-8 turboprop to Zakynthos.

As you can see, a double gain in price results in a multiple loss in time.

From Europe

During the summer tourist season, Zakynthos is connected by air to most European countries. Moreover, with Britain, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Denmark, Holland, Belgium, Italy and some others, flights are carried out on a regular basis, and with the rest - on a charter basis.

From Greece

Year-round air traffic from the capital of Hellas to Zakynthos is carried out only by the Greek companies Olympic Air and SkyExpress. The latter also operates weekly flights from Heraklion, Crete, with intermediate stops in Zakynthos, Kefalonia and Preveza.

Thus, a flight on a SkyExpress flight from Heraklion to Zakynthos with a transfer and a wait in Athens for a total duration of 21 hours costs 171 EUR, and a ticket for the difficult route Heraklion-Sitia-Preveza-Kefalonia-Zakynthos costs 275EUR.

A ticket for regular flights Athens-Zakynthos with Olympic Air as part of a pre-sale promotion costs 65 EUR.

Zakynthos Airport

The international IATA airport classification code for the island is ZTH, time zone is UTC+2. When calculating takeoff, landing and flight duration, you should also take into account winter time, which the country switches to from the end of October to March.

By the way, all takeoffs and landings are carried out only during the day, and night flights are prohibited here, so as not to disturb the unique, legally protected Caretta-Caretta sea turtles, which after sunset go to the beaches of the island to lay eggs.

What is most striking is that during the year, and mainly in the summer, over a million passengers pass through this tiny airfield.

The air gate of the island is located 6 km from its capital.

A taxi ride from the airport to the city center will cost approximately 13 EUR, to the Laganas area - 17, to the villages of Limni Keriou, Vasilikos and Alykes - 28, Tsilivi - 20, and to the port of Agios Nikolaos in the north of Zakynthos - 47 EUR.

By bus

Buses of the intercity network ΚΤΕΛ depart from Athens to Zakynthos from the central bus station at Kifisou Avenue, 100. It can be reached from Athens airport by express X93, tickets for which cost 5 EUR are sold at a kiosk near the terminal building. The price of a ticket to Zakynthos is 28.60 EUR, to which should be added the cost of the ferry crossing, paid directly on the feri-boat.

There is also a daily bus service from Thessaloniki and back, the cost of a ticket without ferry is 54.40 EUR.

By car

You probably have to be an incorrigible optimist or a stubborn stubborn person to decide on a car trip from Russia to Zakynthos, but, just in case, so as not to take up a lot of space with a useless description, I’ll just give here a Google map showing it.

Those interested, if any, will be able to use this popular Internet service, where they will receive complete information

From Athens

It is much more realistic to get from Moscow by plane to the Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos”, rent a car there and make an exciting trip to the port of Kylini in the Peloponnese, from where ferries regularly depart to Zakynthos.

Zakynthos has regular ferry connections with the Peloponnesian port of Killini and with its northern neighbor Kefalonia. Ferry boats of the Levante Ferries company make four trips a day in winter, from five to six in summer, eight at Easter, and on August 24, St. Dionysius - nine times.

A simple ferry ticket costs 8.90, children from 5 to 10 years old - 5 EUR, and under 5 years old - free. Transporting a passenger car costs 28.90 EUR, and if you pay for the return trip at the same time, it costs 47.90 EUR. A light bike, up to 250 cc - 8.20, and a heavy one - 12.80 EUR.

Clue:

Zakynthos - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 1

Kazan 1

Samara 2

Ekaterinburg 3

Novosibirsk 5

Vladivostok 8

When is the season? When is the best time to go

The island's climate is typically Mediterranean, with lots of rain from early November to late January. During the rest of the year, the weather on the island is sunny, slightly softened in the hottest months by the proximity of the sea.

It is generally accepted that Zakynthos is most suitable only for a summer beach holiday. I can say that this opinion is wrong, and if desired, everyone can find a suitable season for relaxation and rest here. The noisy and hot summer is replaced by an abundant and mild autumn, followed by a leisurely and thoughtful winter, and then with the arrival of spring, everything repeats itself again.

Zakynthos in summer

From personal experience, I can say that the ideal time to travel to Zakynthos is from the beginning of June to the end of August, when the weather is most suitable for a beach holiday.

At this time, the sea warms up to the most favorable state for taking sea baths, and from mid-July to mid-August, even swimming after sunset in sea water shining under the moonlight, thanks to the high night air temperature, not only does not cause discomfort, but, on the contrary, brings a feeling of bliss, relaxation and relief from the heat of the day.

Zakynthos in autumn

For those who do not tolerate the summer heat well, I can advise not to be upset, because the velvet season in September, before the sea has yet begun to cool, can in this case become an ideal time for a holiday on the island of Zakynthos.

And the seasonal reduction in prices not only for tourist services, but also, thanks to the fairly well-developed agricultural sector here, for most food products will even allow you to save slightly on your trip.

Zakynthos in spring

The southernmost, but not the largest even in its Ionian archipelago, Zakynthos is nevertheless blessed with abundance and prosperity, thanks to the unique geomorphological features given to it by nature. Conventionally, it can be divided into three areas: the wild rocky north, the south immersed in turquoise-clear waters and the central region of Campo, immersed in greenery, where fertile nature and centuries-old labor of human hands have created a unique mosaic of forests, olive groves, vineyards and flower meadows, which are especially They amaze with their fragrance and riot of colors in the spring.

Unique nature, wonderful waters, lush vegetation, clean ecology, mountains and plains, beaches for every taste, rich European culture and traditional villages, delicious food made from local products and magical sunsets accompanied by melodious Greek music - these are just a small part of what attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world to Zakynthos from early spring.

Zakynthos in winter

The proximity of the tropics results in rainy weather during the winter months. There are even short periods when snow falls in mountainous areas, which, however, does not linger for long.

