4 February 2024 zeustickets.com 0 Comments

The Magical Zakynthos

February 4, 2024

Great family vacation spot!

it is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters

Also known as Zantes

Zakynthos, a captivating island in the Ionian sea, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful destinations in the Mediterranean. Among its numerous attractions, Navagio beach, often called Shipwreck beach, stands out. This world-famous sandy beach boasts crystal-clear turquoise water and a boatwreck that dates back to 1980.

In addition to its stunning beaches, Zakynthos’s charming town has an interesting Venetian influence, which you can observe by visiting the Venetian Castle and Solomos Square.

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For nature lovers, the island has an abundance of fauna and flora. Olive groves, vineyards, and the loggerhead sea turtle are some of the island’s ecological highlights.

The Blue Caves, located on the northern coast, are a breathtaking series of sea caves with vibrant blue waters that reflect sunlight on white limestone rocks. Moreover, the island is known for its great weather, with a Mediterranean climate featuring hot summers and mild winters. During summer months, the island’s tourism flourishes, with cultural events and festivals like the Carnival of Zakynthos showcasing the traditions, music, and dance of the island.

If gastronomy is your thing, Zakynthos will not disappoint. Greek cuisine is ubiquitous, with fresh seafood, olive oil, and locally grown produce. From moussaka to souvlaki and baklava, you can experience the full spectrum of Greek flavours.

All of these features and attractions make Zakynthos one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece, and for a good reason. Its stunning beaches, rich history, vibrant nightlife, and warm locals all come together to create an unforgettable experience for every visitor.

The beach's crystal-clear turquoise waters

Navagio beach

Beach is Closed for visitors The Beach is closed this year because it's not safe to go there. The cliffs around it are getting weaker, and there's a high chance of landslides. We're not sure when it will be safe again, so please avoid it for now.

Located on the picturesque island of Zakynthos in Greece, Navagio Beach, which is also known as Shipwreck Beach, is an awe-inspiring location that is guaranteed to take your breath away. The beach is located on the northwest coast of Zakynthos, on the Ionian Sea, and is nestled within a remote cove surrounded by steep cliffs.

This provides a dramatic and picturesque setting that attracts tourists from all over the world. Navagio Beach gets its name from the MV Panagiotis, a ship that ran aground on the beach in 1980, and its rusting and hauntingly beautiful hulk still remains visible on the white sandy shore.

The beach’s crystal-clear turquoise waters provide a stark contrast against the white limestone cliffs and golden sand, creating a vibrant and breathtakingly beautiful hue. Visitors typically reach Navagio Beach by boat as it is not easily accessible by land.

The beach is a must-visit destination and one of the most photographed in the world. However, visitors should note that the beach is closed this year until further notice due to risks of landslides due to erosion on the slopes of the cliffs around the perimeter.

Accomodations in Zakynthos

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Best time to visit

If you’re planning a trip to Zakynthos, it’s important to know what to expect in terms of weather and tourism. The island experiences four distinct seasons, each with its own pros and cons.

Summer, from June to August, is the most popular time to visit Zakynthos. This is when the island is at its busiest and liveliest, with warm temperatures and plenty of tourist services and activities available. However, if you’re looking for a quieter experience, or if you prefer milder weather, you might want to consider visiting in spring or fall instead.

Spring, from April to May, is a great time to visit Zakynthos if you want to avoid the peak tourist season. The landscape is lush and green, and you’ll have a chance to see wildflowers in bloom. The sea may not be as warm as in the summer, but it’s still pleasant for swimming.

Fall, from September to October, is similar to spring in terms of weather and tourist crowds. Many visitors find this to be a great time to enjoy the island’s natural beauty without the summer crowds. Prices may be slightly lower, and you’ll still be able to swim in the warm sea.

Finally, winter is the low season on Zakynthos, with fewer tourist services and attractions available. However, if you’re looking for a quiet getaway and don’t mind cooler temperatures and rainy weather, you might find winter to be a peaceful and restful time to visit.

When planning your trip to Zakynthos, keep in mind that some attractions and services may have seasonal variations, so it’s best to plan accordingly based on your interests and priorities.

Plan your holiday beforehand.

Be ready for a trip to Zakynthos! Here's all the information you need before leaving.

Top Things to Do

Zakynthos, a stunning Greek island located in the Ionian Sea, is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion. The island is a treasure trove of exciting things to do and attractions to explore. If you’re looking to bask in the sun and experience the crystal-clear turquoise waters, then you should visit Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach. Take a boat tour and witness the stunning scenery of this gorgeous beach, unfortunately the beach is closed and you can take pictures only from the boat side.

