The team at Giosta di Zante has announced the historical event programme for 2025, on their Facebook page.
This highly anticipated event runs yearly, immersing islanders and visitors into island history, showcasing Zakynthos past. From vibrant and authentic costumes, to parades and jousting, it's an event not to be missed!

If you're interested in learning more, the event dates and times are listed below.

Friday 6th June 2025
Start 19:45 outside the building of the Zakynthos Sub-Region.

​Time: 20:15
Solomos Square: National Anthems-Raising of flags - announcement of Giostra Zakynthos 2025-Presentation of delegations and a Medieval dinner.

Saturday 7th June 2025
Square Agioi Sarandes - pedestrian street
Time: 19:30 - Parade of children's Giostra groups
The procession will cross the streets: Alexandrou Roma - Dimokratias Avenue - ending at Solomou Square.

Time: 20:00 Children's Giostra performance

SUNDAY 8th June 2025
Time 19:00- 3rd Primary School of Ammos
The Grand Parade of all the teams of Giostra 2025 and the equestrian competition
The procession will cross the main road of the coastal road (K. Lombardou) ending at Solomos Square.

Time 20:00-Competition of Giostra 2025
La Lucera! Arrival of the Winner

The end of Giostra 2025 will be marked by a Fireworks display!

If you want to step back in time, for a glimpse of Zakynthos past, Giostra 2025 is the perfect event to attend!

The famous shipwreck beach, also known as Navagio beach, is an iconic Zakynthos sight and one that draws tourists from all over the world to the island.
 
In recent years tourists have been disappointed because the beach has been closed to the public due to safety concerns. The decision has also been taken in recent days to make the same decision for 2025, which means that anyone hoping to take a trip to the beach and explore it and the famous shipwreck will be disappointed.
 
More details were released in Hmera news, stating the following:
Several zones will operate, to include a controlled access zone and a prohibited zone. These zones will allow boats to enter the bay, but boats will not be allowed to anchor, or stop, within 50 metres of the beach.
Access to the beach is strictly prohibited and no one will be allowed onto it.
The beach closure will be in operation for the full summer season, ending on the 31st October 2025.
 
Anyone who wants to see the shipwreck from afar can do so via boat, keeping within the controlled zone rules.
 
You can also see Navagio beach from the viewpoint above, where work has recently taken place to improve the area for visitors. According to Hmera news, this includes a new pathway to make it easier and safer for anyone accessing the site. Safety barriers are currently in place, which will eventually be replaced by railings.
 
We know the closure of Navagio beach will be incredibly disappointing for many visitors, but the decision has been made for the safety and well-being of tourists.

“I’ll meet you in Zakynthos Town at the location of ‘openly.everything.aspire'”
 
We hear you all asking, where on earth is “openly.everything.aspire” on Zakynthos?!
 
Bear with us and we’ll explain. It’s worth it!
 
These three words “openly.everything.aspire” is a designated What3Words location in Solomos Square.
 
What is What3Words?
What3Words is a fantastic site that allows you to actively pinpoint where you are, anywhere in the world, by using a specific three word combination. This clever site has the entire world mapped out into 3 metre squares. Each square has been given a unique combination of three words in order to identify it. This clever mapping project now makes it incredibly easy to find and share exact locations, anywhere around
the world, down to a three metre square.
 
What3Words was set up as the owners felt that street addresses in modern times just weren’t set up for how we live our lives today. Many places around the world, have entire areas that simply don’t have normal “postal/street” addresses, especially on small islands like Zakynthos. What3Words now means that people can identify any worldwide location with just three words, making it much easier for people to locate addresses or get help if the worst should happen. Yes, it even works at sea!
 
So, with a bit of help we thought we’d put together a few three word references that you can then look up in the What3Words app or via the web version, to more easily locate specific destinations on the island.
 
