Open left menu Zakynthos. Zakynthos Island in Greece What dish is considered the national dish of Zakynthos

The island of Zakynthos is a truly fabulous place with pristine nature and magnificent views. The island is located in the Ionian Sea and belongs to Greece. Is it worth going here on vacation, what to do on the island and what are the reviews about Zakynthos (Greece) - read the article.

A little history of the island

Zakynthos was the name of the son of the king of Phrygia, Dardanus. It was in his honor that this paradise was named. According to Greek myths, the island was conquered by the grandfather of the famous Odysseus. Since Zakynthos (Greece) remained neutral during the long period of the Greco-Roman wars, it was given autonomy. At the end of the 12th century, this land was conquered by the Venetians, who really liked the area. Only in 1797 was their dominance interrupted by the French.

Great Britain has ruled here since 1813. A few decades later the island was given to Greece. Glorified by the poets born on the island, Zakynthos passed from hand to hand, suffered from pirate invasions and earthquakes, but did not lose its pristine beauty. Reviews about the island of Zakynthos in Greece agree on one thing: the magical atmosphere of the place envelops travelers from the first second of their stay and never lets go.

What's the weather like on the island?

The sun shines most of the year in Zakynthos, so tourists come here at any time. In summer it is hot and dry, but the breeze from the sea gives tourists comfort. In July the thermometer rises to +32 °C. In the winter months, the daytime temperature does not fall below +14 °C, such weather is convenient for excursion holidays. Rains are rare here.

How to get to the wonderful Ionian Island? During the high season, from May to October, charters fly here from Moscow and St. Petersburg. At other times, flights to Greece (Zakynthos) with a transfer in the capital of the country. From Athens you can also take a train or bus to Kylini, and then take a ferry.

What can you see in Zakynthos?

Most of the local attractions are classified as natural, but there are also interesting architectural buildings. This includes the Temple of Dionysius, built at the beginning of the 20th century. It was built with such care that it survived the 1953 earthquake, when most of the buildings were destroyed.

The three-nave temple was built in the Venetian style. Next to it there is a 40-meter bell tower with an observation deck. The temple contains the relics of St. Dionysius, which you can venerate.

The Church of Nicholas Mola is located on Solomou Square. This is the oldest building of the place, erected in 1561. It was badly damaged during the earthquake, but restoration did not radically change its appearance.

Another ancient attraction of Zakynthos (Greece) is the monastery of Our Lady of Anathonithria, which is currently inactive, but allows tourists into its walls. The church is interesting due to its atypical appearance for Zakynthos: three-nave basilicas and a wooden roof. A relic is kept inside - an icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary, saved from the Turks.

Not far from the monastery is the village of Anafonitria; people come here to see real, non-tourist Zakynthos (Greece).

Zakynthos Marine Reserve

The national marine park on the island was opened in 1999 and is the only park of its kind in all of Greece. The main purpose of the reserve is to protect the beaches on which the carriage turtle lays its eggs. The museum at the park aims to inform visitors about environmental issues.

The reserve territory includes a large number of coastal lands with a developed ecosystem; populations of Mediterranean seals even live here.

Since turtles that lay eggs love peace and solitude, there are strict rules for tourists in the park. Staying here after sunset and lighting lanterns and fires is prohibited. It is strictly forbidden to litter and drive onto the beach by car or bicycle. You are not allowed to make noise or play with a ball or rackets in the reserve.

If you built sand castles on the beach, destroy them when you leave, as they can become an obstacle for turtles.

Beaches and bays of the island

The main wealth of Zakynthos (Greece) is its wonderful beaches. The coastline stretches for 123 kilometers. The most visited beach on the island is called Shipwreck Beach or Navagio Bay. On the soft white sand that tourists love so much, there is a smuggler’s ship, washed up here during a storm. You can only get to the beach from the sea; it is best to rent a boat for this.

Gerakas Beach is located in the southern part of Zakynthos. It is part of a marine reserve, which means that you can see the carriage turtle here. The warmth and magnificent views attract many travelers here.

The beaches of Tsivili resort are surrounded by vineyards and olive orchards. There is also a large number of bars, clubs and shops concentrated here.

There are no truly picturesque and wonderful beaches within the city. That's why tourists go to the places described above. But if you wish, you can also visit the city beach. It is crowded here, and the surface is sand and pebbles.

What museums to visit on the island?

