Discover the highlights of Zakynthos
The capital of Zakynthos offers a wealth of daytime and nighttime activities. Strada Marina (Marine Drive) wraps around the harbour and is lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops. Key attractions include Solomos Square with its statue of the national poet, the Museum of Post-Byzantine Art, and St. Mark's Square with its Catholic church and poet museum.
A hillside area with ruins of an ancient Venetian castle offering panoramic vistas of the town and harbour below. Narrow lanes wind through traditional houses with gardens of jasmine and bougainvillea, leading to authentic coffee houses. On nearby Strani hill, the poet Dionysios Solomos wrote the lyrics to the Greek national anthem.
Zakynthos has historic religious sites dating back to the 15th century. The Agios Dionysios Church, built in 1948, survived the devastating 1953 earthquake and houses a silver coffin containing the saint's mummified remains. The Anafonitria monastery, dating from the 15th century, is where St. Dionysios lived and served.
The island's most renowned and famous beach, enclosed by white rocky slopes and washed by the amazing turquoise Ionian Sea. Accessible only by boat, it is one of Europe's most photographed locations and a must-visit for every visitor to Zakynthos.
Located on the northern coast near Volimes, these natural formations showcase every conceivable shade of blue on the cave walls, created by a combination of remarkable geological formations and the reflection of the crystal-clear waters.
A picturesque harbour with stunning sea views backed by hills and mountains. The traditional stone village provides a unique and wondrous view of traditional Greece, with impressive sunset vistas that draw visitors from around the island.
Located in the southwest of the island and accessible only by sea, these caves come in varied sizes – some are navigable by boat while others are difficult even to swim through. Nearby you'll find small beaches at Cape Marathia and the stunning Mizithres rock formations.
A small island in the Bay of Laganas, shaped very appropriately like a turtle. It serves as a nesting habitat for the endangered Caretta-Caretta turtles. The island is uninhabited with crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and sea caves to explore.
Protected sea turtles that nest on the southern sandy beaches from July to August. During the night, when everything is calm, the turtle emerges from the sea and digs a hole in the sand to keep her 120 eggs for 55 days. The National Marine Park was established to protect these magnificent creatures.
A southern peninsula village that is home to some of the most awe-inspiring beaches on the island. Surrounded by olive groves and white sandy shores, the mountainous terrain offers breathtaking scenery at every turn.
Family-run establishments throughout the island offering tours that cover winemaking history, production processes, and tasting sessions. The traditional grounds showcase local architecture and the deep-rooted connection between Zakynthos and its wine-making heritage.
Operating during the summer months, these factories offer tours showcasing award-winning Extra Virgin Olive Oil production. Each visit includes a tasting session where you get to sample olive oil the way the Greeks eat it – on fresh bread.
Located at the island's northern tip, Skinari features a working lighthouse which sits on the edge of the cliffs. The nearby Agios Nikolaos port offers ferries to Kefalonia, swimming beaches, and waterfront dining.
The villages in the north and west of the island feature traditional architecture, small churches, cobbled streets, village bakeries, and panoramic views. They offer visitors a glimpse into the more traditional side of Zakynthian life.