For more information, please see our So if youre looking for a hotel or room, in which you will sleep mostly in the morning after a wild night of partying, then go ahead and book your stay in one of the countless studios and resorts of Laganas. There are many ways to see turtles on Zakynthos: boat tours, turtle beaches, and diving. Zakynthos is an exotic island belonging to the Ionian cluster of Greek islands not far from Corfu. 15 kilometres or a 25-minute drive by car south of Zante Town and youll reach Porto Zorro Beach. Theres a lot of criticism against Laganas as a party place, due to extreme behaviors of drunk visitors. There, you can find an abundance of cafeterias, creperies and ice-cream shops as well. Follow me for my occasional updates on travel, finance. It offers . Lets get some things straight first. That said, whether youre looking for a relaxing escape or a wild adventure, Zakynthos is the place for both. I'm not sure with the laready short time I have in Zakynthos whether it would be worth it to visit kefalonia for the day or just stay in Zakynthos and enjoy all of one island. Beaches like Limnionas and Stenitis are the ones to check out, though youll either need a hardy pair of hiking boots to get to them, or to hire a boat taxi for the day. One of the tavernas you mentionedLofos, Im having a hard time finding that same location on google maps. Its a VERY steep drop here and there have been plenty of people that have died chasing that elusive Instagram photo. If all you care about is just going to the Navaggio Beach, then simply rent a boat from the Porto Vromi beach which is 15-20 minutes from the shipwreck. Its complete with loop-de-looping slides and splash pools, while theres also an evening entertainment program throughout the summer months. Its a guided day trip. Located about 15 kilometres, or a 27-minute drive south of Zante Town, Gerakas Beach is a stunning stretch of golden powdery sand. They also do steak here (26) as well as some salads and appetizers and theres a great view from the patio. The island, also known as Zante, is a popular summer destination in Europe, receiving thousands of visitors from late May well into September. The Cliffs of Keri 8. The Ultimate Travel Guide For Zakynthos, Greece, Rent a boat for the day Highly Recommended, The Perfect Travel Guide For Milos Island, Greece, The Ultimate Travel Guide For Kefalonia, Greece, The Perfect Travel Guide For Paros & Antiparos, Greece, The Perfect Road Trip Travel Itinerary For Sicily, Italy. Its fresh, so you have to be patient while they prepare it (some dishes take up to 45 minutes to hit the table), but its worth it. However, if you did happen to want to crank up the adrenaline factor just a little, the island will oblige. Ag. Once famous for the sulphur mud thats found here (nowadays the mud is closed off to tourists due to erosion), Gerakas Beach is still one of the best beaches on the island for families and for spotting the amazing Loggerhead Turtles which frequently nest on the sand and swim in the waters here. However, since the most important pieces are texts in Greek, I guess it wouldnt be so exciting for a foreigner. There, you can enjoy your warm dinner after a refreshing dive in the beach, in a garden with Greek music. St.Markos Sq. This is a great place to escape the city and get into nature. I don't plan to spend my entire time at the hotel beach - I would rather rent a car and explore some places on the island, if there are many :), Are there any other attractions worth a visit? Is it worth it to visit kefalonia for a day trip just to kind of see the cave lake? You could also pay a visit to Museum of D. Solomos and A. Kalvos. While not all trips to Zakynthos require a car, if youre staying far from the main town for the local bus station or you want to tour the island independently without going on a guided tour, a rental car may come in handy! Listed as a historic monument, the gravestones of English consuls and merchants here bear fine . Thank you Josephine! To begin with, Zakynthos has a castle. Then comes the untrodden hinterland, where adventure junkies can hike and hop rustic tavernas tasting traditional Greek food. If you arrive by ferry, this is where youll land, and if you come in by plane youre just a few kilometres outside of town. Inside, guests find retro-cool suites with coastal views, all congregating around an infinity pool thats hard to discern from the azure Ionian Sea below. Aristeon Olive Press & museum is a lovely place to visit in Zakynthos, to get a local experience. Located in the very northern tip of the island, these caves are some of the more impressive sea caves Ive seen. