The Best Travel Guide to Zakynthos

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Zakynthos

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Overview

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Zakynthos The guide was updated: 2023-06-26

Called "the Flower of the East" by the Venetians, Zakynthos is still one of the lushest and most-loved Greek islands, with green hillsides covered with flowers in spring and early summer, steep cliffs dropping to dazzling turquoise waters, and some of the country's best beaches.

Facts

Population:	40,508 (2022 estimate)
Currency:	Euro, €1 = 100 cents
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	100 General Emergencies 199 Fire 166 Health emergencies
Newspapers:	Athens News (in English) — www.athensnews.com Athens News Agency (in Greek and English) — www.amna.gr/en Ekathimerini (in English) — www.ekathimerini.com
Opening hours:	In summer, businesses are normally open 8am–noon and 4pm–8pm.

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Section in Zakynthos

The majority of visitors to Zakynthos are attracted by the vast selection of dazzling beaches that the island has to offer. However, you shouldn't forget to explore the island's museums, architectural masterpieces and ancient ruins. Covered in lush Mediterranean vegetation, the area that stretches along the southern coast from the promontory of Marathia’s Cape to the beach of Gerakas has been designated as a National Marine Park, housing many endangered species and several walking trails.

Church of Agios Dionysios

Church of Agios Dionysios

This small church, built in 1925, contains the silver-encrusted sarcophagus of St Dionysios, the island’s patron saint. It survived the 1953 earthquake — proof, say devout islanders, of the Saint’s miraculous powers.

Byzantine Museum of Zakynthos

Byzantine Museum of Zakynthos

The main attraction is the collection of fine Orthodox icons and wall-paintings collected from the churches and monasteries that had been destroyed by the devastating 1953 earthquake. A model of Zakynthos Town prior to the disaster shows what the town looked like before the tragic event.

Solomos Museum

Solomos Museum

This modest museum celebrates the life and works of Dionysios Solomos, the Zakynthian author and poet who penned the Greek national anthem along with other notable islanders. The museum houses 18th and 19th century paintings as well as ancient instruments and local artworks.

Monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa

Monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa

This scenic 4 km climb from the Argassi Village to the remains of Panagia Skopiotissa follows a walking trail surrounded by unspoiled nature. The monastery, located on top of mount Skopos, was constructed in 1624 and still features beautiful murals.

Archaeological Site of Olympia

Archaeological Site of Olympia

The spectacular ruins of ancient Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games, are located only an hour away from Killini, the small port on the Greek mainland opposite Zakynthos. The ferries to Killini are frequent and the journey takes approximately 90 minutes.

Tsilivi Water Park

Tsilivi Water Park

The ultimate water-park experience is in Tsilivi, among beautiful landscapes and lush vegetation. The Water Park comprises colourful slides and themed swimming pools, in a family friendly environment that both adults and kids will love.

Formula Zante Go Kart

Formula Zante Go Kart

Formula Zante Go Kart is the biggest, and certainly the most-loved karting circuit in Zakynthos. Its 610-metre track features fast straight, tricky corners and hairpin bends designed to create an exciting go-kart experience.

Scuba Diving

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is a must in Zakynthos. Turtle Beach Diving Centre, located at Limni Keriou Beach, provides the travellers with diving equipment and lessons.

Olive Press Museum Zante

Olive Press Museum Zante

One of the most traditional and iconic Greek products is olive oil, a key element of the Mediterranean diet. If you are interested in knowing how the production of olive oil takes place, visit the Aristeon Olive Press Museum Zante where you can have a free tour, try local olives and buy a variety of local olive oil products.

Kalamaki Mini Golf

Kalamaki Mini Golf

Kalamaki Mini Golf offers two 18-holes courses equipped with scenic waterfalls, ponds and running streams. Located at Kalamki Resort, it also has a bar and restaurant.

Keri Lighthouse

Keri Lighthouse

Keri lighthouse is located about 20 km from the town of Zakynthos. It is built on the edge of a steep cliff at Cape Marathia, a perfect place to enjoy stunning views at any time of day, but particularly at sunset. Stop my the eponymous restaurant while you're in the area.

Bóchali Venetian Castle

Bóchali Venetian Castle

The Venetian Bóchali Castle is just 2 km from the city. It is built on the top of a green hill where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the sea. Although much of the castle is in ruins, in Venetian times, Bóchali was the island's capital. Get ready for a long climb up a steep walking path.

Marathonisi Island

Marathonisi Island

The only known resident of this island is the loggerhead sea turtle, making this secluded paradise a marine sanctuary and home to some of Greece's best beaches and most stunning caves. Several tours of the island take place every day and, though no restaurants nor bars are located in Marathonisi, a picnic boat cruises around, offering snacks and beverages.

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