Some of the attractions of the Ionian Island include museums. The most interesting of them is the Byzantine Museum. Its exhibition allows one to judge the development of Christian culture in Zakynthos. Viewers are presented with a large collection of icons and frescoes, sculptures and paintings. The museum is especially proud of its carved iconostases from the 16th century. You can find the building in the capital of the island on Solomos Square.

The Solomou and Kalwu Museum is located in St. Mark's Square. It is interesting for the manuscripts of the poets who lived here and their portraits. The ground floor even houses the remains of the creators whose names the museum is named after.

If you come to the village of Pigadakia, you can get acquainted with the traditional life of the settlement in Zakynthos and agriculture. The agricultural museum contains furniture, utensils, and agricultural equipment. Some exhibits date back to the 16th century.

What excursions can you go on from Zakynthos?

No matter how beautiful the island of Zakynthos in Greece is (photo in the article), some tourists want to see as much as possible. For such travelers, trips from the island are organized. Read about the best of them now.

By boarding a comfortable ferry from the port of Zakynthos, you can find yourself in the port of Killini. From here it is easy to get to Ancient Olympia - this is where the legendary ancient Olympic Games were held. Here you can see the Temple of Zeus, where one of the wonders of the world (the statue of Golden Zeus) used to be located.

The ferry in Agios Nikolaos will take tourists to Kefalonia. This largest of the Ionian islands is famous for its unique caves, comfortable beaches and the Enos mountain range with interesting flora and fauna.

Active tourists who want to pack as much into their holiday as possible can organize a trip to Athens. It will take more time, but will undoubtedly be interesting. It is better to set aside a few days for a trip to Athens and go there as part of a Russian-speaking group.

Local cuisine: what will surprise you?

The cuisine in Zakynthos, as in all the Ionian islands, is Mediterranean. It follows from this that not a single local dish is complete without olive oil. In Zakynthos it is very fragrant, because there are so many olive groves around! You should definitely bring home a bottle of Mediterranean oil.

Also, a lot of tomatoes, garlic, aromatic herbs and lemons are used in dishes. Try the local traditional dish sarca - beef cooked with tomatoes, garlic and sheep's cheese. Skordostubi includes tomatoes, eggplants and is seasoned with olive oil and garlic. Be sure to order local bread with your dishes, it is very tasty.

They also love sweets on the island. The most popular of them is mandalato - a mixture of eggs, almonds and honey. Pastels made from honey, sesame and almonds are also worth trying. You can buy mizithra cheese (salted or unleavened) with you. It should be eaten with honey or sugar.

Popular hotels in Zakynthos (Greece)

There are a lot of hotels on the island, but you should think about booking in advance just in case. Below we will talk about popular hotels in Zakynthos.

• Palatino Hotel is located in Zakynthos Town, close to the centre. Elegant rooms with views of the sea or mountains, a bar and a restaurant are available to guests. According to tourists' reviews, the hotel is amazing. Breakfast here is plentiful (you can have lunch and dinner for a fee), and the staff is polite.
• Hotel Diana has a gym, sauna and rooftop pool. Reviews from tourists in Zakynthos (Greece) about this hotel are rated “Very Good”.
• The Plaza Hotel has a convenient location, directly opposite Agia Triada Beach. This makes tourists staying here happy, because all you have to do is cross the road and you’re on the beach! Tourists rate it "Amazing".

Whatever hotel you choose, your holiday on the island of Zakynthos will be wonderful. This heavenly place is simply created for a serene pastime and bliss.

Zakynthos or Zakynthos is a fabulous island of dreams, sung by poets for thousands of years. The untouched beauty of nature, picturesque views, a variety of rich and rich colors, kilometers of golden beaches - truly a “luxurious flower of the Mediterranean.” Everywhere on the island you can feel the aroma of coniferous forests, lush, beautifully flowering plants, citrus fruits and grapes. Do you want to be in a fairy tale? Welcome to Zakynthos!

According to ancient legends, the great Greek gods Artemis and Apollo were fascinated by the incredible beauty of the island. This is not surprising, because the magical atmosphere of the island envelops travelers from the first seconds of arrival and does not let go until departure. Zakynthos was mentioned in the works of Homer as “drowning in emerald forests.” The inhabitants of the island in ancient times treated Apollo with special respect and were famous among other Greeks for their love of music and art. The heyday of Zakynthos culture occurred during the era of Venetian rule.