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. On top of that, you get sandy resort beaches on the south coast and hard-to-reach coves and capes in the west and north, so theres something for everyone. There are some facilities on the beach, like change rooms, showers and toilets and there are sunbeds and umbrellas for rent here starting at 7 each. Theres zero way of walking down to this beach because its literally a vertical sheer drop. Behind the monument, there is another historical landmark well worth visiting - the Byzantine Museum of Zakynthos. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Whether thats part of a tour or your own boat, you cant access it by land. Most tours will combine the shipwreck beach and blue caves. Any fellows from Greece here? Some people like to carrymoney belts, but neither Stephanie or I use these. guidance. The castle is above Bochali and during the morning hours, you can visit it to see the remains of the old capital of the island. The natural sulfur at this small beach makes for beautiful photos as the water takes on a milky turquoise . Zakynthos Island is in the Ionian Sea and the city of Zante points east facing the mainland. It just depends on where you want to leave from. Its a real fjord that exemplifies the beauty of Zakynthos island. Soaring to over 700 meters above sea level, they offer oodles of untrodden donkey paths that shoot through olive groves and time-stood-still villages. Its one of the magical and impossibly beautiful places that look even more amazing in person if thats even possible. You bet! Its absolutely delicious and you will enjoy some of the freshest and most tasty food on Zante. Here you can check out the Statue of Freedom, the Town Hall of Zakynthos and the statue of Ugo Foskolo. Some of the most famous menu options include the rustic mountain stew with rabbit, feta, and red wine. All rights reserved. Next, youll want to read our all-seasonGreece packing list. There are many companies that will rent a boat to you all over the island. book your Shipwreck Beach & Blue Caves tour today! Go west and the island turns into a rocky, lunar scape of white-tinged limestone rock and uber-clear inlets. Youll sit in the shade of painted plane trees there and enjoy a real smorgasbord of Greek sharing dishes. As with the shipwreck beach, you can only really visit these caves if youre on a boat. With a population of around 16,000 (nearly half of the 40,000 that live on the entire island), Zante Town is the most metropolitan place youll find in Zakynthos, but it still feels like a small town in many ways. Early in the morning, youll see the goings-on of this bustling port center, with ferries and boats arriving and leaving, as well as fishermen selling fresh fish. We recommendthe GRAYL water bottle it filters water perfectly in an instant so that you can even drink from lakes, bad taps, etc. The Shipwreck (or Navagio in Greek) beach is accessible only by boat. Its located in the northeast of the island and is actually home to a large sulfur deposit in the water.Pretty amazing views. This small, pebbly beach is located right in the center of Zante Town along the coast. When shes not slaving over really big books, shes at the airport 4 hours before take-off, so she can drink a cup of coffee across from her gate and worry about missing her flight from there. If then again youre more fond of the silence, Gerakas beach is no doubt a great choice. and technical problems, it stranded on the remote beach. Follow me for my occasional updates on travel, finance,and other life ponderings. This is the largest square in the city and is where youll find many cultural events and festivals happening. While of course nowhere near as big as Crete, it is much bigger than the islands in the Cyclades. Is Zakynthos worth visiting for Shipwreck Beach alone? Learn more about Nick Wharton on the Goats On The Road About Us Page. The room rates include a decent breakfast in the morning and the rooms on the front of the building have lovely views out to the Ionian Sea. The Best Things In Greece You Dont Want To Miss, post all about visiting the Venetian Castle, Solomos Square 2, Zante Town 291 00, Greece, Pahoumiou, Makri 4, Zakinthos 291 00, Greece, , Kolokotroni , Zakinthos 291 00, Greece, Kolokotroni 2, Zakynthos, 29100, Greece, Agiou Dionisiou 46, Zakinthos 291 00, Grecia, 5 Dimokratias Sq. However, if you need a diving fix, I would highly recommend going with these guys! Couple that with fantastic accommodation options and soul warming Greek food everywhere, you have all you need for an amazing Greek getaway. This article will guide you through some of the best things to do in Zakynthos, from visiting hidden caves and wine museums to sunning on beaches with healing . Mains from 10. It's only a brief 20-minute hike away from the center of the town, plus it offers you a magnificent view over Zakynthos . We also have guides to several other Greek islands, including Thassos, Ios, and more on the way! I rented a boat for the day with a captain and we went to this beach as well as a bunch of other equally beautiful and deserted beaches. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Visit The Venetian Castle 6. Zakynthos: Half-Day Tour to Turtle Island and Keri Caves. Tsilivi Waterpark. Theres not much traffic to speak of except in the main town. engine. But you dont have to take to the skies to reach Zakynthos either. Here youll find lots of different restaurants as well as souvenir shops and pretty much every kind of store you can find on Zakynthos Island. If Zakynthos is so much more than just the Shipwreck beach. Filita 42, Zakinthos 291 00, Greece There are some truly wonderful hotels on the island of Zakynthos. I especially like the photo of yourself at the location, thats something give your posts a personal touch and distinguish them from other travel guides. However, it has much more to offer tourists than just this extremely picturesque attraction. Theyre a haven for walkers. I spent four nights in Zakynthos as part of a greater Greece trip. Zakynthos Sailing trips & boat tours - GetYourGuide When order at the Bartender a Gin&Tonic, he might ask you back I have one that costs 3 and one that costs 6. My suggestion for Laganas is the Cocktails and Dreams club. If you come here during the high season, youll likely find a couple of duelling guitarists adding to the ambiance. .. It is just the most intense. The five-star Contessina Suites & Spa is also a fine option for luxury seekers. It is located on the northern coast of the island, surrounded by high cliffs and crystal-clear water. Paraliaki 30, Zakinthos 291 00, Greece. I'm a dual Canadian-American living in Europe who travels the world, a bit obsessed with scuba diving, churning credit cards so I never pay to fly, and eating the most questionable of foods in the most peculiar of places. Imsure youre aware that its a good idea to havetravel insurancefor traveling in Greece, the Balkans, or anywhere in the world! Its a rich and hearty bounty of flavors that draws on the produce from the Zante inland farms. . The best Zakynthos Sailing trips & boat tours are: Zakynthos Island: Navagio Shipwreck Beach & Blue Caves Tour. Finally, there are also more off-beat hotels like the Ecoresort Hotel Zefyros, which sits closer to the Zante mountains and offers access to rural pursuits like trekking and horseback riding. >>Get a travel insurance quote for your trip here<<. To visit the island you have to go by boat. All rooms have A/C, electric kettles, free wi-fi, TVs and a fridge. Places like Zakynthos Town offer something a little lower key and more family friendly. 9.6/10 (35 Booking.com Reviews) Theres not really a dramatic story behind the ornament of the famous Zakynthos - Travel guide at Wikivoyage No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Those looking to live like a jet setter might want to consider something like the Lesante Blu. I flew my drone here which allowed for some beautiful shots. Check your inbox or spam folder now to confirm your subscription. Without a doubt, one of the highlights of this trip was to rent our own boat. Mains from 6. 8.8/10 (354 Booking.com Reviews) Regardless, a few illicit cigarettes has led to one of Greeces most lucrative tourist attractions so it worked out in the end. 15 Best Things to do in Zakynthos (Greece) - Swedishnomad.com At this time the island is roasting hot so you may want to spend most of your time at the beach, but its still a nice time to stroll down the shady streets of Zante Town. If you are planning to stay in a resort with the all inclusive style options, then you wont need much more than a taxi from the airport. They were roasting a whole pig this evening and shaved the meat straight from the animal. We picked this one because you can choose an early 8 AM start so you can actually visit the beach before the main crowds hit, as well as add on the stunning Blue Caves to your itinerary. Epar.Od. "The Shipwreck Beach" is not just worth a visit because of the interesting shipwreck, it also offers beautiful nature and incredible views. Its a