At this time, the island may seem deserted and sparsely inhabited, but this is not so. Winter here is the height of harvesting olives and citrus fruits, planting the future harvest of vegetables and fruits, as well as preparing for the coming tourist season.

And, in addition, in the winter, between Advent and Lent, most of the popularly beloved Orthodox holidays here fall: Christmas, Christmastide, New Year, Epiphany, Carnival, Clean Monday and others. Winter, in my opinion, is the best time to get to know the simple Greek people better, to understand their soul at least a little: stand at the Christmas service in the church, listen to children singing Christmas carols, sit in the evening by a hot burning fireplace in a cozy family room. tavern, where fishing gear and trophies of its owner are hung on the walls among old photographs, treat yourself to local draft wine, or even something stronger. And in the hearth at this time, your dinner is fried right on the grate - an impressively sized “brizol”, which alone is enough for four.

In the morning, with the patter of raindrops on the roof of the cafeteria on the embankment and the alarming cries of the seagulls, drink your morning “elliniko” or “cappuccino”, wrap yourself warmly in a woolen blanket and look at the “lamb” waves rushing across the winter sea towards the shore...

Zakynthos - weather by month

Clue:

Zakynthos - weather by month

What are the prices for holidays?

In addition to accommodation, Zakynthos offers its guests many types of recreation and entertainment. Compared to the “promoted” Greek islands, such as Crete, and some others, designed mainly for fairly wealthy foreign guests, Zakynthos is more aimed at middle-class tourists, mostly Greeks, who have traditionally chosen the Ionian archipelago since the mid-20th century. English and Italians.

This does not mean that the service in Zakynthos does not meet international standards; on the contrary, the island’s residents surround each of their guests with attention and care, which is sometimes so lacking in international hotels spoiled by the abundance of tourists.

I don’t consider myself a big connoisseur of expensive hotels: I’ve always tried to travel at reasonable prices, so I’ll try to offer readers budget holiday options in Zakynthos.

Here, for example, you can easily find a family studio for two just a stone’s throw from the sea, with a small kitchen, refrigerator, shower, and balcony for only 40–50 EUR per night. If desired, a children's bed can be added to the bedroom for the same price. In Greece, all types of premises rented to tourists are equipped with air conditioning.

A room in a small family hotel on the first line can cost starting from 60 EUR. Renting a small car will cost 35–40, and a bike 15–20 EUR per day. Dinner for two in a tavern may well cost no more than 50 EUR.

In the “high” season of July-August, it is worth adding another twenty percent to these prices. And, as I already said, I consider the velvet season in the first half of September to be the ideal time to visit Greece, and Zakynthos in particular, when prices for fresh food drop quite significantly.

Clue:

Cost of food, accommodation, transportation and other things

Currency: Euro, € US Dollar, $ Russian Ruble, Rub

Main attractions. What to see

Over the centuries, Zakynthos, which along with the other Ionian islands managed to escape the dark ages of Ottoman occupation, developed a rich culture under the influence of the Italian Renaissance and the European Enlightenment. The positive aspects of Venetian rule was the formation of its own unique literature, painting, architecture and other arts on the island, thanks to which it even bore the name “Southern Venice”.

Freed from the influence of the Venetians, free Zakynthos at the beginning of the 19th century. became one of the strongholds of the national liberation movement throughout Hellas from the 400-year Turkish yoke. At one time, the headquarters of the secret society “Filiki Eteria” was even located here, which the national heroes of Greece Kolokotronis and Nikitaras joined on Zakynthos.

All this could not help but be reflected in works of literature and art. The island is the birthplace of the national poets of Greece Dionysios Solomos, Andreas Kavlos, the writer Grigoris Xenopoulos, as well as the Italian poet Nicholas Ugo Foscolo. And the patron saint of Zakynthos is St. Dionysius. In addition to him, in the north of Zakynthos, at one time the patron saint of Kefalonia, St. Gerasim.

Top 5

I think that after visiting Zakynthos, each traveler will have his own top list of local attractions. But some of the ones below will definitely be included.

Navajo Bay

If there is somewhere a list of the most photographed places in Hellas, then, undoubtedly, this sea bay in the north-west of the island with a ship washed up on a sandy beach as a result of a shipwreck is in the top five. Not a single excursion tour to Zakynthos is complete without a visit to Navajo Bay.

That is why I included it not only in the description of the island’s beaches, but also in the top five attractions. And you can only get here by sea on pleasure boats.

By the way, many tourists arriving in Zakynthos believe that they should go here as early as possible, before there is a large influx of vacationers.

I must say that early morning is not the best time to visit the bay: at this time most of the beach is in the shade.

During the day, although it is crowded, there is always a place both in the hot sun and in the shadow of a giant ship.

Venetian fortress on top of Bohali

At the highest point of the peak dominating the city of Zakynthos, crowning it like an eagle’s nest, is the town of Bohali, from where, as if on a toy model under the feet of a fairy-tale architect, the capital of the island opens up to the Vasiliko Peninsula and the Gulf of Laganas with the island of Marathonisi.

The passage of time and the earthquakes that literally plagued the city brought a lot of destruction to Zakynthos, but this can now be compensated by a walk to the Venetian fortress along the narrow cobbled streets of the village of Bohali among the fragrant greenery of gardens, shady pine groves and ancient olive trees, harmoniously contrasting with the bright spots of wildflowers.

Walking here, you begin to understand why the classic of Greek poetry Dionysios Solomos should have been born on Zakynthos.

Bokhali was once a favorite area of ​​the local aristocracy, and today the place is favored by tourists thanks to the magnificent views of the island from the top of the hill.

In the central square of the village you can stop to have lunch, drink a coffee or a cold drink, while enjoying the amazing views.

To the left of the square is the picturesque Church of the Life-Giving Spring with a high bell tower, and if you go further along the road running along the square, you can visit the Venetian castle of Bohali itself.

