If you want smaller ones you can get them for around 2-3 each. The capital of Zakynthos lies on the eastern part of the north coast. . See Also: The Ultimate Guide to Greek Travel. Christianity was brought to Zakynthos by Maria Magdalene in 34 AD, who spread the word of God on her way to Rome. 11 Best Things to Do In Zakynthos - What is Zakynthos Most Famous For There are many accommodation options in both towns and great restaurants along the sea here as well. You can walk over the walls of the fortress, which tragically has been destroyed during invasions and more recent earthquakes. Kefalonia Greece - Complete Island Guide (pan-fried semolina cake) that is traditionally served at feasts. What is Zakynthos known for? What is Zakynthos Most Famous For? By plane| Daily Athens-Zakynthos flights take 55 minutes. A plunge into the dark caves is one of the best things to do in Zakynthos. Vi er et nettsted for alle nordmenn som elsker mat og drikke. Loggerhead sea turtles nestle on this tiny isle. What is Slovenia best known for? We stayed in a lovely little modern apartment and paid only $22 / night (thanks to shoulder season discounts). The beaches in Zante are so breathtaking that you may actually find it difficult to peel yourself away from the sand and explore the rest of the island. The most famous sites in Zakynthos is the Shipwreck Beach that has taken its name from a rusty, wrecked ship that is found on shore. Which Greek island has the least mosquitoes? You can get cheap apartments on Booking.com and Airbnb, particularly in the shoulder and off-season and getting around is easy when you have a rental car (highly recommended). All rights reserved. Chani Maze-like and Beautiful Venetian City in Western Crete, Oinousses Islands Picturesque with a Rich Maritime Culture, Explore Beautiful Forests and Evros River Delta in Western Thrace, Discover beautiful Xanthi, the Grand Lady of Western Thrace, Sparta and the Spartans Greeces Toughest, Legendary Warriors, Travel to Lefkada Unexplored Seascapes and Stunning Beaches, Corfu Cosmopolitan with Exotic Beaches and Stunning Landscapes, Corfu Medieval Fortresses, Old Town Labyrinth, and a Great Nightlife, Ithaca the Stunning Emerald Island of Mythical Hero Odysseus, Koufonisia Exotic Caves and Stunning Beaches in the Aegean, Kea Elegant, Beautiful and Luxurious Getaway near Athens, Sikinos A Paradise of Wine Tradition and Amazing Terraces, Naxos Charming Beauty and Ultimate Watersports in the Aegean Sea. The whole western shore, from Keri toSkinari, contains numerous interesting rock formations, particularly arches. There are many different ways to get to Zakynthos Town from any location on the island. Check out our full review of Lofos and dont miss this restaurant. Top 30 warm & hot places. Zakynthos Town: Being the capital and main port of one of the Ionian's most famous islands, Zakynthos Town (or Zante Town) is a Greek traveling destination like no other, one which offers a mixture of sightseeing options, pebble-filled beaches and adrenaline-pumping nightlife for your liking!. Apart from Zakynthos Town, it is also calledChora. Make sure you also check out our post that lists the Top 15 Beaches in Zakynthos You Wont Want to Miss. Located in the Ionian sea about 250 kilometres west of the capital of Athens, it is perhaps most famous for Navagio Beach, a breathtaking cove surrounded by dramatic 200-meter high cliffs. Zakynthos island in Greece, also known by its Italian name Zante, is a gorgeous island south of Kefalonia island in the Ionian Sea. It is decorated with all sorts of artwork, ranging from the saint's sacred relics to awe-inspiring wooden carvings depicting moments of Agios Dionysios' life. Where is warm in Summer in Europe? Zakynthos. The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. For many, the main lure to the island is the chance to see the endangered Caretta Caretta sea turtles up close. The vast sandy beach offers a sense of seclusion, however watersports are limited so as not to disturb the, , known for its wild nights of partying has also cordoned off the part of the beach that belongs to the. The Church of St Dionysios (St. Denis) in Zakynthos Town is the largest on the island and is home to many important works of art, including painting, word carving and gold sculpture. Although the island gets a massive amount of tourists during high season, and tourism is well developed in the south of the island, there are plenty of places in the north and center to get away from it all. Eat at one of the family-run