To get the full beauty of Zakynthos, you can take a boat trip around the island. Discover the Blue Caves on the northern coast, which showcase a series of mesmerizing sea caves with vibrant blue waters. Zakynthos city is another fantastic location to visit, where you can wander through the city’s streets and squares. The city boasts beautiful Venetian architecture, historic sites, and charming squares, including the Solomos Square and the St. Dionysios Church, which houses the remains of the island’s patron saint.

Furthermore, Zakynthos is a nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles, and you can join a guided turtle-spotting excursion to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.

The island boasts numerous beautiful beaches, including the famous Laganas Beach, Tsilivi Beach, and Kalamaki Beach.

Moreover, visitors can experience traditional Greek cuisine by indulging in dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, tzatziki, and local seafood dishes. One can even pair their meal with a glass of local wine or ouzo. Visitors can also participate in cultural events and festivals to explore the authentic local Greek experience.

Lastly, visitors can hike or bike in the countryside to explore the island’s scenic views around olive groves and charming villages, providing an entirely different perspective of the island. Finally, whether you’re interested in natural beauty, history, or cultural experiences, Zakynthos offers a diverse range of activities for visitors to enjoy.

Cameo Island

Cameo, a charming private island situated at the gulf of Lagana close to Saint Sostis harbor in Zakynthos, has a fascinating history that dates back to 1622. Once a real cape, Saint Sostis was destroyed by an earthquake and about ten years later in 1633, Cameo island was formed. Despite its small size, visitors were drawn to the island over time, and a bridge was constructed to connect it with the rest of Zante. Today, the bridge is the unofficial symbol of Cameo, offering visitors a unique experience as they walk on it, capturing the essence of freedom in stunning photographs that are shared all over the world.

Cameo is located in the center of Lagana Bay, which is widely known as the most cosmopolitan and developed area of Zakynthos. With a plethora of activities to engage in, such as swimming, snorkeling, and turtle-watching, the clean, soft beaches around the bay are ideal for children. Additional, the time you visit you pay for the entrance and with the same cost professionals take some photos of you and they give it to you on the way out. Furthermore, Laganas Bay is also renowned for being environmentally responsible, and since it is the breeding ground for the protected species of Caretta – Caretta turtles, everyone in the area is sensitive to preserving the environment.

Marathonsisi, located in Laganas Bay, is a small island lush with vibrant vegetation. It is considered a paradise under the protection of the National Marine Park, and several boats from Keri, Laganas, and Saint Sostis provide access to the island. It has two stunning beaches where visitors can swim with sea turtles. Pelluzo, situated in Laganas, is two naval miles from Daphne Beach, and it also belongs to the National Marine Park, preserving the area’s physical evidence. With its rich history and breathtaking scenery, Cameo and its surrounding areas offer visitors a fascinating insight into Greece’s natural beauty.

The Venetian Castle

The Venetian Castle in Zakynthos is a fascinating historical landmark that is also known for its unique architecture. It’s located on Bochali Hill, which offers stunning views of Zakynthos Town, the surrounding landscape, and the Ionian Sea.

The castle dates back to the medieval period, when it was built by the Venetians as a fortification against pirate raids and invasions. The castle’s design includes defensive walls, towers, and other structures typical of fortifications from that era.

The remnants of the castle have great historical significance, providing a glimpse into the island’s past. Within the castle complex is the Church of St. George Kremnon, which dates back to the 15th century and contributes to the site’s cultural heritage. Although the castle was severely damaged in the devastating earthquake of 1953, restoration efforts have been made to preserve its historical and architectural aspects. Visitors can explore the remains of the fortress and enjoy breathtaking views from its elevated position, making it an ideal place to visit for tourists and locals alike.

Laganas Beach

Laganas Beach is undoubtedly one of the most significant attractions of the captivating Greek island of Zakynthos, thanks to its myriad of features and spectacular scenery. The beach is situated on the southern coast of Zakynthos near the town of Laganas, offering visitors a captivating ambiance that they’ll never forget. The spot is known for its soft, golden sand, and crystal-clear, shallow waters that provide an inviting environment for swimming, sunbathing, and engaging in various water activities, such as jet-skiing, banana boat rides, and parasailing.

During the nesting season, Laganas Beach becomes a nesting site for the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta); therefore, certain restrictions are in place to protect them. Furthermore, the beach is lined with a range of beach bars and restaurants that offer a vibrant atmosphere, allowing guests to relax in beachfront loungers, savor Greek cuisine, enjoy cocktails, and relish the view of the Ionian Sea.

