Zakynthos Holiday Villas and Travel Guide
The Ionian island of Zakynthos is known as 'the green island of poetry, song and love'. Located at the southern end of the Ionian Islands chain, Zakynthos is famous for its stunning scenery and equally beautiful sandy beaches. Besides, there are other attractions on offer including the spectacular Blue Caves where the pounding waves of the sea have carved amazing grottoes. The island attracts a fair share of tourists every year, not to forget the loggerhead turtles that travel here annually from Africa to nest on its beaches.
Accommodation in Zakynthos
Zakynthos offers an impressive range of private holiday villas, cottages and apartments to those who wish to relax and rejuvenate in the island’s healing environs in peace and privacy. Zakynthos is considered to be the sunniest and greenest of all isles, with the hills covered by a carpet of wild flowers from early spring to late September. Villa rentals are surrounded by this exceptional beauty and are within easy distance of the beaches and other attractions. They are well equipped with modern amenities and boast comfortable living spaces. Thee rentals are the perfect base from which to explore the island's charms or simply a luxurious and secluded hideaway.
Attractions
- Smugglers Cove Shipwreck: This is one of the most popular sights of the island, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The 'Panagiotis' was wrecked in 1982 while smuggling a large cargo of cigarettes and trying to evade a customs patrol in stormy weather. Boat trips are available to the beach where the ship lies.
- Beaches: The region of Vassilikos boasts some of the best beaches on the island. St Nicholas, which has great water sports facilities, is amongst the favourites. Gerakas beach has been voted one of Greece's best beaches. Other beaches worth a mention include the Navagio, Kalamaki, Porto Zoro and Laganas. Loggerhead sea turtles can be spotted at Laganas Bay, which is also home to the National Marine Park.
- Blue Caves: The caves are located on the west coast of the island, near the village of Volimes. The water in the caves captures and reflects light in every conceivable shade of blue and offers visitors a surreal experience. The caves look best at sunrise and sunset, or from under the water while scuba diving.
- Byzantine Museum: The museum exhibits an interesting selection of wooden carvings and paintings, some of which date back to the 12th century. It also displays impressive Hellenistic, Early Christian, Byzantine and Post-Byzantine sculptures.
Wining & Dining
The restaurants, cafes and taverns offer a wide selection of cuisines from across the world including Greek, Italian, Chinese and Mexican. Local dishes include fresh ingredients, vegetable, cheeses, seafood and meat. Signature dishes include soyvalaki and pitta-gyros, moysaka and papoytsakia (dishes with aubergines), stifado (hare with a lot of onions and tomatoes), and fresh Ladotyri (A unique white cheese produced only on the island in certain seasons).
Nightlife
Zakynthos offers plenty of entertainment options for the night owls. Visitors can choose from several pubs, bars and nightclubs. The trendiest spots are on the south end of the island, in the resort towns of Laganas, Argassi, Kalamaki, Tsilivi and Alykes. The capital of the island, Zakynthos Town, does not have a lot of bars but has a fair share of restaurants, taverns and cafes.