Zakynthos Turns a New Page: Culture, Wine, and Year-Round Experiences
Zakynthos, long celebrated for its turquoise waters and sun-drenched beaches, is redefining itself. The island is embarking on a bold rebranding, shifting the focus from just summer tourism to a more holistic experience that highlights its rich culture, tradition, and unique wine heritage.
According to Angeliki Avgoustinou, Deputy Mayor of Tourism, Entrepreneurship, and Rural Development, the goal is to create a year-round destination. While the island attracts over 1.2 million visitors each year, this new strategy aims to offer experiences that extend well beyond the summer months.
Improved infrastructure, including the new Patras-Kyllini national road and frequent ferry connections, makes reaching the island easier than ever. Tourists can now enjoy activities throughout the year, from diving and nature trails to cultural events, Easter traditions, and vibrant carnival celebrations.
Wine tourism is at the heart of this transformation. Zakynthos boasts five visitor-friendly wineries and a proud history of viticulture, cultivating rare indigenous grape varieties such as Avgoustiatis, Goustolidi, Pavlos, and Skiadopoulo. As winemaker Konstantina Solomou explains, the aim isn’t for wine to compete with the island’s famous beaches—but to offer a complementary experience that showcases the authentic character of Zakynthos. Local wineries are already collaborating to strengthen the island’s wine identity, offering visitors an authentic taste of its heritage.
The island is also broadening its audience. The tourist season now spans from late April to early November, attracting visitors from the UK, Poland, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, Germany, Italy, and increasingly, China. While domestic tourism has dipped slightly, targeted efforts aim to bring Greek visitors back during summer, Easter, and carnival season.
With around 80,000 beds—from luxury hotels to villas and short-term rentals—Zakynthos is embracing a more diverse identity. Today, it’s not just about sun and sea. It’s about culture, flavors, tradition, and unforgettable experiences that can be enjoyed year-round.
Zakynthos isn’t just a summer paradise anymore—it’s a destination that invites travelers to explore its heart, taste its wines, and connect with its culture all year long.

​Every summer, Zakynthos welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors — and with them comes a mountain of waste. From plastic bottles on the beaches to packaging from hotels and restaurants, managing rubbish on an island this busy has always been a challenge. However, is Zakynthos finally improving its recycling system? Here’s what’s happening behind the bins.

What Exists: Sorting, Collection & New FacilitiesThe Municipality of Zakynthos has in recent years taken important steps toward a more modern waste system. A major EU-funded project titled “Actions for Sorting at the Source and Recycling of Urban Solid Waste” introduced the island’s first Central Green Point and several smaller “Green Islets” in tourist zones. These allow residents and businesses to drop off recyclables and biowaste separately from general trash.

Recycling collection operates through the familiar blue bins for plastics, metals, and drink cartons, and separate bins for glass and paper. The materials are sent to a Recyclable Materials Sorting Center (RSC), where they are mechanically and manually separated.
Until recently, most recyclable material collected on Zakynthos had to be shipped off-island — mainly to Agrinio — for sorting. However, from late 2024 a mobile sorting plant began operating locally, meaning the island can now process a significant portion of its recyclables without sending them to the mainland.


How the System Works Financially.
According to the Ionian Islands Regional Waste Management Authority, the average management cost for sorted waste on Zakynthos is around €62 per tonne. When legacy obligations and landfill costs are added, the full financial burden rises to roughly €80 per tonne. The municipality has also signed a two-year, €9.6-million contract with a private company (2025–2027) to handle waste collection and transport due to ongoing staff shortages.


What’s Not Working Yet.
Despite these advances, Zakynthos still faces serious waste-management challenges. Reports from both local media and environmental organisations point to frequent disruptions in collection services, especially during peak tourist months, largely due to insufficient personnel and vehicles.
Although recyclables are being collected, a significant proportion reportedly ends up in landfill because of contamination or sorting inefficiencies. Across many Greek islands, as much as half of the materials collected in blue bins are ultimately discarded rather than recycled.
The island’s landfill history has also been problematic. The old landfill site near the Zakynthos Marine National Park — once within a protected area — was deemed illegal by the EU Court of Justice, and Greece has faced repeated fines for delays in closing and rehabilitating the site. A newer sanitary landfill now operates under stricter environmental controls, but capacity and oversight remain concerns.

