 If you’re visiting the beautiful Greek island of Zakynthos in May 2026, there’s a local celebration you won’t want to miss.
The 2nd Cheese Festival 2026 (“2η Γιορτή Τυριού 2026”) promises an authentic Greek village experience filled with traditional music, local flavors, dancing, and warm island hospitality. Event Details
A Celebration of Zakynthian Cheese & CultureZakynthos is famous for its local dairy traditions and handmade cheeses. This festival celebrates the island’s culinary heritage with traditional food, local products, and a festive atmosphere that brings together both locals and visitors. Guests can expect:
Why Tourists Should GoMany visitors only see the resort side of Zakynthos. Events like this offer something much deeper — a chance to connect with local culture and community life. Village festivals in Greece are known for:
Tips for Visitors
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 photo of 2025 tourist season The situation at the end of the trail leading to the Greek flag at the Navagio viewpoint is raising serious safety concerns among locals and visitors alike.
Although the pathway was constructed by the Regional Authority approximately one year ago in an effort to improve visitor access and safety, dangerous behavior by some tourists continues to create a significant risk of accidents. The trail, which begins at the viewing plateau and stretches toward the iconic Greek flag, is fitted with protective railings along the cliffside for most of its length. However, at the very end of the route, many visitors are reportedly climbing over the barriers in order to take photographs — or pose for selfies — with the world-famous Navagio Shipwreck as their backdrop. On a daily basis, alarming scenes can be observed, with individuals leaning or even hanging over the edge of the cliff while disregarding the obvious dangers. Local residents and tourism professionals are now urging authorities to take immediate action before a serious accident occurs. Among the measures being proposed are the installation of clear warning signs and the extension of the protective railings at the end of the pathway to prevent visitors from accessing hazardous areas. At the same time, many have expressed disappointment that, despite the beginning of the new tourist season, the Greek flag at the viewpoint — heavily damaged by the harsh winter weather — has still not been replaced. As visitor numbers continue to increase ahead of the summer season, ensuring safety at one of Greece’s most photographed landmarks should remain a top priority. Source:- ermisnews.gr  Zakynthos is continuing to strengthen its reputation as one of the Mediterranean’s most desirable island destinations, following the announcement that Luxair will expand its 2026 network with enhanced connectivity across Europe and key international markets. As airlines respond to rising demand for premium leisure travel, the inclusion of Zakynthos alongside destinations such as Santorini, Rhodes, Dubai, London, Milan, Cape Verde, and Dakar highlights the island’s growing importance on the European tourism map. The announcement reflects a major shift in travel trends. Visitors are increasingly looking for destinations that combine natural beauty, authentic experiences, quality accommodation, and easy direct access from major European cities — and Zakynthos delivers on all fronts. According to recent travel industry reports, Luxair’s expanded 2026 schedule will include over 100 destinations, making it the airline’s largest network to date. This continued investment in Mediterranean connectivity is excellent news for Zakynthos tourism and for local businesses across the island and according to (travelandtourworld.com)  Why Zakynthos Continues to Attract International TravelersOver the past decade, Zakynthos has evolved from a seasonal summer hotspot into a globally recognised island destination attracting visitors from across Europe and beyond. Famous for its turquoise waters, dramatic coastline, and relaxed Ionian atmosphere, the island appeals to a wide range of travelers, including:
Improved air connectivity makes these experiences more accessible than ever.  Increased Flights Mean More Opportunities for ZakynthosEnhanced European connections are not just beneficial for travelers — they are also vital for the island’s economy and tourism sector. More direct flights to Zakynthos create opportunities for:
As airlines like Luxair continue investing in Mediterranean routes, Zakynthos is well-positioned to benefit from this growing demand.  Zakynthos and the Rise of Premium Island TourismAnother important trend behind this expansion is the rise of premium and experience-led tourism. Today’s visitors are increasingly seeking:
Areas such as Tsilivi, Kalamaki, Laganas, and Vasilikos continue to develop diverse tourism offerings catering to different styles of travel — from luxury escapes to family-friendly holidays and eco-tourism experiences. Looking Ahead to 2026 The latest aviation developments confirm what many in the tourism industry already recognise: Zakynthos is no longer simply a seasonal Greek island destination — it is becoming one of the Mediterranean’s key premium travel hubs. With stronger international connectivity, rising global visibility, and increasing demand for authentic island experiences, the future looks extremely promising for Zakynthos tourism. As preparations for the 2026 season begin, improved accessibility will play a major role in supporting local businesses, attracting new visitors, and helping the island continue its successful growth as one of Europe’s most loved holiday destinations. Recent travel coverage also supports the positioning of Zakynthos as an emerging premium Mediterranean destination. Photos from public domain and all rights to their original owners.  On May 16 and 17, 2026, the heart of Zakynthos will beat to the rhythm of tradition as the island hosts a vibrant two-day cultural celebration at the open-air theater in Solomos Square. More than just an event, this annual gathering sends a powerful message: tradition is not something of the past—it is alive, evolving, and uniting us all. A Celebration Nine Years StrongNow in its 9th consecutive year, this unique festival brings together the majority of Zakynthos’ cultural associations in a remarkable display of collaboration. Visitors and locals alike will have the opportunity to experience dozens of traditional dances and authentic costumes from across Greece, all in one place.