Blue Caves

It would be an unforgivable omission, having visited Zakynthos, not to visit, along with Navajo Bay, this amazing natural formation, which is an enfilade of sea grottoes following each other and descending under the water, which can only be reached with the help of excursion boats.

Among the caves there are Velikaya, Malaya, and Tsyanovaya, and they received their common name from the magnificent blue color of sea water.

The best time to visit is early in the morning, when the sunlight, reflected from the mirrored sea surface, creates fantastic lace patterns on the inner walls of the caves, continuously changing and again responding with striking kaleidoscopic pictures on the water mirror under the rocky arches.

Alexander Rom's mansion

A unique building of historical significance was erected in the middle of the 17th century. an English merchant and consul on the island, and during the British protectorate in the first half of the 19th century. served as the governor's residence.

In 1880, the mansion was bought by the Chairman of the Greek Parliament, Alexander Roma. The building suffered significant damage from the 1953 earthquake, but then it was restored in full.

Cross on Mount Schiza

Located in the traditional village of Kambi on Mount Schiza, it was installed in honor of all those who died in World War II and the subsequent Greek Civil War. From the cliff where the landmark is located there is a stunning view of the sea and the surrounding coastline with beaches.

The village has several taverns and cafeterias, from where I advise you to admire the amazingly beautiful sunsets, which are considered the most beautiful on the island.

Beaches. Which ones are better

The coastline of Zakynthos is about 125 km long.

Quite a large part of it in the north of the island consists of steep rocky cliffs. In the south, golden sandy beaches predominate.

But this is what makes Zakynthos interesting, because small, cozy and mostly pebble beaches, lost among the rocks, most of which can only be reached by sea on a rented or excursion boat, attract romantics and lovers of the wild, unbridled nature that breathes.

Crystal clear, rich turquoise color, the sea here is quite deep and much colder than in the southern regions, but the underwater terrain is much more interesting, which attracts many divers and snorkelers here.

In the south of Zakynthos, sandy beaches with warm and shallow water predominate. It is in this part of the island that the coastline, where the Caretta Caretta turtles come out to lay eggs in the summer, is carefully protected by the National Marine Park due to their great ecological importance.

In order to protect this rare species, there are certain restrictions that have helped preserve the pristine beauty of the southern coast of Zakynthos, such as prohibiting being on the beaches after sunset or using your own umbrellas.

You also need to be prepared for the fact that at night the electric lighting is turned off along the entire coast and on a moonless night it can be quite difficult to find the way to your car or hotel.

Navajo Beach

Anyone who has been even slightly interested in the island of Zakynthos as a possible place for a summer vacation is certainly already familiar with Shipwreck Bay.

The many photographs of this wonderful place with golden sand gently plunging into turquoise sea water and a smuggling boat dominating the beach, as if cast ashore as a punishment, created in most visitors a mood of incredible romance and mystery, available on tourist websites on the Internet and in paper guidebooks.

I can confirm: anyone arriving in Zakynthos simply must visit this splendor, which is actually more beautiful than any postcard or photograph.

But I can’t help but say something else: any beach on this stunning island has its own unique personality and special charm. And whatever you are looking for from your holiday in Zakynthos, it is sure to satisfy your needs.

Kalamaki

Covered with fine golden sand and stretching in both directions as far as the eye can see, this extensive beach is one of the most popular in Zakynthos due to its proximity to the city and crystal clear calm waters.

It is a favorite place for the Caretta Caretta turtle, so special attention must be paid here! Umbrellas and sun loungers are concentrated here in only a few points. In order not to damage the egg laying, you are allowed to use your own umbrella no closer than 5 m from the water.

Daphne

A truly heavenly place in a beautiful bay, lost on the coast among the hills of the green Vasilikos peninsula. Golden sandy beach with vegetation going down to the sea.

And a little to the side is another wild beach under an overhanging stone cliff, where you can get to by wading through shallow water to feel as if abandoned on an uninhabited island, like the picturesque islet of Peluso, visible in the distance in the sea.

Here is one of the best places in Zakynthos for snorkeling, to feel like you are in an endless natural aquarium with fish of different colors and sizes.

Gerakas

This beach in a picturesque and cozy bay at the very tip of the Vasilikos peninsula is one of the most protected in Zakynthos.

Here you are not allowed to use not only your own umbrella, but also a sun lounger, being located in strictly designated areas.

Banana

On the opposite side of the Daphni coast of the Vasilikos peninsula, against the backdrop of amazingly beautiful natural scenery, is the largest and one of the most organized beach on the island, Banana beach with restaurants, cafes, beach bars, offering umbrellas, sun loungers, rental of various equipment for water sports and truly unlimited possibilities for relaxation and pleasure for every taste, age and wallet size.

Here you can easily find a place to spread a towel on the hot sand or stretch out under an umbrella in a comfortable sun lounger, leisurely sipping a cocktail, surrounded by beautiful sand dunes that change their shape and size depending on the strength and direction of the winds blowing here. Thanks to these winds and the sea open to the horizon, this beach enjoys constant attention and popularity among surfers.

Agios Nikolaos

On a pointed rocky cape, which ends the grandiose coast of Banana, the snow-white church of St. Nicholas, and immediately behind it, sheltered by a rock from the sea winds, there is a small but quite popular beach of the same name.

Fine sand, clear sea water are complemented here on the one hand by a beach restaurant, bar, umbrellas, sun loungers, water sports entertainment, loud music and everything that active life enthusiasts cannot do without, and on the other - a quiet corner with a traditional tavern on the shore for fans of relaxation and peace.

The beach of Agios Nikolaos, located in the south of Zakynthos, which bears the name of the nearby church, should not be confused with the village of the same name in its north, from where pleasure ferries depart to Kefalonia.

Porto Zoro

Is it possible to wish for more pleasure on vacation than to go down every morning, barely waking up and meeting the sun rising from the sea, to the compact and comfortable beach located twenty steps from the hotel, in order to soak up the hot golden sand by the infinitely affectionate, warm and gentle sea.