The island is of particular value for the Greeks: it is not only an extremely beautiful place, but also the birthplace of the greatest Dionysius Solomos, the poet and author of the “Hymn of Freedom”. On the main square of the island, named after Dionysius, there is a monument reminding visitors of his talent.

Did you know that in Zakynthos there is a marine reserve with the rarest species of turtles?

Picturesque bays fringed by golden cliffs and bright blue waves - the landscapes of Zakynthos are found on postcards all over the world. Particularly famous is the photograph of Navajo Bay with the wreck of a ship. The island is so rich in picturesque panoramas that from any, even the most hidden corner, an unforgettable and fantastic view of the rocks, sea, golden coasts or bright green vegetation opens up.

The local landscape consists of two rows of mountain ranges, between which lies an emerald valley. Due to the peculiarities of the soil, there are many artesian springs on the island. The ancient island of fabulous beauty was repeatedly sung by Greek and Venetian poets, and the best artists tried to transfer at least a part of its splendor to canvas. Mighty pine trees, luxurious greenery, golden dunes, outlandish mountain ranges, grape plantations, cozy settlements with narrow streets, orange groves - Zakynthos has been a source of inspiration for creative people for hundreds of years.

Did you know that the island is home to the only natural park in Greece, Askos, which has collected unique species of animals and plants from all over the world on its territory?

Climate

“Green Island” is warmed by the hot rays of the sun most of the year. The weather in Zakynthos is ideal for an unforgettable holiday in any month. Summer days here are dry and hot, but the sea breeze and azure waves allow travelers to feel comfortable even under the scorching sun. The climate is similar to that of other Greek islands. Precipitation is rare here, with the exception of rain during the warm winter months. In winter there is almost no frost or snow. Most tourists come to the island from May to October.

Attractions and entertainment

The island's attractions are represented mainly by picturesque beaches, grottoes, luxurious greenery and incredible panoramic views. Local residents carefully protect the natural treasures that are spread throughout the island. Unfortunately, most of the historical monuments have not survived to this day, but the perfection of nature in Zakynthos has remained unchanged. In the northern part of the island, you can experience a real natural wonder by visiting the Blue Caves. Countless grottoes, stone arches rising above the sea foam, and mesmerizing blue water... The most famous cave is located at Cape Skinari. You can only get into the mysterious grottoes by swimming.

Did you know that the water in snow-white grottoes contains large amounts of calcium and minerals? Due to this, it has a beneficial effect on the skin, and the depth of the healing waters in the caves is about four meters!

A kilometer from the port of Agios Nikolaos lies the fantastically beautiful Askos rock reserve. On the territory of the reserve you can see the rarest species of animals and plants from all over the planet. Impressive stone structures, water tanks and wood compositions dance harmoniously with the untouched grandeur of the island's natural resources. Local museums are also a must-see, the most popular of which are:

• Museum of Byzantine Art
• Museum of famous Greek poets Dionysius and Andreas Solomos
• House-museum of the Alexander Roma family

On the territory of the city of Argasi you can find a famous ancient bridge, one part of which is hidden under water and the other in sand. Another pride of the island is the Byzantine churches:

• Ancient temple of St. Dionysius
• Medieval church of St. Nicholas
• Church of Saint Maura in the small village of Maherado
• Convent of the Virgin Mary Eleftherotria in the small village of Lagopodo
• White stone Church of Our Lady of Skopjetissa (built on the site of the ancient Temple of Artemis)

Church of St. Dionysius

Beaches, bays, resorts

Walk along the incredibly beautiful coastlines, breathe in the aroma of coniferous trees and exotic herbs with the taste of salt water, and you will feel how slowly and smoothly time flows on Zakynthos. This magical island offers the opportunity to experience the charm and splendor of untouched nature. The main attraction of the island is its countless and indescribably beautiful beaches.

The island's most famous beach is Shipwreck Beach or Navagio Bay. Here, on the snow-white sand, there is a smuggler's ship washed ashore during a strong storm. Access to the most fantastic beach in the world exists only from the sea. Crystal clear blue water and towering cliffs with an emerald mantle - the views on the beach are mesmerizing and amazing in their beauty. The most convenient way to get to the beach is by boat from the port of Volimesa (Porto Vromi).

Another beach that amazes with its splendor is Gerakas. Located in the southern part of the peninsula, the immaculate and tranquil Gerakas Beach captivates with its rich colors and warm turquoise water. Gerakas is popular not only with tourists, but also with a rare species of sea turtles, the Caretta Caretta, which lay their eggs in the sand. That is why the beach is one of the components of the National Marine Park. Residents of the island strictly protect the peace of turtles: any types of water sports are prohibited on Gerakas.

