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a l l about

Zakynthos islandVillages

Beaches

History

Sightseeing
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All about Zakynthos island

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Content

Zante

The island of Zakynthos .............................................................................................................. 4

History of Zakynthos .................................................................................................................... 4

Culture ............................................................................................................................................ 6

Music in Zakynthos ....................................................................................................................... 7

The town ofZakynthos (Zante)......................................................................................................... 8

Staying and getting around in the town of Zakynthos............................................................. 8

Sightseeing in the town of Zakynthos ......................................................................................... 9

Churches ......................................................................................................................................... 9

Local feasts (panighyri) and other cultural activities ............................................................10

Access to the town of Zakynthos and the island .....................................................................10Most important towns, villages and settlements

1.Aghios Nicolaos ....................................................................................................................11

2.Alicanas...................................................................................................................................12

3.Alykes.......................................................................................................................................12

4.Argassi.....................................................................................................................................13

5.Vassilikos................................................................................................................................. 14

6.Volimes ....................................................................................................................................15

7.Gerakari .................................................................................................................................. 16

8.Kalamaki................................................................................................................................. 16

9.Laganas...................................................................................................................................17

10.Mahairado ............................................................................................................................18

11. Planos ....................................................................................................................................19

12. Tragaki ................................................................................................................................. 20

Beaches of island

Aghios Nicolaos ..........................................................................................................................20

BeachAgios Sostis ......................................................................................................................21

Beach Alicanas ...........................................................................................................................22

Beach Alykes................................................................................................................................23

Beach Almyras (Maries).............................................................................................................24

Beach Ammoudi(Gerakari).........................................................................................................24

Beach Amboula (Planos)............................................................................................................25

Beach Argassi .............................................................................................................................25

Beach Vourderi (Vassiliko).........................................................................................................26

Beach Galazies Spilies ............................................................................................................... 26

Beach Vromi ................................................................................................................................27

Beach Gerakas ............................................................................................................................28

Beach Dafni ................................................................................................................................. 29

Beach Kalamaki .........................................................................................................................29Beach Kaminia (Vassiliko).........................................................................................................30

Beach Kato Tragaki (Gerakari)................................................................................................31
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Beach Kryoneri (Zakynthos) .......................................................................................................31

Beach Laganas ...........................................................................................................................31

Beach Limni Keriou (Keri Lake) ................................................................................................32

Beach Porto Limnionas............................................................................................................... 33

Beach Bohali................................................................................................................................34

Beach Banana (Vassiliko)..........................................................................................................34

Beach Makrys Gialos.................................................................................................................. 35

Beach Buca .................................................................................................................................. 35

Beach Navagio (Shipwreck or Smugglers Cove).....................................................................36

Beach Xehoriatis.........................................................................................................................37

Beach Pahia Ammos ..................................................................................................................37

BeachXyngia .............................................................................................................................. 38

Beach Porto Koukla ....................................................................................................................38

BeachPlanos ...............................................................................................................................39Beach Porto Zoro ........................................................................................................................39

Beach Porto Roma ......................................................................................................................40

Beach Porto Roxa........................................................................................................................40

Beach Tsilivi ................................................................................................................................41

The islet ofMarathonissi ................................................................................................................ 42

The islet ofPeluso............................................................................................................................42

The Islet of Strofades or Strofadia ................................................................................................42

Excursions Scenic Routes

Route 1: Town of Zakynthos Argassi Gerakas Porto Roma ........................................43Route 2: Town of Zakynthos Mahairado Aghios Leon Navagio ................................44

Route 3: Town of Zakynthos Alykes Galazia Spilia (blue cave) ....................................45

Sightseeing

The Holy Monastery of Theotocos Anafonitria ...................................................................45

The National Marine Park of Zakynthos (1999) ....................................................................46

The Sea Turtle Caretta-caretta ................................................................................................46

The Venetian Castle ...................................................................................................................47

Museums

The Museum of Post-Byzantine Art ..........................................................................................48

Museum of Dionyssios Solomos and of illustrious Zantiotes .................................................49

Gregorios Xenopoulos Museum ................................................................................................49

Dionyssios Solomos...........................................................................................................................49

Aghios Dionyssios, the protector Saint Zakynthos........................................................................50

Shopping Local products .............................................................................................................. 50

Why Zakynthos.................................................................................................................................. 51


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ZanteThe island of Zakynthos

Zakynthos, Zante as it is known in Europe and worldwide, the Fioro di Levante (flower of the

Levant), as the Venetians used to call it, is a rather big island in the Ionian Sea, opposite to the

coast of Peloponnese. Its extent is 405 square kilometers, the coast line is some 123 kilometers and

it counts more than 35.000 permanent residents. It is found at a distance of 300 kilometers western

to Athens and 9,5 nautical miles far from the coast of Peloponnese.

Zakynthos is a green island, thanks to the luxuriant plantation it has, which is due to the rain,

very common in winter. Homer in Odyssey calls the island woody and Venetians referred to it

with the poetic name Fioro di Levante.

Due to the abundant water and the luxuriant plantation, the climate is mild; summers are rather

cool, mainly after sunset and winters not extremely cold. The sea is pretty warm, a quite favorablefactor, both for tourism and the reproduction of the sea turtle caretta-caretta and the seal mona-

chus-monachus.

The island is really a place blessed by God, with a marvelous natural environment and very

important monuments.

The considerable tourist development of the last few decades has endowed the island with ameni-

ties and facilities which, contrary to other places in Greece and elsewhere, do respect the natural en-

vironment and the history and tradition of the place. Thus, most hotels are units of small or medium

size, going well along with natural environment, that dont offend the natural beauty, but ratherstress attention on it. It is for that reason that in Zakynthos the traditional inland villages and set-

tlements, the local taverns and the traditional lifestyle are still alive and active.Transportation to and from the island and the rest of Greece, along with a good network of roads

and transportation means within the island, make the travel to Zakynthos very easy and untiring.

You will arrive to the island by ferry boat from Kyllini at the Peloponnese, or from the island

of Cefallonia. The island is also connected by plane with Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, and Preveza

(Action) at the opposite coast of Epirus.

Within the island you may choose the public means as public buses and taxis (cheap enough) or

a more independent way of moving around: rented or private cars and motorbikes. For some places

found at flat areas, you may also use a bicycle.

And, of course, if you wish to have a more brief but organised tour, you may choose the organ-

ised excursions, by bus or by boat.

