– an incredibly beautiful place, sung by poets for thousands of years. It's magnificent and untouched nature, the most picturesque views, a variety of bright saturated colors and kilometers of wonderful sandy beaches. It is no wonder that the island of Zakynthos is often called the “Greek flower of the Mediterranean”. Everywhere here you can feel the enchanting aroma emanating from numerous coniferous forests, ever-flowering plants and citrus fruits. The island of Zakynthos is the only one in Greece that has the status of " Nature reserve».
The island of Zakynthos is the southernmost in the archipelago of the Ionian Islands, which are washed by azure warm waters Mediterranean Sea, part of which is here called Ionian. Only thirty-five thousand people live on Zakynthos local residents, but their number increases significantly with the influx of tourists coming here on vacation from different parts of the world. Basically, the beaches are concentrated in the eastern part of the island, they are sandy, with a smooth, gentle entrance to the sea, in the western part of the island there is a rocky terrain, in the northern part of the coast there are many cozy picturesque coves, many of them can only be reached by sea.
- capital of Zakynthos. Capital Greek island Zakynthos is the city of Zakynthos, but the Greek islanders call it Chora. This is an ancient town located on the hilly slope of Bokhali, overgrown with dense vegetation, on the seashore. It has been able to preserve its age-old flavor and individuality to this day. Unfortunately, the island was hit by a devastating earthquake in 1953, damaging many historical monuments and buildings, but Chora was restored and today you can once again admire beautiful sights, including Venetian-style mansions in the traditional ocher color, with porticos and loggias. Many tourists vacationing in other resorts on the island of Zakynthos love to come here to enjoy leisurely walks along the old streets, visit the historical sights of Zakynthos and local museums, and take memorable photos of architectural monuments.
What to see in the capital of the island of Zakynthos?
- this is the current one Orthodox church, built in honor of the heavenly patron of the island, located on the shore of the bay of the city of Zakynthos. The temple is one of the few ancient historical buildings on the island of Zakynthos that survived the powerful earthquake of 1953. This beautiful church amazes tourists with its amazingly beautiful frescoes, numerous carved details decorating the interior, wonderful stained glass windows and ancient icons. And the main shrine of this temple is the silver shrine, where the relics of St. Dionysius are kept; it is constantly open for worship and prayers of pilgrims. Near the church there is an interesting religious museum, where the exhibition includes ancient icons, various robes of clergy, church books and utensils for worship. On the twenty-fourth of August - on the day of remembrance of the saint, all residents of Zakynthos, pilgrims from all over Greece and from other countries flock here to attend the solemn service. Entrance to the church is free and free, but to the museum there is a fee of two euros.
This church stands on Solomos Square on the edge of the embankment. It is located in the oldest Venetian building that survived the earthquake. The church was built in 1561 in honor of St. Nicholas, the heavenly patron of sailors. At first, the temple was built on an island, and a small bridge connected it to the city, but then the island was connected to the city embankment by creating an artificial embankment. The temple was built in a beautiful Renaissance style, except for its Byzantine bell tower.
– crowns the top of Bokhali Hill. On the territory of the fortress there is an ancient castle; once the capital of the island of Zakynthos was located here. Now all that remains of the majestic fortress walls are romantic ruins, and even those are overgrown with pine trees. Only the gunpowder warehouse and the prison building are well preserved from the ancient building. But there is an observation deck here, and for the sake of the mesmerizing panorama that opens from it, tourists go up.
Zakynthos Island- this is one of the most memorable places on our planet, whose picturesque coves are bordered by slender rocks piercing turquoise sea waters. These are the types of landscapes that can be seen on postcards advertising holidays in this Greek Mediterranean paradise.
Particularly popular among tourists is the main natural attraction of Zakynthos - Navajo Bay, where the rusty wreck of the ship "Panagiotis" lies. Navajo is located at the northwestern tip of the island, but can only be reached from the sea. This place is known for its beauty and personality all over the world. The name of the bay, translated, means “Shipwreck”, and it appeared in 1980, when a ship transporting contraband to Italy washed ashore along with its cargo. It fit so well into the natural landscape that it was decided to leave it here. Now it is an integral part of Navagio Bay, in the shade of which tourists love to relax, admiring the surf. The water in this bay is bright blue, sometimes it changes its hue to milky blue. This color is due to the fact that water enters the sea from underwater sources hiding under the coastal rocks, and it contains highly concentrated calcium compounds, which gives such an unusual shade. Tourists from the resorts of Zakynthos are delivered to Navajo Bay on liners or small boats. They are given time - an hour and a half - to swim and sunbathe to their heart's content on the wonderful snow-white sandy beach, and take memorable photos of these beautiful places. The price of such a cruise is twenty-five euros per tourist.
Zakynthos is rich in picturesque natural panoramas and many hidden corners of the coast. Its completely unique coastline The Ionian Sea is riddled with many mysterious grottoes and beautiful caves.