How Zakynthos Ranks Nationally.
In a 2025 survey ranking the environmental performance of Greek municipalities, Zakynthos placed 182nd out of 184 for recycling indicators — one of the lowest scores in the country. While this reflects the island’s long struggle with waste management, local officials have pledged that the new Green Point network and on-island sorting plant will help turn things around.


A Look Toward the Future.
The municipality’s new Waste Management Plan (2024) outlines a gradual transition to “circular economy” principles — focusing on sorting at the source, composting biowaste, and reducing landfill dependence. The plan’s success will depend on community participation and continued investment in infrastructure.
As part of this shift, Zakynthos is expected to expand public education on recycling, introduce better separation for hotel and hospitality waste, and coordinate more closely with regional authorities for transport and data tracking. There is also discussion of future collaboration with the Blue Municipalities network to integrate marine litter management.
In Conclusion.
Zakynthos does have a recycling system — complete with blue bins, separate paper and glass collection, and even a local sorting plant — but the island is still far from achieving circular waste management. Recyclables are often mixed with general waste, sorting capacity is limited, and seasonal pressures make consistent operations difficult. Nonetheless, with new infrastructure now in place and greater EU oversight, there is real potential for improvement.
For an island whose beauty and economy depend on its natural environment, expanding recycling and reducing waste isn’t just an obligation — it’s essential for Zakynthos’s sustainable future.

Greece has approved its first major offshore gas project in decades, but what does this mean for Zakynthos? Here’s a clear look at where it’s happening — and what to watch for.
Greece is making energy headlines once again. For the first time in four decades, the country is preparing to launch a major offshore drilling project — a move that could reshape its role in the European energy market.
The landmark agreement, signed in Athens on November 6 during the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy Cooperation (P-TEC), brings together Energean, HelleniQ Energy, and U.S. energy giant ExxonMobil. The consortium will explore for natural gas in the Ionian Sea, marking the first large-scale offshore hydrocarbon exploration since the 1980s.
But what does this mean for our island, Zakynthos? Let’s take a closer look.

The Project:- Block 2, West of Corfu.

The new exploration area — officially called Block 2 — covers roughly 2,400 square kilometers in the north-western Ionian Sea, about 30 kilometers west of Corfu.
It’s a deep-water zone, stretching from 500 to 1,500 metres below sea level, and early geological studies suggest that it could hold up to 200 billion cubic meters of natural gas. Drilling is expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027, pending environmental approvals and final permits.
ExxonMobil’s entry into the project brings both investment strength and world-class technical expertise — something Greek officials hope will help unlock new domestic energy resources and reduce reliance on imported gas.
Just how close is THIS to Zakynthos?

Here’s the key point: it’s not close at all.
Zakynthos sits in the southern Ionian Sea, while Block 2 is located in the far north-west, close to the maritime boundary between Greece and Italy.
In other words, the drilling area lies hundreds of kilometers from Zakynthos’s coastline, meaning there’s no direct physical or operational connection between this project and our island at this stage.

Could There Still Be an Impact?
While the project itself is not in our backyard, offshore drilling anywhere in the Ionian can have indirect effects on the region’s environment, tourism, and marine ecosystems.
Potential issues could include:

• Increased shipping traffic linked to exploration operations
• Seismic survey noise, which can disturb marine life
• Spill or pollution risks, however small, that could affect shared waters

Environmental groups like WWF Greece have previously warned that large-scale oil and gas exploration in the Ionian poses potential risks to protected areas and marine biodiversity — including species found near Zakynthos such as the Caretta caretta loggerhead turtle.

Zakynthos' Current Focus:- Marine ProtectionUnlike the northern Ionian, no active drilling licenses currently cover the waters around Zakynthos.
In fact, our municipality and local organizations are more focused on marine conservation and sustainable tourism — from Blue Flag beach programs to sea turtle protection initiatives. Zakynthos is also part of the “Blue Municipalities” network, promoting environmental stewardship across Greek islands.