History of Zakynthos

Anthropologic and archaeological evidence (found at Laganas) show that human presence on

the island starts as early as the Paleolithic period. Finds are more during the Neolithic, as they are

detected in various areas (Laganas, Gerakas, Alykes, Vassiliko) and human activity keeps develop-

ing during the Bronze Age, reaching its peak in the Mycenean period, as it is also evidenced by the

witness of Mythology.

Later on in historic times the island flourished and established several important colonies in the

Mediterranean area, as Cydonia in Crete and Zakantha and Parnassia at the Iberic peninsula. The

island didnt take part to any of the wars between neighbors, neither to the Persian wars. In 456b.C., Athens attacked the island, destroyed it and forced the people to enter into alliance with them,

a status that lasted even during the Peloponnesian War, where the island participated actively, push-ing back the Spartans several times. After Sparta had prevailed in the war, the island was forced

to establish an oligarchic government, comprised by ten governors (Decarchoi), who were kicked out


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later on after a revolt of the Democratic party of the island, where Athenians and Spartans werealso involved.

During the period of Macedonian domination, Zakhynthos had the same fate as the rest of Greece

and during the 2nd century passed to the Romans. The liberal people of the island continued to resist

to the invaders and took part in every civil conflict of the Romans. It is only in the 2nd century A.D.

that the island calmed down and the wars and the pirates invasions stopped for a while. It is then

that started a period of flourishing, as shown by rich archaeological evidence, that continued until

the first centuries of the Byzantine period (5th century), when the barbarian troops from the North

started to attack the empire.

From 9th to 12th centuries, Zakynthos, belonging to the Byzantine Empire, was governed by noble

families local and from Cefallonia (Orsini, Anjou, Tocci). Afterwards it passed to the Francs, who

persecuted Orthodox Christians and tried to impose Catholicism.

The most important facts at the end of the Francs domination were the re-establishment of the

Orthodox Diocese of Cefallonia and Zakynthos and the arrival on the island of ten thousand ref-

uges from the Peloponnese, who came here to escape from Ottomans who advanced in the area. As

Venetians were also involved in these wars, they obtained the island with the treaty of 1484 and

kept it until 1797.The long period of Venetian domination was a period of economic prosperity, cultural develop-

ment and relatively peaceful life. The Venetians respected the traditions, the religion the manners

and customs of the locals. The majority of the nobility of Venetian or Italian nobility adopted the

Orthodox denomination and gradually became Greeks, as today many Greek families have names

of Italian origin. Several families of the Byzantine nobility also moved in Zakynthos, when their ter-

ritories were conquered by Ottomans. The same was repeated in 1669 when, after the fall of Can-

dia to the Ottomans, thousands of Creto-Venetian people took refuge at Zakynthos, which had very

positively influenced the development of the island. For example, Dionyssios Solomos, the poet of the

National Anthem was of Cretan origin; his family came at Zakynthos exactly at this period.

The movement of people resulted in an increase of the population and economic development.

In 1770 the island counted more than 30.000 residents. The nobility of the island (the members ofthe Libro dOro, the Golden Book) became relatively autonomous from the central governmentof government of Venice and elaborated a local government carried out by the richest and most il-

lustrious members of the noble families. This was the upper class. The middle class was comprised

by the bourgeois, as tradesmen, lawyers, clergymen, doctors and others who were rich enough but

without nobility titles and political rights. At the bottom were found the Popolari, as craftsmen,

seamen etc., with no considerable income. The agricultural population, living in the villages was in

much worse condition as according to the feudal system were in fact property of their landlords.

This system of inequalities caused many complains which in 1628 resulted to the so-called Rem-

belio ton Popolaron (the rebellion of the Popolari), a civil revolt that lasted for 4 years and was

the first social revolt in Greek territory in modern history.

The relatively long period of peace on the island along with the economic flourish resulted in

considerable cultural evolution in painting, theater, architecture and poetry, mainly during the 17thand 18th centuries.

In the same period various attempts of the Ottomans to conquer the island were successfully

repulsed and several of these victories were attributed to the help of Aghios Dionyssios, as it also

happened in cases plagues, famines and earthquakes.

The people of Zakynthos, always resolved lovers of Freedom and aspiring to the independence of

Greece, helped Russians during the wars between them and the Ottomans (1770 and 1790).

The liberal spirit of the Zantiotes was also manifested during the French Revolution of 1789 and

after it. Clubs of Jacobins were established on the island, aiming at abolishing the government of

the nobles and at land distribution to the landless peasantry. When the island passed to Napoleon

and France, in 1797, they received the French troops as liberators, they burnt the Libro dOro and

the blazons of the nobles, they planted the tree of Freedom and they hoisted the French flag atthe castle. During this period the bourgeois and part of the poorer people took part to the self-gov-ernment of the island, which resulted in the creation of local communities. Although positive, these


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reforms had divided the people to the democrats of the guillotine and the supporters of monarchy

and the Russians.

The French army left the island in 1798, when the united fleet of British, Russians and Ottomans

took possession of it. These allies decided to establish the Ionian State, comprising all the Ionian

Islands. Although under tribute to the Sultan, and under protection of the Great Powers, this State is

the first independent Greek state of modern times. The establishment of the state was followed by

conflicts between the democrats and the supporters of aristocracy, which caused the continuous inter-

vention of the Powers. In the same period, many Greek chieftains from the Peloponnese and Epirus

prosecuted by the Ottomans and Ali Pasha, took refuge in Zakynthos, among them were Colocotronis

and Anagnostaras, two of the most important heroes during the Revolution of 1821.

When Napoleon was definitely defeated by the alliance of Russians and British, the Ionian is-

lands, and of course Zakynthos, passed under the protection of Britain and became a protectorate,

until the 21st of May 1864, when they were incorporated to the Greek State. Ever since, the history

of the island follows that of Greece.

CultureThe island of Zakynthos has contributed a lot to the artistic, intellectual and cultural evolution

of Greece, during the last centuries. Several intellectual people and artists coming from the island

have influenced the cultural life of Greece in all fields of letters and arts. The ancient tradition of

the island, which, thanks to its geographic position, used to be an important cultural center, has

proved true in modern times too.

In modern times, flourishing of letters on the island starts in the 15th century and is manifested

both in poetry and in prose. Several works of Zantiote authors are being published in Venice and

become famous both among Greeks and Europeans. As a result of this vivid interest in educationand culture, the first Academy in Greece is established at Zante in early 17th century and in 1815

it is followed by the Academy of Free Meridional Islands, which has its seat on the island.