– are located in the northern part of the island of Zakynthos, on the territory of the Greek village of Volims. But the Blue Caves themselves can only be reached from the sea by boat. This is the most famous natural attraction in Greece throughout the world, protected by law, however, entry for tourists is free. Inside the cave, anyone will feel like they are in a surreal world; the water here is bright blue, it reflects on the walls with a mystical shine. Here you can dive into it from a boat and swim. The depth reaches four meters, but the water is so clean and transparent that you can see every pebble at the bottom. By the way, after swimming in this water, saturated with minerals, the skin becomes very tender and soft, like a baby’s. The largest of the Blue Caves is “Kianoun”, mainly tourist boats and boats approach it. The best time to take a tour of the Blue Caves is at sunrise or sunset, when they are especially beautiful. During this excursion you will take a ride under unusual rock arches of natural origin, carved by water and the natural process of erosion many thousands of years ago. A trip to the Blue Caves of Zakynthos is especially popular among divers. They talk about unforgettable experiences after diving here.
Monasteries and churches of the Greek island of Zakynthos is a popular place of Christian pilgrimage. Many of the island's holy places are located high in the mountains. But this does not diminish the desire of believers to visit shrines and pray to miraculous icons and relics of saints for well-being, health and peace.
– located in the village of Maherado. Every year many pilgrims come here to venerate the miraculous icon of this saint, whose prayers can heal the afflicted. The church is a simple basilica with a high thirty-seven-meter Venetian bell tower. They say that the ringing of the bells of the Church of St. Maura is the most melodic in all of Greece. Church of Saint Maura - famous historical monument Zakynthos, but in 2005 there was a strong fire, in which its interior burned out. From that time on, active restoration of the church began, which continues to this day. Pilgrims come here for the patronal feast, which falls on the third of May, although its celebration falls on the period from the first to the tenth of July annually.
- an Orthodox shrine of Zakynthos and Greece, from the outside it is very similar to a castle. Here is the church where Saint Dionysius worked as a monk and died. Here he was buried until 1717, when his incorrupt relics were transported to the city of Zakynthos.
Or the Monastery of Our Lady of Liberation - located in the village of Lagopodo. It stands high on a hill, completely rebuilt after the 1953 earthquake. This is very a nice place island of Zakynthos, attracting not only pilgrims, but also tourists who take excellent photographs of the surrounding area. In the monastery you can buy beautiful embroidery and icons, which are made by the nuns themselves.
There are many authentic places on the island of Zakynthos resort towns and villages where tourists come to rest. We will briefly talk about a few of the most popular ones.
- a small town, four kilometers from the city of Zakynthos, you can get from it to the capital and back on an excursion train that constantly runs between the cities, or you can walk, enjoying the beauty of these places along the way. This resort town is a place where constant fun reigns, life here does not stop either day or night: noise, music, crowds of vacationers on the beaches - during daylight hours, streets and embankment illuminated with thousands of lights - in the evening, noise and rhythms of incendiary music in nightclubs and discos, bars, cafes and restaurants crowded with tourists - and all this is Argassi! Holidays at the Argassi resort in Zakynthos are chosen by both young people and married couples. The structure of Argassa beach is sand and pebbles. Occasionally there are floating algae in the water. Here tourists will be able to get a wide range of different water activities. There are many pubs, bars, restaurants, karaoke and discos near the beach.
– is located seven kilometers from the island capital. This place is preferred for relaxation by people who love silence, as well as couples with children and retirees. Kalamaki resort is famous developed infrastructure, here the emphasis is on a great beach holiday. There are many hotels in the city of various categories and prices. On the main city street there are numerous shops, cafes, bars, and for little vacationers there is a water park and an amusement park. The beaches of the resort are covered with clean and soft golden sand, vacationers are provided with ample opportunities for active recreation: from banal bun and banana riding to yachting, there are volleyball and basketball courts, you can go bowling.
- smoothly flows from the Kalamaki resort, merging with its infrastructure. Laganas - youth resort town, a popular party place among young people vacationing in Zakynthos. Here are the coolest clubs where you can have fun: “Moulin Rouge”, “Rescue”, “Bad Boys”, “Wild Cats”. But in addition to numerous noisy entertainment venues, there are also quiet natural corners where you can meet huge carriage turtles and black seals. The resort of Laganas is the place where one of the cleanest Greek beaches, which stretches for nine kilometers, this beach is partly a protected area because rare turtles have chosen it to lay their eggs there. Here you can follow their life in their natural environment. As for water activities on Laganas Beach, there are rentals of catamarans, canoes, and small boats. This beach is shallow and covered with pleasant fine sand, making it perfect for families with children. A big plus is that there are almost no waves here!
– located five kilometers from Zakynthos. This is an active place beach holiday. There are plenty of opportunities to have fun and usefully: you can go windsurfing, water parachuting, and diving. For lovers of nightlife, we recommend visiting one of the local bars or restaurants on the embankment. It’s also good here for families with children or people who prefer to sleep peacefully at night, since there are no noisy discos and nightclubs. Tsilivi beach is one of the cleanest on the island. Its structure is sandy, the sand is grayish and very fine. There is shallow water here, the water is always warm, and you don’t get algae. Water sports can only be practiced away from the shore. The wind always picks up in the afternoon, making Civili Beach a favorite spot for surfers.
