I love Greece! What I love most about this amazingly beautiful country is the fact that anywhere in Greece you choose to travel to and explore, it will be fabulous! You just can't go wrong in Greece.

We have spent two weeks exploring the spectacular island of Zakynthos, enjoying Greek bliss to the max, and recharging our batteries.

This mini travel guide includes everything you need to know about the island!

The island of Zakynthos is in the Ionian Sea. For those of you who have been to islands on the other side such as Santorini or Mykonos, the views here, and especially the watercolor, will take you by surprise and blow your mind! Think Caribbean blue meets Greek landscape, a marriage made in travel heaven!

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Your Mini-Guide For Zakynthos Starts Here!

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Where Should You Stay In Zakynthos?

We chose to stay in the resort town of Tsilivi. This resort town is central to getting around the island which is definitely a bonus! This area is not only beautiful it also has a good balance catering to the needs of younger visitors, families, and the older age groups.

The atmosphere is relaxed and laid back. There is a nice stretch of beach offering all the watersport activities you can think of. Boutiques, tavernas serving beautifully delicious food, and cocktail bars await you.

Another area on the island which is nice to stay in is the capital Zante. If it's parties and the night scene you're after, head with the younger crowd over to Laganas.

We stayed at the exclusive Olea all-suite hotel at the top of the mountain overlooking the town, and it was amazingly luxurious!

Getting Around Zakynthos

The best way to explore the island is by renting a car. Many visitors choose to rent scooters and quads instead. I've seen, unfortunately, a few accidents involving these vehicles while driving around.

Those accidents were mostly caused by a lack of knowledge regarding the limestone. During the summer months, in particular, there's so much dust on the roads because of the limestone. This dust is not visible, and it makes the roads very slippery. When you don't know the roads on top of that, it can end in disaster. My tip ~ be safe, stick to cars!

Rent a car recommendation ~ Xenos Rentals

Going on the water

You can charter a private yacht or another luxury speedboat that will take you and your party out on the water. You can visit secluded beaches, go turtle spotting, or exploring the blue caves in style.
PRO TIP! You can drive directly to the harbor and get on a glass-bottom boat and explore the blue caves or Turtle Island with other people. The smaller family-owned companies operate there, they will offer great value for money. Do it the Greek way!

I want to share my personal view with you on these two options as COVID-19 has changed things; Corona hit the Greek islands badly, the devastation is visible everywhere you go. There are so many beautiful businesses offering great services & products ready for tourists that aren't there. Some businesses will feel it more than others as in the case of luxury private boats compared with small commercial lines.

Going out on the water with a luxury yacht or speedboat including a skipper, will cost you anywhere from 300 to 800 euros for 4 to 7 hours. Yes, the prices for such activities are very high indeed. The smaller boat companies operating in the harbor will cost you 15 euros a person. Although it will not be the same exclusive type of experience going out to the Blue Caves for example, should you take a boat directly from the harbor, you will be helping the small family-owned boat companies. You will be giving them an opportunity to make a living as well.

They are so grateful for such business they will go above and beyond to please you! They too have nice boats. They will take you down the same routes, give or take, and for a fraction of the price! These days we need to all stand together and help each other when we can. The Greek islands rely mostly on tourism to survive so if we can, why not help them restart the economy on all levels?

Island Hopping

From Zakynthos, you can hop over to other gorgeous islands in the Ionian Sea quite easily. Kefalonia and Lefkada are mind-blowingly beautiful! If you have time I highly recommend stepping on the ferry to paradise!

PRO TIP!

Ferryscanner.com is an online portal that offers ferry tickets worldwide. This website features 65 ferry companies, serving more than 1,600 routes across 25 countries. 99% of all ferry routes in Greece for example are bookable via the Ferryscanner.com website.

Top Things To See & Do In Zakynthos

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If there is just one tour you do make it Back to the roots ~ This unique island tour is carried out by a Dutch lady called Jackie in both Dutch and English. She is the owner of Nefis, a small tour operator on the island, she has lived and breathed this island for the past 20 years and it shows!

If you’re after the authentic experience then she is the one to give it to you! History, local folklore, meeting local people, flavors and tastes, music and unique spots not to be missed while on the island.

Visiting old and charming villages in Zakynthos

Visit the capital Zakynthos city: Also known as Zante, it’s a fun city to discover. Start at the famous Church of San Dionisio. Wander around, following centuries of Venetian ruling, the impact is visible everywhere you look; from the architecture to the color of the houses. You can visit the castle above the city, the Byzantine Museum just to name one of a few interesting museums here, enjoy Solomos Square showcasing religious frescoes and harbor views, and of course visit the 16th-century Agios Markos Church. If you get a chance, watch the sunset from the top- from Bochali, the views are gorgeous!

Note: Between 13:00-18:30 shops in the main shopping street are closed!

Explore the Blue Caves in Northen Zakynthos: It is absolutely breathtaking! The boats leave from the picturesque Saint Nicholas Port. The trip takes about 1.5 hours including a swim break. Why is it so much fun swimming here you ask? Ever wonder what you would look like as a smurf? Once you get inside the caves the color of the water appears to blue dye your skin so you look like a smurf, that’s right!

Lunch, afternoon drinks, or dinner tips in the Blue Caves area!

Just before the port, you’ll find the amazing Nobelos hotel, restaurant, and beach bar!

Beautiful Greek food at Nobelos restaurant, Zakynthos

Views around Nobelos restaurant, Zakynthos

Visit Shipwreck beach: This attraction has quite a story attached to it…The ship crashed here after a very bad storm back in 1979. The ship was carrying tobacco, whiskey, and a secrete load of marihuana and so after the crash, while the captain and crew were shipped to jail, locals arrived in their boats and raided the ship.

When the police returned to deal with the cargo there was no cargo to speak of, only very happy islanders for months to come! The views here are spectacular! Words don’t do it justice actually and once you visit you’ll see what I mean. NOT TO BE MISSED!

If you’re a diver, Stavros beach around Kampi is a great location.

Xigia beach is special not only because of the beautiful turquoise waters and surrounding views but also because it is a natural sea spa! Rich in sulfur and collagen, the sand here serves also as a scrub. Word of warning: It does smell, bad, however, your skin will look fabulous.

Go turtle spotting: Turtle island, visibly resembling the shape of a turtle is a protected area for the Caretta Carretta turtles. You can cruise the beautiful waters of this marine park and hopefully spot a few turtles up close. You can also stop for a swim and a snorkel in one of the white sand beaches & turquoise waters in secluded bays not reachable by car. The bays around the Keri Caves are stunning!

Take a wine tasting tour: One estate offering a great experience is the Callinico estate.

Explore the beaches! My favorite must-visit beaches: Pelegaki beach, Porto Zoro, Dafni beach, and Marathia beach.

Let’s talk about food! Greek cuisine is delicious, diverse, and simply YUM YUM! Any taverna you choose will serve wonderful food (that was our experience), the service was phenomenal too!