The 19th century is the golden age of the intellectual life of the island; it is during this century that

two eminent Zantiote poets, Andreas Calvos and Dionyssios Solomos, live and work. In 1864, the long

poem of Dionyssios Solomos Hymn to Freedom, set to music by the Corfiote Nicolaos Mantzaros,

becomes the National Anthem of Greece. The brilliance of Dionyssios Solomos had highly influenced

the Greek Literature and resulted to the creation of the School of Eptanissa (Ionian Islands).

Among the most important authors and poets we shouldnt forget to mention the Italian poet

Hugo Foscolo, of Zantiote origin and Gregorios Xenopoulos, author, journalist and member of the

Greek Academy.

Music is another important field of the culture of Zante. The cantata is a purely local musicidiom, elaborated both in folk music and in pieces of known composers. The same happens with the

arechia (a false pronunciation of the Italian term a orrechio, literary meaning by the ear), a

kind of folk song in four parts.

The continuous cultural exchange with the West, mainly Italy, has strongly influenced the music

tradition and taste of the people on the island. Opera and operetta was beloved kinds of music in

Zakynthos and constituted links between nobles and the rest of the people. Thus, in 1815 it wasestablished the first Music School in Greece, whereas in 1896, during the first Olympic games of

modern times, the Music Band of Zakynthos took part to the event. It was the period when composers

of Zantiote origin, as Domeneginis Kapnissis and others became famous in Europe.

Theater, with strong influence by the Italian folk theater, also flourished on the island, especially

during the period of Venetian domination. The conquest of Crete by Ottomans (1669) helped a lot

the development of theater in Zakynthos, as then many authors and other artists moved to the island.


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A local idiom has been created, where it is easy to detect the direct influence of the comedia dell

arte, the Cretan theater of the period and the ancient Greek Drama.

Zantiotes loved theater and during the Venetian domination theater was very often part of the

feasts of nobles. Later on theaters were also established which presented many plays not only of

traditional kinds, but also of contemporary local authors.

The excellent landscape and the artistic atmosphere of the island had stimulated several locals

to deal with painting. Very soon some of the best-known hagiographers of the period were of Zan-

tiote origin. Their works are still present in the Museums and the churches of the island. The initial

influence from Crete resulted to the Creto-Zantiote School, but soon after the School of Eptanissa

(Ionian Islands) was formed, where the traditional Byzantine style was composed with the Renais-sance style of Italy. The most well known painters of this School were Panagiotis Doxaras, Nicolaos

Coutouzis and Nicolaos Cantounis.

In more recent periods, several painters continue this great tradition of painting, the most impor-

tant feature being the abandonment of the religious features and the emphasis to esthetics.

Woodcarving is another field of creation for the people of the island. As there are a lot of churches,woodcarving had been a vaster field for creation, mainly for the non-nobles. Almost every church of

the island has an icon screen where wood has become an excellent means of expression and artistic

creation. Having such a long tradition in carving it is not surprising that the silver reliquary contain-

ing the body of Aghios Dionyssios, the protector of the island, is a masterpiece of silver working.

In an area where arts are always present, it is normal to have interesting buildings too. Despite

the total destruction of the buildings in 1953, Zakynthos of today has a very original architectural

style, which combines the tradition of all cultures that passed from here: the Byzantine religious ar-

chitecture stands side by side with Venetian buildings, and the French bourgeois ideas are linked with

the innovations of the period of British domination. Every sample of architectural styles is present

here: splendid mansions of old noble families, old and more recent churches, impressive monasteries,

strong forts and arcades, but also simple urban and rural houses make an interesting blend givingto the island its wonderful character.

Music in Zakynthos

In Zalkynthos (Zante) music is not merely a feature of culture; it is an essential component of

everyday life of the people. As Leonidas Zois, a student of life and culture of Zakynthos puts it, the

music on the island is a sweet occupation, both art and tradition. A tradition that goes back to

mythology, as it is said that the people of Zakynthos was taught to make and play music by Apollo,

the god of music, himself.

In most recent periods, religious music was the first to develop on a high level, mainly after theoccupation of Candia (Herakleion) by the Ottomans in 1669; it was then that all artists and intel-

lectual life of the Creto-Venetian culture moved to Eptanissa (Ionian Islands), and first of all to

Zakynthos.

An original music system, the Creto-Ionian is established in religious music: the melody resemblesto the Byzantine music, where it has its roots, but it is performed in the way of Occidental music

(four voices).

Another originality of the Zantiote music is the folk songs known as arechia. The origins of

the arechia are going back in time and it is a purely folk creation, with several elements of im-

promptu, both in music and in the lyrics.

Sometimes, the lyrics are works of known poets.


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In 1860, 60 Zantiotes music amateurs, on the initiative of the Italian music teacher Marco Batt-

agel, established a Music Association, the first in Greece. The Association helped a lot to make the

great European music familiar to the people of the island. The band formed was directed by emi-

nent music directors and for many years it used to play music at the central squares of the town of

Zakynthos. The Zantiote Chorus, with 40 members, excelled not only on the island and Greece, but

also abroad, mainly in the 1960s.

Apart from the guitar, mandolin is also a beloved instrument of the people of Zakynthos; it is

always present in every music band strolling around in the night to sing for a girl, but also in the

official string orchestras.

Other music bands active in Zakynthos are the important chorus To Fioro tou Levante, where

both expert choristers and amateurs take part, aiming at diffusing good music in Zakynthos, butalso to familiarize Greece and other countries of the world with the Zantiote music. Another impor-

tant chorus is the religious one named Kyria ton Angelon (the Lady of the Angels); the chorustake part to every religious celebration on the island, the most important being the period of the

Holy Week.

The town of

Zakynthos (Zante)

The town of Zakynthos, Zante as it is called by the locals and known to foreign tourists, keeping

the Venetian version of its name, is situated at the foot of the lovely hill of Bohali. It is the capital

of the island and counts some more than 11.000 permanent residents; its port is the biggest of theisland and it is here that arrive the ferries from Kyllini at the opposite coast of Peloponnese.

The town had been totally destroyed by the strong earthquake, followed by fire that occurred in

1953, but it has been soon restored and today the visitor can see

a town with two faces: the old medieval one, with imposing buildings and monuments and the

modern one, that of a quickly developing town, with all facilities, amenities and services of a modern

city. Thus, the once small coastal town is being extended to the inland.