And then, having enjoyed both the sun and the sea, take a shower in your room and have a delicious lunch in the hotel restaurant, after which you can pay tribute to the Greek siesta under air conditioning in a cozy room. In the evening, spend the sun going behind the mountains, sipping a cocktail in the saving evening coolness on the balcony of your room.

I can advise anyone who dreams of such a vacation to spend it at the Porto Zorro Beach Hotel, located right on the beach of the same name, which offers, among other things, an all-inclusive service. Accommodation rates start from 90 EUR per night.

Tsilivi

6 km from the town of Zakynthos, literally just a breath away, there is a large, somewhat Hawaiian-like, shallow sandy beach. Here, the agenda, mainly in the second half, is always strong wind and foamy waves, which is especially appreciated by fans of kite and windsurfing.

The beach is quite well organized, equipped with umbrellas and sun loungers, there is also a beach bar, and in the surrounding areas there are many supermarkets, shops, taverns, bars and restaurants.

Proximity to the city, well-developed infrastructure, shallow sea and fine sandy coast make this place perfect for a family holiday with children, water sports with them and endless pleasure from playing with the waves.

Alykes

Another beach with fine sand and blue water. Here you can rent an umbrella and sunbed or use your own. Like the coast of Tsilivi, it is ideal for both family holidays and active water sports, including wind and kite surfing.

From here, pleasure and excursion boats depart to the Blue Caves and Navajo Bay, the journey to which will take much less time than from other areas of the island.

The embankment of a small river flowing into the sea with a picturesque stone bridge across it is always popular among tourists. The village near the beach has all the infrastructure necessary for vacationers: shops, taverns, restaurants, bars, hotels and apartments.

For those who want to live practically on the beach 10 meters from the sea and at the same time save on accommodation, I can advise you to pay attention to the Alykes camping site, located in a picturesque and shady olive grove. Accommodation rates start from 6.6 EUR per night for one adult and 3.50 for a child. Car parking is 3.50, and motorbike parking is 2.50 EUR.

Porto Limnionas

More like a Norwegian fjord, it is a narrow and long double bay with rocky shores, fairly cold water and several underwater grottoes, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

In the depths of the bay there is a tiny pebble beach, and on a high cliff above it there is a wonderful tavern with a magnificent view of the sea.

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

Despite the centuries-long domination of the island by Catholic Venetians, the inhabitants of Zakynthos did not betray Byzantine Orthodoxy, religiously remaining faithful to its traditions, and carefully observing all rites and rituals.

Churches, temples and monasteries, which were repeatedly destroyed either by the elements or by conquerors, were meticulously restored down to the smallest detail in order to once again bring the light of Christianity to the inhabitants of the island.

Church of St. Dionysius

Built shortly before the earthquake of 1953, this largest cathedral on Zakynthos became one of the three buildings on the island that not only survived that terrible natural disaster, but also received absolutely no damage.

Today this is the main cathedral of Zakynthos, thanks to the high 40-meter bell tower on the embankment, which has become a kind of landmark and calling card of the main city of the island.

The interior of the temple is no less impressive than its appearance: marble columns, numerous lives on frescoes and icons, stained glass windows, a carved wooden altar with a gilded iconostasis, magnificent chandeliers, red velvet-covered seats and a silver shrine with the relics of the saint. Dionysius was born in Zakynthos in 1547. Being a descendant of an aristocratic family, he received a good Christian and secular education, speaking several languages. But after the death of his parents, he becomes a monk, spending the last years of his life in the monastery of Anaphonitria on Zakynthos, where he lied for the only time in his life in order to hide the murderer of his brother, for which he received the nickname of the Holy All-Forgiving.

Church of the Blessed Virgin of Faneromeni

This one, one of the most beautiful Greek churches, dates back to the 15th century. buildings, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Revealed, along with the amazing bell tower, was destroyed by an earthquake, but then restored in accordance with the original plan.

The surviving frescoes of the old temple are kept in the Museum of Byzantine Art. During the years of Venetian rule, Piazza Faneromeni was a place of the urban poor, in contrast to Piazza St. Mark, where aristocrats gathered.

Church of the Blessed Virgin "Keriotissa"

This amazing and carefully maintained church with an impressive bell tower, located in the village of Keri, was built under the Venetians and was restored three times in its history after destruction.

It is famous not only for its wonderful facade, which is decorated with magnificent architectural elements, but most of all for the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary inside.

Monastery of the Most Holy Anaphonitria

This monastery is of exceptional importance for Zakynthos, because the patron saint of the island, Dionysius, spent the last years of his life here.

Built in the 15th century. The monastery has a shady courtyard with a garden full of flowers, conducive to peace and privacy. Inside the monastery church there is an ancient icon of the Virgin Mary, taken from Constantinople captured by the Turks.

Monastery of St. George "Gremnonsky"

In the area of ​​Gremnon, known for its wild natural beauty, the monastery of St. George, which was founded in 1535 as a refuge for Orthodox hermits.

A little later, to protect the monastery from pirate raids, an impressive tower was erected, which has now become a favorite subject for visitors to photograph.

The monastery once housed a rich library of Orthodox manuscripts.

Moving from the monastery in the direction of Ano Volimes and turning sharp left at the sign, you can find a viewing platform from above to admire the magnificent view of the sea and Navajo Bay.

Church of St. Nicholas "Molos"

This building, built under the Venetians, is part of the ensemble of Solomou Square in the center of Zakynthos, which not only survived the 1953 earthquake, but also the fire that followed it.

The significance of this temple for the island, in addition to its miraculous salvation from the elements, also lies in the fact that the patron saint of Zakynthos, Dionysius, served as the parish priest here.

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

The island of Zakynthos has a rich, centuries-old history, which is reflected in its museums, some of which I will describe below.