How do I find a location, or use the 3 words I’ve been given?
To find a three word location, go to the What3Words site, type a place name in the search box, and hit return. Zoom in and click on a square, which will give you your three word combination.
If you already have your three words, copy and paste or type them into the search box, and hit return. The site will take you to the place on the map, which is overlaid on Google Maps. Now it is easier to find your favourite place on Zakynthos with What3Words!
 
We’ve put together a few examples of Zakynthos locations, and their 3 word combinations below, to give you an idea:
 
Alykes/Alykanas – daisy.limiting.molehill
Kalamaki – unicycle.ovation.splendid
Laganas – secretly.unfrozen.buddies
Tsilivi – banner.solstice.quacking
Zakynthos Town – patters.howl.saturation
Cameo Island (beach) – contributes.upstate.lunched
Marathonisi (Turtle island) – squeezed.polkas.carpenters
Navagio (Shipwreck) – voicing.omen.harpoon
Zakynthos Airport – fleeces.inputs.textile
 
Obviously, these tourist resorts/island sights do have multiple three word, square options, but we’ve chosen just one as an example of how it works. You can use What3Words to locate your favourite Zakynthos site, restaurant, bar, business, or even meet up with family and friends anywhere on the island down to a 3m radius!
 
To learn more about this brilliant and unique way of getting about, you can access the web version here:
https://what3words.com/
 
It’s also available to download as an app on GooglePlay and the Apple App Store.
 
Even if you’re not visiting Zakynthos this year, the site works all over the world, so it can be used for a multitude of things from holiday destinations, work and leisure purposes. It’s incredibly useful and also great fun looking up places to see the combination of 3 words used!
 
So next time you’re meeting up with friends, planning a trip or looking for somewhere to visit, try What3Words

​Holy Friday in Greece is one of the most Holiest days of the year, known as Megali Paraskevi. The Vespers of Good Friday are sung and the Apocalypse of the Crucified takes place.
 
Zakynthos has its own unique way of celebrating this day. Centuries-old traditions are still being kept alive and respected by younger generations in Zakynthos. If you haven’t already noticed the church bells haven’t been ringing over the last few days, today however the bells, especially in the village areas, will strike the traditional ‘Penthos’ mourning sound.
 
Throughout the town you may see traditional black flags called ‘Pefki’ hanging from the balconies and windows. Traditions have it that even today the usual everyday chores are stopped, at the dinner table no one is seated and no tablecloth is placed.
 
From dawn today, Good Friday, Saint Dionysios is placed in his throne where he will stay until Easter Monday. The church prepares for the epitaph. A morning service sees the Crucified placed in the centre of the church. The priest reading the bible will re-enact those days leading Christ to his tomb.
 
He is slowly brought down from the cross and placed in a white sheet. The
priests will then carry him to the Alter where readings will be held. After they bring the body of Christ in litany and He is carried in a procession three times within the church walls. At the end of the service He is placed in his tomb and rose petals are placed around Him.
 
The faithful will visit their churches, light their candles and keep the spirit of Easter alive on Zakynthos.

Easter in Zakynthos is one of the most traditional, spiritual and eventful celebrations throughout Greece.
 
Preparations around the town and in the villages will soon take place, if not already. Although this year the weather has been holding those preparations back, let’s hope soon news that the weather is going to be good, it won’t be long before we see people out in their yards. There is a lot to do before Easter, Zakynthians often whitewash around their homes, fences, stables and more. Of course flowers have been planted and a general feeling that rebirth after a long harsh winter. The local council will start its preparations by whitewashing the curbs along the footpaths, even the tree trunks will
be whitewashed, it gives us all a sense of freshness and cleanliness. This is what we call our ‘springtime cleaning’ just in time for the Easter celebrations.
 
During the Holy Week which starts from this Saturday specific themes are introduced based on the scriptures from the bible. Churches during this time will open their doors to cultural events in the form of music and song.
 