Staying and getting around in the town of Zakynthos

As Zakynthos receives many visitors not only in summer but also in Christmas, Carnival and

Easter, a good number of the lodgings available in town are open all year round. The visitor maychoose from a wide range of hotels of all categories, as well as studios and rooms to let, suitable

for families and a good alternative for low budgets.

You will certainly enjoy eating in the town of Zakythos. There are various local dishes, all ofthem gorgeous; even if some of them seem to have peculiar names (as fytoura for example) do not

hesitate to taste them. And, if you are lucky enough, you may find one of those traditional taverns,

where the waiters may leave their work for some time and take their musical instruments and offer

(free of charge!) the sensitive local music and songs to the customers. Apart from taverns you will

find any other place for eating drinking and enjoying yourself, whatever is your age, company or

status. Pastry shops, cafes, bars, snack bars, clubs with foreign and Greek music, discos and fastfoods are found at the beach and the central squares of the town. And if you like dancing and loud,

hot music, the place for you is off the city center, in the area with the discos, where you may enjoy

yourself until early in the morning.


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the statue of the national poet of Greece after whom the square has been named. Another character-

istic point of the town is Rouga, where you will see the buildings with their beautiful arches, housing

various stores, both traditional and modern. And you will certainly pass from Strada Marina, the

road along the coast, where you may walk by the sea or enjoy your coffee in one of the numerous

cafes and pastry shops you will find there.

While strolling around, it is worth seeing the nice buildings of the Public Library, the Byzantine

Museum, the Municipal Cultural Center, the Prefectures building and the buildings housing the Court,

the banks and Solomos Museum.

And, of course, dont miss to stroll around with the little wheel-driven train, one of the attractions

of the town.

You should certainly stroll around in Bohali, the small, cute, scenic quarter on the hill, just below

the Castle, to enjoy the scents of the flowers of the gardens and the magnificent view of the townand the sea.

And, if you feel like leaving the center, you may visit the Stranis hill, some 2 2,5 kilometers

far away, near Akrotiri. The hill with luxuriant green of pine trees was one of the beloved places of

Dionyssios Solomos who, according to tradition, it is here that he inspired his long poem Hymn toFreedom, that later became the National Anthem of Greece.

Local feasts (panighyri) and other cultural activities

A lot of cultural activities, as theater, plastic and visual arts exhibitions, concerts and musical

performances are organised during the summer by the Prefecture of the island and the Municipality

of the town, in cooperation with local cultural associations. Quite a lot of people, an enthusiasticpublic of locals and visitors, attend all these events.

One of the most well-known and popular cultural events of the island is the Carnival feast, with

the happening of the Funeral of the Masque along with several music concerts, mainly promotingthe local musical tradition.

Easter is also interesting in Zakynthos, with a more religious character; it is worth attending

the ceremony and the procession of the Epitaph, accompanied by music of the local orchestra and

bands.

But the peak of feasts of the island is the celebration of the two feasts in honor of Aghios Dionys-

sios, the protector saint of the island; the first takes place on the 24th of August, and it is celebrated

the memory of the translation of the relics of the Saint from Strofades to the town (1717); the second

is held on the 17th of December, when it is celebrated the Saints name day. In both of them, apart

from the religious feast, there are also high-level cultural and artistic events.

Access to the town of Zakynthos and the island

The commonest and most popular way to access Zakynthos is by ferryboats.

Several ferries depart every day from the port of Kyllini in the Peloponnese all year round, asZakynthos is not only a tourist destination in summer, but receive also many visitors traveling for

professional reasons, for week-ends or for shorter or longer holidays. You will arrive there by public

buses (from Athens or Thessaloniki), or by rented or private car and motorbikes.

Access to the town is possible by plane: there are flights from Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Ce-

fallonia and Preveza (Action) at the opposite coast of Epirus. The airport of Zakynthos Dionyssios

Solomos is situated some 5 kilometers southeastern to the town of Zakynthos; from the airport youwill arrive to the town by the Olympic Airways buses, by public bus or taxi.


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The town itself is connected with the villages and the most popular tourist resorts by tourist buses,

with frequent service. But, of course the most interesting way to see and feel the island is by car,

rented or private, or, even better, by motorbike. Several places in short distance from the town are

found in flat areas, so a good means to visit them is by bicycle. As you, probably, have not brought

your bicycle along, you may rent one in the town of Zakynthos.

Most important towns, villages and settlements

1.

Aghios Nicolaos

Situated at a distance of 32 kilometers Northwestern to the town of Zakynthos, Aghios Nicolaos

is a small scenic settlement with a small port. It counts some 50 permanent residents.

Several hotels, studios and rooms to let are available for accommodation, both within the set-

tlement and in the area around. They open from May until October.

You will find good food in the small taverns, mainly fresh fish and seafood and a good variety

of local and Greek kitchen.

You will enjoy swimming at the beach of the settlement, at Galazies Spilies (meaning blue

caves) and at the beaches of Makrys Gialos and Xyngia. The fans of water sports will also finda Water Park.

Apart from the famous Galazies Spilies, where you will go by tourist boats sailing daily, there

are several places worth seeing in the area, as the stone built church of Aghios Petros and the small

islet of Aghios Nicolaos, just at the entrance of the small port of the settlement; you may also go to

the cape of Skinari, the most northern end of the island, at a distance of some 5 kilometers northern

to Aghios Nicolaos, where you will see the interesting lighthouse.

If you feel like wandering around it is worth visiting the scenic inland village of Korithi, some 2

kilometers at the North, on the way to Skinari, and the village Mikro Nissi at the South, some 4-5

kilometers far from Aghios Nicolaos, where you will see the Venetian watch tower. Another 4 kil-ometers at the South there is the site of Xyngia, where you will find a mineral water spring within

the sea. The area is not organised at all but it is worth a visit.

In case of health problems, a local Medical Center is available at Volimes, at a distance of 11

kilometers southwestern to Aghios Nicolaos. The village has a police station.

Access from the town of Zakynthos (32 kilometers far away) is easy by rented or private car and

motorbikes. From the small port of the settlement boats connect Zakynthos with the village of Pes-

sada at the opposite coast of Cefallonia.


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2.

Alicanas

The small, coastal tourist resort of Alicanas is found at a distance of 16 kilometers northwest-

ern to the town of Zakynthos and 2 kilometers southern to Alykes. It is a lovely settlement with an

extended (some 3 kilometers long) beach in front of it and 350 permanent residents.

If leaving the beach doesnt seem too hard for you, you may wander around and visit the area

where, as archaeologists suggest, it was built the most ancient town of the island, the Mycenean

Arcadia. Several potsherds and ceramic vessels found here evidence for this.