tavernas and try the Zakynthos-inspired stuffed rabbit, (a Zakynthos take on beef stew in tomato sauce). If you want to better your chances of spotting a Loggerhead, then I recommend joining a tour into the marine park, and in particular, visiting Turtle Island. Go visit Gerakas beach, Laganas Zante, Vasilikos beach and Spiantza beach. Its a gathering place for various animals, making it a haven for nature lovers. Do not hesitate to ask the community! At Logothetis Organic Farm, you can wander through large olive yards and taste fresh produce. Moreover, the area seems to be a great place for casual strolling. . Spectacular Beaches and Extreme Watersports If beach quality ranks high on your vacation wish list, then you will find yourself spoilt for choice in Zakynthos where knock-out sandy seashores regularly feature on international beach lists. How to get to the Church of St. Primo and Felicijan? Zanteisavibrantisland,offeringawidevarietyoftavernas,barsandnightclubs. This once scruffy fishing village is quickly being reinvented as a charming little tourist town. Copyright 2023 Goats On The Road | GOTR Media LLC. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. The best areas for mountain biking are the hills inland fromVassilikosand the central mountain range east of Zakynthos Town. Explore the amazing Keri caves and cross the famous Arches from underneath. Due to its rich history, dating back hundreds of years, this town is home to a . The island has one airport, the Zakynthos International Airport, DionysiosSolomos (on former GR-35) in its southwest which connects flights with other Greek airports. 46. from $61 per adult. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Wash it all down with one of the local wines, such as the Venetian-influenced Verdea. Information from Science Park Zakynthos:Water is a limited resource on Zante. You may also find that many restaurants and hotels are closed at this time. Zakynthos is a gorgeous island full of rolling, lush green hills, and sparkling beaches, some of them renowned around the world, like the famous Shipwreck Beach with the bright light sand, azure transparent waters . They dont call them modern conveniences for nothing. They had also named the island Fiore di Levante (meaning flower of the East). The people of this island are proud of their artistic heritage and break into a traditional kantada serenade at every opportunity. Laganas, which is a bay of the island, is advertised as the place of "non-stop partying" and "wild entertainment well into the night". You can either rent by yourself, or hire a boat with a captain. Zakynthos is known for its beautiful nature, such as pristine beaches, blue water, sea turtles and seals. There are two ways to see the beach, one is from the cliffs above the beach looking down for that iconic photo, and the other is to take a boat to see it (the only way to actually get to the sand). Navagio is in the northwest of the island, around 35 km from Zakynthos town. St. Nicholas, Alykes and Tsilivi (where the islands waterpark is located) are ideal for, . It was built back in 1959 and its initial purpose was to host anything that could be salvaged after the destructive 1953 earthquakes and fires. However, a succession of highly destructive earthquakes in August of 1953 tragically induced dozens of deaths, as well as the collapse of most of Zakynthos Town's buildings, effectively rendering every building but three uninhabitable. The weather in Zakynthos is characterized by a typical mild Mediterranean climate with dry, hot summers and rainy winters, like in the other Ionian Islands. This beach is always crowded because excursion boats go there all day long. The town of Zakynthos is just lovely. In general, the island is famous for the wonderful beaches with sandy shores, such as Gerakas, Kalamaki, Agios Nikolaos . using egg-whites and almonds are popular on the island. Plentiful restaurants are spread around Zante Town, especially along the promenade next to the port, ranging from low-budget family taverns with seafood to high-class restaurants if you're searching for a fine dining experience. Zante is another name for the beautiful Ionian island of Zakynthos. The port of Zakynthos has a ferry connecting to the port ofKyllinion the western side of Peloponnese. The feast of Saint Dionysos is celebrated twice a year on August 24 and December 17. It is famous for the stunning caves and cliff views with a shipwreck, the sea turtles nesting, the long, sandy beaches, and its bustling nightlife