From intricate footwork to vibrant attire, each performance reflects the rich diversity and enduring spirit of Greek cultural heritage. Honoring Every GenerationWhat makes this event truly special is the people behind it. Participants of all ages dedicate their time, passion, and energy to preserving traditions and passing them on to future generations.
A Collective EffortHeld under the auspices of the Municipality of Zakynthos, the event is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared purpose: to celebrate, preserve, and honor its cultural identity. Dozens of local cultural organizations and associations contribute to this initiative, highlighting the island’s strong sense of unity and pride. Experience the Spirit of ZakynthosWhether you are a visitor discovering Greek traditions for the first time or a local reconnecting with your roots, this two-day celebration offers an authentic and unforgettable experience. Join us in Zakynthos this May and witness a living tradition—one that continues to inspire, connect, and bring people together.  In May 2026 Rough Guides is releasing the Rough Guides Mini Zakynthos guide. This new, and up to date, guidebook is a useful pocket guide for visitors to the island, for the summer season. It’s been written by travel writer and author Rebecca Hall who has extensive knowledge of Greece and the travel industry. Rebecca is a travel writer and author of Girl Gone Greek, who has divided her time between the UK and Greece for approx. 18 years. She writes articles for airline magazines such as Wizz Air, easyJet and BA Highlife, Conde Nast Traveller (U.S. and UK), the Independent and Telegraph Rebecca has also written for online sites such as Fodor’s and Forbes Travel, plus she’s a guidebook creator and updater for Rough Guides – primarily guides in their Greece titles, but also Portugal too. We grabbed a few minutes out of Rebecca’s incredibly busy schedule to ask her some questions about her latest Rough Guide release; the Rough Guides Mini Zakynthos. Q: How long have you been writing Rough Guides? A: Since 2014, after spending 6 years in Greece teaching English initially. I then got a job researching for the guidebook in the summer holidays, each guide is updated roughly every two years, so it went from there and now I write full time as a living. Q: What does writing a Rough Guide involve? A: There’re two strands to it really. Updating a book is easier as it means just going to your designated chapter place (ie: Ionian islands, Cycladic Islands, Athens, etc) and making sure all the entries are correct; hotels still open, better hotels/restaurants to include? New attractions? Then if you’ve been asked to create a new guidebook from scratch – as I was for the very first edition of the Rough Guide to the Peloponnese, released in 2025 – or a new version of an older guide – such as Mini Zakynthos, it means re-formatting and researching; history, places, recommended itineraries, plus the entries as highlighted above. Q: What destinations have you written about? A: Since 2014 I’ve updated and now created from scratch written several Rough Guides. The Rough Guides Greece, Rough Guides Greek Islands is released roughly every 2-3 years and is researched by a team of 4-5 of us, depending on our availability. I always research the Athens chapter, Dodecanese Islands and lately, the Ionians and Peloponnese on the mainland, plus the Argo Saronic islands (Hydra, Poros, etc). I’ve also jointly helped research the Rough Guide to Portugal – due out in JUN 26. My area of research there is Porto and north Portugal. Then there’s the guides I research and write on my own such as; 1st edition of the Rough Guide to the Peloponnese, Mini Crete, Mini Corfu, Mini Rhodes (all already released) and Mini Zakynthos and Mini Kefalonia are due out sometime in May 2026. Q: What did you enjoy the most about your research for Rough Guides Mini Zakynthos? A: It’s always interesting to discover new places and get local recommendations. There’s a new format for the Mini guides, new this year, in that as authors we have to recommend a couple