T H I N G S   T O   S E E   A N D   D O   O N   Z A K Y N T H O S 

The island of Zakynthos is full of incredible places to visit, and the list of places to explore is extensive. It doesn’t matter what you love to do on your holiday, there is something for everyone 
 
Whether you love beaches and water sports or prefer to explore the historical and traditional side of the island to learn more about the culture and traditions, here are a few of the more popular places to visit during your stay.

The Blue Caves are a collection of large geologic arch formations, and hidden caves, that are situated on the north-west coast of the island, between Skinari and Agios Nikolaos. They are very popular with visitors and can be visited by boat. The largest cave is known as Kianoun, and visitors love leaving the bright sunshine and disappearing inside the accessible caves to explore. Another favourite is travelling by boat underneath the large arches to get up close and personal to these huge natural monuments. Many who visit The Blue Caves not only enjoy the landscape, but the vibrant blue waters, which are perfect for swimming in. It’s also a great location for those who love snorkelling and diving. Natural erosion from the elements have caused these fascinating natural wonders that entice visitors daily throughout the summer months and we'd recommend visiting them.

​Bochali Castle is situated on the hill above Zakynthos Town. Dating back to Venetian times, parts of the existing castle such as fortification walls, old gunpowder buildings and church remains still stands today, and visitors can explore these ruinous buildings.
​Even though many call it a Venetian castle, it’s thought that there may have been some kind of defence in place long before Venetian times. The views of Zakynthos Town from the castle ramparts are incredible, and it’s a quiet and tranquil place to explore and imagine all the interesting things that have happened to the island during it’s many different eras. It’s generally open during the summer months and the nearby Bochali village is also worth a visit, giving more stunning views of Zakynthos Town and beyond.

​Cameo Island also know as Agios Sostis, is a small islet in the Laganas Bay at the south of the island. Accessed from the main island by a small wooden bridge, this small rocky outcrop, topped with trees, was once connected to the main island of Zakynthos.
​Nowadays, it’s a highly sought after tourist site and wedding venue. On the landward side of the islet, visitors pay a small fee to access the islet. Steps take you up over the top of the rocky outcrop to the hidden secluded beach on the seaward side. There is also a bar for anyone who needs a drink, on the seaward side too.
Views from the beach are stunning and include the wide expanse of Laganas Bay and the popular Marathonisi island (also known as turtle island).

Kampi is a stunning area of natural beauty on the west side of the island. From the top of the cliffs there are incredible views that stretch out for miles across a seemingly never ending blue ocean.
There is a large concrete cross that was erected in memory of those who died during the Civil war.
The limestone cliffs in this area are steep but the sea below is a vibrant blue and also home to the Monachus Monachus seals who use the caves along the west coastline of the island to breed in. Kampi is also close to the beautiful and traditional mountain villages of Exo-Hora, Volimes and Maries. It's a lovely place to explore and worth it for the breathtaking views alone!

​Keri Caves and Lighthouse are situated on the far south-west of the island. One of the most distinctive sights along this coastline is also the Mizithres rocks, two large cone shaped rocks that sit in the sea. In the earthquake of 2018 parts of the limestone cliff fell and now connect the main island with the rocks, creating a small beach.
The rocks can be viewed from a small viewing point close to the taverna. The caves and small beaches can be reached by boat.
Above the caves, on the Keri headland, sits the Keri lighthouse and its huge flagpole that flies one of the largest Greek flags in Greece! It is one of the best places on the island to watch the sun set and the view out across the sea is incredible.

Marathonisi island is a small islet in Laganas Bay, just opposite Agios Sostis. It can however be seen from much of the southern coastline from Gerakas all the way up and round to Laganas.
Also known as Turtle Island because of its strange shape that makes it look like a turtle, it’s also part of the National Marine Park and home to Loggerhead Turtles and is one of the areas where the islands turtles breed.
Visitors who are interested in exploring Marathonisi Island can access it by boat, and there are caves on the seaward side, as well as the expanse of sandy beach on the landward side.. There are rules about where to go on the island however due to the nesting turtles and parts of the island being fenced off by the ​National Marine Park.

Navagio (Shipwreck) beach is generally thought to be the most popular tourist destination on Zakynthos, and is now recognised internationally. Situated at the north of the island, Navagio beach is only accessible by boat. It is approached through brilliant blue waters and large towering cliffs giving any visitor and impressive view. On the beach there is only steeply towering cliffs and the sand which is rough, so shoes or flips flops are recommended!.
The main shipwreck that sits in the centre of the beach has been in the bay since the 1980's after it ran aground, and it's now quickly rusting, slowly being claimed by the elements.
The beach and shipwreck can also be viewed from above at the north of the island from the shipwreck viewing point. The drive is a lovely one and you pass lots of interesting scenery on the way!

Strani’s Hill is an incredibly important landmark on Zakynthos, located just outside of Zakynthos Town. It is the famous site where Dionysios Solomos the national poet of Zakynthos, wrote “Hymn to Liberty”, now more commonly known as the Greek National Anthem.
Visitors to this location can also see a bust of the famous poet and the home of Dionysios Solomos called “The Mansion of Solomos” is also located nearby.
The site is a wonderful place surrounded by olive and pine trees. Sadly the yew tree that stood here during Solomos’ time had long since gone, but remnants of it can be found in the Solomos and Kalvos Museum.

​Vrachonias Mountains are a large mountain range to the west of the island, that run almost the whole length of the island. The highest mountain in the range is Vrahonia at 758 metres in height. This stunning mountain range hides many secrets and wonderful places to explore, and they are a must “off the beaten track” thing to do if you visit Zakynthos.
As well as the lovely villages of Agalas, Anafonitria, Exo Hora, Maries and Volimes there are also old rock caves, churches and monasteries, old earthquake buildings to explore.
The best thing about about the Vrachonias Mountains though is the stunning views across all areas of the island.

​Zakynthos Town is the main Town on the island. It’s also known as Zante Town. Full of hotels, tavernas, bars, shops, museums, churches and history, Zakynthos Town is a great place to visit. There is a good bus service that runs from the town to most of the resorts across the island, and lots of great amenities.
The fantastic Church of St. Dionysios and its recognisable bell tower, sits on the harbour edge and houses the relics of the islands well-known patron saint that the church is named after.
Solomos Square and St. Marks Square are great places to sit and watch the world go by.
If you’re looking at travelling to neighbouring islands or the mainland, ferries leave from the harbour on a regular basis. Zakynthos Town is a fantastic place to explore.

Wherever you visit during your stay on Zakynthos, have a wonderful time!