Museum of Byzantine Art

Upon entering the Byzantine Museum, what immediately catches your eye is the model of the city of Zakynthos before the terrible earthquake of 1953, made on the basis of old photographs, which makes it possible to imagine what the capital of the island was once like.

Among the museum's exhibits there are also many photographs showing the appearance of historical buildings before and after the earthquake.

The main exhibition features Byzantine icons, magnificent wooden sculptures, marble temple decorations, church utensils for liturgies, candlesticks, shrines, frescoes and iconostases of the 15th-17th centuries.

Among the particularly significant exhibits are also paintings by artists who created the local school of painting, covering the time frame from the post-Byzantine period to the present day.

Also here you can see real Orthodox shrines, secretly taken during the time of Turkish rule from the occupied territories to the local churches of free Zakynthos, and when they were destroyed by an earthquake, they found a place in the museum’s exhibition.

Maritime Museum Milanio

A visit to the museum, the founder of which is the famous Greek marine painter, a native of Zakynthos, Adonis Milanos, can impress anyone even slightly familiar with the history of Hellas, because its collection consists of genuine historical relics, kindly offered by the descendants of such legendary figures as Laskarina Bouboulina, Miltiadis Yatridis et al.

The museum's exhibition is divided into five thematic sections according to historical eras: antiquity, the Byzantine Empire, the Revolution of 1821, ΧΙΧ and ΧΧ centuries: many unique photographs, ship models, naval uniforms, daggers, medals, compasses and much more. For example, here are items from the Greek destroyer Leon, the former American Eldridge, which allegedly took part in the Philadelphia experiment, which is widely discussed to this day.

In addition, the exhibition features more than 140 paintings that are striking in their detail and provided with detailed descriptions, depicting ships from different eras. Another similar exhibition of maritime paintings by Adonis Milanos is located in the Museum of the Merchant and Military Fleet in the city of Piraeus.

Grigorios Xenopoulos Museum

The museum, located on Gaita Street, is dedicated to the famous Greek prose writer and playwright, one of the creators of the urban novel genre in European bourgeois literature, G. Xenopoulos.

Here you can see the writer’s personal belongings, manuscripts and editions of his works, photographs, as well as furniture and other household items in the interior of the house that belonged to his family.

Helmi Natural History Museum

Founded by Panagiotis Helmi in the village of Agia Marina and bearing his name, the museum is designed primarily for children.

More than 3,000 exhibits are presented here, telling about the flora and fauna of both Zakynthos itself and the whole world.

The purpose of the museum is to introduce visitors to the unique ecosystem of Zakynthos, inherited from nature, which we are obliged to preserve for posterity.

The Helmi Museum is recognized as one of the most complete and best such collections both in Greece and in the Balkans as a whole.

Ethnographic Museum of Vertzaio

When entering this museum, located in the village of Pigadakia, you get the feeling of time standing still, because its exhibition, lovingly assembled by local residents, represents more than 200 years of history and the way of life of villages lost in the mountainous regions of Zakynthos.

The bedroom, living room, kitchen, dining room of a traditional village home are shown with all the utilitarian items and tools for housekeeping, cooking and other daily tasks both inside and outside the house. Old newspapers, maps, coins represent the smallest details of everyday life, and the flour-grinding equipment, grape or olive oil presses on display show the traditional activities of the islanders.

Parks

Marine Park-Reserve

The largest sea bay of Laganas, located in the southern part of Zakynthos, qualifies as a specially protected area due to its unique ecological significance. To better protect the flora and fauna and their habitats, the Zakynthos National Marine Park was established in 1999. Its foundation was driven by urgent need, since rare species of wild animals in this part of the Ionian Sea were in danger of extinction.

Today, the southern coast of Zakynthos, which serves as a favorite breeding ground for the rare Caretta Caretta or Loggerhead turtles, and the western coast, where the endangered Mediterranean white-bellied harbor seal Monachus-Monachus takes refuge, are the object of special concern.

The marine park includes the coast, waters and islands of Laganas Bay, as well as the Strophades archipelago, located 20 miles south of Zakynthos. These areas are characterized by different types of ecosystems of both national and European importance, including, but not limited to, dune and riparian zones, as well as grassy meadows on the marshy shores of Lake Keri, where hundreds of species of flora and fauna are found.

The entire water area of ​​Laganas Bay is divided into zones marked by buoys:

Specially protected, where any passage of ships and fishing are prohibited.

Speed ​​limit to 6 knots and prohibited anchor drop.

The speed limit remains the same, but anchoring is permitted.

Thus, the movement of high-speed motor boats is prohibited throughout the entire waters of Laganas Bay. There is also an absolutely protected zone A1, where only scientific activity is allowed.

Askos Rock Park

Here you can see in a natural habitat, complemented by artificial decorations of stone buildings that could have existed here in the Neolithic era, hundreds of free-living animals: mammals, birds, amphibians, insects, as well as many species of local plants, shrubs and trees.

The park is open all year round, except on very rainy or cold winter days. Visiting hours during park opening hours are unlimited. Photography and video filming is permitted. Tours are led by qualified guides, or you can pick up a printed booklet and explore the area on your own.

Guests of the park can also follow and even, under the guidance of a mentor, take part in some activities on its territory, for example, picking olives, milking goats, etc.

The Askos Stone Park is located one kilometer from the port of Agios Nikolaos, located on the northern coast of Zakynthos, and five from the traditional settlement of Volimes. The Blue Caves are 3 km from here, and Navajo Bay is 8 km away. The capital of the island is separated from the park by a distance of 30 km.

Nearby Islands

The closest island from the Ionian archipelago to Zakynthos is the cosmopolitan and magnificent Kefalonia, which certainly deserves its own big story. Here I will talk about two miniature islands in the Bay of Laganas, extremely popular among tourists.

Marathonisi

A small island in Laganas Bay off the Keri Peninsula, which looks like a turtle, which is why it bears the second name Turtle Island. You can get here by boat from the villages of Laganas, Keri and Agios Sostis.