delightful little whitewashed building with red doors and gates. Dont worry no ones going to judge you for making the most of the balmy bays and relaxed vibe of this place. About 2 kilometres or a 25 minute walk inland from Solomos Square youll find the peaceful Strani Hill. Zakynthos, also known by its Italian name Zante, is an island of two stories. We have both been paying customers ofWorld Nomadsfor the last three years. pang of guilt. Zakynthos travel - Lonely Planet | Greece, Europe The southern and southeastern shorelines are dominated by heavy and often low-quality package tourism, although even here there are some attractive lower-key bases hiding just out of sight of the larger, run-of-the-mill resorts; examples include Keri and Limni Keriou in the remoter southwest. Manage Settings And, it was nothing short of magical. Weve rented cars dozens of times in the Balkans through various search engines and have settled on Discover Cars as the best car rental search engine it searches over 500 trusted rental companies to find the cheapest price for your rental! However, it gets very packed during the day so Id recommend visiting this in the morning hours to avoid the crowds. Outside of the Acropolis in Athens, the blue domes of Santorini, the Shipwreck beach may just be the most iconic photo of Greece. Small hint, you can go out on the balcony of the club and enjoy the view of the party street and possibly masses of drunk people. If you have time, do both. . They only take out a maximum of 6 divers which is the right way to do it in my opinion. Yep, Booking.com returns a whopping 1,750 individual properties, ranging from the deluxe to the budget conscious. The best way to see Zakynthos is either by renting your own car (prices start at around 15/day + gas), by renting a boat (prices start at around 80/day + gas), or by joining a day tour around the island (prices start at around 35/person). km; coastline: 123 km). Its a guided day trip. Whether you are a party-goer or a party-pooper, Zakynthos has your type of night outing taken care of. Solomos Square 2, Zante Town 291 00, Greece 1. The longest ones usually leave from Zakynthos Town but casual cruises up the west coast also go from Agios Nikolaos and pretty little Porto Vromi just down the shoreline from Shipwreck. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. There are many boat tours offered and if you dont find them, theyll find you. Rizospaston 15, Zakinthos 291 00, Greece D. Solomos is best known for writing the Hymn to Liberty, which became the Greek and Cypriot national anthem in 1865. . Its in the northwest of the island and is roughly 45 minutes driving from Zante Town. However, some of the stand-out places to eat include the Avra Taverna near Planos, where the menu includes seafood pastas, gyros skewers, and BBQ fish. The iconic shot here is the double arch which is so picturesque. Korakonissi Beach. Best Time to Visit Zakynthos. Youll also be able to link up with internal travels across Greece, as there are regular domestic hops from Athenss main international hub to boot. Zakynthos - Zante, Greece - Complete Island Guide | Discover Greece In fact, the island boats a whopping 28 individually designated beaches, which equals almost one per day if you stay a whole month! Every room has A/C, flat-screen TVs, an iron and a fridge with private bathrooms, free wifi and some have a view of the plaza. Avoid the crowds book your Shipwreck Beach & Blue Caves tour today! Other names you should have in mind while visiting are Porto Zoro, Dafni, Alikanas, Alikes and Porto Xygkia. In Argasi, you can also discover a hipster bar named Portokali (or Orange), with a great selection of drinks and sweets. So Im going to Also known as Shipwreck Cove, this beach can be seen on two separate day trips, one as part of a boat tour to get to the sand (the only way to access the beach is by boat), and the other is to drive to the lookout point from the cliffs that are 200 meters above the cove. They of course died. This island is one of the best places to visit in Greece thanks to its bustling tourism scene, great restaurants and nightlife and spectacular Ionian beaches. Very necessary if youll be taking a ferry or boat! Its located right on the beach with stunning views of the sunset. Cruise To Zakynthos, A Hidden Ionian Gem - Avid Cruiser 1 week in Zakynthos, Greece - Worth it? : r/travel - Reddit Luckily, there are options for all. This island manages to pull together a number of the great things about Greek destinations. you will end up taking only a (no-doubt very cool) selfie, with