I must say you actually feel like you are re-living the events that took place centuries ago, when Christ walked on this land. The events start in the morning, celebrating not only St. Lazarus but the churches are also preparing for Palm Sunday. All around the Island people have already started to make the Vai which will be dispersed around the churches in honour of Palm Sunday. At 11.00a.m this Saturday, the day of Lazurus they will decorate the church with figures of the sun, horses and bouquets around the church, of which are all made out of palm leaves, these will replace the violets that were left during Great Lent.
 
At our church of Metropolitan, in Zakynthos town just behind the square of St. Marcos, the tradition of tying palm leaves shaped in a star will take place at 12 noon. Firstly, an olive branch is tied to a rope leading up to the bell tower and then a chain made out of palm leaves is tied and at the end, the sun follows. The clergyman slowly pulling the chain up towards the bell tower finally places the sun in position on the bell tower. This tradition has been kept for centuries in honour of the day when Jesus Christ entered the city of Jerusalem.
 
On Sunday morning, the day of the “Vayia” you will see the churches full. The faithful are here to listen to the prayers and honour their saviour. They will also take home with them a small bouquet of flowers where three single sheds of palm leaves have been designed carefully and placed behind the flowers. The faithful will then place these on their icons at home. The lucky ones will take home the beautiful piece of art work, the sun or the horse to add to their collection.
 
The dish of the day is the famous Zakynthian fried cod and aliatha (αλιάδα), known more commonly on the mainland as skorthalia. Zakynthians however, have their own traditional recipe of a potato and garlic like puree that has been made with perfect portions of lemon juice, olive oil and the broth of the cod. Some have also made aliatha from bread called Psomenia aliatha (ψωμένια αλιάδα).
 
The dish is usually served with wild greens and beetroot salad. Although this week we are in strict lent, most Zakynthians if they have not started 40days ago, will start. Fish is allowed only on Palm Sunday.... it is during holy week that Lent is kept in almost every Zakynthian household.
 
As Holy week starts you will notice that churches are celebrating in style, Holy Monday a concert will be given at the church of Faneromeni, with their traditional men’s choir singing as they have done many years before during Holy Week. For those who want to
listen to true Zakynthian style Easter the concert will start within the church walls at 8.30p.m, something I personally would recommend.

When we go on holiday, many of us have an important check list, passport, tickets, suitcase etc. but what about the customs and laws of where we choose to visit? How many visitors investigate all the things they should and shouldn’t be doing in the country their travelling to?
 
Whilst Greece is an EU country, like many other places they still have certain things that if done incorrectly could upset the locals, be frowned upon or even land you with a fine. Every country in the world is different which is what makes going on holiday to another destination so special. Zakynthos is a great place, and it’s quite laid back, but we’ve put together a list of a few things that visitors should be aware of for their own peace of mind.
 
Alcohol and drugs
There are strict rules regarding both Alcohol and drugs on Zakynthos. Drinking too much and getting into a fight will see you arrested and possibly lead to being fined, especially if there’s indecent behaviour involved, such as revealing private parts of the body.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is also a big no, as this can also lead to fines or arrest. Recreational drugs of all kinds are illegal (including Class C), you can be arrested and charged for both possession and importation of them. Nitrous oxide (balloons), is also illegal on Zakynthos and may lead to fines or arrest, there are also health implications of using nitrous oxide which could land you in hospital.
 
Dress Code
There’s no strict dress code on Zakynthos, but visitors should be mindful that if they’re visiting churches or monasteries on the island, most notably Agios Dionysios, they should dress accordingly. Both men and women should refrain from wearing shorts inside a religious building and should instead wear long trousers (or long skirts if female). Any women wearing short tops, including crop tops/spaghetti straps, should cover themselves with a shawl or other top. Beach wear is strictly a no!
 
Anyone visiting the Business District, eating in a restaurant or visiting a shop or supermarket whilst on the island should also cover up, this also goes for non-beach resorts such as Zakynthos Town. Walking around Town, shops, or attempting to eat out in your swimwear is frowned upon, so please be respectful and cover up!
 