Laganas Beach is not all that there is to this captivating town. Alongside the stunning beach are a variety of nightlife options that will leave you spoilt for choice. Laganas is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and is a popular destination for partygoers.

At night, the town comes alive with a plethora of bars, nightclubs, and entertainment venues scattering every corner of the town. The lively atmosphere of the town is an undeniable allure to thousands of tourists every year. The heart of Laganas’ nightlife is along the main strip, known for an array of bars and clubs with nightly music playing late into the night. In addition, several bars host regular theme nights, including beach parties, foam parties, and guest DJs events that add to the town’s reputation as a lively party destination. Laganas’ nightlife scene is diverse, offering a variety of music genres, catering to different tastes, including electronic dance music, pop, rock, and blues. The town also hosts organized pub crawls, which are a common activity for those seeking to have a unique experience of the various nightlife venues in Laganas. Plus, some beach bars such as the late-night beach bars extend their services into the night, allowing visitors to relish the beach ambiance while listening to music and sipping cocktails. It’s worth noting that the lively and sometimes boisterous nightlife of Laganas attracts a younger crowd looking for a party atmosphere, and those seeking a more tranquil experience may want to head to other areas of Zakynthos.

Accomodations in Zakynthos

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Shopping

Zakynthos is a destination perfect for indulging in some retail therapy. With an eclectic range of traditional Greek products, local crafts, and tourist-oriented items, shopping in Zakynthos is a treat.

To make the most out of your shopping extravaganza, here are some recommendations. Explore the local markets and dive into the fresh produce, local delicacies, and handmade crafts available in Zakynthos Town and other towns on the island.

Zakynthos is famous for its high-quality olive oil; you can find local varieties of olive oil, olives, and related products at specialty shops and markets. Furthermore, if you want to savor the taste of Greece, don’t forget to buy wines or spirits such as ouzo or tsipouro as a souvenir. Zakynthos is also known for its traditional lacework, handmade crafts, leather goods, jewelry, ceramics, and pottery. These items make unique and authentic gifts that would be perfect as a souvenir to remember your Greek holiday. The coastal towns of Zakynthos Town and Laganas offer a range of clothing and beachwear for those looking for fashion and beachwear. Lastly, explore the art galleries in Zakynthos Town, exhibiting works by local artists, and purchase one of their unique and meaningful souvenirs like paintings, sculptures, or other forms of art.

Local tastes

Zakynthos is a beautiful island with a rich and vibrant culinary tradition. Like most Greek islands, this picturesque place boasts a mesmerizing array of delicious dishes that are sure to delight your taste buds! One of the essential dishes to try when visiting Zakynthos is the classic Greek dish Moussaka. This dish features flavorsome layers of eggplant, minced beef or lamb, tomato, and béchamel sauce, making it a tasty comfort food. Another must-try dish is Souvlaki- a delicious fast food dish consisting of grilled meat skewers served with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, onions, and tomatoes. Apart from this, Kleftiko- a traditional Greek dish featuring slow-cooked lamb or goat- is a savory yet mildly sweet dish that is sure to leave a lasting impression. Not to forget the Greek salad, which is a staple of Greek cuisine and represents Zakynthos’s essence through its refreshing flavors. If you’re looking for something a little different, you can try the fava dip made from the city’s yellow split peas, seasoned with oregano, olive oil, and lemon.

With Zakynthos located near the sea, seafood is a vital part of the island’s cuisine. Whether you want to try grilled octopus, seafood stews, or fresh fish, seaside tavernas offer a multitude of delicious options. The baked pasta dish Pastitsio, which is similar to Lasagna, is also worth trying. Made with minced meat, tubular pasta, and béchamel sauce, it’s a comforting and flavorsome dish.

You can satisfy your sweet cravings by indulging in Greek sweets like Baklava, Galaktoboureko, and Loukoumades. Baklava is a dessert made with layers of filo pastry, honey, and chopped nuts, while Galaktoboureko is a custard-filled pastry.

Deep-fried dough balls soaked in honey- Loukoumades- is the perfect dessert after a filling meal. You can also taste the local olive oil, which is of high quality and take a bottle back home as a souvenir. Zakynthos produces excellent wines and spirits, including ouzo and tsipouro. You can pair these drinks with some mezedes, a type of Greek appetizer, or enjoy a glass of wine with your meal.