of itineraries such as a ‘Family Tour of Zakynthos’ or a ‘Foodie Tour of Zakynthos’ (you’ll have to wait and see what’s been written in the book!) and it’s plotted meticulously with timings, etc ie: ‘9:00 am – Breakfast at xxx’ so it goes into detail about recommended places. Of course, these recommendations aren’t necessarily for everybody, and I’m sure there’ll be those that know of or prefer other places, but this is exactly why it’s a ‘guide’ – and perfect for first time visitors. Q: Is there a place on Zakynthos you loved exploring that you’d recommend to our readers? A: I’m really not a package holiday ‘fly and flop’ type of tourist, so I like hiring a car and exploring the central plains and small villages in the centre of the island. I especially like going to the vineyards, not only to sample wine but I find them very peaceful places. Q: What’s your number one favourite Rough Guides destination? A: It’d have to be Greece! Although I also research northern Portugal and I do love that for different reasons (it’s a completely different destination from the Mediterranean), and Rough Guides published over 350 guides across all continents (so there’s something for everyone), I’m naturally bias as Greece is my favourite country. Q: Why do you think Rough Guides are still important in our digital age? A: My editor was asked this recently in an interview entitled ‘How Longtime Travel Guide Publishers Stay Relevant’ and she answered perfectly: “When we [create] new books…what we’re able to bring to the party is the sense of authority. Places like Portugal, Spain, Italy and Greece, traditional old favourites, bounced back strongly post pandemic, the main guides being our main bread and butter. People love having paper in their hands and maps to help.” And besides, every time you buy a Rough Guide now, a free eBook version of the guide is available too, although I’ll be honest; I think your eyesight has to be pretty good! Where can we get a copy? The Rough Guides Mini Zakynthos guide will be published on 01May 2026. To grab your copy, you can purchase it directly from the Rough Guides site, and if you use this code: AUTHOR0020 at check out, you’ll get 30% off. The book ISBN is: 9781835294451. The book can also be found on the Zakynthos BOOKS page on our website. Rough Guides Mini Kefalonia guide For those of you who love our neighbouring island of Kefalonia, the new Rough Guides Mini Kefalonia guide will be published in May 2026 too and can also be purchased from the Rough Guides site. Don’t forget, every time you buy a Rough Guide now, you can also get a free eBook version too! Thanks for joining us at Zakynthos Informer, Rebecca. We loved hearing all about your writing work and the new Rough Guides Mini Zakynthos guide. We can’t wait to see a copies of it out and about on Zakynthos!   It’s been announced that Marriott are expanding their list of hotels in Greece, in notable Greece tourist locations. As well as Athens, Crete and Paros, a new Marriot will open for Zakynthos tourists.
The new Hymnos, Luxury Collection Resort & Spa is due to open on Bouka Beach, close to Tsilivi, Zakynthos in 2026. Estimated to have 94 rooms, the hotel’s focus will not only focus on Luxury, but on heritage and natural immersion, according to the latest press information. It is hoped that the resort will attract high end clientele to its luxury premises whilst also promoting sustainability. There’s no official opening date for the Hymnos, Luxury Collection Resort & Spa other than "2026" at present, and we wait for further updates. Source: Marriott International The photo is a rendering of the intended hotel, Hymnos, Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, copyright of Marriott International.  The Greek authorities has announced new measures to protect Apatites Paralies (Untrodden Beaches) beaches. These are beaches that need environmental protection to keep them in their natural state. The regulation to protect them enhances previous environmental safeguards to ensure that the beaches are preserved, with no commercial use and limited human impact.