Shipwreck Beach (Navagio)

A lively and very popular resort on the island is Laganas. The beach is 5 km long, and the soft golden sand of Laganas is another favorite place for the Caretta Caretta turtles. Organized boat excursions provide the opportunity to see these strange and noble inhabitants of Zakynthos. Water sports are limited here, as is the case at Gerakas Beach. Vacationers can always visit cozy beach restaurants, small cafes or noisy bars. All possible amenities and entertainment can be found just a few minutes' walk from the hotel.

A rather interesting holiday destination is Ksigia beach, located twenty kilometers from the town of Zakynthos. The popularity of the beach was brought by an underwater spring, thanks to which a characteristic smell is felt in this place. The beach is covered with pebbles. A few kilometers from Zakif is the resort of Tsilivi, where tourists can expect many nightclubs, bars, taverns, restaurants and all kinds of entertainment. The sandy beaches of Tsilivi are surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Water sports such as windsurfing and water skiing are common here.

Agios Sostis, Laganas

Cuisine and Restaurants - Olive Oil and Garlic

The local cuisine, like all the cuisine of the Ionian Islands, is truly Mediterranean. The most important ingredient in any dish is olive oil, which is especially tasty in Zakynthos due to the large number of olive groves. Tomatoes, lemons, garlic and aromatic herbs are used in large quantities. The “national” dish of the island is “Sarza” - beef with tomatoes, garlic and special sheep cheese “ladotiri”. Another common dish in these places is “Scordostubi”, which includes eggplants, tomatoes and, of course, olive oil with garlic.

Another local cheese that can be salted or unleavened is “myzithra”. It is customary to eat mizithra with honey or sugar. Homemade bread and sweets are popular on the island. For example, “mandolato” is a sweet made from eggs, almonds and honey, or “pasteli” is a sweet made from sesame, honey and almonds.

Museums

The Solomou and Kalwu Museum is located in St. Mark's Square. On the ground floor are the remains of national poets Dionysios Solomou and Andrea Kalvou. On the second floor there are the Solomou, Roma and Koliwa rooms with their important manuscripts and a rich collection of their portraits. You will also find an ancient library, various archaeological finds and rich photographic material here. The building was restored in 1957 and has been open to visitors since 1967. The new museum is located on Solomou Square and is rich in works from the Byzantine era.

Caretta Caretta

This is a species of sea turtle that lives on the shores of Zakynthos and every year from June to August the Caretta Caretta (Loggerhead turtle) lays its eggs here at night. After 55 days, new generations of this rare species are born and find their way to the sea. True, only 1-2 turtles out of 1000 survive. Therefore, it is very important to protect their burrows. For this purpose, a community was created to protect sea turtles, which annually sends volunteers here to protect them 24 hours a day.

Turtle Careta Careta

How to get there

You can get to the “green island” in various ways, each of them is convenient in its own way.

• Ferries from Cefallonia and Killena
• A ferry service connects the island with Italy.
• You can also get to the “island of dreams” by air: there is an airport on Zakynthos. Flights to Zakynthos are regularly carried out from Athens or Corfu. During the season of low tourist activity, air travel can cost from 50 euros.
• You can also get to the island by regular bus (by ferry), which departs several times a day from Athens and takes about 6 hours.

Port of Zakynthos - useful background information.

Zakynthos or Zakynthos is an island of poets, artists and musicians, the southernmost of the seven Ionian islands.

Here is the famous Navajo Bay, where a smuggler's ship lies on the sand; here huge Caretta Caretta turtles crawl onto the beaches; here olive groves alternate with orchards; here ancient secrets are hidden in mysterious grottoes and caves...

Cuisine of Zakynthos

The signature dish of the island of Zakynthos can be considered “sartsa” - beef with tomatoes, garlic and special sheep cheese “ladotiri”. Olive oil and all vegetables are local, fresh, straight from the garden. We recommend trying the hearty appetizer skordostubi - eggplants and tomatoes mixed with olive oil and garlic.

There are several cheese factories in Zakynthos where they make myzithra cheese - it tastes bland, so it is served with honey or sugar. Of course, you can easily order moussaka, souvlaki, and Greek salad - the national cuisine is held in high esteem here. To go with the coffee you drink here at any time of the day, we recommend ordering the local sweets mandolato (almond, honey and egg) or pastel (sesame, honey and almond).