– is located sixteen kilometers from Zakynthos. This place will be ideal for a holiday with children. The fact is that the resort is famous for its beaches with fine golden sand, a gentle entrance to the sea, calm waters, and also shallow waters. Outside the city there is an excellent sandy beach called Gerakas. The sea here is always warm and shallow. There is an opportunity for recreation for disabled people - there is a ramp for accessing the water in a wheelchair.
They have different categories: there are luxurious world-class five-star hotels, more modest but very good four-star hotels and budget three-star hotels. Almost all island hotels prefer to operate on the all-inclusive system, which is popular among vacationing tourists. Almost every hotel has gyms, sports grounds, tennis courts, conference rooms, beauty salons and so on. Many hotels on the island of Zakynthos offer their guests babysitting services, children's playgrounds and rooms, cribs, children's menus and so on.
Zakynthos Island – paradise With the most beautiful mountains, emerald valley, many artesian springs, pine forests, thickets of olives, citrus fruits, grapes, attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. And it is not necessary to go here on vacation in the summer months, since the climate in Zakynthos is very mild and warm all year round. IN summer days It's sunny and dry here. The air temperature in the period from the beginning of May to the end of October varies from twenty-five to thirty degrees Celsius, and the water in the Ionian Sea warms up from twenty-five to twenty-eight degrees. But it’s not cold here in winter either – the average temperature is plus fifteen degrees.
How to get to Zakynthos Island from Russia? In summer until international airport the island of Zakynthos, located six kilometers from the island capital of Zakynthos, fly charter flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg. The flight time from Moscow will be three hours and twenty minutes, from St. Petersburg - four hours.
The wonderful island of Greece - Zakynthos - is a place that, having visited once, you will return again and again, missing the amazing beauty of the Ionian coast, intoxicating pine and citrus aromas, beautiful and endless golden beaches.
Zakynthos Island stands out from other Greek islands due to its natural beauty and unique underwater world. Rocks and mountains in the west, densely forested hills and plains, olive groves, endless sandy snow-white beaches 123 km long, clear blue sea, secluded bays and bays, underwater caves and sunken ships - an excellent place for relaxation and water activities.
The island of Zakynthos and 2 small islands nearby have formed a marine natural park reserve since 1999. This is a natural habitat dolphins, seabirds, rare species harbor seals - monk seals (Monachus), snails and Caretta Caretta turtles, porcupines, iguanas, etc.
Map of Zakynthos island with cities and resorts.
Zakynthos Island is one of the 7 islands of Greece in the Ionian Sea. It is conveniently located 18 km from the coast of the Peloponnese Peninsula and 15 km from the island. Kefalonia. Direct flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg to summer season from May to mid-October, as well as flights within the country (from Athens, Argostoli, Corfu) and regular ferry services make the island. Zakynthos is accessible and attractive to tourists.
Extended sandy beaches, resort towns, villages and tourist complexes occupy mainly the northeastern and southeastern parts of the island. It is worth noting that the island does not experience a shortage of hotels. There is a wide range of developed tourist infrastructure of hotels of various categories: from 2* and above, to specialized spa hotels.
Resorts and cities of Zakynthos Island.
The capital of Zakynthos Island is Zakynthos town. This modern city, rebuilt after the 1953 earthquake. Zakynthos - center cultural life Islands, it regularly hosts music festivals and cultural programs. Sights of Zakynthos: Strata Marina promenade; St. Mark's Square; Church of St. Dionysius; Church of St. Nicholas; Museum of Byzantine Art; Maritime Museum.
East of the capital, just 4 km, is Agrassi resort- a developed tourism center with nightlife, hotels, shops, beaches, water activities, restaurants and clubs.
6 km west of Zakynthos there is another dynamic Tsilivi town. This is a beautiful resort with Blue Flag sandy beaches, all kinds of water activities, attractions, olive groves and gardens in the surrounding area.
A little further west (18 km from the capital) is resort town of Alikanas. This is the most developed resort in terms of water sports. All young people usually come here for entertainment, extreme and active recreation.
The most famous resorts the islands are located in the bay Laganas. This is a resort Laganas and Kalamaki village, which is 5-9 km from the capital of the island. Beaches of Laganas Bay spread over 9 km. They partly belong to the national marine park: caretta-caretta turtles breed here (access to the beach is closed to tourists at night).
Vasilikos Peninsula beautiful sandy beaches combined with small pebbles and convenient entry into the clear sea. The natural beauty of these places gives peace and tranquility, however, there is also something to do for active tourists. Some beaches are included in the National marine park-reserve and are periodically or partially closed. Vasilikos is represented by beaches: Ionion, Gerakas(Gerakas), Porto Romo, Porto Zoro, Banana, Daphne(Dafni), Mavrantzi, Sekania and Agios Nikolaos(Agios Nikolaos).
How much does a holiday on the Greek islands cost?
Tours to the island of Zakynthos in 2019 from Moscow and St. Petersburg
Tours to the island of Zakynthos in Greece in the summer of 2019 are offered by the best tour operators in the Greek direction: Mouzenidis Travel(Mouzenidis Travel), Panteon (Pantheon), TUI. Choose the best package tour among offers from all tour operators to the island of Zakynthos with direct flights from Moscow or St. Petersburg.
