Best Things To Do in Zakynthos

Zakynthos is a destination you should not miss, especially if you are looking for a relaxing vacation away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Greek hospitality will welcome you with open arms and you can visit the Blue Caves and the famous Shipwreck Beach, one of the most photographed locations in Greece.

On this island most adventures are done on glass-bottom boats, allowing you to see the crystal clear waters as you sail to the turtle islands. In addition, you can choose from dining experiences, Greek handicraft classes and other activities ideal for connecting with the local culture. If your vacation is extended, you will have the opportunity to visit a theme park, get lost in its historical sites and ride the Zante train.

Zakynthos is an extraordinary island and its main attraction is its paradisiacal beaches. In particular, the beach of Navagio is famous for its display of the shipwrecked ship Panagiotis, which was wrecked near this coast in 1980. It is said that this ship was carrying contraband tobacco from Turkey to Italy.

However, in the middle of a storm, the Greek navy intercepted the fleeing crew and sank the ship so as not to leave any evidence. It was recovered and, since then, its rusted structure has remained in this small paradise, making Navagio one of the most visited and photographed islands in Greece.

It is undoubtedly a real find where breathtaking cliffs, golden sand and crystal clear waters await you. Most boats to Shipwreck Beach depart from Porto Vromi, which is famous for its unparalleled views of the sea. Another way to admire this wonder is to take a bus to the village of Volimes and then walk approximately 45 minutes to the viewpoint, but consider that you can not go down to the beach from here, it is only possible to enjoy the panoramic views.

If you go with the intention to relax and visit the most beautiful beaches of Zante below I leave you others that you should not miss:

• Porto Steniti, is a quiet harbor with impressive cliffs and coves ideal for enjoying a dip.
• Xigia Beach, is famous for its beauty and sulfur-rich waters that offer a natural spa and health benefits.
• Gerakaras, a beach considered Zante's turtle paradise.
• Porto Roxa, an uncrowded harbor ideal for snorkeling and swimming on secluded beaches.

The island is a gastronomic paradise where you should let yourself be carried away by the perfect combination of smells and flavors. Fresh ingredients and recipes that reflect the Greek culture are used here, highlighting the presence of olives, wine and Greek cheeses. During each meal you will be accompanied by colorful landscapes and sea views, as well as the hospitality of the locals.

There are so many options to try that the most feasible thing to do may be to book a gastronomic tour of Zante. This way, you will get closer to the tastiest and most traditional proposals, while discovering why the people of Zakynthos love pastries and sweets.

During this culinary experience you will get close to good food and you can visit wineries in the mountain village Maries to discover the wine history, taste the local wines and learn about the production process. Zante is also famous for its olive oil, so there will also be time to visit the Vouno Oil Mill.

If I were you, I wouldn't miss the opportunity to try the Greek cheese Ladotyri, which melts on the palate because of its creaminess. And, of course, you should get lost in Machairado, a romantic village where the food is prepared by local chefs and accompanied by island music.

I'll tell you a little more about the dishes and desserts that await you in this gastronomic region par excellence.

Traditional dishes of Zante

The savory dishes of Zante are famous for their use of filo dough and traditional sauces. Of course, cheese and olive oil, the protagonists of the island's gastronomy, cannot be missing. In addition, the fish is fresh and tasty, due to its connection with the sea.

• Moussaka: a pie stuffed with eggplant and minced meat and seasoned with cinnamon.
• Souvlaki: skewers of minced meat served with pita bread and tzatziki sauce.
• Feta in Puff Pastry: feta cheese wrapped in phyllo dough and served with jam or honey syrup.
• Dolmades: vine leaves stuffed with meat, rice and herbs that are slow cooked in island lemon sauce.
• Grilled fish: an ideal dish to eat in front of the sea served with local herbs, salad and olive oil.

Desserts of Zante

In Zante the star of desserts is honey, considered a gift from the gods and a healthy ingredient that sweetens desserts without the need for excess. In addition, some salty ingredients such as cheese are transformed into sweet preparations that melt in the mouth.

• Bougatsa: filo dough pastry filled with pastry cream or sweet cheese.
• Kourabiedes: cookies made of butter and ground almonds,
• Greek Baklavá: a dessert different from the one offered in Turkey and other countries, as its layers of filo dough are filled with walnuts and have a honey syrup bath.
• Revani: semolina sponge cake in a honey syrup bath.

If you go to Zakynthos you have a mandatory stop at the Blue Caves, where you will have the Greek Mediterranean at your feet. It is a destination of warm and crystalline waters that allow you to immerse yourself in a route through the most beautiful geological formations of the island.

They are distinguished by their sculpted cavities formed by the erosion of the sea in the area. It is advisable to visit them in the morning or before 15:00, as you can better appreciate the effect of the water in contrast to the sun.

Considering that they are close destinations, many people choose to book an excursion to the Blue Caves and Navagio beach from Zante. This way, you can optimize your time and enjoy the company of a tour guide, without worrying about transfers and other logistical details.

Usually, these types of experiences reach the Blue Caves in a glass-bottomed speedboat so you can see the deep blue depths beneath your feet. In addition, the itinerary usually includes a glimpse of the shipwreck from a lookout point and a walk around Wedding Island, so nicknamed because it is a famous destination for romantic ceremonies.