As one of the nesting sites for turtles, Caretta Caretta is protected by the National Marine Park, so stay on the island is limited to daytime hours only.

There are two beaches here - pebble and sandy, as well as several sea grottoes that are worth exploring. There are no shops here, but there is a boat approaching the beaches with a small canteen offering snacks and drinks.

Peluso

Located on the other side of Laganas Bay, approximately 2 miles from Daphne Beach. Apart from one destroyed building on the very shore, there are no other traces of human presence.

The island is a specially protected area where it is prohibited to stay after sunset, as well as sailing with a motor - only with oars. Having rented a boat, I advise you to load a supply of drinking water and food into it.

There is a beach with fine white sand, and on the opposite side of the island there is a rather large cave.

Food. What to try

Zakynthos is one of the most fertile places in Greece, producing the widest range of local products. The local food is based on extremely healthy, satisfying and, most importantly, incredibly tasty Mediterranean cuisine.

As on all the Ionian islands, fans of Italian cuisine, which has had a significant influence on local culinary traditions, will be able to indulge their gastronomic cravings in Zakynthos.

It won’t be difficult to find an establishment that serves English, French, and other world cuisines.

Budget establishments

In most cities and villages of Hellas you can see establishments called “psitopolio”, where meat is spun on a spit for the Greek equivalent of shawarma, the so-called “Gyro”. And you should discard any negative experience associated with Russian station stalls and cafes. I have never heard of poisoning with this dish in Greece.

But it’s worth trying it here - it’s quite tasty and can satisfy your hunger for a long time. Moreover, you can take the “gyro” with you in a bag, or eat it quietly at a table with a bottle of beer or a glass of wine. It will only cost a little more. In fast food establishments you can also have a snack on the go: a salad bar, cold and hot sandwiches are always at your service. Here, and in addition, in any bakery, in the morning, hot and very tasty puff pastry pies with soft cheese are sold: “tiropita”, “spanakopita” and others like them. “Pita,” as many have already guessed, means pie in Greek.

Average establishments

Although I place the famous Greek taverns in the section of mid-level establishments, I consider their products to be the highest achievement of simple, satisfying and tasty food.

Taverns are usually divided into meat and fish taverns, although some dishes can be found in both. One rule - you won’t find meat dishes in a fish tavern. But there is always enough delicious food there.

One piece of advice: always choose a tavern where the largest number of local Greeks sit - they will never go to a bad establishment.

Expensive establishments

This may include large fashionable restaurants offering international cuisine.

These days you rarely surprise anyone - they are everywhere, so think: was it worth going to Greece to eat the same thing as in Moscow, St. Petersburg, or anywhere else!

Holidays

In addition to national holidays, there are many local holidays in Zakynthos who follow centuries-old traditions and rituals. So, from August 23 to 26, as well as from December 16 to 19, dedicated to St. Dionysius is celebrated with solemn processions, attracting thousands of believers to honor the holy elder and venerate his relics.

But there are amazing traditions of pan-Greek holidays on the island, which attract thousands of Hellenes from other parts of the country to see how the islanders celebrate them.

Easter

So, on Palm Sunday before Holy Week, which in Greece is called palm Sunday, they weave crosses, solar disks, horses, and frames for bouquets from narrow and long date leaves, sometimes showing miracles in the skill of their making.

Carnival

The traditions of the Greek Carnival in Zakynthos completely mixed with the Venetian ones, creating an unusual folk festival, unlike either one or the other.

Grand processions present in different places of the city the humorous “Venice Wedding”, “Tiny Carnival”, performances of “Dialogues” and “Commedia dell’Arte”, and will end with the satirical “Funeral of the Mask”.

And this is only a small part of the grandiose and fun week-long festivities before the start of Lent.

Safety. What to watch out for

Serious crime on the Greek islands during the tourist season is extremely rare. Petty thefts happen sometimes, as elsewhere, but their authors are most often foreign seasonal workers of hotels and taverns.

What you should be especially careful about with the Greeks is to carefully check all bills and receipts in stores and catering establishments. Shortchanging a client here is not considered a big sin. The law of trade is that big businesses cheat big, small businesses cheat small!

Things to do

When I am asked this question in Greece, I always answer: “Live and enjoy nature!” And the island of Zakynthos provides all the conditions for this, regardless of preferences, character, temperament and wallet size. Since you have a chance to visit a real paradise during earthly life, you should not miss it!

By the way, another feature of Zakynthos that I can’t help but tell you about is that when it’s windy in one part of it, the other is usually calm and quiet. This allows you, having learned the weather forecast, to literally change your plans for the current day on the fly: go in search of adventure by boat to explore the caves and rocky bays of the island, go in a rented car to explore the mountainous areas and villages of its central part, or serenely bask on the sandy beach , paying tribute to epicureanism and hedonism. What else to do on vacation?!

I think that tourists in Zakynthos will be able to easily find suitable boat trips to Navajo Bay, the Blue Caves, and the attractions of the Marine Park as day excursions. But not only the coast is of interest here: trips to the central mountainous regions of the island can be no less educational for travelers tired of sea baths.

Extreme Sports

Lovers of an active lifestyle and unusual sports competitions will find all the conditions for their activities in Zakynthos.

Base jumping, wind and kite surfing, diving and snorkeling, yachting, mountain biking, mountaineering and rock climbing - all this can be indulged in here to the fullest.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

Despite the fact that the set of souvenirs recommended below is quite traditional for any Greek island, it will not disappoint you at all with its ordinariness. After all, here even two seemingly identical products from neighboring regions can be radically different from each other, having an unsurpassed local flavor.

Olive oil

Carrying olive oil in luggage is associated with certain difficulties both in its packaging and when passing through customs, so I rarely advise transporting it to Russia from Greece.

But Zakynthos oil, grown on home olive plantations and pressed almost by hand in family oil mills, is distinguished by a special, incomparable taste of the sun and the warmth of human hands. The harvest begins in November and by spring fresh oil goes on sale.