Tours to the island of Zakynthos in 2019 are based on departure:
from Moscow on Wednesdays and Saturdays from May 25 to October 5.
from St. Petersburg on Thursdays from May 30 to September 26.
Cost of living in hotels on the island. Zakynthos
Sights of the island of Zakynthos in Greece.
The underwater world around Zakynthos is very beautiful. The western part of the Island and the northern part, in the area of Cape Skinari, are especially rich in natural attractions.
Blue Caves o. Zakynthos
It's worth noting here: Keri caves, the largest Azure Cave of Kianoun, Blue Caves.
Three stone arches rise majestically above the emerald sea: sailing between them will take your breath away! Perhaps these are the most memorable views, which can rival in beauty only the views Navagio Bays.
Navagio Bay o. Zakynthos Greece
One of the most popular attractions on the island of Zakynthos - this is Navagio Bay, surrounded by steep cliffs covered with greenery, with beautiful snow-white sandy beach (Navagio Beach) and a shipwrecked ship in 1967. Co observation deck at the top of the cliff there is a stunning view, which is deservedly included in the top 10 beautiful places on the ground. Navagio Bay is located on the western side of the island of Zakynthos. You can only get to this heavenly secluded place from the sea.
Zakynthos Island is a great place for diving:
- Butterfly Cave – Papelon;
- Triumphal Arch;
- Blue Caves;
- Keri Caves;
- Watching the Caretta Caretta turtles that come every year and lay their eggs on the beaches of Laganas and Gerakas. In mid-August you can see small turtles hatching from their eggs and heading out to sea.
Sights of Zakynthos Island:
- Rich underwater world;
- Caves, bays and grottoes on the island of Zakynthos;
- Askos Park;
- Water Village water park in Sarakinado village;
- Horseback riding in Laganas;
- Bicycle, walking, sea excursions;
- National Marine Park (caretta-caretta turtles);
- Turtle Island – Marathonissi. Excursions depart from the city of Keri.
- Orchid garden in the village of Agios Nikolaos;
- Maritime Museum and Observatory in the resort of Tsilivi;
- The capital of the island is the city of Zakynthos;
- Ancient churches and ruins medieval fortress at the resort of Agrassi;
- Village of Kampi, Mycenaean burials;
- Kerion Village with preserved Venetian-style mansions.
- Excursion to the island Kefalonia with a visit caves Drogarati Cave.
Come to the island of Zakynthos and you will see the majestic and serene beauty of the land!
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).
Ionian Islands Many travelers visiting Greece for the first time choose this place for their holiday. Moderate climate, pleasant air and water temperatures, lush vegetation, absence of strong winds, abundance attractions and unique places explain the tourist attraction of the picturesque islands in the Ionian Sea.
Zakynthos Island (Zakynthos)- the pearl of the Ionian Islands. Emerald water of picturesque bays and snow-white sand, grottoes and caves, a marine reserve and Shipwreck Beach, hotels for every taste and budget, dishes national cuisine will make your holiday in Zakynthos unforgettable. There are so many interesting things here! The journey to paradise island begins.
Ancient legend about Zakynthos
The amazing island is so beautiful that the Greeks created the same legend about its origin. God almost created the Earth. Only the finishing touches remain. The Creator's gaze fell on the emerald waters of the Ionian Sea. God smiled and threw him into the sea water a handful of sparkling gems. At the site of their fall, the Ionian Islands and the paradise island of Zakynthos arose.
The name of the island was given in honor Zakynthos, son of the Phrygian king. Later, Odysseus' grandfather conquered the beautiful land. The inhabitants of the island, together with Odysseus, conquered Troy.
During the Roman Empire, Zaninthos was autonomous. In subsequent centuries, the island was owned by the Normans, Venetians, and French. The island came under Greek control in 1864. Currently, the island is a cultural, tourist and environmental center.
Nature of Zakynthos
Everywhere you look - around indescribable beauty. These words accurately describe the island of Zakynthos. Snow-white sandy beaches, famous Navagio Bay, mountains and steep cliffs on the western coast of the island of Zakynthos in Greece, luxurious olive groves, emerald green forests, hills and plains, cozy coves and bays delight tourists.
Near the island there are several underwater caves and grottoes. Most famous:
- Papelon – butterfly cave.
- Blue caves with azure-colored water.
- Keri Caves with soft blue water where you can swim. Perfect place for diving.
- Fantastic Azure Grotto with clear azure water.
- Arches of Marathas – natural formations, resembling a real bridge.
Resorts and beaches of Zakynthos
Resort areas there are several on the island and you can see their location on the map of Zakynthos. Let's meet the best.
Lanagas
Noisy, youth recreation area. This includes the village of Kalamaki. 9 km of snow-white sand, azure sea, picturesque surroundings. The coolest hotels in Zakynthos are located here.
The beaches of Lanagas partly fall within the zone national marine park . They are closed at night. Caretta caretta turtles lay their eggs here.
Popular nightclubs, beauty salons, and an excellent spa area are located in Lanagas. Avid party-goers come here.
Zakynthos
Capital islands. There is an excellent cultural program here. Music festivals take place. The city will be interesting for history buffs. There are many churches, temples, and museums in Zakynthos.
