Zakynthos

THE GREEK ISLAND PARADISE

Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is a captivating island in the Ionian Sea, renowned for its turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and natural charm. Famous attractions like Shipwreck Beach and the Blue Caves draw visitors from around the world, but there’s much more to explore. You can snorkel or dive with the island's famous Caretta-Caretta sea turtles, hike through lush olive groves, or visit the traditional mountain villages for a taste of authentic Greek culture. Whether you’re relaxing on sandy beaches, taking a boat tour, or savoring local cuisine, Zakynthos offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

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FUN THINGS TO DO IN ZAKYNTHOS

Shipwreck Beach, actually known as Navagio Beach, is one of Zakynthos' most iconic attractions. Accessible only by sea, it features the remains of the MV Panagiotis, that ran aground in 1980 under mysterious circumstances. It is said that the ship was involved in smuggling contraband, including cigarettes and alcohol. Pursued by the Greek Navy, the vessel encountered stormy weather, leading it to run aground in the secluded cove, where the contraband was rapidly stolen from the wreckage. Some boat tour operators offer quick visits lasting about 2.5 to 3 hours, some including swimming stops like the Blue Caves and Xigia Beach nearby. Prices for these tours generally range from €25 to €30 per person for standard group trips, with added stops increasing the duration and price. Early morning departures are often recommended to avoid the peak crowds and to have calmer sea conditions.

Take a boat trip to Shipwreck Beach

Rent a transparent kayak or join a kayak tour

Renting a transparent kayak in Zakynthos is a fun and immersive way to experience the island's natural beauty and marine life. Paddle over crystal-clear waters while spotting colorful fish and sea turtles beneath you, or dive into the vibrant underwater world to explore caves, reefs, and small islands. Popular spots like Turtle Island, Keri Caves, the Blue Caves, and Laganas Bay each offer amazing scenery and fairly calm waters. Kayak rentals start at around €20–€30 per hour. Guided tours may cost €50–€70, often including snorkeling stops.

Exploring the Blue Caves of Zakynthos is a must-do experience, offering stunning views and crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling. The caves are renowned for their vibrant blue hues, created by sunlight reflecting off the seabed, making the swim feel otherworldly. As you snorkel, you'll encounter unique rock formations, small marine life, and crystal-clear depths. These caves are accessible only by sea, and several options are available to reach them, such as with a boat tour or private boat rental. We combined this with a boat tour to Shipwreck Beach. If you want to snorkel, its advisable to bring your own snorkeling gear, in case the tour operator does not provide gear. In the off-season the water is quite cold, but the plunge is worth it!

Take a dip in the water of the Blue Caves

Rent an electric bicycle and cycle through the winding hills

Exploring Zakynthos on an electric mountain bike offers an exhilarating way to experience the island's diverse landscapes, from coastal roads to mountainous terrains, with the added boost of electric assistance to tackle challenging routes. The island has a variety of trails suitable for e-mountain biking, from scenic coastal paths to rugged mountain routes. Go Electric in Agios Sostis provides a range of e-bikes, including mountain models, with daily rental rates starting at €25. Each rental includes a fully charged battery capable of up to 80 km, a helmet, and a bike lock. They offer optional delivery to your accommodation, as well as guided e-bike tours.

Horseback riding on the beaches of Zakynthos is offered by centers like Laganas Horse Riding Center, Nana's Horse Riding, Happy Horses, and Yannis Horses. Prices typically range from €25–€38 for 1-hour rides, €50–€65 for 2-hour rides, and around €75–€80 for 3-hour rides, which include the unique experience of swimming with horses in the sea. Swimming with horses is only available from May to October during the warmer months. Options are offered for beginners as well as more experienced riders. This was one of my favourite activities in Zakynthos, as you ride through a beautiful landscape as well as along the beach.

Go horseriding along the beach

Have a beach day at Banana Beach or Keri Beach

For a perfect beach day in Zakynthos, Banana Beach offers a lively atmosphere with golden sands, water sports like jet skiing and parasailing, and sunbed rentals ranging from €10 to €40, alongside beach bars and restaurants. In contrast, Keri Beach (Limni Keri) provides a peaceful retreat with pebbled shores, shallow waters ideal for families, and nearby tavernas. At Keri, you can also rent boats to explore Marathonisi Island and the Keri Caves. Both beaches are easily accessible by car, with parking available. For an overview of the best beaches in Zakynthos, check the link below.

Exploring an olive farm in Zakynthos offers a glimpse into the island's agricultural heritage and a chance to taste its renowned olive oil. Farms like Therianos and Lithies provide tours, tastings, and insights into organic production, while Elies Olive Press and Aristeon showcase traditional and modern oil-making methods. Aristeon offers a free visit to the museum in addition to oil tasting. At Logothetis, visitors can learn about sustainable practices and sample organic produce, including wines and vegetables.

Visit one of the many olive farms

Explore the capital, Zakynthos Town

Zakynthos Town, the island's capital, offers a mix of culture, history, and local charm. Highlights include Solomos Square with its Venetian-style architecture, the Byzantine Museum, and St. Dionysios Church, dedicated to the island’s patron saint. Stroll through narrow streets to discover shops selling local products like olive oil, honey, and traditional sweets, or dine at waterfront tavernas serving fresh seafood and Greek delicacies. Don’t miss the Venetian Castle on Bochali Hill for panoramic views, or visit the nearby village of Bochali for a serene atmosphere and stunning night vistas.

Zakynthos offers delightful wine-tasting experiences and tours, showcasing the island's rich viticultural heritage. Visit family-run wineries like Solomos to learn about traditional winemaking methods and sample local varieties like Verdea, a unique Zakynthian white wine. Grampsas Winery is popular and includes many wine tasting options, as well as having a fancy restaurant on the premises. Many wine tours include guided vineyard walks, cellar visits, and tastings paired with local cheeses and olive oil. For a scenic experience, visit Oenolpi Winery, set in a beautiful location ideal for sipping wine with stunning views. You can also visit Callinico Winery for a wine museum with a wine tasting. Wine tastings can range from €15 to €250 depending on the extent of the experience.

Go wine tasting at a Greek vineyard

Go Greek cheese tasting

Zakynthos offers wonderful cheese-tasting experiences, showcasing the island's traditional dairy products and artisanal methods. Visit local farms and producers to sample specialties like ladotyri, a rich cheese preserved in olive oil, and mizithra, a creamy and tangy variety often used in Greek cuisine. Many tours include insights into the cheesemaking process, paired tastings with local wines, honey, and bread, and the opportunity to purchase fresh, handmade cheeses. The Bastas family-run cheese factory is located a few km outside the village of Agios Leon and it makes cheese using only milk from local producers. Every day, from morning until late afternoon, the owner will guide you through the tasting of various cheeses.

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