the panoramic view of the beach. Have you been to Zakynthos and what would you recommend? [] since the amount of tourists was a fraction of normal times. Its perhaps the most famous shipwreck in the world. About 10 minutes from the parking lot, you will see a Greek Flag which is a great area to take photos. Reddit, Inc. 2023. Your email address will not be published. The Venetians called Zante Fiore di Levante, the Flower of the East, and its nobility and fertility made it the jewel of their empire. Really enjoy the kind words and glad you like the photos! . @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-johnnyafrica_com-box-4-0-asloaded{max-width:300px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'johnnyafrica_com-box-4','ezslot_3',800,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-johnnyafrica_com-box-4-0'); Zakynthos, like most Greek islands is a pretty sparsely populated island. Set right on the harbour, this friendly little Greek restaurant serves up some tasty food. No Zakynthos, due to mild winter rainfall, is an extremely lush island. However, / Holidays 2022 Zakynthos / What is worth seeing and visiting? Heres their website for more info. Compare prices for car rental in Zakynthos here. Zakynthos is the largest of the Ionian Islands, and it's as fruitful as it is beautiful, boasting a bounty of crops like olives and grapes. The Best Things to do in Zakynthos Zakynthos (also called "Zante") is the third-largest Ionian Island and a popular destination in Greece. Kefalonia is very nice but not worth a 1 day trip in my opinion. Zante Town is the capital and the commercial hub for the entire island of Zakynthos (aka Zante). Snorkel / Dive (With Turtles) 5. There, the action starts in the early evening on the so-called Laganas Strip. Please see ourPrivacy Pagefor more information. Snorkeling or diving, again, is a very natural way to observe turtles. For that reason, you shouldnt find it too hard to find an organized tour to take you there. Panton 15, Zakinthos 291 00, Greece And theres more, because theres adventure on the seas of Zakynthos by the bucket load. 20 Best things to Do on Zakynthos Island - Travel the Greek Way Mains from 10. In fact, I dont remember seeing any buses driving between towns. Plenty of boat tours are offered on the island, and this is the one we recommend, as it brings you to Marathonisi Island where the Caretta Caretta turtles nest. If you are still trying to figure out your Greece itinerary, check out our guides onwhere to go in Greece, the best places forisland hopping in Greece, and when is thebest time to visit. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Cove) 2. Some links on this site contain affiliate referrals. However, it is extremely steep so be very careful how you position yourself. 4.6/10 (679 Google Reviews) Laganas, which is a bay of the island, is advertised as the place of "non-stop partying" and "wild entertainment well into the night". Nick's advice has been featured on the Lonely Planet, CNN Money, Business Insider, WiseBreadand Forbes and he spoke at the World Tourism Forum in Istanbul about the business of travel blogging. Dali is located about 600 meters from the beach in Zante Town and offers nicely decorated rooms overlooking the sea (some have mountain views on the backside of the building). The rocks here regularly break off so dont mess around. One of the taverns that are really worth visiting - Tripadvisor The Best New Restaurants in the World All products are independently selected by our editors. Shipwreck Bay and other tourist attractions / Map of attractions! There are a lot of these so be very mindful which paths you choose! Since youre on an island, expect amazing seafood. The Ultimate Naxos Itinerary: How to Spend the Perfect 2 Days in Naxos, Unexpected Winter in Mykonos: Best Things to Do on the Island, 10 Things to Know Before a Meteora Tour for a Magical Trip, Athens Instagram Inspiration: 15 Instagrammable Places in Athens, Planning a Trip to Greece: Your Travel Checklist, 8 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Patras Carnival. This was probably our favorite meal on the island. There you can find paintings of the Byzantium era and religious art. And it's exactly that and nothing less. No matter if youre coming with the kids in tow and want somewhere fun by the beach or are seeking a romantic honeymoon after the big day, you can rest assured that this sun-splashed island has something up its sleeve. (2023) How To Get Your Hacked Or Disabled Instagram Account Back: Guide To Facebook Support, The Perfect 5-Day Itinerary For