Looking Ahead:-
Greece’s energy map is evolving. Beyond Block 2, there are other exploration areas — such as A2 and South of Peloponnese — currently under international tender. These lie somewhat closer to Zakynthos, though still not immediately adjacent.
As interest in Ionian hydrocarbons grows, local monitoring and transparency will be essential to ensure that development aligns with environmental protection and the tourism-based economy that sustains our island.

To sum up:-
In conclusion, the newly announced Block 2 offshore energy project — led by ExxonMobil, Energean, and HelleniQ Energy — is situated well to the northwest, off the coast of Corfu, and not near Zakynthos. At present, there are no active drilling or exploration plans in the waters surrounding our island. However, as offshore activity increases across the Ionian Sea, Zakynthos may still experience indirect regional impacts, such as increased shipping traffic, underwater noise, or potential environmental risks. Despite these broader developments, Zakynthos remains firmly committed to its path of eco-tourism, marine protection, and sustainable growth, continuing to safeguard the natural beauty and biodiversity that define our island’s identity.

​At Zakynthos Informer, we’ll continue following Greece’s offshore energy developments and how they might — or might not — affect our island community. Stay tuned for updates and environmental briefings as exploration plans progress.

A Monument of Faith, History, and Natural Beauty.
Standing in majestic solitude in the southern Ionian Sea, about 50 kilometres south of Zakynthos, the Strofades Islands host one of Greece’s most remarkable monuments — the Castle-Monastery of Strofades.
This awe-inspiring structure is not only a symbol of faith and history but also a cornerstone of Zakynthos’ spiritual and cultural heritage.
Now, thanks to ongoing restoration efforts led by the Greek Ministry of Culture, the Region of Ionian Islands, and the Ephorate of Antiquities of Zakynthos, this sacred site is being carefully brought back to life.

Statement by the MP of Zakynthos, Dionysios Aktypis.
"The Castle-Monastery of Strofades constitutes one of the most important and emblematic monuments of the Ionian, a unique symbol of our history and our spiritual and religious heritage.
The restoration and conservation works currently underway are of exceptional significance and are progressing steadily thanks to the foresight and support of the Ministry of Culture and the Minister.
Recently, together with the Head of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Zakynthos, Ms. Dimitra Nikolia, we visited the Strofades to personally oversee the progress of the works and to be briefed on the project’s advancement.
The interventions being carried out ensure the preservation and enhancement of this historic monastery, which has suffered significant deterioration over time and from natural phenomena such as earthquakes.
I wish to express my warmest thanks to the Ministry of Culture, the Minister, the Region of Ionian Islands, as well as to the Ephorate of Antiquities of Zakynthos and its Head, for their continuous cooperation, scientific guidance, and substantial contribution to the project.
In recent years Zakynthos has seen significant interventions in the cultural sector — projects that highlight our island and strengthen our cultural identity.
The Strofades project is a prime example of this effort, carried out through close collaboration between the central government, the Region of Ionian Islands, and all responsible authorities.
Soon, we expect a visit by the Minister to the site to inspect the works and see firsthand the progress being made.
With joint effort, faith, and consistency, we move forward to deliver to future generations a monument worthy of Zakynthos’ history and culture.”
​
A Fortress-Monastery in the Middle of the Sea
The Monastery of Strofades — also known as Panagia Pantochara — rises like a fortress from the flat, windswept islet of Stamfani, the larger of the two Strofades islands.
Built in 1241 by Princess Irene, daughter of Emperor Theodore I Laskaris of Nicaea, it served both as a monastery and a stronghold against pirate raids.
Constructed of massive stone walls up to 25 metres high, the complex includes monks’ quarters, chapels, storerooms, and a defensive tower. It has withstood centuries of attacks, earthquakes, and storms, symbolising the endurance of faith and community in the Ionian Sea.