Several hotels of all categories, studios and rooms to let are available both within the village

and in the area around. Most of them are open from April or May until October.

Food is good here, as all over the island; the taverns and restaurants of the village offer fresh

fish and a variety of local dishes and Greek and International cooking. You will also find many

bars, cafes and gift shops. If you choose this place for your holidays, you will enjoy a peaceful stay-

ing (unless you choose to come here during the peak periods) with many alternatives of nightlife

and amusement.

The visitor will enjoy swimming at the long, well-organised beach with crystal clear sea, closeto the settlement, within the cove of Alykes, as well as at the beaches of Xehoriatis and Aghia

Kyriaki.

For health problems, you may address to the local Medical Center of Katastari (4 kilometers to

the West) or the Health Services of the capital Zakynthos, 16 kilometers far away at the South.

Access from the town of Zakynthos is possible by public buses, running regularly, by taxi, as well

as by rented or private car and motorbikes. You will need some 20 minutes to arrive to Alicanas,

from the town of Zakynthos and some 30 minutes from the airport.

3.

Alykes

Alykes is a small, lovely tourist resort situated at a distance of 17,5 kilometers northwestern to

the town of Zakynthos. This scenic place has taken its name after the saltpans near the beach.

There are several things worth seeing in the area. First of all it is the excellent environment:

there is a small river flowing in the beach of the settlement, with a very interesting stone bridge

with five arches.

The visitor will enjoy an excursion to the scenic village of Katastari (1250 permanent residents)

at a distance of 2 kilometers western to Alykes: situated within an overgrown environment with vine-

yards and olive trees, the village offers a marvelous view of the beach of Alykes.Dont miss to visit the interesting Folk Museum at Pigadakia, some 3,5 kilometers at the South-


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east. You will see a rich collection of traditional house ware, along with tools and equipment of old

professions.

If you are interested in old Monasteries, you should visit the Holy Monastery of Aghios IoannisProdromos (St. John the Baptist), established in the 17th century; it is an ideal place to take photos,

as from here you will have an excellent view of the cove and the blue sea, usually very calm.

Several hotels of all categories, studios and rooms to let are available both within the villageand in the area around. Most of them are open from April or May until October. If you prefer a

more casual staying, a big camping with full facilities is available.

You will enjoy swimming and sunbathing at the excellent, long sandy beach of the settlement,

very well organised with sea sport facilities and crystal clear sea.

Food is good here, as all over the island; the taverns and restaurants of the village offer fresh

fish and a variety of local dishes and Greek and International cooking. The main road of the set-

tlement is full of bars, cafes and gift shops.

In case of health problems, a local Medical Center is available at Katastari, at a distance of2 kilometers western to Alykes.

Access from the town of Zakynthos (17,5 kilometers far away) is possible by taxi and by rented

or private car and motorbikes. At the eastern part of the settlement within the small cove, you will

find a safe marina for small tourist yachts and fishing boats.

4.

Argassi Argassi is a very lively tourist resort, very popular and usually crowded, situated at a distance

of 4 kilometers southeastern to the town of Zakynthos. It counts some 570 permanent residents.

There are several interesting places to see in the area around, as the medieval tower, the stonebridge by the sea, very well preserved, the ruins of the old church of Aghios Spyridon situated justoff the village and the Catholicon of the now ruined Holy Monastery of Panaghia Scopiotissa (HolyVirgin of Scopos) built almost at the top of mountain Scopos, at the place where in antiquity wassituated the temple of Artemis (Diana). The interior of the church is decorated with nice frescoes anda marble carved icon screen. And of course, apart from the monuments, once at Scopos, you willenjoy the excellent view and take lots of wonderful photos.

The village is also the seat of the Marine Park of Zakynthos.

Numerous hotels, studios and rooms to let are available for accommodation in the resort and inthe area around; they are open from May to October.

Several taverns and restaurants offer good food, mainly fresh fish, but also a wide range of lo-cal dishes and Greek and International cooking. Even the fast foods of the village offer good andhealthy food. You will also find many bars, cafes pubs with hot music, usually full of tourists. And,of course you will find many stores and gift shops to buy your souvenirs.

You will enjoy the sea and the sun at the well-organised beach, where you will also find sea sportfacilities. The beach is not very wide, but it is long enough (some 1 kilometer). Children will love theplace, as, apart from the wonderful sea, they will also spend their time in the mini golf, the Fun Castle,

as well as the small but interesting zoo with an impressive collection of reptiles and exotic fishes.


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Those who prefer a more peaceful and less crowded place for swimming, will not be disappointed:

some of the small coves are quiet enough for them.

In case of health problems you may address to the Health Services of the nearby town of Zakyn-

thos (some 4 kilometers far away).

Access from the town of Zakynthos is possible by public buses, running frequently, by taxi, as well

as by rented or private car and motorbikes. You will need some 5 minutes to arrive to Argassi from

the town of Zakynthos and less than 15 minutes from the airport.

5.

Vassilikos

Situated at a distance of 15,5 kilometers Southeastern to the town of Zakynthos, Vassilikos is a

small scenic tourist resort, inland but in very short distance (no more than 1500 meters) from the

lovely beaches of the Southeastern area of the island. Found within an overgrown environment, the

village counts some 250 permanent residents.

Once in the area, you may see the church of Aghios Nicolaos with the wonderful wood-carved

icon screen; you may also visit the church of Panaghia Dakryrooussa (Virgin in Tears). Dont miss

to go to Potamia to visit the small but very interesting Folk Museum (Memorosa). The Museumhas nice collections of local costumes, both of men and of women, hand-woven textiles, traditional

house ware and tools, decorated furniture and a good number of old photos, showing the island as

it was before the destructive earthquake of 1953.Finally, you may see the islet of Pelouso, a protected area of reproduction of the turtle caretta-

caretta.

Several hotels of all categories, studios and rooms to let, all with excellent service and facilities,

are available both within the village and in the area around. Most of them are open from April or

May until October.

You will enjoy swimming, sunbathing and sea sports at the beaches of the area, many of them

very well organised. You may choose from Gerakas, Porto Roma, Aghios Nicolaos and Banana at

the South, or Porto Zoro, Vourderi and Kaminia at the North. The closest to the village is found at

a distance of 1 kilometer, while the most remote is found some 6,5 kilometers far away. All ofthem are lovely, not only do they have a crystal clear sea, but also they offer a scenic environment,

the best of them being the beach of Gerakas.