To taste the authentic flavors of Zakynthos, exploring local tavernas and eateries is a must-do activity. Don’t be shy to ask locals for recommendations, and savor the fresh, seasonal ingredients that define Greek cuisine!

Nightlife in Zakynthos

These diverse music venues appeal to different music preferences and offer mainstream hits, electronic dance music (EDM), Greek music, and more. In addition, some beachfront bars and clubs continue their operations late into the night, allowing you to enjoy the sea breeze and music simultaneously. Kidnapped by the fun, many places offer themed nights and events, from beach parties to foam parties and special DJ nights. Organized pub crawls are also popular, taking participants to various bars and clubs along the strip, where they can enjoy drink specials and socialize with fellow travelers. The nightlife in Zakynthos tends to go late into the night, especially during the peak tourist season.

Zakynthos is an island that has gained recognition for its lively, energetic and diverse nightlife. Especially in Laganas, this Greek destination has a unique experience to offer to everybody’s taste. The main nightlife hub can be found along the main strip in Laganas, which is filled with bars, clubs, and entertainment venues that create a bustling atmosphere. These diverse music venues appeal to different music preferences and offer mainstream hits, electronic dance music (EDM), Greek music, and more. In addition, some beachfront bars and clubs continue their operations late into the night, allowing you to enjoy the sea breeze and music simultaneously. Kidnapped by the fun, many places offer themed nights and events, from beach parties to foam parties and special DJ nights. Organized pub crawls are also popular, taking participants to various bars and clubs along the strip, where they can enjoy drink specials and socialize with fellow travelers. The nightlife in Zakynthos tends to go late into the night, especially during the peak tourist season.

Although Laganas is the primary hotspot for nightlife, Zakynthos Town also offers a more relaxed yet lively atmosphere. It has numerous bars and tavernas where you can enjoy a drink, listen to live music, or participate in traditional Greek dances. However, while Zakynthos is known for its vibrant nightlife, it’s essential to respect local customs and regulations.

In summary, to enjoy the nightlife in Zakynthos, one should keep an eye out for beach parties, maintain appropriate behavior, check local event schedules, and make a plan for transportation back to your accommodation, especially if you’re staying outside the primary nightlife areas.

How much does it cost for 5 days in Zakynthos

A 5-day trip to Zakynthos can cost a lot or a little, depending on where you stay, what you eat, and what you do. Your spending habits also affect how much you’ll spend. Here are three budget breakdowns to help you estimate costs:

1. If you’re on a tight budget, you could stay in a budget hotel or hostel, eat mainly at local restaurants, and use public transportation. You’d spend €150-€250 per day.

2. For a comfortable trip, you could stay in a mid-range hotel or guesthouse, eat at a mix of local and mid-range restaurants, and rent a car or take an occasional taxi. You’d spend €250-€400 per day.

3. If you want to splurge, you could stay in a luxury hotel or resort, eat at upscale restaurants, and rent a car or take private transfers. You’d spend €400+ per day.

Some cool tips you should not forget

01.

Explore Beyond the Tourist Hotspots:

While iconic locations like Navagio Beach are must-visit attractions, don't limit yourself to the well-known spots. Explore quieter beaches, traditional villages, and less crowded areas to discover the authentic charm of the island. Zakynthos has hidden gems waiting to be explored.

02.

Respect the Environment and Wildlife

Zakynthos is home to the loggerhead sea turtles, especially in places like Laganas Bay. During the nesting season, be mindful of the guidelines in place to protect these endangered turtles. Avoid disturbing nesting sites, adhere to beach restrictions, and participate in responsible tourism practices to contribute to conservation efforts.

03.

Try Local Cuisine and Products

Embrace the rich flavors of Zakynthian cuisine by trying local dishes and products. Visit traditional tavernas to savor moussaka, souvlaki, fresh seafood, and the island's famous olive oil. Don't forget to explore local markets for authentic products such as honey, wines, and handmade crafts.

04.

Be Aware of Seasonal Variations

The island's atmosphere and activities can vary significantly based on the season. Summer (June to September) is the peak tourist season with lively nightlife and beach activities, while spring and fall offer a more tranquil experience. Winter, while quieter, allows for a deeper exploration of local culture.

05.

Take Advantage of Boat Tours

Zakynthos' coastline is dotted with stunning caves, hidden coves, and picturesque landscapes. Opt for boat tours to explore the Blue Caves, Shipwreck Beach (Navagio), and other scenic spots. Boat tours often include stops for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the beauty of the Ionian Sea.