Argassi village
More reasonable prices than on Lanagas. The resort is ideal for surfing, swimming, and water parasailing. Wonderful underwater views for divers. Night life it's in full swing here.
Tsilivi town
Luxurious sandy beaches have an award for cleanliness. There are a lot of attractions here. Beautiful olive groves and huge gardens create stunningly beautiful landscapes. Waiting for guests many water activities.
Resort town of Alykanas
Water sports are developed, including extreme ones. Those who appreciate it will like it here leisure. There are a lot of young people in Alykanas. Note! It’s good to relax on Alykes with children. The sea there is shallow. For divers and fans of outdoor activities, Tsilivi, Agios Nikolaos and Alykanas are suitable. There are secluded coves and quiet places on the beaches of Daphni, Amoudi, and Makris.
Hotels in Zakynthos Island
Good service, reasonable prices, a large number of 3 and 4 star hotels, good location allow us to recommend hotels on the island of Zakynthos for holidays different categories of tourists.
For demanding guests There are 5-star grand hotels, boutique hotels and luxury villas. There are both large hotel complexes and secluded corners.
Cost of living:
- the average price of a 3-star hotel is up to 1.5 thousand rubles for a double room;
- The average price of a 4-star hotel is about 3 thousand rubles. for two;
- for a double room in a fashionable hotel you need to pay from 3.5 – 4.4 thousand rubles;
- a villa for a family of four will cost 9 thousand rubles. per day;
- all-inclusive hotels depending on the star rating - 1.5 - 3.5 thousand rubles. room for two. The complexes are smaller in size than in Egypt or Turkey.
Taverns of Zakynthos. Prices
Taverns offer traditional dishes. Try it local delicacies: fried cheese with aromatic herbs, baked lamb, meat with baked vegetables, rabbit in garlic sauce, Greek moussaka, Turkish delight, famous Greek salad, aromatic coffee. Lunch or dinner for two will cost 30-40 euros. Grilled seafood with a glass of local wine – 20-30 euros.
The owner will treat you to fruits, sweets and new wine.
Nightlife and entertainment in Zakynthos
Fashionable clubs, parties, glittering lights, fiery music and dancing until you drop await tourists in Lanagas, in Tsilivi, in Argassi.
More than 50 nightclubs, discos and strip bars are open to guests on Lanagas in May-September.
Most Popular:
- Rescue Club– fire shows, great bar. Spectacular light and sound installation.
- Enigma Cocktail bar– exotic cocktails, new contemporary music.
- Irish Pub– a popular Irish pub delights with dozens of beers and wonderful cocktails. There are 2 DJs. They play the music of yesteryear, the melodies of distant Ireland. Electronic music awaits guests until midnight.
- Planet Club in Tsilivi– big bar, great dance floor. Modern melodies.
Sights of Zakynthos
Visit:
- Navagio Bay;
- caves and grottos;
- water park in the village of Sarakinado;
- orchid garden in Agios Nikolaios;
- Mycenaean burials;
- turtle park;
- ruins of ancient fortresses;
- ancient churches and temples;
- Kefalonia island;
- observatory and maritime museum on Tsilivi;
- city of Zakynthos.
Tourists enjoy horseback riding in the outskirts of cities, hiking and cycling excursions in the mountains, and boat trips. Getting to know the underwater world will leave an indelible mark on your soul.
Zaninthos National Marine Park
In 1999, a marine reserve was created to protect the good-natured sea turtles and preserve their population. The area of the marine park is 13.5 hectares. No wonder Zakynthos is often called "turtle paradise". Hundreds of turtles have lived in the warm Ionian Sea for millions of years. In summer they lay eggs on beaches. The reserve is inhabited by rare and endangered species– porcupines, iguanas, dolphins, monk seals, exotic birds. Fishing is prohibited here. You can observe the animals during an excursion on a boat with a transparent bottom.
How to get to Zakynthos island
From May to the end of September From St. Petersburg and Moscow, charter flights fly to Zakynthos once a week. If you are vacationing in Greece, you can get to the paradise island from Athens by plane or from Corfu. From Kefalonia to Zakynthos they go sea vessels, from the port of Killini - ferry.
And finally, we invite you to enjoy video, filmed on the island of Zakynthos (Zakynthos).
Fresh air, blue of the warm Ionian Sea, luxurious sandy beaches, interesting excursions, leisure, picturesque nature awaits guests of Zakynthos. There are resorts for young people and couples, for families with children and extreme athletes. A wide selection of hotels, reasonable prices, and delicious dishes will delight tourists. Zakynthos is an ideal place for a great holiday.
And after returning from the island of Zakynthos, photo of this place will delight your friends and bring you back to this paradise.
The southernmost of the six main Ionian islands, Zakynthos (new Greek name Zakynthos), combines underdevelopment with indiscriminate, rampant commercialization. Much of the island is still green and pristine, tourism develops in well-defined enclaves, and the main resorts seem to manage to grow without particularly damaging the quiet outskirts. The island is clearly divided into three zones: the bare, mountainous northwest; fertile middle plain; both eastern and southern shore filled with resorts. Largest resort, a rival to its colleagues on , Laganas on the southern bay of the same name serves as a 24-hour party platform and does not give up its position from Easter until the last flight in October. There are smaller resorts to the north and south of the capital, while the southern Vasilikos peninsula has beautiful countryside and beaches, including the luxurious Yerakas.
