Tuesday , March 19 2024

Popular Sights

The island is full of great places to visit, and the list of things to see and do is quite extensive. There is something for everyone on the island, whether you love beaches and water sports or prefer to explore the historical and traditional side of the island. Here are a few of the more popular places:

Bochali Castle is situated on the hill above Zakynthos Town. Dating back to Venetian times, parts of the existing castle still stands today, and visitors can explore the remaining ruinous buildings. It’s thought however 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 Bochali village is also worth a visit, giving more stunning views of Zakynthos Town and beyond.

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 or travelling underneath the large arches getting up close and personal to these huge natural monuments. Many who visit 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 enjoy not. Natural erosion from the elements have caused these fascinating natural wonders that entice visitors daily throughout the summer months.

Cameo Island is a small islet at Agios Sostis. 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 land side of the islet, visitors pay a small fee of around 5EUR to access the islet. Steps take you up over the top of the rock to the secluded beach and bar that sit on the seaward side. Views from the beach include the wide expanse of Laganas bay and the popular Marathonisi island (turtle island).

Kampi is a stunning area of natural beauty and views on the west of the island. It has a large concrete cross in memory of those who died during the Civil war and the never-ending views across the from the Kampi headland are breathtaking. The cliffs are steep but the sea below is vibrant blue and also home to the Monachus Monachus seals who use the caves along the west coastline to breed in. Kampi is also close to the beautiful and traditional mountain villages of Exo-Hora, Volimes and Maries.

Keri Caves and Lighthouse are situated on the 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 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 it’s 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 shape, it’s also part of the National Marine Park and home to Loggerhead Turtles. It’s now one of the areas where the islands turtles breed. The island can be accessed by boat for visitors who are interested in exploring it, and there are caves on the seaward side as well as the sandy beach, landslide.

Navagio (Shipwreck) beach is thought to be the most popular tourist destination on Zakynthos, and is now recognised internationally. Situated at the north of the island, Navagio is only accessible by boat. It is approached through large towering cliffs and the sand is rough. The shipwreck itself has been in the bay since the 1980’s after it ran aground, and it is now 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. The site overlooks the town and harbour and visitors to this locations can see a bust of the famous poet. His home “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 the large mountain to the west of the island, with the highest mountain being Vrahonia at 758 metres in height. This mountains 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 village of Agalas, Anafonitria, Exo Hora, Maries and Volimes. There are old rock caves, churches and monitories, old earthquake buildings to explore and stunning views across all areas of the island.

Zakynthos Town is the main Town on the island. It’s also known as Zante Town. Zakynthos Town is full of hotels, tavernas, bars, shops, museums, churches and history. 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 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 dock in the harbour. Zakynthos Town is a fantastic place to explore.

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