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Argassi is a small village on the south east coast of Zakynthos, around four km from Zakynthos Town. A pleasant but lively resort, Argassi hugs the sea on one side and nestles into beautiful countryside on the other, just far enough from Zakynthos Town to be away from the hustle and bustle. It’s a great resort full of hotels, apartments, bars, restaurants and shops to keep visitors fully occupied. It’s such a popular resort that many holidaymakers now return year-on-year to their own piece of Zakynthos heaven.
Perfect for couples and families, Argassi has a great mix of things to see and do. For children there’s an eighteen hole mini golf course as well as the beach. For adults there are water sports, boutiques and even a spa that offers yoga. For those who love beach holidays, Argassi has a one km long beach that stretches the entire length of the resort. Visitors can rent sunbeds and parasols on the sandy part of the beach, and the sea in this area has shallower/calmer water that is perfect for children. The main feature of Argassi beach is an old Venetian Bridge that dates from the 1800’s. At one time this bridge used to be part of a road that hugged the shoreline from south to north. Since then things have changed and most of the road has disappeared leaving behind a ruinous, but impressive, bridge on the beach surrounded by sea water.
There are other examples of island history both in and around the Argassi resort. Nestled in the grounds of an apartment complex are the remains of a Venetian Watchtower, only two sides of it now remain and it was thought to have been destroyed during an earthquake. Another interesting place to visit is the Vrysakia Aqueduct, part of a water irrigation system that was built hundreds of years ago. It was an important invention and the remains of the fifteen meter high aqueduct are still visible by heading inland. Another interesting place is the Domenigini Tower, now known as the Dominicale Sea Food restaurant. The tower was built in the 1600’s by the Domenigini family and has an interesting history that includes past links to the National Liberation struggle of 1821 who organised a revolution in the Pelopannese from the tower itself.
For anyone who wants to venture further afield, Mount Skopos that isn’t far, visitors can climb it to explore the interesting Church of Panagia Skopiotissa. The church has an icon of the Virgin Skopiotissa as well as some lovely wall paintings. The church was built in 1624 and now sits on top of an ancient temple site that was dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis, today it surrounded by monastery remains. The panoramic views from the top of Mount Skopos, both across Laganas Bay, towards Zakynthos Town and towards the mainland are breathtaking making the climb to the top worth it. Argassi resort also has a good bus service and taxi network, which is great for visiting other resorts and island sights. There’s also a Land Train that does round trips from Argassi to Zakynthos Town daily, the journey takes about fifteen minutes and travellers get great views all the way into town.
Argassi is a wonderful resort for families and couples. The relaxed yet lively atmosphere gives it something very special, there’s plenty to do including lots of places to eat out and explore. History is also all around giving visitors tiny glimpses into Argassi of the past, an area that was once full of defence, intrigue and invention, but has now settled into being a lovely holiday resort on a beautiful island.