Driving
When driving on the island, you must have the correct license and insurance for the vehicle you’re hiring, whether it be car, quad or motorbike, and drivers must be aged 18years or above. Provisional licenses are not valid. Greek road users drive on the right hand side of the road, seat belts must be worn at all times, and if you’re using a quad or motorbike you must wear a helmet at all times. Please click here for a full post that is already on our website setting out useful information that you should read before hiring and driving.
 
Festivals and holidays
Zakynthos celebrates many festivals and bank holidays throughout the year. It’s a great time to immerse yourself in the cultures and traditions of the island but try and be respectful of these important times of the year. Things may not operate as normal, and some roads may be closed, or opening hours may differ. Whilst it may be frustrating that everything closes on a Bank Holiday, it is a traditional of Zakynthos, so be respectful of the island traditions.
 
Language and gestures
Whilst other languages can be very difficult to learn, it’s polite to try and learn a few words or phrases when going abroad, rather than having the expectation that everyone will speak to you in English. Greeting a local with a simple Kalimera, or receiving your meal with Efcharisto, is much more respectful, and the locals will be grateful for your trying. We all know that some words, such as curse words, may seem like a bit of harmless fun, but calling someone the M word, will not be taken well. So whilst it may seem enjoyable to curse at someone in their own language, it may cause you a lot more trouble than it’s worth!
 
There are also some hand gestures that should be avoided, to prevent confusion or upset. Don’t put the palm of your hand in front of someone’s face. In Greece this is a rude gesture and will not be taken well!
 
Prices
When you go abroad prices always vary. Whilst you may find that some things are cheaper abroad, sometimes it can be the opposite. Zakynthos is an island where items have to be shipped in, which can make them to be more expensive. Please don’t get cross with the shop keeper because your favourite brand of suntan lotion is a higher price than back home. The shop keeper isn’t ripping you off, it’s because it costs a lot more to have the items imported to the island!
 
Receipts
If you buy anything whilst on holiday on Zakynthos, ensure that you get a receipt. This includes money spent on any purchased items such as accommodation, food, drink, shop purchases etc. If a tax-department worker stops you and asks you to show a receipt and you don’t have it, you may end up with a fine. You should also ensure that your receipt states the amount you actually paid and don’t let anyone give you an excuse for not providing a receipt, they are obliged to give you one by law! You should also be aware that pirated CD’s and DVD’s are illegal in Greece and you risk arrest if you buy them.
 
Siesta
As with several other European countries, Greece operate Siesta. Many shops will open around 9am, and then close again for siesta at 2pm. They will then open again around 6pm and operate until some point in the evening, some places will stay open until midnight. It may seem unusual, but if you’re out and about, you may have to fit your day around this schedule. Most beach/tourist resorts often remain open during these times, however.
 
Smoking
Smoking has been banned in Greece since 2010, in all indoor places, including Government buildings, the airport or hotels. This includes Zakynthos. Smoking in these locations risks a €500 fine. You’ll sometimes find people smoking in some public places, such as beaches and outdoor restaurants and bars. Whilst it can be unpleasant if you’re a non-smoker, you need to be aware that things in Greece are different and you may have to move away from a smoker if it’s causing you an issue, as they’re entitled to be smoking outdoors/unless the location falls into the aforementioned category.
 
Toilets
Okay, so we don’t like talking about certain things, but this one’s necessary. The infrastructure on Zakynthos is very different due to being an island. When visiting the bathroom don’t flush toilet paper, or any other paper or disposable items. Many Greek toilet systems (especially the islands) aren’t able to cope with it. Please put all paper and other disposable items it in the basket. Most bathrooms will remind you of it.
 