The expansion of this new regulation means that the number of “untrodden beaches” in Greece has expanded from 238 to 251 sites, with 13 new ones added. These important beaches can be found in areas of the Natura 2000 network, which is a European Union-wide network of protected areas that’s been created to protect valuable species and habitats facing threats from modern life and tourism. The 13 new beaches added to the list include: Ano Koufonisi: Pori and Italida beaches Corfu: Halikounas beach Lefkada: Kastro beach Crete: seven beaches in the area of Hania, including Vienna beach Messolonghi: two sites in the Messolonghi Lagoon National Park. The full list of "untrodden beaches" can be found here, unfortunately there are no “untrodden beaches” on Zakynthos. What are the rules for “untrodden beaches”? These 251 beaches are designated under these regulations to help preserve any that have specific geomorphological, or ecological value, including ecosystems, habitats, native flora and fauna. Several things are prohibited on these highly protected beaches, including:
It’s great to see more protection for those places that need it. Government officials said this is an important step to ensure the continued protection of Greece’s coastline continues, in the days of ever-growing tourism. Source: Government report / local Greek news  It’s been announced in the last week that tourism related revenue in Greece has exceeded €1 billion, January to February 2026. So far, Greece has recorded a 2.4% increase in numbers for February arrivals which stand at 811,585. A 1.7% increase has been recorded for combined overnight stays at hotels, campsites, and short-stay collective accommodations in February, which stands at 1,764,853. The number have been compared with February 2025, according to the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT).
Greek City Times published a further breakdown of numbers as follows: “Foreign visitor arrivals rose 1.9 percent year-on-year, with overnight stays up 0.9 percent. Domestic travelers posted stronger growth, with arrivals climbing 2.7 percent and overnight stays increasing 2.2 percent. Greek residents accounted for the larger share of activity, contributing 64.7 percent of total arrivals and 60.2 percent of overnight stays across all accommodation types. The average length of stay stood at 2.2 nights. Travel receipts reached €1.006 billion in January–February, marking a 70.7% increase compared with the same period in 2025. The growth reflected higher spending from both EU and non-EU visitors. Receipts from residents of EU-27 countries rose by 74.3% to €477.5 million, while income from non-EU countries increased by 70.0% to €516.3 million. Within the eurozone, receipts climbed by 68.6% to €407.9 million, while visitors from EU countries outside the eurozone contributed €69.5 million. Country-specific data showed mixed trends. Receipts from Germany fell slightly by 0.8% to €66.6 million, while income from France surged by 76.8% to €29.4 million. Revenue from Italy rose by 41.5% to €55.6 million. From outside the EU, receipts from the United Kingdom reached €173.4 million, while those from the United States declined by 13.3% to €92.5 million. Inbound travel also increased significantly. Visitor numbers rose by 38.5% to 2.12 million, up from 1.5 million in the same period last year. Air arrivals grew by 19.0%, while road border crossings surged by 83.9%. Travel from EU-27 countries reached 1.1 million visitors, marking a 49.1% increase, while arrivals from non-EU countries rose by 28.6% to 1.023 million. Travel from eurozone countries increased by 37.3%, while arrivals from EU countries outside the eurozone surged by 129.5%. Among key markets, arrivals from Germany rose by 8.2% to 174,400 travellers, while visitors from France increased by 41.5% to 54,800. Travel from Italy edged up by 3.6% to 83,700 visitors. From non-EU countries, arrivals from the United Kingdom jumped by 56.7% to 164,200, while those from the United States fell by 9.8% to 98,100.” It's an interesting start to Greek tourism in 2026 and we wait to see what the tourism stats are for the reminder of 2026. Source: Local Greek News  We initially posted about the small possibility of aviation disruption due to news from Fatih Birol on the 16th April 2026, the Chief of the International Agency (IEA), relating to Jet fuel. The original statement is below. We will continue to post about this ongoing news story in rolling updates, so please come back and check the link for further updates. The most recent news will be at the top of the post.
