What to see in Zante?
The island of Zakynthos is very popular. Tourists visit it for its splendid sea, sandy beaches, caves, museums, and churches with beautiful icons and frescoes. Below I describe the major attractions.
Zakynthos
The capital of the island was almost completely rebuilt after the 1953 earthquake. You can visit the church of Aghios Dionysos, which, along with the Venetian castle, survived the earthquake. In Platia Solomou, there is a statue of the national poet, and behind it, the Byzantine Museum. In the upper part of the city, I recommend Bochali, from where you can enjoy a stunning panorama.
Gerakas and Laganas
Located to the southeast, within the marine park, these are two beaches where the Caretta Caretta turtle nests. The WWF provides some rules of behavior to avoid disturbing the animals.
Keri
An isolated panoramic village 200 meters above the sea with the beautiful church of Panagia Keriotissa. The view near the lighthouse extends over two huge white rocks emerging from the sea like two pyramids. In the area, there is also the Keri cave, which can be visited by sea.
Kokkinos Vrahos
Red rocks.
Venetian Fortress of Bohali
Panorama over Zakynthos.
Macherado
A hilltop village in the central part of the island, with two beautiful churches: Agia Mavra, splendidly decorated inside, and Ypapanti, with melodious-sounding bells.
Anafonitria
A village with the island’s most important and most visited monastery.
Porto Roma
A picturesque little port surrounded by pine trees, much loved by sailors.
Navagio (Shipwreck Beach)
The most famous beach in Zakynthos with the wreck of a ship among the sand, surrounded by high rocky walls and bathed by a spectacular sea. It is only accessible by sea, but the view from above is also breathtaking.
Galazia Spilià (Blue Caves)
Located near Cape Skinari, they can be reached by sea from the port of Aghios Nikolaos. All have very beautiful water, particularly the largest, which in the morning sun has spectacular water with reflections ranging from blue to silver.
Marathonisi Island
A private islet opposite Keri with beautiful beaches where turtles lay their eggs. The area is a marine park.
Strofades Islands
Two beautiful islands that can be visited by boat from the port of Zakynthos. On the larger one, there is a 13th-century fortified monastery called the Monastery of the Metamorphosis.
Folk Festivals
The festival for the island’s patron saint, Aghios Dionysos, is held twice a year: on December 17th and August 24th with an impressive procession. At Easter, there are the very heartfelt and participated processions of Good Friday. Additionally, due to the Venetian domination, the carnival is also a very popular event.