Wine

Most local wines are produced by island residents at home, but there are also companies, such as Inolpi (Οινολπη) or Art&Wine, that bottle it on an industrial scale.

The grape harvest begins in August, and in September fresh wine appears on sale.

Cheese

Local cheese made from goat's and sheep's milk, preserved in olive oil, has a characteristic salty taste and belongs to the category of hard varieties.

Honey

Many residents of Zakynthos have their own beehives and produce incredibly tasty mountain honey.

Sweets

In addition to the many traditional oriental sweets available in every confectionery on the island, you can also buy typical island types of nougat, pastilles and others, such as Mandolato, Fitura, Pasteli, products most often produced during local holidays.

Ceramics

There are many pottery workshops in Zakynthos, where exquisite products are produced by hand. The technology of their production and the technique of traditional painting have existed here since Byzantine times, and hand-made production makes each product unique.

In some places, craftsmen allow you not only to observe the process of their work, but also to participate in it.

Shopping and shops

On a small island whose life is devoted to tourism in summer and agriculture in winter, you will not find large hypermarkets or super-fashionable boutiques. Its inhabitants provide themselves with a full range of products themselves, and even supply them to neighboring regions.

Most souvenir shops, both on the coast and in the mountain villages, offer products, 90% of which are dedicated to the famous sea turtles. But among the remaining 10% you can find some pretty elegant and unique things. It could be ceramics, traditional embroidery or something similar, depending on your luck.

I recommend everyone to visit jewelry stores on the islands, where, I’m sure, you won’t leave without a gift for yourself or your loved ones. Moreover, these may not necessarily be items made of gold. Greek jewelers know how to make and produce amazing silver items, jewelry made from amber, semi-precious stones and other, sometimes completely unconventional materials.

By the way, I must say that the art of Greek furriers is also known far beyond the borders of Hellas. They make very high quality products from genuine leather and fur. Leather shoes bought in an inconspicuous basement store may well turn out to be no worse in quality than Italian ones.

Zakynthos - holidays with children

The most grateful guests of Zakynthos are usually children, for whom this place is truly a paradise: a gentle sea, hot sun, dense vegetation, stunning excursions to Navajo Bay and the Blue Caves, visiting interesting museums such as Milanio or Helmi, getting to know rare species of marine animals in the Marine National Park and land animals in the Rock Park. And, most importantly, there is a real abundance of the freshest fruits, vegetables and simply delicious food.

From the experience of raising my children, I can confirm: such trips remain in the child’s memory for the rest of his life, bringing him closer to his parents and making him feel like a truly full-fledged member of the family.

Ski holiday

Conditional areas. Descriptions and features

Every traveler who has visited Zakynthos at least once has their own idea of ​​which part of the island they prefer to live. Anyone who wants to spend time on the beach, fully surrendering to the sun and sea, will most likely choose the southern part of the island - the areas of Laganas and Kalamaki. Adherents of an active lifestyle and mountain and sea sports will probably choose to live in the central or northern part of Zakynthos: the villages of Mikro-Nisi, Alykes, etc.

Personally, I don’t particularly like living in the area of ​​the port and city center on the Greek islands, preferring quiet villages on the coast, where there are not many tourists, affordable prices and a patriarchal way of life.

Argasi

A five-minute drive from the island's capital towards the beautiful Vasilikos peninsula is the tourist resort of Argasi, where you can spend the whole day on an amazing sandy beach with crystal clear water, ideal for families with children.

In the southern part of the beach, the remains of an old Venetian bridge, who knows how they got here, attract everyone's attention.

Also in the vicinity of Argasi there is the amazing church of Panagia Skopiotissa, built in 1624, standing in the ruins of an old destroyed monastery. And in antiquity, the Temple of Artemis stood on this site.

On the central road of the village there are many shops, supermarkets, clubs, bars, restaurants, taverns and cafes and, in general, everything you might need on vacation, as well as taste dishes from Greek, Italian and international cuisines.

Despite the outward patriarchy and tranquility, the Argasi area is home to some of the best nightlife youth bars in Zakynthos and popular clubs with Greek music.

Thanks to its favorable location near the main town of Zakynthos, proximity to the sea and beaches of the Vasilikos peninsula, peace and quiet, but at the same time, vibrant nightlife, this resort is an ideal place to stay and explore the island.

Argasi provides many accommodation options from simple apartments and suites to luxurious villas and international hotels. For my part, I can recommend the small ALAS Beach Hotel, located five steps from the beach.

It may well serve as a base for a stay on Zakynthos and a comprehensive study of it, and combining all this with the wonderful opportunity to take sun and sea baths at any time of the day.

A vacation in such a place can remain in your memory for a lifetime.

Volimes

This picturesque settlement, essentially consisting of two parts: Upper and Lower, can, without exaggeration, be called the capital of the mountain villages of Zakynthos. It is located in a natural environment of stunning landscape beauty and rich vegetation. The road here lies between pine forests, olive groves, vineyards and fields of cereals and vegetables, and from above the view every now and then catches a lacy rocky coast, cut by many crevices, where tiny beaches and an endless turquoise sea are hidden to the very horizon.

In the Upper Village - Ano Volimes, you can admire the traditional architecture of the mountain villages of Greece with invariably narrow streets and an ancient stone church with a bell tower.

From the Lower Kato Volimes village you can easily go down to the coast with the beaches of Xygio, Makris Gialos, and Agios Nikolaos.

There is also the amazing Askos rock park, described in more detail in the corresponding section, the church of Agia Paraskevi with stunning frescoes, and boats depart from the beaches of Makris Gialos and Agios Nikolaos to Navaio Bay and the Blue Caves.

And the best way to end a trip to Volimes, I think, would be a good dinner in one of the small and cozy local taverns. The food and wine here are made exclusively from the freshest organic, locally produced products and, believe me, it will become another pleasant memory of this trip.