Other resorts in Greece:

– an incredibly beautiful place, sung by poets for thousands of years. There is magnificent and untouched nature, picturesque views, a variety of bright rich colors and kilometers of wonderful sandy beaches. It is no wonder that the island of Zakynthos is often called the “Greek flower of the Mediterranean”. Everywhere here you can feel the enchanting aroma emanating from numerous coniferous forests, ever-flowering plants and citrus fruits. The island of Zakynthos is the only one in Greece that has the status of a “Nature Reserve”.

The island of Zakynthos is the southernmost in the archipelago of the Ionian Islands, which are washed by the azure warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea, part of which is called the Ionian Sea. Only thirty-five thousand local residents live on Zakynthos, but their number increases significantly with the influx of tourists who come here on vacation from different parts of the world. Basically, the beaches are concentrated in the eastern part of the island, they are sandy, with a smooth, gentle entrance to the sea, in the western part of the island there is a rocky terrain, in the northern part of the coast there are many cozy picturesque coves, many of them can only be reached by sea.

- capital of Zakynthos. The capital of the Greek island of Zakynthos is the city of Zakynthos, but the Greek islanders call it Chora. This is an ancient town located on the hilly slope of Bokhali, overgrown with dense vegetation, on the seashore. It has been able to preserve its age-old flavor and individuality to this day. Unfortunately, the island was hit by a devastating earthquake in 1953, damaging many historical monuments and buildings, but Chora was restored and today you can once again admire beautiful sights, including Venetian-style mansions in the traditional ocher color, with porticos and loggias. Many tourists vacationing in other resorts on the island of Zakynthos love to come here to enjoy leisurely walks along the old streets, visit the historical sights of Zakynthos and local museums, and take memorable photos of architectural monuments.

What to see in the capital of Zakynthos island?

is a functioning Orthodox church, built in honor of the heavenly patron of the island, located on the shore of the bay of the city of Zakynthos. The temple is one of the few ancient historical buildings on the island of Zakynthos that survived the powerful earthquake of 1953. This beautiful church amazes tourists with its amazingly beautiful frescoes, numerous carved details decorating the interior, wonderful stained glass windows and ancient icons. And the main shrine of this temple is the silver shrine, where the relics of St. Dionysius are kept; it is constantly open for worship and prayers of pilgrims. Near the church there is an interesting religious museum, where the exhibition includes ancient icons, various robes of clergy, church books and utensils for worship. On the twenty-fourth of August - on the day of remembrance of the saint, all residents of Zakynthos, pilgrims from all over Greece and from other countries flock here to attend the solemn service. Entrance to the church is free and free, but to the museum there is a fee of two euros.

This church stands on Solomos Square on the edge of the embankment. It is located in the oldest Venetian building that survived the earthquake. The church was built in 1561 in honor of St. Nicholas, the heavenly patron of sailors. At first, the temple was built on an island, and a small bridge connected it to the city, but then the island was connected to the city embankment by creating an artificial embankment. The temple was built in a beautiful Renaissance style, except for its Byzantine bell tower.

– crowns the top of Bokhali Hill. On the territory of the fortress there is an ancient castle; once the capital of the island of Zakynthos was located here. Now all that remains of the majestic fortress walls are romantic ruins, and even those are overgrown with pine trees. Only the gunpowder warehouse and the prison building are well preserved from the ancient building. But there is an observation deck here, and for the sake of the mesmerizing panorama that opens from it, tourists go up.

Zakynthos Island- this is one of the most memorable places on our planet, whose picturesque coves are bordered by slender cliffs piercing turquoise sea waters. These are the types of landscapes that can be seen on postcards advertising holidays in this Greek Mediterranean paradise.

Particularly popular among tourists is the main natural attraction of Zakynthos - Navajo Bay, where the rusty wreck of the ship "Panagiotis" lies. Navajo is located at the northwestern tip of the island, but can only be reached from the sea. This place is known for its beauty and personality all over the world. The name of the bay, translated, means “Shipwreck”, and it appeared in 1980, when a ship transporting contraband to Italy washed ashore along with its cargo. It fit so well into the natural landscape that it was decided to leave it here. Now it is an integral part of Navagio Bay, in the shade of which tourists love to relax, admiring the surf. The water in this bay is bright blue, sometimes it changes its hue to milky blue. This color is due to the fact that water enters the sea from underwater sources hiding under the coastal rocks, and it contains highly concentrated calcium compounds, which gives such an unusual shade. Tourists from the resorts of Zakynthos are delivered to Navajo Bay on liners or small boats. They are given time - an hour and a half - to swim to their heart's content, sunbathe on the wonderful snow-white sandy beach, and take memorable photos of these beautiful places. The price of such a cruise is twenty-five euros per tourist.