Pottery is part of the island's traditions and dates back to Ancient Greece. Hence, techniques are used that have been passed down from generation to generation. You can buy some handicrafts to take home and remember your trip, or book a pottery making experience in Zakynthos. A professional potter will accompany you to model the creation of your choice with the freedom to let your creativity run wild.

It will be an unforgettable experience, as pottery studios are often in an inspiring setting, surrounded by olive trees and vineyards. You will learn how to use the potter's wheel and perfect the pieces with your own hands. As the class progresses, the expert will tell you interesting stories and the secrets of pottery making.

If I had a whole day to explore the Greek coast of Zante, I would get lost in its islands and caves, where the water seems almost unreal. Of course, I would take advantage of an unforgettable sunset and the vineyards where one of the local treasures is harvested: the white wine of Zakynthos. Below I tell you which are the favorite getaways for locals and tourists.

Excursion to Marathonisi, the island of Cameo and the Keri Caves

Zakynthos is a destination where paradisiacal beaches abound. A good way to go out and discover its scenic beauty is to book an excursion to Marathonisi, the island of Cameo and the caves of Keri. You will have a complete experience that brings you closer to natural enclaves such as Kalamaki beach, famous for its turtle nests.

In addition, you can board a glass-bottomed boat to view the crystal clear waters of the Keri Caves and pass through its iconic stone arch. Following the wildlife, you will reach Marathonisi Island, a haven for loggerhead turtles or Caretta Caretta turtles.

On Cameo Island there is also a small nesting of other turtle species and desolate spaces ideal for snorkeling.

Sunset Excursion to Agalas and Damianos Cave

Zante will steal your heart, especially if you dare to go beyond the typical places and look for experiences that combine the best of the island. For this, I suggest you book a sunset excursion to Agalas and Damianos Cave. You can lose yourself in vineyards and local villages, as well as defy vertigo on a wooden rope bridge.

At Damianos Cave, stalactite and stalagmite formations await you, as well as free time to enjoy the tranquility of the place. Then you can continue to the colorful houses of the iconic village of Agalas. In the late afternoon, the Mediterranean sunset will take your breath away. From the viewpoint of Agalas it is more impressive and I find it perfect to relax and admire the natural spectacle in the company of a glass of wine. This kind of experience is also found in other Zante destinations, such as the Keri Caves and Cameo Island.

Leaving the island without learning how to cook? Impossible! In Zante you can book a cooking class and enjoy the company of expert cooks who will reveal the secrets of the recipes of local dishes.

On the internet there are a variety of recipes for typical Zante dishes, but it can be frustrating to prepare them and not get the expected result. The local gastronomy has tricks that you will discover during the experience and you will surely return home as an expert of filo dough. Most importantly, you will have fun and gain new culinary skills.

Some of the dishes you can learn to prepare include:

• Souvlaki, the island's typical skewers served with pita bread.
• Spinach pie.
• Rigidado, a slow-cooked casserole with explosive flavors.

If you'd like to enjoy the pleasant sunshine and warmth of Zante in a fun environment, you should buy tickets to Zante Water Village. This theme park offers an adrenaline rush and a variety of attractions for the whole family.

It has slides of different intensities so you can slide down the gentler ones with the little ones, or dive between twists and turns and speed changes on the Kamikaze. You also have a blind date in the Black Hole slide, which is completely dark with fun surprises.

To relax during your vacation, nothing better than the lazy river, an aquatic attraction that allows you to float in a tube while you get a tan, or swim in its pools and take time to relax your muscles in the Jacuzzi.

Although Zakynthos is a city of getaways to hidden coves and nature parks, that doesn't mean you should miss out on its picturesque streets. Like other Greek islands, its historic center has a particular charm, with stone houses and craft stores. In the old town you should take advantage of its relics full of charm and stop by the Church of St. Dionysus, dedicated to the patron saint of the island.

Nearby you have the Dionysios Solomos Square, in honor of the Greek poet who wrote the national anthem of Greece. But if you want to take advantage of the local atmosphere and nightlife, you will surely find a good place between St. Mark's Square and the seaport.

The island is surrounded by ancient monasteries and castles, some related to Greek mythology or religious places of prayer. Would you like to know them? Here are the ones you should not miss.

• Monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa: it is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, which in Greece is known as Panagia. It is located on top of a hill and is a perfect meditation space to get lost among ancient paths and explore some striking ruins.
• Anafonitria Monastery: you will find this place in the middle of olive groves and mountains, so it seems to me a perfect excuse to disconnect from the routine. It is dedicated to the Virgin Anafonitria, considered a protector of the island.
• Venetian Castle of Bochali: it is on a hill and is the testimony of the Venetian influence, since this enclave protected the island from invasions. From here all the activity of the city and its port was controlled, so today it is a very popular viewpoint.

When walking through the city, the tourist train of Zante will not go unnoticed. It is an ideal attraction to tour the island comfortably while taking advantage of stops at points of interest such as the main viewpoints. You can also get off at the Church of St. Dionysios, St. Mark's Square and Dionysios Solomos Square.

On board you will enjoy the informative explanations of a guide and get lost in the alleys along the bay. You may even get to the Venetian castle of Bochali and enjoy a tour of the traditional olive press, where you will learn how olive oil is produced.