Although high-rise buildings with apartments for visitors and even factories have already appeared on the central plain, this is where the relatively peaceful part of the island begins: rural estates, vineyards, ancient villages and the ruins of Venetian buildings destroyed by earthquakes in 1948 and 1953. The island still produces good wines, for example, white Popolare, as well as nougat in Mandolato powdered sugar - the best variety is sweetened with honey. Zakynthos is the birthplace of the cantades song genre, and these ballads are heard in the taverns of Zakynthos and throughout the island. Loggerhead sea turtles breed in Laganas Bay. There are no shortage of such places in the world, and since the species is in danger of extinction, fierce disputes between the greedy tourism industry and environmentalists continue unabated.
The business southern edge of the island is the Vasilikos peninsula, dominated by the Argassi resort, where vacationers go on package tours, and the vast Laganas Bay with the resort of the same name, where visitors mainly flock. At the far southwestern edge of the bay, near the village of Keri, the first in a series of villages on the sparsely populated western shore, the terrain becomes mountainous.
Resort Argassi
The road leaving Zakynthos to the southeast passes through the liveliest resort on this side of the Argassi, although the local beach in some places is no wider than a couple of meters. For those traveling on their own, it is probably better to look a little further for accommodation, however, the resort is convenient as a starting point for forays deep into the Vasilikos peninsula, and if you really need to stay, try visiting the Vaso or Soula guesthouse, both on the highway, closer to the entrance to the village, and The waterfront features sophisticated hotels such as Locanda and Iliessa Beach. The culture of the local taverns does not rise above the “Greek nights”, the more striking exception being Venetsiana, in which Greek National food accompanied by nightly cantades. Argassi has several discos, they are the largest and most popular on the urban half of the island, including Vivlos and Barrage, and there are countless cheap and cheerful bars.
Vasilikos Peninsula
The peninsula stretching from Argassi to the southeast seems to be perhaps the most attractive part of the island: progress is happily combined with natural beauty. On various maps, various points in the outback are vaguely designated as “Vasilikos villages,” but only a series of seaside resorts, mainly on the eastern shore, are truly interesting. The first two are the newly developed Caminha, where comfortable Levantine rooms are rented, and the more established Porto Zoro, with a much better beach spit, on which stands the moderately priced Porto Zoro hotel with a restaurant of the same name. Further inland, amenities can be found in the sprawling village of Ano Vasilikos - this is because it is necessary to serve holidaymakers on two beaches nearby - Ionio and Banana. Among other places you can stay there are the Vassilikos apartments on the highway and the Angelika apartments near the church.
Among the taverns on the highway, Kostas’Brother and Gallos are recommended, the latter with French-influenced cuisine, and the Logos bar has excellent drinks. Isolated Agios Nikolaos beckons nice beach from Argassi, Kalamaki and Laganas, offering day excursions on a free bus during the season. The expanding Vassilikos Beach hotel complex occupies the heart of the fast-growing village, which already has plenty of restaurants and rooms to rent: choosing the neat little hideaway Christina's is one of the best deals imaginable on the island, and it has a pleasant environment.
At the very tip of the peninsula lies its star treasure - Yerakas, a delightful crescent of golden sand. Here is also one of those spots that loggerheads have chosen for breeding. The beach is therefore closed to the public from dusk to dawn, but the excellent Turtle Information Center offers a lot of information about this species and other sea creatures. But there is almost nothing else, except for a trio of taverns near the beach - it is recommended to visit To Triodi. It is better to book accommodation in advance through a British agency. The beach attracts crowds of sunbathers, but if you leave by bus at 6:00, you can enjoy Yerakas almost to yourself for several hours.
Compared to Yerakas, Porto Roma, on the eastern shore and closer to Argassi, is disappointing: sand and pebbles on the shore of a tiny bay, there is a tavern and a bar, rooms are rented by the highway, and sometimes unauthorized bivouacs are arranged by especially persistent lovers of spending the night in the fresh air. Nevertheless, some special, Greek spirit is felt in the place. On west bank there is only one beach worth visiting - Daphne, where a paved road now leads. There are a couple of tavernas on the beach, including the excellent Mela Beach.
Resorts Laganas and Kalamaki
Most of the hundreds of thousands of people who come to Zakynthos every year end up in the resort of Laganas. The beach - 9 kilometers around the bay - is good, although trampled, and the range of entertainment is immense: from water sports to flying balloons, sometimes there is also an amusement park. The line of coastal bars and restaurants stretches for over a kilometer, and the same good kilometer goes along the main street of the village deep into the island. There are establishments open around the clock.
Others are content to play deafeningly loud music until dawn. The competition between video bars and music bars turns Laganas at night into a sequence of shots from the movie Bladerunner, but this is exactly what guests from, and here they are in the majority, like. If this suits you too, then you couldn’t find a better place on the planet, but if not, then rather put your feet in your hands and go. Almost all of the housing and entire floors are bought by tour operators selling travel packages, but on the southern outskirts there is a simple campsite and they also rent out rooms, where, by the way, it is quieter, or contact the Homeowners Association (daily 8:30-14:00 and 17:00 -20:00).