Zion, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, and Antelope Canyon, Ultimate Guide To Applying For Multiple Chase Ink Business Cards, The Ultimate Spreadsheet To Track Credit Card Churning, The Perfect Travel Itinerary For Madagascar. We love the peace of mind it gives us in case of emergencies, accidents, illnesses, theft, or trip cancellation or disruption. I stumbled upon an offer for 1 week at Zakynthos at the end of June for not even 400 (flights + hotel). They include Marathia Beach, Spanzia, and Porto Roma, which are all usually awash with snorkelers and sunbeds and tanning bodies when the summer months get a-rolling. Hi, Johnny, I like reading your travel posts a lot! This beach has everything you could ask for including great restaurants and bars and some watersports as well. I was also told my friends that Zakynthos is the big British party island. In fact, there are loads of charter routes landing here, including links from major European capitals like Vienna, Warsaw, London, and Amsterdam. If you dont know anything about Zakynthos, you probably have still heard of the Shipwreck Beach. Public buses only run a few times a day and the cost of taxis can add up. While Shipwreck Beach is unquestionably the headline act on Zakynthos, dont forget that there are oodles of other beaches to get through here. Of course, its all about what works best for you. Last but not least, Porto Limnionas is one of the hidden treasures. This is an absolute must in these islands if you want to do anything. Yep, Zakynthos is unquestionably one of the most stunning Ionian Islands. Visiting Zante Town is on our list of the best things to do in Zakynthos, so here are a few things to do in Zante town. From 43/night. Scenic drives, hiking opportunities, fresh seafood, and colourful fishing towns are just some of the many things you can expect to experience on your trip to Canadas Zakynthos Greece (also known as Zante Island) is a small, stunning island that bobs in the Ionian Sea of western Greece. 50 Shades Of Blue I've never seen more shades of blue than I saw in Zakynthos. They differ a lot in character from north to south, east to west. Headed to Greece? Along with Saint Markos Square, Solomos Square is one of the most important squares in Zante Town. What to See in Zakynthos Greece - Jess Wandering An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Whether you plan to spend your entire time on Zakynthos in Zante Town, or youre just stopping here for a couple of hours to visit, this post will have you covered. However, its most beautiful and dramatic in color from the afternoon hours. They come brimming with tavernas and cozy cocktail bars, where you can meet and mingle with locals after big Greek mezze platters. theres the old fashioned way of simply going to Marathonisi (the Turtle Lets get started. 4.5/10 (358 Google Reviews) Where to stay in Zakynthos - The Orange Backpack Zakynthos Town: Photos, Map, See & Do | Greeka You could also hike the trail to Skopos Hill on the south coast, where a mystical Byzantine monastery awaits at the top. On the left side, will be a hike down towards the rocks and beach. When is the Best Time to Visit Zakynthos? Visit Navagio Beach (Not Applicable for 2023!) 9. For a more idyllic view, while enjoying your gourmet Greek salad, a visit to Aperitto is worth your time. Now, its not a time for money saving. It has a long sandy bay with a view of limestone cliffs. We are currently working on our mega-post of things to do in Athens as well as our itineraries, so stay tuned! Marathonisi: worth visiting - See 2,816 traveler reviews, 1,873 candid photos, and great deals for Zakynthos, Greece, at Tripadvisor. I'm really tempted to book this flight and go to Zakynthos. Either way, make sure to head in and experience the history and vibe of this stunning Ionian Island capital. Located opposite Agia Triada Beach at the north end of Zante Town, the rooms here all have TVs, A/C and private bathrooms. Greece Is Zakynthos Worth Visiting? If you walk past the Greek flag, there will be less people and a great place to get photos without the crowds. If you have a weak stomach as we do, save yourself and bring somenon-drowsy motion sickness pills. Last but not least, Malanos is a value for money taverna and definitely not at all worse than the previously mentioned restaurants. Zante Town is located on the eastern coast of the Island of Zakynthos. Its an absolute must like Ive already said. Of course this is a one of situation during a worldwide pandemic, but visiting in mid July of 2020 meant it was pretty much dead.