Trespassing
There are certain places in the world that people want to go to and explore. Sometimes however those places are off limits, either due to health and safety reasons or because the land is privately owned, or a government site. There are a few places like this on Zakynthos. Please, for your own health and wellbeing, don’t climb along the top of the cliffs at Navagio or sit with your legs dangling over the edge. Whilst it may give you a “perfect photo” it’s incredibly dangerous, not only to you, but to those who would have to deal with the situation if it went wrong. Please use the specially created viewpoint, that’s what it’s intended for.
 
The west of the island is one of the best spots for viewing the sunset. Some of this land however is restricted, so please don’t be upset if you’re unable to access it, there are other great viewing points up at Kambi, and just past Exo Hora. Whilst Laganas Bay is perfect for taking a boat out, the islet of Peluso is private as is most of Marathonisi except for the beach.
 
Water
Whilst you can drink the tap water in Athens it’s advisable not to drink water from the taps on Zakynthos. The mineral content can g9ive you an upset stomach. Bottled water is available everywhere, so you’ll never be far from a much needed drink especially during the hot summer months!
 
Weapons
Pepper spray, knives (cm blade or more), and knuckleduster are not allowed in Greece and guns are only allowed for hunting purposes with a special license. Carrying them are not allowed.
 
Whatever you do in Zakynthos this summer, we hope you all have a great time. Enjoy the sun, the food and good company, and we hope that you go home with some wonderful lasting memories.

Over the years there have been many reports and comments on social media about strong smells of tar/oil in the Keri area of Zakynthos. Some people have also noticed that the smells occur around the time of earthquakes.
 
Experts are say the smells emanate from local pitch (tar) wells/ tar springs, situated in the Keri area. We know the pitch (tar) wells/ tar springs have existed for many centuries, if not longer, as there is a lot of historical/written evidence, going back hundreds of years, that fully supports the experts. This evidence not only confirms that not only are there pitch wells on Zakynthos, but that these pitch wells have been active for a very long time, and that the tar from them was actually a very valuable resource for islanders. 
 
So, what are pitch wells?
Sometimes known as tar pits, or asphalt lakes, pitch wells are a natural geological phenomenon that’s created when petrol or oil travels through cracks in the earths lower layers, eventually making its way to the surface. The petrol/oil is forced to the surface by low pressure, either by natural phenomenon or helped by seismic or geological activity in the area. It’s thought that the more activity the area has, the higher the rate of petrol/oil flow. Sometimes these petrol/oil leaks are small resulting in tar pits or wells, on other occasions they are much larger and entire lakes are formed.

When the liquid reaches the surface, lighter parts of the liquid vaporise leaving behind the substance we know as bitumen. It’s this product that causes the smell similar to tar or oil. A petroleum-based hydrocarbon, bitumen, is very viscous, sticky and black in colour, and it’s a very common product that’s found all over the world. Bitumen is also known as asphalt, a name first given to it around 625 B.C by the Ancient Greeks who called it “Asphaltos” meaning secure. It was also used in Babylon for building roads and by Romans for aqueducts, bathhouses and reservoirs.

Past accounts of Bitumen by Travellers to Zakynthos
Many travellers visiting Zakynthos, from Herodotus to Gentlemen Travellers of the 1800’s, have been fascinated by Zakynthos’ pitch wells leading these visitors to write interesting accounts about locating and investigating them. Herodotus Histories, mentions Herodotus’ trip to Zakynthos – sometime before his death in 425 B.C – and he noted that he saw a lake and wells on the island that produced bitumen.
He is quoted as saying:

“for I myself saw pitch drawn from the water of a pool in Zakynthos. The pools there are numerous; the greatest of them is seventy feet long and broad, and twelve feet deep. Into this they drop a pole with a myrtle branch fastened to its end, and bring up pitch on the myrtle, smelling like asphalt, and for the rest better than the pitch of Pieria. Then they pour it into a pit that they have dug near the pool; and when a fair amount is collected there, they fill their vessels from the pit. Whatever falls into the pool is carried under the ground and appears again in the sea, which is about a half a mile distant from the pool.”
Herodotus, Histories, Book four
 