For hotels, try your luck at the old-fashioned Byzantio, near the crossroads, or at the Tasoula boarding house between the beach and the campsite, or at the larger Ionis hotel on the main street, on the way to the beach. Among the most authentic traditional taverns are Dionysos in the middle of the main street of the village and Zougras, which, not reaching the river on the road to Kalamaki, and in the second cantades performers perform almost every night, and you can appreciate quite decent Chinese and Indian cuisine in Butterfly and Estia, respectively. The Kamikazi and Potters bars gained the greatest popular love, while popular clubs like Zeros and End, which are more relaxed.
In neighboring Kalamaki the beach is better than in Laganas, and generally quieter, although the sounds of the nearby airport are sometimes annoying. More or less large hotels count on guests with vouchers, however Crystal Beach rents out rooms, and the Spring Tours agency, which operates throughout the island, helps you find temporary housing. Both Stanis taverns have extensive menus with Greek and international dishes, but the one on the beach is more geared towards lunch, while its sister is more geared towards the evenings. A great alternative is Zepo's near the beach, there are several places that offer traditional cuisine. Nightlife is happening in bars like Fire and Down Under on the road to Laganas and in the discos Cave Club and Byzantio on the hillside above the village, where foreign and Greek dance music is played.
Keri village
The village of Keri is hidden in a rocky fold above the cliffs that rise above the southernmost tip of the island. In the village, some Venetian buildings survived, which were spared by the earthquake, including the Church of Panagia Keriou (Our Lady of Keri): The Most Pure One, they say, once saved the island from being plundered by pirates by hiding it behind thick fog.
A rough path after 1 kilometer leads from the southern outskirts of the village to the lighthouse, where it would be a shame not to admire the sea, rocky arches, piles of stones, or sit in a tavern. Next to Limni-Keriu, who turned into a lazy and picturesque resort, the beach is home to the Turtle Beach Diving Center.
Arrange for rooms at the friendly Limnv guesthouse or look for accommodation through the local Homeowners Association. For food, go to Poseidon, located by the bay on the far edge of the village, or to the Keri restaurant, which serves good standard dishes.
West coast of Zakynthos island
Buses do not reach the wild western edge of the island and to get there you need to rent a car or a more powerful motorcycle. Nestled among beautiful and fertile highlands - fields surrounded by olive groves and orchards - Macherado boasts architecture that has not been damaged by the earthquake.
The Church of Ayia Mavra has a beautiful bell tower, and the church itself is notable for its richly carved iconostasis and icons. The main holiday of the village, one of the most magnificent on the island, is the day of remembrance of Mavra, celebrated on the first Sunday in June. Another notable church in the village is the Bogoroditskaya Panayia, from the porch of which there are breathtaking views of the middle plain.
But the best place to get acquainted with the architecture that adorned the entire island before the earthquake is in Kiliomeno with its traditional two-story houses. At first, the village was named after its own - Nikolskaya - church of Agios Nikolaos, where they began to build a bell tower more than 100 years ago, and it already makes a deep impression, but to this day it does without a roof.
Taverna Alitzerini (usually lunch only) still occupies the cave house built in 1630 and serves excellent traditional food. The road from Kiliomeno passes through the nondescript village of Agios Leon, after which you can turn either onto fertile plains or downhill along a recently paved bypass road to the impressive rocky coastline at Limnyonas, where there is a cove and tavern.
Even further, the highway turns to the village of Kambi, perched on the top of a cliff - the village is frequented by excursionists who admire the sunset over the sea here, fortunately, from a height of 300 meters the views will not let you down, and for ease of observation it is worth going to one of the three taverns facing the west . The best of them is named after the concrete cross (Greek name stavros) erected over the village in memory of the villagers killed in the 1940s by both Greek royal soldiers and the Nazis.
The only way to the shore on this side of Zakynthos leads through the village of Maryes, in a wooded green ravine 5 kilometers to the north: 7 kilometers of a completely passable track descend to the rocky cove of Stenitis, where there is a tavern and a yacht pier, and also the beginning of another road to the far the inspiring Vromi Bay, from where speedboats go to To Navajo (Shipwreck) Bay.
North of Zakynthos Island
The center of tourism in this part of the island is the interconnecting resorts of Tsilivi and Planos, a few kilometers north of the capital. Further north, a string of tiny beaches begins, and the lush outback landscape is dotted with picturesque villages. Behind the Alykes resort, as you approach the far tip of the island - Cape Skinari, the coast becomes more uneven and jagged, and in the mountain hinterland hides the center of the knitting industry - Volimes.
Tsilivi resort, Planos village and surroundings
Leaving from Zakynthos to the north and deep into the island, the road winds past luxurious farmland and mound-like hills. The first local seaside resort, Tsilivi, 5 kilometers north of the capital, essentially merges with the neighboring village of Planos and competes with Argassi in terms of development and construction.