Spiritual Legacy of Saint Dionysios
The monastery holds deep religious significance as the early home of Saint Dionysios of Zakynthos (1547–1622), the island’s patron saint. He lived and served as abbot here before his holy relics were later moved to Zakynthos Town for safekeeping.
For centuries, Strofades was a living monastery with monks tending its gardens, manuscripts, and chapels. In recent decades, however, the islands have become almost deserted — home only to seabirds and the memory of centuries of monastic life.

Restoration and Preservation Efforts
After suffering major damage during the 1997 earthquake, the Monastery of Strofades became a priority for preservation.
Today’s restoration project — funded and supervised by the Ministry of Culture — aims to:

• Stabilize and reinforce the historic stone structure.
• Restore damaged frescoes, icons, and architectural details.
• Protect the site from environmental wear and seismic risk.
• Promote its inclusion in cultural and ecological tourism routes.

The works are proceeding with scientific precision, respecting both the religious sanctity and architectural authenticity of the site. The project also highlights Greece’s growing commitment to safeguarding its island heritage.

The Natural Beauty of the Strofades
Beyond their spiritual heritage, the Strofades Islands are a protected natural reserve, part of the Zakynthos Marine Park and the Natura 2000 network.
They host rare flora and fauna, including nesting colonies of Cory’s Shearwater and Eleonora’s Falcon — birds that migrate across the Mediterranean and return each spring.
The combination of untouched nature and centuries-old history makes Strofades a living symbol of harmony between humanity and the environment.

Looking Toward the Future
With the collaboration of the Ministry of Culture, the Region of Ionian Islands, and the local Ephorate of Antiquities, the restoration of the Monastery of Strofades represents a major cultural milestone for Zakynthos.
Once completed, the project will allow visitors, pilgrims, and scholars to rediscover one of Greece’s most remote yet profoundly moving landmarks.
The upcoming visit by the Minister of Culture will further highlight national efforts to preserve and promote cultural identity in every corner of Greece — even on its smallest and most isolated islands.

✨ A Legacy for Generations to Come
Through faith, dedication, and cooperation, the people of Zakynthos are ensuring that the Monastery of Strofades — once a beacon for sailors and monks — continues to shine as a beacon of heritage, spirituality, and resilience for generations to come.
 





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Concerns Raised Over the Future of Local ELTA Branches in Machairado and KatastariIn recent days, many residents of Zakynthos have expressed concern after reports surfaced that the ELTA (Hellenic Post) branches in Machairado and Katastari may be closing. The issue has caused understandable confusion, particularly after national media confirmed that ELTA is implementing a restructuring plan affecting over 200 post offices across Greece.
The plan, announced by the Hellenic Post and the Hellenic Corporation of Assets and Participations (HCAP), aims to modernize postal operations and improve financial sustainability amid falling demand for traditional mail services. However, this move has sparked strong reactions from local communities, especially in smaller towns and islands where post offices play a vital social role.
To clarify the situation, the Member of Parliament for Zakynthos, Mr Dionysios Aktypis has issued an official statement, addressing misinformation and outlining his actions to ensure continued postal services for the island.

🗣️ Statement from the MP of Zakynthos (Translated into English)ELTA Machairado & Katastari
🛑 Response to the inaccuracies and misinformation from the Prefectural Committee of PASOK–KINAL Zakynthos
Following the recent press release by the Prefectural Committee of PASOK–KINAL Zakynthos regarding the operation of the ELTA branches in Machairado and Katastari, I feel it is my duty to set the record straight.
The citizens of Zakynthos have the right to know the real facts and not be misled by false impressions or unfounded claims.
From the moment I was informed of the possible suspension of the ELTA branches in Machairado and Katastari, I acted immediately and responsibly. I submitted a parliamentary question to the Minister of National Economy and Finance, Mr. Kyriakos Pierrakakis, and the Minister of Digital Governance, Mr. Dimitris Papastergiou, entitled ‘Suspension of operations of the ELTA branches of Machairado and Katastari, Zakynthos – The need to safeguard universal postal service for the citizens of the island.’
In my question, I raised clear and substantiated points regarding the criteria behind these closures, whether the relevant ministries were informed, what plans exist to maintain universal postal coverage, and how the government intends to secure ELTA’s sustainable presence in Zakynthos.
I also made it clear, during a recent briefing between New Democracy MPs and the ELTA administration, that certain actions were carried out hastily, without sufficient consultation or transparency. I emphasized that communities must not be treated as secondary, especially when decisions affect elderly residents, farmers, and small businesses who rely on local post offices for essential services.
While ELTA must modernize, this cannot happen at the expense of local society. We need realistic, fair, and well-planned solutions developed through genuine dialogue with local authorities and residents. Whatever decisions are made must not disrupt the daily lives of citizens or weaken the social fabric of our communities.
Zakynthos needs representation with a voice, vision, and responsibility — not political point-scoring. I will continue to stand firm in Parliament to find a fair and sustainable solution for ELTA that combines modernization with the protection of local needs.”

