Welcome to Zakynthos
Known to the Venetians as ‘Fioro di Levante’, meaning the Flower of the Orient, Zakynthos is
a fertile and bucolic island boasting much more than the world-renowned Shipwreck Beach.
The third largest of the Ionian Islands, this beautiful island is approximately 40km long and 20km wide with a sweeping coastline of around 123km in length, with glistening blue waters, hidden caves and secret coves waiting to be discovered. This lush green island is home to a large array of authentic mountain villages and coastal towns offering something for everyone.
The island is also renowned for being home to the much-beloved Caretta Caretta turtles. Many boat trips from all over the island departure regularly to view their natural habitat with this being a much-loved activity to visitors to participate in.
Beaches
Zakynthos has an abundance of beaches that cater for everyone and it is hard to choose a few to mention. Below are some of our top choices to visit on your holiday to this picturesque island:
Gerakas
Gerakas Beach is the most southerly of the beaches on the island and forms part of the National Marine Park. This is an important nesting area for the Caretta Caretta turtles and this protected sandy beach can often be seen dotted with nests as the turtles lay their eggs. The beautiful clear waters are also perfect for snorkelling as no fishing is allowed along the coastline meaning plenty of sea life can be found.
Banana Beach
Located just north of Vasilkos, Banana Beach is known as being one of the island’s widest sandy beaches and is popular with those looking for a beachier atmosphere. The beach also boasts an array of watersports for all to enjoy.
Navagio Beach
Without doubt, Navagio Beach is the most renowned on Zakynthos. Home to the infamous shipwreck, this must-see beach and glistening waters can only be accessed via boat (although you cannot step foot on the sand) or you can admire the spectacular view from the viewing platform above. Certainly, one not to miss for the perfect holiday snap!
Did you know?...
Zakynthos’ most famous son, Dionysios Solomos, is the author of the Hymn of Liberty which became the Greek national anthem. He is also probably the most successful 19th Century Zakynthiot poet.
Dafni Beach
Said to have the warmest sea water on the island, Dafni is a fantastic choice for nature lovers and those looking to avoid the big crowds. Calm waters make it ideal for swimmers of all ages. The beach tavernas are also the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset.
Zakynthian Cuisine
Zakynthian cuisine is similar to the other Ionian Islands but there are some subtle differences. There is a big Italian influence in Zakynthian recipes from the time when the Venetians ruled the island.
A lot of the ingredients used can either be found on the island itself or are produced by the families themselves. Meals can be very seasonal. Villager families which keep their own sheep also make their own cheese from feta to the traditional Zakynthian ‘lathotiri’ which is a cheese stored in olive oil. The longer this cheese is left to mature, the spicier it gets!
A lot of the homes in the villages have a traditional wood-burning oven outside where they bake their own bread and other delicious slow-cooked meals.
Some of the specialities of Zakynthian cuisine are: rabbit (kouneli) stewed in a tomato sauce, stuffed rabbit (kouneli gemisto) in wine sauce; beef in a tomato sauce either with small onions (stifado) or without (kokkinisto); stuffed vegetables (gemista); oven roasted vegetables in a tomato sauce (briam) and many more which are all delicious and should be tried on any trip to Zante.
For dessert there are numerous options, but the Greeks usually eat seasonal fruit cut into small pieces. Other favourites are: the local delicacy ‘Frigania’ which is creamy dessert made up of three layers; yoghurt with honey; baklava and many others. You will also see street stalls especially in Zakynthos Town selling other traditional sweets, such as ‘Pasteli’ which is a chewy sweet made from roasted sesame seeds and honey and also ‘Mandolato’ which is a type of nougat.
Did you know?...
Zakynthians love their food and take great care and joy in preparing meals. There is always too much food in case someone calls in unexpectedly and there has to be enough food to feed them to. It is considered an insult if you arrive during a meal and refuse to sit at the table to eat with the family.
A favourite way of eating out for the Zakynthians is to order lots of mezedes (starters) instead of just one main course per person. The starters range from cheese pies, fried cheese (saganaki), courgette fritters, village sausage, meatballs and plenty more.
Activities in Zakynthos
There are a lot of outdoor activities available during the summer months which allow visitors to Zakynthos to explore the island to its fullest.
Scuba Diving
There are a number of scuba diving centres mainly located in the south of the island. Visitors can experience the sea life found in the Ionian Sea and, if you’re lucky, you may be able to see the Caretta-Caretta Loggerhead turtles which come to nest on the beaches of Zante as specific times of the year.
Hiking/Trekking
This is becoming more popular on the island in recent years with many places off the beaten track to explore either on your own or as part of an organised trip. These quiet spots allow visitors to find the real beauty of the island and to see many plants, herbs and wildlife that inhabit the rural areas away from the tourist resorts.
Cycling
On the island, there are a number of companies offering bike hire- both normal and e-bikes- whilst many tours take place with an experienced cyclist.
Boat Trips
Many visitors to Zakynthos will partake in a boat trip to experience the beauty of the surrounding seas and numerous sea caves. One of the most popular boat trips takes place in the north of the island is the famous Shipwreck Beach and the Blue Caves. In the south, there is the opportunity to see the famous sea turtles who return each year to lay their eggs on the island’s beaches. Boat hire to meet all budgets are available from daily organised trips to luxury yachts.
Did you know?...
Our guests can contact Fidelity Travel Excursions Department (excursionsdepartment@fidelitytravel.gr) for help with all types of excursions. They will be happy to discuss the different options all over the island and help book these on your behalf.
Kayaking
Kayaking is another popular activity all over the island where visitors can see the sea caves up close and personal.
Festivals
Orthodox Easter is a major event in Zakynthos, the island celebrates the week prior to Easter Sunday with various processions and feasts. On Saturday there is a dramatic and lively celebration with a religious service at midnight. In Zakynthos Town, there is a tradition that locals throw clay pots (botides) out of their windows to symbolise renewal and prosperity.
25th April marks the Feast of Saint Mark where the church of the same name in Zakynthos Town celebrates his life and contribution to Christianity.
Pentecost is celebrated 50 days after Easter and is a significant feast for the Greek Orthodox Church.
Feast of the Assumption is celebrated across Greece and special church services are held in honour of the Virgin Mary. There are many processions, feasts and festivities, one of the more well-known is at the church in Anafonitria.
The patron Saint of Zakynthos, Dionysios (Dennis), is honoured on 24th August, this is the biggest celebration on the island. Expect to hear cannons, ship horns, church bells and fireworks. There is a street parade at 7pm on 24th and an open market located opposite the church.
Many of the villages celebrate their own festival, if you are lucky enough to visit at this time, you may experience the ‘kantathes’, sung in the street to the accompaniment of the mandolin.