Latest update: 22nd April 2026 The latest news, connected to Jet fuel issues and the risk to Summer 2026 holidays has been reported today. This news came from an EU Press conference, where they warned of a “very serious crisis” potentially affecting Europe, due to issue with aviation stocks stating to run low due to the ongoing war in Iran. The EU announced several measures to try and assist with the ongoing issues, including optimising the ongoing distribution of required jet fuel between EU countries to try and prevent airline fuel shortages, assisting with the timing of purchases of products to avoid price rises and other related issues. The EU Commission will also map out Europe’s transport fuels supplies to optimise fuel distribution to avoid shortages. It will also review the EU requirement for countries to be able to hold at leats 90 days of oil stock to include jet fuel requirement. Brussels will also create guidance on how any jet fuel shortages will be dealt with, such as the impact of airlines losing slots due to cancellations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, “The choices we make today will shape our ability to face the challenges of today and the crises of tomorrow. Our AccelerateEU strategy will bring both immediate and more structural relief measures to European citizens and businesses.” Dan Jorgensen, the energy commissioner for the EU however said, "Unfortunately, it's very likely that many people's holidays will be affected, either by flight cancellations or very, very expensive tickets. Even if we do everything we can do, if the jet fuel is not there, then it's not there. [Currently] it is primarily a crisis of prices and not yet a crisis of supply, but unfortunately we cannot be sure to prevent a crisis of supply, especially on jet fuel in the future, if the crisis continues." It's also been reported that several airlines have begun to take steps to reduce flight demand. Some airlines are adding a surcharge or raising ticket prices, to cover increase in fuel costs. Lufthansa has announced the cancellation of around 20,000 flights this summer due to the doubling of the price of jet fuel in the last six weeks. Other airlines such as Delta and KLM have also decided to cut some flights on a temporary basis. As previously mentioned, this is a difficult and continually changing situation that no one can control. At the moment there is no indication that flights to Zakynthos are affected and flights are arriving and departing as normal. We’d advise that you keep an eye on updates from your airlines and travel companies, though and we’ll continue to update our members on the situation as soon as we have Older update (posted to Facebook page): 16th April 2026 We’re aware of the latest news from Fatih Birol, the Chief of the International Agency (IEA), relating to Jet fuel. The announcement this morning states that Europe “may have maybe six weeks of jet fuel remaining” with concerns about possible aviation disruption, if current issues with the war in Iran and the blockade of the strait of Hormuz, continue. The IEA chief noted that if the strait of Hormuz is unable to be open and operable soon, then the worst case scenario is that some flights may be cancelled. No specific date, countries or airports have been announced though, and this is just a “maybe” at this stage. It's a continually changing situation that no one can control. Despite the current IEA warning, no one can say IF this will happen. We would urge caution, and advise that people don’t to panic and if you do have concerns about your upcoming trip, please keep an eye on the news and liaise with your travel company for the latest updates. To avoid any further speculation, worry or panic, we won’t approve any further posts relating to this, but will, for now, leave the comments open for members to share valid information. Please however respect members and admin, and refrain from posting anything that will cause member conflict. Combined sources: IEA, EU, Reuters, Bloomberg, the BBC and Sky News  As Greece continues to face increasingly severe wildfire seasons, the government has strengthened its fire prevention framework. One of the most important measures is the mandatory clearing of private land and submission of a formal declaration by property owners.
This article explains the new rules, deadlines, penalties, and how to submit your declaration online. Why Land Clearing Is Now Mandatory. Wildfires in Greece are often caused or worsened by dry vegetation, debris, and neglected plots. Authorities estimate that a large percentage of fires are linked to human activity or negligence. To reduce risk, the government introduced stricter obligations requiring citizens to:
Key Deadlines for 2026. Under the updated rules:
Who Must Comply? The obligation applies to:
What Does “Clearing the Land” Mean? Proper land clearing includes:
How to Submit Your Declaration (Official Government Link) Property owners must submit a declaration through the official government platform: 👉 Submit your land clearing declaration This is done via the National Register of Property Fire Prevention Measures on the gov.gr platform. If you cannot use online services, you can submit your declaration:
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