📬 What’s Happening NationallyAccording to official reports, ELTA plans to close or suspend around 204 post office branches nationwide as part of a wider modernization effort. The organization says these changes are needed to focus on digital transformation, courier services, and e-commerce logistics, given that traditional letter-mail volumes have dropped dramatically in recent years.
However, critics argue that such closures disproportionately affect rural and island communities, where post offices are not only service centers but also places of social interaction and connection — particularly for the elderly or those without easy access to online services.
The Greek government has acknowledged ELTA’s financial challenges and has called for “sustainable and socially fair” reforms. Since ELTA is now part of the national privatization fund (the “Superfund”), it is subject to EU rules that limit direct state subsidies — meaning any solution must balance commercial viability with the obligation to provide universal postal service to all citizens.

📍 What This Means for ZakynthosWhile ELTA has not yet officially published a final list of which branches will close permanently, the offices in Machairado and Katastari have reportedly been affected by the current restructuring plan, leading to uncertainty among residents.
At this stage:

• The main post office in Zakynthos Town is expected to remain open.
  
• Smaller branches like Machairado and Katastari may face suspension or consolidation into larger regional centers.
  
• The MP of Zakynthos has intervened in Parliament to ensure that postal access across the island — especially in rural and elderly communities — is protected.
  

Residents are encouraged to verify the latest information directly with ELTA Zakynthos or through local municipal announcements.

💬 In SummaryThe potential closure of ELTA branches in Machairado and Katastari forms part of a nationwide restructuring by the Hellenic Post aimed at financial recovery and modernization. While necessary from an operational standpoint, the plan has raised concerns about equal service access for citizens in smaller or remote communities.
Local representatives, including the MP for Zakynthos, have pledged to defend the island’s right to fair and continuous postal service, insisting that modernization must not come at the cost of social inclusion.
As the national discussion continues, the people of Zakynthos — like many across Greece — await concrete assurances that essential services will remain accessible to everyone, everywhere.

Continuing Our Mission to Rescue, Heal, and Rehome — Together 💙🐾Dear Adopters, Fosterers, Friends, and Supporters,
We wanted to take a moment to share an important update with our Healing Paws family.
After much thought and discussion, the proposed partnership with the Alan Graves Foundation (AGF) will not be moving forward. This means that, for now, the shelter build project will be paused until we explore new opportunities for funding and support. It also means that we have officially ended all links with AGF.
We know this news may have caused some understandable confusion, so here’s a clear summary of what’s happening and how Healing Paws Animal Rescue (HPAR) continues to move forward — strong, independent, and focused on our mission.

🐾 Social Media and BrandingAs part of the proposed agreement with AGF, we temporarily updated our social media to reflect their branding. Now that the partnership will not proceed, we have restored our Healing Paws Animal Rescue logos and imagery on all social media platforms.
💙 Your Donations Are Safe — and Stay with HPARWe want to reassure all our supporters that every donation — including regular monthly gifts and contributions to the Happy Bus Appeal — has gone directly to Healing Paws Animal Rescue.
We have never had any financial connection with AGF, and they have not received nor will receive any funds donated to HPAR.
Your kindness and generosity continue to fund vital veterinary care, food, shelter, and rehabilitation for the dogs in our care as they wait for their forever families.
All current and upcoming fundraising events, raffles, and appeals are for HPAR, even if some may temporarily appear under the AGF name due to Facebook’s name change delay.