A local feast (panighyri) takes place on the 15th of August, in honor of the Assumption of Vir-

gin Mary.

For health problems, you may address to the health services of the nearby capital Zakynthos,

15,5 kilometers far away at the Northwest.

Access from the town of Zakynthos (15,5 kilometers far away) is easy by taxi and by rented or

private car and motorbikes.

Click here to view hotels in Vasilikos by Greekhotel.com - Greekislands.com
http://www.greekhotel.com/http://www.greekhotel.com/ionian/zakyntho/vasilikos/home.htmhttp://www.greekhotel.com/ionian/zakyntho/vasilikos/home.htmhttp://www.greekhotel.com/


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6.

Volimes

Volimes is a scenic lovely mountainous village situated at an altitude of 500 m, 32,5 kilometers

northwestern to the town of Zakynthos. It counts some 1000 permanent residents.

If you like calmness and a picturesque environment with excellent view, the village is ideal for

staying. There are several rooms to let at the settlement, some within an atmosphere of traditional

life, with old restored houses and the windmills overlooking the village.

If you like churches, you will find several of them worth seeing, both within the village and in the

area around, as those of Aghia Paraskevi, Aghios Spyridon, Aghios Ioannis, Aghios Theodossios,

Panaghia Miracolosa etc. At the northwestern edge of the village there is the Monastery of Aghios

Andreas, whereas some 2,5 kilometers at the Southwest you will find the Monastery of Aghios Geor-gios ton Krimnon (St George of the precipice), built in the 16th century. The Monastery has an

impressive tower, made to protect it from the frequent pirate invasions of the past.

Once in the area, dont miss to drive to the small traditional village of Elies, some 7 kilometers

far from Volimes at the Northeast, where you will see the scenic stone built houses and the impres-

sive dry stonewalls of the farms and yards.

Of course, you cant miss visiting the famous cove of Navagio (the shipwreck), at a distance of

3,5 kilometers western to the village. It is a small scenic cove, excellent for swimming, which has

been named after the ship that ran aground at the beach in 1970 adding up to the beauty and the

fame of this marvelous cove.

You may also swim in any of the beaches of the Northern part of the island, as the distances are

very short: the closest one (Navagio) is less than 3,5 kilometers far away, whereas the most remote

(Makrys Gialos) is hardly more than 8,5 kilometers far from Volimes.

Food is good and plenty both in the taverns of the small scenic villages of the inland and of the

beaches.

A series of cultural activities are organised in summer by the Municipality. If you are around on

the 26th of July you may take part to the local feast (panighyri) in honor of Aghia Paraskevi, at

the homonymous church.

If you happen to be on the island on October, dont miss to celebrate the feast of Aghios Dimitrios

on the 26th of October, taking part to the local feast (panighyri) in honor of the Saint.

For health problems, a local Medical Center is available in the village. You will also find a

Police Station and a Post Office.

Access from the town of Zakynthos (32,5 kilometers far away) is easy by rented or private carand motorbikes.


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7.

Gerakari

The lovely inland village of Gerakari, comprised by three separated settlements close enough to

one another, Ano Gerakari, Kato Gerakari and Messo Gerakari, is found at a distance of 13 kilom-

eters northwestern to the town of Zakynthos. The village counts some 750 permanent residents.

There are several interesting churches worth visiting within the settlements.

Moreover, as the village is situated almost at the center of the island, it is a good base for ex-

cursions all over the island.

If you feel like staying in a peaceful and scenic environment, several alternatives for accommo-

dation are available in the village. You may find some good hotels, studios and rooms to let, bothin the three settlements of the village and in those closer to the sea. All of them offer a fascinating

view of the area. If you prefer a more casual staying, a camping with full facilities and natural

shadow is available at Messo Gerakari.

Food is good and easy to find in the area: at Cavos, the small port of the village,

you will enjoy fresh fish, whereas local dishes along with Greek and International cooking are

available in the taverns of the settlements and of the broader area.

You will enjoy swimming at the lovely beaches of Ammoudi, Drossia and Pachia Ammos, very

close to the village (some 5-6 kilometers far away at the East). You may also choose any of the

well-organised beaches of the Eastern coast; none of them are farer than 8-10 kilometers.

For health problems, you may address to the health services of the nearby capital Zakynthos, 13

kilometers far away at the Southeast.

Access from the town of Zakynthos (13 kilometers far away) is easy by taxi and by rented orprivate car and motorbikes. The small port of Cavos is available for temporary mooring of small

tourist and fishing boats.

8.

Kalamaki

Situated very close to the town of Zakynthos, some 6 kilometers at the South, Kalamaki is a lovely

tourist resort, very popular and well known. The settlement is found one kilometer far from the sea

and it counts some 650 permanent residents.

Several hotels of all categories, studios and rooms to let are available both within the village

and in the area around. Most of them are open from April or May until October and offer full fa-

cilities.

The churches of Aghios Alypios and Aghia Kyriaki, within the village are interesting to see.

It is worth visiting the protected biotope of the sea-turtle carettacaretta. Practically, the coastal


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area to the East and South of Kalamaki, up to the beaches of Secania and Dafni as well as theopposite islet of Pelouso is reserved for the reproduction of caretta-caretta. Camping and staying

overnight is strictly not allowed, as lights and noise disturb the turtles and affect egg laying.

Luckily enough, the access to the beaches by car is not easy, which is good for the turtles and

protects them enough from Man, often disturbing and sometimes dangerous for them.

Food is good and plenty both in taverns of the area; you will enjoy fresh fish and seafood and a

variety of local, Greek and international dishes.

You will swim at the homonymous beach close to the settlement at the East, or at Gypsolithos

(or Ypsolithos) some 2 kilometers at the West, where you will also admire the impressive rock onthe beach.

For health problems, a local Medical Center is available at Pantocratoras (8 kilometers at the

West); you may also address to the health services of the town of Zakynthos, 6 kilometers northern

to the village.

Access from the town of Zakynthos (6 kilometers far away) is easy by taxi and by rented or pri-

vate car and motorbikes.

Click here to view hotels in Kalamaki by Greekhotel.com - Greekislands.com

9.

Laganas

Situated at a distance of 9 kilometers southern to the town of Zakynthos, within an area famous

for its sandy beach and the marvelous sea view, Laganas is a famous cosmopolitan tourist resort of

the island, very popular especially in summer. The village counts some 550 permanent residents.