Unfortunately, the local shores often suffer from oil pollution, which can only be removed with winter storms. Behind Planos there is a good, albeit no-frills Zante campsite, and despite the fact that preference is given to numerous vacationers on expensive packages, there is surprisingly a lot of available accommodation: check out the coastal hotel Anetis: all rooms have air conditioning and TVs, or try renting a room from Gregory's.
Tsilivi Travel, located on the road leading from the town deep into the island, also helps with housing. Of the handful of tourist taverns, The Olive Tree is the best, while Passage to India offers both Chinese and Indian cuisine. Beer pubs like Mambo Club or Planet Pub tend to cater to the British crowd, or at least emulate British pubs.
The further along the coast, the quieter and more pleasant the beaches, and everywhere there is at least some rental housing and a decent selection of restaurants. A good option, for example, Pachia Ammos with the Petra boarding house and the Porto Roulis fish tavern. Drosya is also good: housing is the new Drosia apartments, and food is provided in a successful fish tavern - Andreas.
Alykes resort and its bay
The vast bay of Ormos Alikon, 12 kilometers north of Tsilivi, in addition to the sandy shores into which the surf hits, is also known for two resorts, the largest in the area. The first, Alikanas, is a small but growing village, and guests are offered mostly seaside villas for accommodation. The second - Alykes - is named after the salt mines, ghostly signs of which are still found behind the village, but it is famous for its beaches, the best north of the capital.
It’s easier to rent a room by the sea through Spring Tours, and behind the office of this agency there are quite a few hotels with sea views: contact the Ionian Star, but the best price is in the chaotic Eros Piccadilly, which is near the crossroads. There are many food outlets, the best being Vineleaf, whose menu includes such rare items as cream-filled jalapeño peppers, and the more casual taverns Fantasia and Ponderosa.
After Alykes there are no real resorts on this coast, and there is, by and large, no bus service either. On Ksiya beach, 4 kilometers to the north, sulfurous springs gush out, and the water flows into the sea, as a result - an appropriate aroma and a strange feeling for swimmers who find themselves in either hot or cool water. The stopover possible on the way north, at the next beach of Makris Gialos, is not without its pleasantness: there is a good tavern and a hastily built semblance of a campsite.
After another 6 kilometers there will be a small labor port of Agios Nikolaos, connected ferry service(daily) with the port of Pessada on . Few visitors stay here, and this is probably why perhaps the most luxurious apartments in the Ionian archipelago stand out so clearly - the cool stone Nobelos, although there is also a more modest Panorama. Before the ferry, you can eat at the La Storia fish restaurant or the Porto tavern.
From the port you can take a boat to the very northern end of the island, to the Blue Caves, which bear this name, perhaps with more right than others of the same name, which are countless in the country. The caves, by the way, are very good for snorkeling. As you dive into the water, you will see your skin turn a rich blue. Further, the road snakes through thickets of gorse bushes, past stone walls built without mortar, and ends at the lighthouse on Cape Skinari.
Just a short walk down to the marina, behind the Anemomilos Windmills rental premises, run by a friendly family, there are regular rooms available and there is also an excellent To Faros tavern. The friendly brothers who own the mills also organize the cheapest boat excursions to the Blue Caves (7.50 €; 15 € - including a visit to To Navajo Bay).
Katastari, Agia Marina and Volimes
It is more convenient to explore the settlements and towns in the north of the island by car or rugged motorcycle, although mini-bus excursion routes are laid through these places, departing from some resorts, and even municipal buses run (occasionally and not everywhere). But it is here, 2 kilometers inland from Alykes, that the second village of the island after the capital is located - Katastari. The village is clearly not geared towards tourism, but that is precisely why it is more convenient to observe the everyday – and authentic – life of Zakynthos, away from the crowd of resorts and ports.
The most impressive building is the huge rectangular Church of the Virgin Mary - Iperaia Theotokos - with a double bell tower and a new small amphitheater for festive performances. Delicious dishes from the grill is unthinkable low prices pampers psistaria Kendro. And a couple of kilometers south of Katastari, in the tiny village of Pigadakia, there is - no matter how incredible - the Verzaio Cultural Museum (summer daily 9:00-15:00 and 17:00-19:00; 3 €): interesting things related to to folk culture and agriculture.
The St. Panteleimon Cathedral is also interesting, under the altar of which there is a well - something that just doesn’t happen in the world! A little higher up, the Kaki Rahi tavern serves delicious local dishes. The church at Agia Marina, a few kilometers southwest of Katastari, has an impressive Baroque iconostasis and a bell tower rebuilt using what was left behind by the 1953 earthquake. The bell tower stands alone, like almost everywhere else in Zakynthos, in the Venetian style.
Volimes is the center of such a popular craft on the island as embroidery, and numerous shops sell the works of local craftswomen. With your own transport, you can take a ride to the monastery of Anathonitria, 3 kilometers to the south: it is believed that the monastery was the cell of the heavenly patron of the island, Agios Dionysios, whose memory (Agios Dionysios) is celebrated twice in Zakynthos: on August 24 and December 17. The paved road from the monastery leads to the cliffs above Navajo Bay (Shipwrecks): the views from there are hair-raising (far below is a wrecked cargo ship that ran aground in the 1960s).
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