🚐 The Happy Bus Appeal – We’re Still Rolling Forward!Our dream of having our own “Happy Bus” — a fully equipped vehicle that allows us to transport our dogs safely to their new homes — is very much alive.
Thanks to your generous donations, we’re getting closer, but we still need more support to purchase and equip the bus to DEFRA standards. Owning our own vehicle will give us greater independence, flexibility, and cost savings in the long term.
If you’d like to help make this dream a reality, you can donate directly to the Happy Bus Appeal — every contribution, no matter the size, truly makes a difference.

🐶 Our Team and Our CommitmentThe entire Healing Paws Animal Rescue team of trustees, volunteers, and foster families remains united and as passionate as ever.
Together, we’ve rescued and rehomed over 2,000 dogs, and our work continues with the same love, compassion, and dedication that has defined us from the start.
This change in plans does not alter our purpose — it strengthens our resolve to build a better future for every dog that comes into our care.
Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for standing by us. Your support gives life, hope, and happiness to dogs who need it most.
With love and gratitude,
The Healing Paws Animal Rescue Team 💕
“Saving one dog won’t change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.”

The Municipality of Zakynthos has announced a new two-year collaboration with an external contractor aimed at improving waste management and ensuring the island remains clean and well-maintained throughout the year. The agreement covers the collection of household waste and bulky items, bin washing, and the operation of the Waste Transfer Station (WTS) — a key part of Zakynthos’ waste management infrastructure.
This decision follows a comprehensive needs and feasibility study, which highlighted the growing demand for additional support, particularly during the busy summer months when both residents and visitors place extra pressure on local services. The Municipality emphasized that this partnership is not a shift in strategy, but rather an enhancement of existing efforts to maintain cleanliness and sustainability across the island.
Importantly, recycling services will continue to be managed directly by the Municipality using its own vehicles and staff, ensuring local oversight and immediate response capability when needed. Full supervision of all cleaning, street maintenance, and green-space services will remain under municipal control — guaranteeing transparency, accountability, and high-quality standards.
“This decision is a responsible solution to ensure the cleanliness and smooth operation of our island. It doesn’t change our municipal plan — it strengthens it, based on real needs and a concrete study,”
said Zakynthos Mayor Giorgos Stasinopoulos.
The project will run for two years, after which it will be evaluated and redesigned if necessary, to continue improving municipal services. The entire process is being carried out through an International Tender, with all details publicly available on Greece’s official public administration platforms (KIMDIS and Diavgeia), ensuring openness and citizen access.
Residents and local businesses can rest assured that this initiative will not lead to any increase in municipal fees. The project’s cost will be fully covered by the Municipality’s existing resources and will not exceed the current budget. In fact, this approach helps protect the Municipality from unforeseen expenses, as the cost of services will be fixed for the next two years.
By taking this step, the Municipality reaffirms its commitment to a cleaner, greener, and better Zakynthos — for residents and visitors alike.
“We are strengthening our forces — not replacing them.”
Source:- zakynthos.gov.gr

Fraport Greece, the operator of 14 regional airports across Greece, has announced the fourth phase of runway renovation and reconstruction works at several airports, including Zakynthos (ZTH). As part of its ongoing multi-year upgrade program aimed at enhancing safety, infrastructure, and operational efficiency, Fraport will temporarily suspend runway operations at Zakynthos International Airport “Dionysios Solomos” from 2 February 2026 to 16 February 2026. The works will include runway resurfacing, reinforcement of safety zones, and infrastructure improvements to meet international aviation standards.
Located on the Ionian island of Zakynthos, the airport serves both domestic and international flights, especially during the busy summer season. During the scheduled closure, regular flights will be suspended or rerouted, although provisions may exist for emergency or special operations. These upgrades form part of Fraport Greece’s broader investment to modernize and improve passenger experience and safety across its network of airports, supported by national and EU funding. Travellers planning to visit Zakynthos around this period are advised to check with airlines for updated schedules and possible alternative travel arrangements.
Source:- Fraport Greece.