in Laganas. The capital of Zakynthos lies on the eastern part of the north coast. Also dont miss our post which lists the Top 15 Best Beaches in Zakynthos. What is Zante best known for? Top 13 things to do in Zakynthos! The medieval Anafonitria Monastery is an excellent example of Byzantine architecture. The island is named after Zakynthos, the son of a legendary Arcadian chief Dardanus. Porto Vromi. Kalamaki beach is only 2 km from Zane airport so planes often fly low directly over the beach. Zakynthos - Zante, Greece - Complete Island Guide | Discover Greece The patron saint of the island, however, is Zakynthos-born Saint Dionysos. This tour in a private boat not only takes you to Navagio Beach but also blue-water caves and hidden coves. enthusiasts, families with children may want to steer clear as it isnt serviced, and choppy seas surround it. The island was united with the Greek state in 1864. Details on site. Kalamaki is a great place for couples and families. Dont miss thedolmadesand the fish fillet. Learn more about visiting Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Cove) in our detailed guide here. If theres one thing we know, its this: theres always Rare animal species, forests, lakes, outdoor dining, fresh products and How to say "I do" and live your Mamma Mia No more avocado toast and croque-madames. Apart from Zakynthos Town, it is also called, . The itineraries are carried out about twice a day during high season. This beach town has plenty of laidback bars and taverns, where you can enjoy local wines and shots of ouzo. Greece is one of the best countries in the world for cuisine, so its no surprise that pretty much every island in this archipelagic nation has some amazing restaurants, and Zante is no different. Minor uninhabited islands around Zakynthos areMarathonisi,PelouzoandAgiosSostisin theLaganasbay,AgiosNikolaos, near the eponymous harbour on the northern tip, andAgiosIoannis, near PortoVromion the western coast. That said, you can see all the highlights in 2-3 days. This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. General information. Hence, numerous cultural crossovers and distinctive Venetian elements are apparent throughout the island's capital. Swim here, and enjoy the currents creating pockets of hot and cold ripples massaging your skin. There is no shortage of churches on the island, from the miniscule St. Elipsos Church that looks as though it is embedded into the rock to the huge Virgin Eleftherotria Monastery. Argasi and Laganasare the two main resorts which cater for a younger audience. The winds in Zakynthos are not strong, not even during summertime. Usually, at a place with a location like this, youd have to pay extra for food, but Lofos keeps their prices very fair. Ionian Islands Zakynthos Things to Do in Zakynthos Things to Do in Zakynthos, Greece - Zakynthos Attractions Things to Do in Zakynthos Popular things to do Bus Tours Day Trips Points of Interest & Landmarks 4WD Tours Full-day Tours Beaches Historical Tours Private Sightseeing Tours Churches & Cathedrals Airport & Hotel Transfers Top Picks Only one out of every 1,000 hatchlings make it to adulthood, with many losing their orientation due to nearby beach bar lights, getting snapped up by predators or choking on plastic bags. Other than that, however, almost all of the island's most revered beaches are further away, so consider the option of taking a tour bus from Zakynthos Town towards other parts of the island or renting a car and driving yourself to one of the regional beaches. Also try fytoura (pan-fried semolina cake) that is traditionally served at feasts. Off the southwest coast of Greece, lapped by the Adriatic Sea, Zakynthos is home to beautiful beaches - including the popular Navagio Beach - dramatic cliffs and lush green olive groves. Zakynthos has been a place of many inhabitants through the years, having been under the occupation of the Byzantines, the Angevins, Florentine's Tocchi dynasty, the French, the British, and mostly the Venetians. View on map Location: On the north western side of Zakynthos island Description: Navagio is the most famous beach of Zakynthos. Nick is the co-founder, editor and author of Goats On The Road. The combination of coastal scenery, cozy shops, nightlife and the traditional countryside make Zakynthos a versatile destination. The church built in his honor has an identical bell-tower to that of. This little restaurant is set on the cliffs over Limnionas Bay and is well worth a visit, if not just for the spectacular