Zakynthos is rich in picturesque natural panoramas and many hidden corners of the coast. Its completely unique coastline of the Ionian Sea is riddled with many mysterious grottoes and beautiful caves.

– are located in the northern part of the island of Zakynthos, on the territory of the Greek village of Volims. But the Blue Caves themselves can only be reached from the sea by boat. This is the most famous natural attraction in Greece throughout the world, protected by law, however, entry for tourists is free. Inside the cave, anyone will feel like they are in a surreal world; the water here is bright blue, it reflects on the walls with a mystical shine. Here you can dive into it from a boat and swim. The depth reaches four meters, but the water is so clean and transparent that you can see every pebble at the bottom. By the way, after swimming in this water, saturated with minerals, the skin becomes very tender and soft, like a baby’s. The largest of the Blue Caves is “Kianoun”, mainly tourist boats and boats approach it. The best time to take a tour of the Blue Caves is at sunrise or sunset, when they are especially beautiful. During this excursion you will take a ride under unusual rock arches of natural origin, carved by water and the natural process of erosion many thousands of years ago. A trip to the Blue Caves of Zakynthos is especially popular among divers. They talk about unforgettable experiences after diving here.

Monasteries and churches of the Greek island of Zakynthos is a popular place of Christian pilgrimage. Many of the island's holy places are located high in the mountains. But this does not diminish the desire of believers to visit shrines and pray to miraculous icons and relics of saints for well-being, health and peace.

– located in the village of Maherado. Every year many pilgrims come here to venerate the miraculous icon of this saint, whose prayers can heal the afflicted. The church is a simple basilica with a high thirty-seven-meter Venetian bell tower. They say that the ringing of the bells of the Church of St. Maura is the most melodic in all of Greece. The Church of St. Maura is a famous historical monument of Zakynthos, but in 2005 there was a strong fire, in which its interior was burned out. From that time on, active restoration of the church began, which continues to this day. Pilgrims come here for the patronal feast, which falls on the third of May, although its celebration falls on the period from the first to the tenth of July annually.

- an Orthodox shrine of Zakynthos and Greece, from the outside it is very similar to a castle. Here is the church where Saint Dionysius worked as a monk and died. Here he was buried until 1717, when his incorrupt relics were transported to the city of Zakynthos.

Or the Monastery of Our Lady of Liberation - located in the village of Lagopodo. It stands high on a hill, completely rebuilt after the 1953 earthquake. This is a very beautiful place on the island of Zakynthos, attracting not only pilgrims, but also tourists who take excellent photographs of the surrounding area. In the monastery you can buy beautiful embroidery and icons, which are made by the nuns themselves.

On the island of Zakynthos there are many authentic resort towns and villages where tourists come to relax. We will briefly talk about a few of the most popular ones.

- a small town, four kilometers from the city of Zakynthos, you can get from it to the capital and back on an excursion train that constantly runs between the cities, or you can walk, enjoying the beauty of these places along the way. This resort town is a place where constant fun reigns, life here does not stop either day or night: noise, music, crowds of vacationers on the beaches - during daylight hours, streets and embankment illuminated with thousands of lights - in the evening, noise and rhythms of incendiary music in nightclubs and discos, bars, cafes and restaurants crowded with tourists - and all this is Argassi! Holidays at the Argassi resort in Zakynthos are chosen by both young people and married couples. The structure of Argasso beach is sand and pebbles. Occasionally there are floating algae in the water. Here tourists will be able to get a wide range of different water activities. There are many pubs, bars, restaurants, karaoke and discos near the beach.

– is located seven kilometers from the island capital. This place is preferred for relaxation by people who love silence, as well as couples with children and retirees. The Kalamaki resort is famous for its developed infrastructure, where the emphasis is on excellent beach holidays. There are many hotels in the city of various categories and prices. On the main city street there are numerous shops, cafes, bars, and for little vacationers there is a water park and an amusement park. The beaches of the resort are covered with clean and soft golden sand, vacationers are provided with ample opportunities for active recreation: from banal bun and banana riding to yachting, there are volleyball and basketball courts, you can go bowling.