A lot of hotels of all categories, studios and rooms to let are available for accommodation within

the settlement and in the area around. Most of them are open from May to October and offer full

facilities to their clients. There are also two campings with full facilities, one at Laganas and the

other at Lithakia.

There are several interesting places and monuments worth seeing both in the settlement and in thearea around. The monument in honor of Andre Vesale, the famous anatomist of the 16th century who

died in Zante is found at the beach of the village. At Sarakina, some 2 kilometers northern to La-

ganas, you will see the Lountzis Mansion, a building with very interesting architectural features.

At a short distance from Laganas, following a bad road to the West, you will arrive at Aghios Sos-

tis, a nice tourist resort with a small safe port for fishing boats and small boats and the homonymous

islet opposite it; just beside Aghios Sostis you will find another scenic beach, that of Porto Koukla.

You may also visit the inland village of Pantocratoras, some 4 kilometers at the Northwest, to

see the homonymous church.

If you are interested in old churches dont miss to pass from Lithakia, some 4 kilometers north-

western to Laganas, to visit the churches of Panaghia Faneromeni and Aghios Ioannis (St. John). The

village offers a marvelous view of the Laganas bay and it is an ideal place to take photos.

If you feel like going farer, you may drive up to the village of Agalas, some 11 kilometers west-ern to Laganas, where you may visit the cave of Damianos.
http://www.greekhotel.com/http://www.greekhotel.com/ionian/zakyntho/kalamaki/home.htmhttp://www.greekhotel.com/ionian/zakyntho/kalamaki/home.htmhttp://www.greekhotel.com/


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Food and drink are abundant and good; the visitor has a wide range of taverns, snack bars and

bars to choose from, both within the settlement and the beach, as at the nearby beaches. You will

taste fresh fish and seafood, along with local dishes and Greek and International cooking. Laganas

has several clubs and bars, haunts for young people; amusement and hot nightlife is one of the

pros of the place.

You will enjoy swimming, sunbathing and sea sports at the long sandy beach in front of the

settlement, very well organised and with full facilities, as well as at the near by beaches of Porto

Koukla and Aghios Sostis, western to the settlement.

If you are at Laganas on Monday following Easter, you may take part at the procession of the

icon of Holy Virgin.

For health problems, a local Medical Center is available at Pantocratoras (4 kilometers at the

Northwest); in the same village there is also a Police Station.

Access from the town of Zakynthos (15,5 kilometers far away) is easy by taxi and by rented orprivate car and motorbikes.

Click here to view hotels in Laganas by Greekhotel.com - Greekislands.com

10.

Mahairado

Situated at a distance of 10 kilometers far from the town of Zakynthos at the West, Mahairado

is a beautiful, inland village with some 1000 permanent residents.

Some rooms to let are available for accommodation in the village, for those who prefer spending

their holidays, or some days, more peacefully and relatively far from the sea (Mahairado is some

6-7 kilometers far from the beach).

Once in the village, it is worth visiting the old interesting churches, as that of Ypapanti, dated

in the 14th century, very important both for its architectural style and for the decorating features(stone carved lintels of the doors and a nice wood carved icon screen). The church of Aghios Timo-

theos, also of the 14th century, has a very interesting wood carved icon screen and a bell tower ofVenetian style. Unfortunately, the third interesting church of this period, Aghia Maura, was ruined

in 2005, after a fire. The church was a very good sample both of the churches of the period, with

interesting decorating features and icons.

It is worth driving to the nearby, village of Koiliomenos, built on an altitude of 480 meters, some

7 kilometers western to Mahairado. In the past, the village was famous for the good quality build-

ing material (mainly stones) it produced; most of the luxurious mansions were built with stone from

Koiliomenos. The village has interesting churches as that of Kyria ton Angelon (the Lady of Angels),

dedicated to Virgin Mary and of Aghios Nicolaos, with a nice bell tower.

At a distance of 5 kilometers northern to Koiliomenos, there is the Holy Monastery of Yperaga-

thos, belonging to the Sinai Monastery; situated at a wonderful place, very close to a small plateau

with a beautiful wood of pines and perennial oak trees, it is certainly worth the visit.

Food is good in the taverns of the village and of the area around.
http://www.greekhotel.com/http://www.greekhotel.com/ionian/zakyntho/laganas/home.htmhttp://www.greekhotel.com/ionian/zakyntho/laganas/home.htmhttp://www.greekhotel.com/


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12.

Tragaki

Tragaki is a beautiful scenic village, inland but close enough to the sea, situated within an over-

grown area with extended olive groves. It is found at a distance of 11 kilometers northwestern to

the town of Zakynthos and counts some 650 permanent residents.

A lot of hotels of all categories, studios and rooms to let are available for accommodation in

the village and the inland area around; you will also find a well organised camping, offering full

facilities, good prices and a more casual staying.

The area around is ideal for short excursions and you have several things worth seeing. You

may visit the Monastery of Spilia (meaning cave in Greek). The Monastery owes its name to thetradition that it was in a cave that was found the icon of Virgin Mary, to whom the Monastery is

dedicated. The Monastery is found on a hill, an ideal place to take photos and enjoy the view of

the olive groves below.

It is also worth visiting the small church of Aghios Constantinos; close to the beautiful beach of

Pahia Ammos, you will see the Venetian watch tower (Vardiola), with an interesting blazon walled

in the building.

Food is abundant and good both in the taverns of the village and of the neighboring tourist re-

sorts. You will choose from a good variety of dishes, from fresh fish and seafood to international

cooking.

Swimming is possible at the well-organised beaches of Drossia, Pahia Ammos, Kato Tragaki,

Ambula and Buca, most of them close to the village and well organised with swimming, sunbathing

and sea sport facilities.

A series of cultural activities are organised in summer, most of them presented at the theaterAvouri. There are theatrical plays both for adults and for children, concerts and music evenings, as

well as plastic arts exhibitions and many happenings.

For health problems, you may address to the health services of the nearby capital Zakynthos, 11

kilometers far away at the Southeast.

Access from the town of Zakynthos (11 kilometers far away) is easy by taxi and by rented orprivate car and motorbikes.

Beaches of island

Aghios Nicolaos

Situated at a distance of 32 kilometers northwestern to the town of Zakynthos, the beach of Aghios

Nicolaos, with fine pebbles, is a small cove in front of the homonymous small settlement, within thebroader area of Volimes, at the eastern coast of the island. The entrance of the cove is protected by

the small, uninhabited islet of Aghios Nicolaos, an interesting destination for ...good swimmers. The


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sea is deep and clear, ideal for swimming and the small port is always full of fishing boats, yachts

and excursion boats that will get you to Galazies Spilies and Navagio. If you feel like travelling to

another island, the ferries departing from the port will get you to Pessada of Cefallonia.