Keri

The village of Keri on the peninsula of the same name, located 19 km from the capital Zakynthos, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, has a rich history and carefully preserved traditions. As they say, the ancient Greek historian Herodotus lived here at one time.

The clean sandy beach, which overlooks the island of Marathonisi, is ideal for an unforgettable family holiday with children and romantic couples in love.

There are many taverns in the waterfront area, where you can always get a closer look at traditional Greek and Mediterranean cuisine.

Here, in a small port on the coast, you can rent a boat to move to the island of Marathonisi or go on an excursion to the nearby caves at Cape Keri.

The diving club also offers vacationers its services for organized and safe diving at the nearest points of the coast.

Features of mentality

For thousands of years, Zakynthos has been at the historical crossroads of all parts of the world, the endless movements of peoples and the interpenetration of cultures. The most significant influence on it in the Middle Ages was, of course, more than three centuries under the rule of Venice, from which the islanders never gave up trying to free themselves. Here, for example, in 1628, one of the first revolutionary uprisings in Europe broke out, drowned by the Venetians in blood, but remaining forever in the memory of the people.

Love of freedom, patriotism, respect for folk traditions, devotion to Orthodox Christianity - these traits, characteristic of any Greek, are expressed no less in the inhabitants of Zakynthos. And some ostentatious cosmopolitanism, Italian words in the local dialect, a little more openness and bravado, wit and irony make up the colorful shades of the local folk character, which can be anything, but never boring.

5 must-do things in this region

I am sure that everyone who is planning a trip to Zakynthos has included in its program a trip to Navajo Bay, a boat trip to the Blue Caves, a climb to the Venetian fortress on Bohali Hill, and an acquaintance with the famous Caretta-Caretta sea turtles on Geraka beach. To select other points on your trip, I think the recommendations in this article are enough. But even its decent volumes were not enough to describe everything that was more or less worthy of acquaintance on this wonderful island.

1. Try stewed country rooster in red wine sauce with homemade noodles (“coccora krasato me macarunes”)
2. Visit the famous confectionery "ΜΑΝΤΟΛΑΤΟ" in the capital of the island, located next to the Aegli Hotel, at Lomvardu 12, to taste the traditional local sweets produced there.
3. Take a horseback ride in the picturesque surroundings of the village of Planos, which is located above Tsilivi beach. Inexperienced riders can take riding lessons here, and for children there are calm Scottish ponies.
4. Whoever is lucky enough to vacation in Zakynthos in July should attend the concerts of the annual jazz festival, where musicians not only from Greece, but also from Germany, France, and other countries gather.
5. Sit in the Votsalo tavern in the town of Marathias on the western coast of Laganas Bay, enjoying the combination of a stunning sea view and the unique aroma of Greek cuisine. The walls of the tavern, columns and floors themselves are interesting with traditional finishing techniques, like mosaics and sea pebbles.

Taxi. What features exist

In Greece, a uniform tariff for taxi services is established by law. But island taxi drivers, spoiled by the abundance of tourists, pretend that they don’t know him. And arguing with them is usually useless; even a statement to the island’s tourist police most often does not help: many islanders are related to each other.

Therefore, before getting into a taxi at a parking lot near the port or somewhere in the city, you should ask the driver the approximate price of the future trip, and, once you get into the car, make sure that he turns on the meter. And you shouldn’t walk around the parking lot looking for a cheaper option. Most likely you won't find it! Trade union solidarity is more important than personal gain. Conclusion - it is best to come to terms with the proposed circumstances! Sometimes it is cheaper to rent a car at the nearest Rent-a-Car office.

A car ordered by phone arrives with the meter already turned on, which may contain a considerable amount - this should also be anticipated. And don’t be surprised when, having picked up a car at the port, you wait a long time for the start of the trip, watching how the driver collects a full cabin of passengers - these are the local rules and traditions. At the same time, the cost of the trip is not divided between clients - each new arrival will pay the full amount according to the meter. But if you rent a car as a couple, family or group, you will only pay one tariff.

And if you already got into the car, chat with the driver, admire the beauties of Greece and Zakynthos, take his business card with a phone number - you see, next time he will lower the price of the “old friend” a little.

Public transport

Buses of the local island network depart from the ΚΤΕΛ station of the main city of the island to its other settlements: Laganas, Kalamaki, Argasi, Vasiliko, Tsilivi, Porto Roma, Volimes, Agrilia, passing the popular beaches described above along the way.

The ticket price for all flights is 1.80 EUR, except for the mountain route to Volimes - 3.60 EUR.

Transport rental

Renting a car or motorbike in summer in Greece is not difficult. Prices for these services are quite affordable, starting from 30–40 EUR for a car and 20 for a motorcycle. I advise ATV enthusiasts who have previously only driven on the plains to be extremely careful - narrow mountain roads can be extremely treacherous!

To rent, you only need an international driver's license, and the driving experience must not be less than 1 year. A client’s credit card immediately forces the staff to be much more polite and courteous. Be sure to take a map of the island and a business card with the company’s phone number from the office. The insurer's telephone number is usually listed in the rental agreement.

You can view offers from different rental companies.

In the tourist areas of Greece, it is an unspoken agreement that pedestrians, cyclists and bikers have priority in traffic. Therefore, be prepared to trudge at a snail’s pace behind a group of tourists walking right in the middle of the road. And honking is considered bad manners.

Three-quarters of Zakynthos' territory is mountainous, although not the steepest or most dangerous in Greece, but nevertheless requiring careful and attentive driving.

You also need to be extremely careful in the narrow streets of mountain villages. Very often the road here can go up or down sharply after a sharp turn. I am constantly surprised in such places by Greek bus drivers who manage to drive through streets where, it would seem, even one pedestrian must give way to another in order to disperse.

Also an aggregation of prices from all rental companies, all in one place, let's go!

Anything to add?