- smoothly flows from the Kalamaki resort, merging with its infrastructure. Laganas is a youth resort town, a popular party place among young people vacationing in Zakynthos. Here are the coolest clubs where you can have fun: “Moulin Rouge”, “Rescue”, “Bad Boys”, “Wild Cats”. But in addition to numerous noisy entertainment venues, there are also quiet natural corners where you can meet huge carriage turtles and black seals. The resort of Laganas is the place where one of the cleanest Greek beaches is located, which stretches for nine kilometers. This beach is partly a protected area, because rare turtles have chosen it to lay their eggs there. Here you can follow their life in their natural environment. As for water activities on Laganas Beach, there are rentals of catamarans, canoes, and small boats. This beach is shallow and covered with pleasant fine sand, making it perfect for families with children. A big plus is that there are almost no waves here!

– located five kilometers from Zakynthos. This is a place for an active beach holiday. There are plenty of opportunities to have fun and usefully: you can go windsurfing, water parachuting, and diving. For lovers of nightlife, we recommend visiting one of the local bars or restaurants on the embankment. It’s also good here for families with children or people who prefer to sleep peacefully at night, since there are no noisy discos and nightclubs. Tsilivi beach is one of the cleanest on the island. Its structure is sandy, the sand is grayish and very fine. There is shallow water here, the water is always warm, and you don’t get algae. Water sports can only be practiced away from the shore. The wind always picks up in the afternoon, making Civili Beach a favorite spot for surfers.

– is located sixteen kilometers from Zakynthos. This place will be ideal for a holiday with children. The fact is that the resort is famous for its beaches with fine golden sand, a gentle entrance to the sea, calm waters, and also shallow waters. Outside the city there is an excellent sandy beach called Gerakas. The sea here is always warm and shallow. There is an opportunity for recreation for disabled people - there is a ramp for accessing the water in a wheelchair.

They have different categories: there are luxurious world-class five-star hotels, more modest but very good four-star hotels and budget three-star hotels. Almost all island hotels prefer to operate on the all-inclusive system, which is popular among vacationing tourists. Almost every hotel has gyms, sports grounds, tennis courts, conference rooms, beauty salons and so on. Many hotels on the island of Zakynthos offer their guests babysitting services, children's playgrounds and rooms, cribs, children's menus, and so on.

The island of Zakynthos is a paradise with beautiful mountains, an emerald valley, many artesian springs, pine forests, thickets of olives, citrus fruits, and grapes, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. And it is not necessary to go here on vacation in the summer months, since the climate in Zakynthos is very mild and warm all year round. On summer days it is sunny and dry. The air temperature in the period from the beginning of May to the end of October varies from twenty-five to thirty degrees Celsius, and the water in the Ionian Sea warms up from twenty-five to twenty-eight degrees. But it’s not cold here in winter either – the average temperature is plus fifteen degrees.

How to get to Zakynthos Island from Russia? In the summer, charter flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg fly to the international airport of Zakynthos Island, located six kilometers from the island capital of Zakynthos. The flight time from Moscow will be three hours and twenty minutes, from St. Petersburg - four hours.

The wonderful island of Greece - Zakynthos - is a place that, having visited once, you will return again and again, missing the amazing beauty of the Ionian coast, intoxicating pine and citrus aromas, beautiful and endless golden beaches.