view. Location: Vassilikos, 291 00, Zakynthos, Greece. Gerakas, 18km south of Zakynthos town, has pristine sand that slopes gently into the sea making it ideal for children. Apart from the Zakynthos International Airport that bears his name, there is a, The people of this island are proud of their artistic heritage and break into a traditional, at every opportunity. In the South, you have very busy and commercial beaches, like Laganas beach or Banana beach.But you also have undiscovered places. Many people are drawn by the gorgeous views of Zantes coastline, with its steep cliffs, white-sand beaches and deep blue water. Why visit? I have to say that its definitely notone of the main tourist hot spots in Zakynthos, Greece. Mantolato in particular was brought over by the Venetians and passed down through the generations. 135. from $61 per adult. Even when theyre not around, you can still see their traces on the sand. The vast sandy beach offers a sense of seclusion, however watersports are limited so as not to disturb the Caretta Caretta turtles that nest here. Built in 1708, the church hosts the relics of Saint Dionysos, who is the saint of forgiveness after having excused his own brothers murderer. Why does Zante have two names? There is no shortage of churches on the island, from the miniscule. Zakynthos is a stunning island to visit with fantastic beaches, a dramatic coastline and plenty of things to do. This is a walkable distance from Laganas, so it often gets busy with day trippers, particularly those who come for the picturesque Cameo Island which is linked to the mainland by a lovely little bridge (youve probably seen the photos), as well as nearby Turtle Island. We spent 10 days there, exploring by renting a car and a boat, and got to see many of the islands highlights. Check out our post all about how you can sustainably and responsibly swim with loggerhead turtles in Zakynthos. At Shipwreck beach you can only stay for a short while before the boat sails to the next sights. But the garbage didnt deter us from exploring the island and really falling in love with it. Tip:Since buses dont always stop at every scheduled stop of their itinerary, our advice to visitors is to inform the driver about their final destination, so that he makes a stop there. Buses are a cheap and comfortable way of traveling within the island. Some of the artworks in the Byzantine Museum were even saved from collapsed churches after the quake shook Zakynthos. Explore Zakynthos Town (orChora), the capital of Zakynthos. Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is unique, housing important turtle nesting grounds and being a hub for adventure sports. We use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience and to analyze site traffic. With amazing accommodation options, fantastic restaurants, welcoming locals, and some of the best beaches in Greece, it's no surprise why this island is one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the country. Learn more about Nick Wharton on the Goats On The Road About Us Page. Honey-based desserts such as pasteli with sesame seeds and mantolato using egg-whites and almonds are popular on the island. Zakynthos island is famous for its wild nightlife, particularly in the region of Laganas. Apart from the towns that burst with cherry-red. The port of Zakynthos has a ferry connecting to the port ofKyllinion the western side of, Zakynthos International Airport DionysiosSolomos receives domestic flights from Kefalonia and Athens all year and during summer the airport receives flights from numerous cities around Europe. And more? as they seem to have found the balance between tradition and progress in their own unique way. Laganas is the nightclub centre of Zante, where competingclubsblastout dancemusicfromtheiropen-frontedbarsontotheLaganasstrip. Vibrant flowers and gorgeous cliffs add to the charm of this Greek island in the Ionian Sea. Give yourself the time to explore the hidden gems of the town like Saint Mark Square,SolomosSquare,and the Post-Byzantine Museum of Zakynthos. Until the earthquake of 1953, there were over 350 churches on the island, of which 100 were in the capital, Zakynthos Town. Sign up for our weekly newsletter and well send you our 101 Ways To Earn Money For Travel eBook for Free, plus well send you a series of emails to show you how to travel in a financially sustainable way. Koufonisia are some of these islands. Its setting is amazing, with a Greek style watermill covered by the shelves. Pronounced (Yer-ak-as), this long, beautiful stretch of sand in the far southeastern end of the island is the perfect place to relax for the afternoon. Located in Tsilivi, this Greek restaurant serves up tasty, homely food such as chicken souvlaki with roasted potatoes, pita bread and salad, or piping hot stew. Just be sure to choose a company with good reviews, and is eco-minded. 