Zakynthos or ‘Zante’ is one of the most naturally rich and aesthetically diverse Greek Islands, boasting turquoise blue waters, sandy beaches and amazing natural landscapes that have been attracting dedicated visitors for decades.

The third largest of the Ionian Islands complex, Zakynthos covers an area of 405.55sqm. and its coastline is 123 km in length. Its mild Mediterranean climate and the abundance of winter rainfalls have endowed the island with dense vegetation and have favoured the celebrated local agriculture, which is famed for its quality produce like olive oil, currants, grapes and citrus fruit, among other things. The Zante currant specifically, is a small sweet and seedless grape, truly native to the island.

A famous landmark worth checking out is the world-renowned Navagio (meaning ‘shipwreck’) beach, a cove on the northwest shore of Zakynthos inaccessible by foot due to the high cliffs engulfing it, and accessible only by boat. You can catch a boat ride to Navagio beach, as well as to Pesada on the nieighbouring island of Kefalonia, from the port of Agios Nikolaos, close to the famous Agios Nikolaos beach.

Also, several natural and very impressive ‘blue caves’ can be found in and around Cape Skinari, again accessible only by small boats. The mountain village of Keri, on the south of the island, is a lovely traditional settlements, with its own lighthouse! Furthermore, the entire western Zakynthos shore, from Keri all the way to Skinari, contains impressive rock formations and arches.

The Bay of Laganas is the site of the first National Marine Park in Greece, and the prime nesting area for the loggerhead sea turtles, or Caretta Caretta species, in the Mediterranean. Northern and eastern shores generally boast several large sandy beaches, some of which are busy with tourists during summer months. The islet of Marathonissi aka Turtle island is a wonderful gem certainly worth visiting to enjoy swimming and sunbathing on its golden shore. It is a small islet with what could be best characterised as tropical vegetation, astonishingly vivid turquoise blue waters, sandy beaches, and various sea caves!

All in all, there are many wonderful opportunities here for nature enthusiasts, walkers and hikers, as the island offers superb natural landscapes and romantic views across its rocky shores and the Ionian Sea beyond.

Since Zakynthos remained under the Venetian Republic’s rule for some time instead of the Ottoman rule, closer contact with Western literary trends seems to have been established compared to other areas in Greece. Culture generally flourished more for this reason compared to the several other parts of Greece which remained under Ottoman rule, and thus were not able to make as much progress in this area.

Among the most famous Zakynthians is the 19th-century poet Dionysios Solomos, creator of the Greek National Anthem, whose statue adorns the main town square. Several neoclassical buildings have been preserved on the island, and alongside the archaeological sites and monuments, form a bridge from present to past, pleasing culture and history enthusiasts who visit.

Please remember that we are always available to provide you with tips, to offer guidance, or to assist you in perfecting the ideal Travel Design fully tailored to your own tastes and likes, prior to, or during your trip. For a peak of what is on offer, check out our Path Travel Designs website, or simply tell us what you are after by contacting us here.

Zakynthos can also be a hotspot for clubbing and enjoying the rich local nightlife, as well as an island offering exquisite gastronomical choices across its many taverns, restaurants and grill houses. Locally-sourced fish, fresh meat and various other sea delicacies and home-made local dishes are certainly worth your attention. Watersports enthusiasts, divers and snorkellers will also find many activities to enjoy across the island.

Making sure you enjoy the island of Zakynthos in full comfort & style is exactly what we do.

Check out the different prime quality accommodation options we offer on the island below, let us know about what you are seeking so we can give you tips and arrange it all for you here, and treat yourself with a trip that will certainly relax and rejuvenate you this summer!