The island of Zakynthos has been known since prehistoric times; it was part of the Odyssean Kingdom. Homer calls it Wooded and considers it the first habitat of the son of the king of Phrygia Dardano - Zakynthos. As told in ancient myths, the ancient gods Apollo and Artemis walked around the island, fascinated by its beauty. Even in the distant past, thanks to its geographical position and large reserves of resin, the island experienced its political and commercial heyday. He took a neutral position in the war with the Persians, but fought on the side of the Athenians in the Peloponnesian War. Zakynthos has always had and maintains to this day a high level of culture. This is the birthplace of the national poet of Greece Dionysus Solomos, Ungo Foskolos, Xenopoulos. The influence of the Venetians, along with the Greek traditional way of life, served as the basis for the development of a special, sophisticated culture. All types of art developed rapidly on the island, so it is rightfully called the Florence of the East. Music runs in the blood of the island's inhabitants. The love for this type of art among the indigenous people has been noticed since ancient times, as evidenced by the worship of the islanders to the god of music Apollo. Already in the 15th century. under the influence of the Italians, theatrical art became widespread. In 1571, Aeschylus's play "The Persians" was staged for the first time. Today Zakynthos is one of the most important cultural centers of Greece. Every year, concerts and other performance events are held on the island. Most of the island's 44 villages maintain their traditional way of life. Tourism is developing taking into account the interests of local residents, who are preventing the construction of huge complexes so as not to disturb the natural beauty of the island. Here you will find only medium and small hotel facilities, where all modern amenities will be offered to your service. The largest number of vacationers in the summer is in the town of Lagana, located 11 km. south of the city of Zakynthos. Flowering plains there alternate with olive groves, vineyards and endless beaches. The famous Caretta-Caretta sea turtles live off the coast of Lagana. Another area of ​​the island with developed tourism is Argassi, which is considered a favorite vacation spot for young people. Here you can spend your vacation fun and carefree. The Kalamaki area, located in the south of the island, is a quiet seaside corner with a wonderful sandy beach - a place where you can relax “soul and body”. The northeast of the island is represented by the village of Aliki, which attracts fans of family tourism with sandy beaches stretched along the entire coast and a shallow, safe sea. There are many opportunities for water sports enthusiasts. Near the village of Aliki there is a new rapidly developing summer holiday center called Alikanas. 16 km. southwest of the island's capital is Vasilikos, a small village with lush vegetation and crystal clear water, flowering lands and gardens, and sandy beaches. In the very south of the island is the tiny village of Keri Limni, which resembles the old town of Zakynthos. Built on top of a hill, surrounded by bright green slopes, with narrow streets and stone houses crowded together, it leaves a lasting impression. The view of the Ionian Sea and the “turtle island” of Marathonisi, located opposite the village, is amazing. The coastal waters of Limni Keri are rich in a variety of fish. Every sunset captivates everyone who has ever witnessed it in Kampi... From the heights of the hills, Zakynthos opens up from a new side: villages are surrounded by greenery, among them Volimes, a center of folk crafts, consisting of three settlements with ancient well-kept houses. From the highest point of the island there is an amazing view of the Ionian Sea all the way to Kefalonia! The islanders have a special attitude towards environmental protection, as evidenced by the vast territories of the island that have remained untouched and retained their pristine beauty, as well as the rare species of marine animals that have survived to this day and the crystal clearness of the coastal waters. The famous Mediterranean sea turtle Caretta-Caretta, which has lived for millions of years off the southern coast of Zakynthos, feels completely safe and lays its eggs on the sandy beaches of the island. The southwestern bays of Zakynthos are home to a rare species of black harbor seal, Monachus-Monachus.

Geographical location

Zakynthos is an island in the southern Ionian Sea. Thanks to its geographical location (it is just an hour's ferry ride from the island of Kefalonia and the Peloponnese peninsula), guests of the island can visit other islands of the Ionian Sea, ancient Olympia, as well as the capital of Greece - Athens. The island is a natural and turtle sanctuary, and is rightfully considered the most romantic place in Greece. The endless sandy beaches of Zakynthos! In the northwestern part of the island are the famous Blue Caves.

Climate

The climate of the island of Zakynthos is soft continental, favorable for recreation throughout the year. In August it is dry and cool there, with temperatures reaching an average of +27 degrees Celsius.

Capital

The capital and port of the island, the city of Zakynthos, is located on the hills between the ancient fortress and the sea. Buildings and mansions of the characteristic terracotta color, built in the traditional spirit with loggias and Venetian porticoes, are carefully preserved here. We advise you to definitely take a walk along the Strata Marina promenade, the famous Ruge, the shopping center with its picturesque arches, and the tiled central St. Mark's Square, where it is always very lively. The Bohalis district, located directly below the Fortress, will charm you with its narrow, quiet coffee shops and restaurants where you can listen to ancient music. A fortress rises above Bohalis, offering beautiful views of the modern city and the Ionian Sea.

How to get there

You will need only 1 hour to fly to the island from Athens airport. There are two flights every day. Zakynthos Airport is 6 km away. from the capital of the island (night flights are prohibited). If during your trip you use a rented car, you can use the services of ferries that will take you and your car to Zakynthos from the port of Kyllini, located on the Peloponnese peninsula, within an hour. In summer, ferries make up to 10 trips daily. In addition, you can use comfortable buses or trains with daily services from Athens all year round.