Between the 1600’s and 1800’s, many European travellers also wrote about visiting pitch wells in the same area of Zakynthos, and it seems that they were a popular destination. One description from the 1800’s describes a beautiful plain of three leagues [approx. nine miles] in size surrounded by mountains. The writer described the air as noxious with ability to cause fevers and other illness. At the centre of the plain he found two “bitumen springs” around 200 paces apart. He described the springs as boiling and bubbling with a strong smell. Remarkably though, it was also noted that water surrounded the bitumen itself, and this water was perfectly cool and clear, even on the hottest of summer days. The water in one spring was sweet tasting , in the other spring it was salted. The traveller noted that the bitumen was most violent during earthquakes and many islanders he met at the time took this as proof that the bitumen and earthquakes came from the same source. 

Another account from a European traveller, written hundreds of years ago, noted that Zakynthian residents used the highly sought after bitumen for a multitude of purposes. The bitumen in the islands springs often overflowed, and locals would visit them with their buckets to collect the substance. It was stored in leather bags or casks and sold on to be exported for use in many products. Islanders also used it to coat boats and roofs and some say it was even used for ladies medicine! Sailors with scurvy were reportedly given water to drink from the one of the wells with an aim to remedy the illness. The bitumen was also dried in the sun and used as cement. 
 
So should we worry about pitch wells and the tar they produce?
Those who have, in the past, studied the bitumen springs and seismic action on the island, have noted that these springs and the often-felt earthquakes, were not the only indications of seismic activity. Close to the shore at Xigia there is a spring of sulphurous water. The smell from it is powerful and in the past many locals used it to cure livestock illness. Deep caverns located near Cape Skinari, and at Keri have also showed signs of a white oily substance that would rise to the surface and settle on top of the water, previous visitors thought it was another form of bitumen, but it this was never confirmed. The sulphurous water, and oily substances are all known “side effects” of seismic activity.
​
Nowadays the original pitch lake that Herodotus described, more commonly known as Limi Keriou is now just marshland, but there are still some pitch wells visible, the most notable being Herodotus Spring to the west of Limi Keriou, close to Herodotus Studios and Herodotus supermarket.

Active pitch wells is nothing new for Zakynthos, it’s an interesting geological phenomenon that’s been going on for a very long time and it part of the islands varied history. The island has coped with it for a very long time and residents used to live side by side with it, even utilising the bitumen and making money from it, something that may likely continue on for a long time yet to come.

Many holidaymakers and visitors to Zakynthos will, at some point, come across stray cats and dogs or an animal that needs welfare assistance. Greece in general is a nation of animal lovers and whilst there are negative stories that are sometimes reported about animals – as it is all over the world – a majority of Greek people adore their animals and treat them well. In some areas of Greece however, especially on the islands, the number of strays animals is higher than normal. Strays are always very easy to spot, thin, in poor condition, possibly with injuries or with ticks, and fleas.

On Zakynthos, there are several ways to help with strays, including ways of reporting them, how to get in touch with a vet or help or get in touch with dedicated groups and volunteers who help to feed, look after and foster/re-home strays. If you would like to help the volunteers with your time, donations, re-home an animal or ever have any concerns about a stray cat, dog or another animal then you can get in touch with volunteers as listed below. Please bear in mind that all of the volunteers are extremely busy and will do their best to help as soon as they can, but they are very overstretched with the amount of work they have to do, so please be patient.

What tourists should and shouldn’t do when finding a stray animal
1. NEVER bring a dog or cat into your apartment. It is unfair to allow a stray to become attached to you because the day will come when you have to leave and will have to put them back on the street. In other words, just when they’re made to feel loved and secure, they’re abandoned … double betrayal! (Please note there is a list of feeding stations at the bottom of this post, or ask in report or on the Facebook page)

2. If you want to feed the strays, do so away from the hotel you are staying at. If the dogs/cats know they will be fed, they will hang around, which is something hotel owners and staff do not appreciate. The dogs/cats risk being hit, poisoned, or even driven into the mountains where they are left to starve. This is NO exaggeration!. If you feed dogs/cats, don’t hang around, but leave while they’re eating. Don’t let the animals become too attached to you, as they will miss the affection you give them after you leave.