1. You will never be asked for ID in any Zante bar, club or restaurant or at any event. Navagio, or Shipwreck Cove, is an excellent spot to see a large part of Zakynthos dramatic coastline. Turtle Spotting Cruise on a Glass Bottom Boat, Museum of Solomos, Kalvos, and other Eminent Personalities. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Zakynthos is among the most exotic Greek islands along with Kefalonia, LefkasPaxoi. Read more about our last experience traveling Zakynthos Greece here. Top sights in Triglav National Park 14 must-see places! TheridgeareafromAnafonitriahasa smallobservationdeckwhichoverlookstheshipwreckandyou will find the monasteryof Eleftheotria in Macherado village nearby. Afloat in the Aegean, east of the mainland, it is typically Cycladic with its blinding white houses, blue and pastel shutters and roofs. Content Navagio (Shipwreck Cove) Marathonisi (Turtle Island) Keri Caves Byzantine Museum Venetian Castle National Marine Park of Zakynthos Anafonitria Monastery Hanne Mi's Ceramic Art Studio Logothetis Organic Farm Kampi Hotel Palatino is situated in the town of Zakynthos since 2001, a short distance from the city center , the position is in a quiet area, only 100 m from the seafront. Not in our opinion. Wash it all down with one of the local wines, such as the Venetian-influenced. The airport of Zakynthos is located 5 km from Zakynthos Town. During an organized tour to the Keri Caves, youll get to see natural carvings on limestone walls. Is the tap water on the island safe to drink? The best things to do in Zakynthos take full advantage of the fact that the island is blessed with some beautiful beaches and natural scenery. In the resorts, sports are limited to water sports. Where to eat? Shortly after the 400-year Venetian takeover of the island, around the beginning of the 19th century, Zakynthos along with the rest of the Ionian islands were cornerstones for Greece's eventual Independence since Filiki Eteria, a revolutionary secret organization, had many members residing and unionizing in the Ionian. Our Zante season starts on the first week of June and runs right through until the. Ionian Islands Greece Zakynthos - Famous for its Shipwreck Beach and rare Seaturtles June 18, 2020 lindabertelsen zakinthos, zakynthos, Zante Zakynthos is famous worldwide for its Navagio (Shipwreck) beach and the rare Loggerhead sea turtle living in the turquoise blue waters around the island. The largest resort isLaganas, whose beach stretches around 10 km. Private transfers:We recommend using an online pre-bookedZakynthos transfer service, which provides transfer by taxi, minibus, or private VIP car and arranging a pickup directly from the airport, port, or your hotel. It covers an area of 410 km. The Zakynthos Marine Park protects nesting beaches (Gerakas, Daphne, Sekania, Kalamaki, Laganas, Marathonissi) as well as the wetlands of Keri Lake where migrating birds gather and the small islands of Strofadia. The Venetians didnt nickname the lush island Il fiore di Levante (Flower of the East) for nothing. However, there are plenty of car and motorcycle rentals around, which you can use to your advantage, as well as taxi cabs. Even though the south of the island is dominated by mostly mundane resort beach towns offering the typical inclusive holiday packages, the north and center of Zakynthos is still an exciting place to explore. The water sparkles with impossible azure colour and the sand is perfectly white. Are you in the mood to swing your hips? Unnamed Roadd, Meso Gerakari 291 00, Zakynthos Greece. Hotels.com and the Hotels.com logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Hotels.com, LP in the United States and/ or other countries. Dont be fooled into running away from them. Check the official timetables of the route Airport > Zakynthos Town here. The prices of accommodation are also much lower at this time with savings of up to 50% in our experience. Drink prices range, in most of the big clubs they around 5 for the big cups. The location is 8km south of Zakynthos Town and best accessed by car or taxi. Read More: A Guide to Visiting Porto Limnionas, Main Street of, Planos 291 00, Zakynthos Greece.