3. Don’t let the dog(s) / cat(s) you have befriended follow you around. It may seem flattering, but when you leave, they will once again have to fend for themselves.

4. If you find an injured animal, a tourist information office (or the owner of the hotel where you’re staying) should be able to give you details of where a vet can be found or if there’s an animal welfare organisation you could contact. However, taxi drivers (in general) are not willing to put an animal into their cars, nor are they allowed on public transport (buses etc).

5. If you are upset by the plight of animals, don’t ignore it, thinking that there’s nothing you can do to make a difference …. make a fuss … be vocal!! In addition, on your return home, please complete the ‘complaints’ form – see below for details.

Advice for Tourists: https://greekanimalrescue.com/advice-for-visitors-to-greece/
Firstly you can get guidance and support from the Greek Animal Welfare Fund – How to report animal cruelty: https://www.gawf.org.uk/advice-and-welfare/how-to-report-animal-cruelty/
Report issues to the police
If you witness any animal cruelty please report it to the Police, ensure you do it in person, with as much information as possible. (You will need to take your Passport with you if reporting animal cruelty to the Police.)
To contact Zante Town police station:
[email protected]
Zante Town +30 26950 22100
Or phone Katastari station +30 26950 55068
Report issues to the island authorities
The Zakynthos Municipality is responsible for all strays. You can report any strays to the Mayor of Zakynthos via this link, photos, a description and location are useful to add:
https://www.dhmoi.gr/en/municipalities/zakinthos/
or call on
+30 26953 61300

Contact a vet!
You can also contact two vets on the Island:
Konstantina Souli – https://www.facebook.com/konstantinasouli.vetcare
Spiros – https://www.vrisko.gr/…/2hcj4gd6cc2b0f_71__77e2jdccjdg5c

All vets will treat a stray and, unlike in the UK, you will not pay a consultation fee. You only pay for what treatment is given, which in essence is nominal compared to the UK and other EU countries. We get very many messages and emails during the tourist season, therefore, if you are really worried about an animal, please take it to the vets yourself as we cannot be all over the island to assist.

Dog owners be advised!
​Due to the new laws if you allow your dog to wander free on the streets, there is a chance of it becoming lost or being picked as a “stray.” It will be taken to the vet for checks and microchip to find its owner. As you are required by law to have your dogs, sterilised. If they are not chipped or sterilised then you will receive a fine before your dog is returned to you.

Zakynthos Volunteers/Charities (In alphabetical order)
There are also animal welfare charities and volunteers you can support or donate to:

• Archelon (For the island’s turtles)
• Healing Paws
• Heart4Cats
• ZAWF
• Zante Strays

You can also feed details of these in the Directory.

Feeding stations and general volunteers
As well as the charities mentioned above, there are also feeding groups across the island. Many of these locations will also accept donations of food or money too. These feeding groups work independently and alongside the Charities when necessary. These feeding station volunteers don’t receive any donations from the Charities, it’s all done from donations, and they often use their own money to keep the strays in these areas fed.
 
The work all of these volunteers do is vital, and they have helped thousands of Zakynthos cats and dogs, but they do it on a voluntary basis with and all costs are handled via donations. Please contact them directly if you feel you can help, or would like to give a stray animal from Zakynthos a forever home.

Island Radio 88.6 transmits from the Greek island of Zakynthos. It’s the only English speaking radio station in the Ionian, broadcasting on 88.6 FM. It’s also available to listen to online. The station was founded in 2005, and is currently run by Station Manager, and breakfast host, Bobby Gee. It operates all year round and is supported by both loyal listeners and island businesses.
 
Bobby Gee presents the Breakfast show, a mix of music from the sixties to the present. Other weekday shows include dance music and R&B, Penny Draper music mix, mix from the 1960’s to the present, classic rock, northern soul, reggae and ska and the Peter Lee, all 80’s Sunday. A full schedule is available on their facebook page.

You can listen live here: Islandfm.gr
The station is also availble vis your Alexa, just search Island Fm Zante

Tourists love Island Radio 88.6, and many enjoy listening to it online once they return home from their holiday, but it’s locals who value it the most. Not only does the radio station play music, local information is passed on to residents via the radio station, and many interviews are conducted by hosts about important issues affecting the island.
 
Bobby Gee regularly hosts many guests on his breakfast show, which is sponsored by Plessas market. The guests have included staff from the British Consulate in Zakynthos to talk about the types of services that the British Consulate offers to both tourists and expats. Bobby has also  interviewed several British Ambassadors to Greece, on a number of topics relating to the island and tourism.

Bobby has also interviewed numerous special guests, about a variety of topics relevant to both locals and visitors, and our very own Louise Inzk, from the Zakynthos Informer, has joined the radio on a number of occasions to talk about island history, tradition and culture, as well as sharing important festival information, and Greek Traditions. 

Island Radio 88.6 is vital to the island of Zakynthos, it’s great place for island business to advertise, residents get to hear the latest news and information, and tourists have a link to the island they love no matter where they are in the world. The station is stronger and more popular than ever, and as of this week it has increased its signal strength to match its sister radio station Stigma. As Island Radio 88.6 continues to grow in popularity, it hopes to be able to bring more great music, information and interviews to the island it is proud to call home. Island Radio 88.6 presenters and staff would like to thank everyone for their continued support.

KTEL offers visitors to Zakynthos a great bus service which includes intercity routes (travel options across Greece), as well as local routes throughout the island. The bus is a cheap, easy way of getting about and many destinations are covered, which is a great transport option for those who are unable to hire a car or can’t afford to take a taxi.
A breakdown of all routes is listed below, but if you need more concise timetables for all the listed journey’s, whether it be local or intercity, they can be found on the KTEL website. If you wish to contact them directly, their phone number is + (30) 26950 22255 or + (30) 26950 42656 or you can email them on [email protected]

Local Island Bus Routes
There a number of local summer routes that KTEL operate on Zakynthos. Most go to the main bus station in Zakynthos town, located ΙΑΤΡΟΥ ΜΟΘΩΝΑΙΟΥ, Zakinthos 291 00, but most routes across the island also leave from the main town going back out to other areas, so it is possible to see most of the main resorts or areas of the island by bus.

Current island bus routes are as follows:
Argassi to Zakynthos Town (Bus Station)
Argassi to Basiliko to St. Nicolas to Porto Roma
Alykes to Zakynthos Town (Bus Station)
Kalamaki to Zakynthos Town (Bus Station)
Laganas to Kalamaki
Laganas to Zakynthos Town (Bus Station)
Porto Roma to Zakynthos Town (Bus Station)
Tsilivi to Zakynthos Town (Bus Station)
Volumes to Anafonitria and Maries
Zakynthos Airport to Zakynthos Town (Bus Station)

Intercity Bus Routes (Zakynthos to Mainland)
If you fancy getting off the island, KTEL operate bus trips to Athens, Patras and Thessaloniki, all great places to visit where you can experience a different type of Greece.
The cost of the bus to Athens is €28.60 and the buses run four times a day on outbound and return, seven day a week.
The cost of the bus to Patras is €8.70 and the buses run four times a day on outbound and three times a day return, seven days a week.
The cost of the bus to Thessaloniki is €54.40 and the buses run even Thursday and Sunday on the outbound and Monday and Friday on the return.
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**Please note that none of the above intercity routes include the price of a ferry ticket and these need to be purchased separately.