The beach has the same name with the one found at the southeastern coast of the island, close

to Vassiliko.

Several hotels of all categories, studios and rooms to let are available in the settlement and in

the area around. Most of them are open from May to October.

Food is good in the taverns of the village; apart from fresh fish and seafood, you will enjoy a

variety of local dishes and Greek delicacies.

Apart from the beach of the settlement, you may swim at Galazies Spilies, as well as at the

beaches of Makrys Gialos and Xyngia.

The deep sea should not disappoint children; they may enjoy water games and sports at the Wa-

ter Park of the settlement.

Apart from the famous Galazies Spilies, where you will go by tourist boats sailing daily, there

are several places worth seeing in the area, as the stone built church of Aghios Petros and the small

islet of Aghios Nicolaos, just at the entrance of the small port of the settlement; you may also go to

the cape of Skinari, the most northern end of the island, at a distance of some 5 kilometers northern

to Aghios Nicolaos, where you will see the interesting lighthouse.

If you feel like wandering around it is worth visiting the scenic inland village of Korithi, some 2

kilometers at the North, on the way to Skinari, and the village Mikro Nissi at the South, some 4-5

kilometers far from Aghios Nicolaos, where you will see the Venetian watch tower. Another 4 kil-ometers at the South there is the site of Xyngia, where you will find a mineral water spring within

the sea. The area is not organised at all but it is worth a visit.

For health problems, a local Medical Center is available in Volimes (11 kilometers at the South-

west. In Aghios Nicolaos you will find a Police Station.

Access from the town of Zakynthos (32 kilometers at the Southeast) is easy by rented or private

car and motorbikes. Ferryboats departing from the port of the settlement connect the place with

Pessada of Cefallonia.

Beach

Agios Sostis

The sandy beach of Aghios Sostis is situated at a distance of 11 kilometers southwestern to the

town of Zakynthos. It is a lovely scenic tourist resort very close to Laganas (2 kilometers far away).

The place has a small but safe port, suitable for anchoring of small fishing and tourist boats. Op-

posite the port it is found the small islet of Aghios Sostis.

Several hotels of all categories, studios and rooms to let, all with many facilities are available

for accommodation; they are open in April or May (Easter period) until October.

You will enjoy food in the traditional taverns of the resort, which offer fresh fish and seafood

along with various traditional dishes and international cooking.You will eat your food in an excellent environment: the tables stand on wooden terraces above

the sea and while enjoying your meal, you will have the chance to see the wonderful view of Lagana


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Bay and watch the sea turtles swimming in the sea. The beach is peaceful enough and less crowded

than the neighboring one of Laganas. However, if you feel like desiring more noise and nightlife, it

is very easy to pop up to the haunts of Lagana or the lively town of Zakynthos.

You will enjoy swimming at the beach of the resort, with crystal clear sea, or you may go to the

nearby beaches of Porto Koukla at the West, or Laganas at the East.

In case of health problems, a local Medical Center is available at Pantocratoras (4 kilometers

to the North), where you will also find a Police Station.

Access to the beach from the town of Zakynthos is easy by tourist buses, taxi and rented or pri-

vate cars and motorbikes. The beach is found less than 7 kilometers far from the airport. It is also

connected with Laganas beach via a short but pretty bad road; it is recommended to choose the

better one, some 2 kilometers longer.

Beach

Alicanas

The sandy beach in front of the tourist resort of Alicanas starts just after the famous beach of

Alykes; Alicanas is less crowded, but the beach and the sea here is equally nice as at Alykes. Situated

within a nice landscape with luxuriant green, the beach is 3 kilometers long. It is found at a distance

of 16 kilometers northwestern to the town of Zakynthos and 2 kilometers southern to Alykes.

If you decide to leave the beach and the wonderful sea, it is worth visiting the area. Archaeo-logical surveys have brought to light potsherds and pottery of the Mycenean period, which makesarchaeologists to suggest that Mycenean Arcadia, the most ancient town of the island was situated

here.

If you decide to stay here, you will find many alternatives for accommodation: hotels of all cat-

egories, studios and rooms to let are available both within the settlement and in the area around.

Most of them are open from April or May to October.

Food is good here, as all over the island; the special dishes of the taverns and restaurants of the

village is fresh fish, but you may also enjoy a variety of local dishes and Greek and International

cooking. You will also find many bars, cafes and gift shops.

If you choose this place for your holidays, it is not only for enjoying swimming at the long, well-

organised beach with crystal clear sea; at Alicanas you will also have a peaceful staying (unless

you choose to come here during the peak periods) with, however, offers many alternatives of nightlife

and amusement too.

Thus, your holidays will be a magnificent experience, which you will remember for a long time.

For health problems, you may address to the local Medical Center of Katastari (4 kilometers to

the West) or the Health Services of the capital Zakynthos, 16 kilometers far away at the South.

Access from the town of Zakynthos is possible by public buses, running regularly, by taxi, as well

as by rented or private car and motorbikes. You will need some 20 minutes to arrive to Alicanas,from the town of Zakynthos and some 30 minutes from the airport.


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Beach

Alykes

The beach of Alykes is one of the best, if not the best, beaches of the island. It is found some

17,5 kilometers Northwestern to the town of Zakynthos, in front of the homonymous settlement and

tourist resort. Both the beach and the settlement have been named after the saltpans, which used to

be, and still exist, in the coastal area.

If you choose Alykes for your holidays, you will find several hotels of all categories, studios and

rooms to let for accommodation, both within the village and in the area around. Most of them are

open from April or May until October. If you prefer a more casual staying, a big camping with full

facilities is available.

The beach is sandy, long and very well organised with facilities for swimming and sunbathingand many sea sports to choose from. If you are fan of wind surfing you will discover that the open

sea in front of the beach is ideal for this fascinating sport.

You will enjoy swimming and sunbathing at the excellent, long sandy beach of the settlement,

very well organised with sea sport facilities and crystal clear sea.

Food is good here, as it is all over the island; the taverns and restaurants of the village offer fresh

fish and a variety of local dishes and Greek and International cooking. The main road of the settle-

ment is full of bars and cafes for amusement and nightlife. You will also find several gift shops.

If you are...bored of swimming (although this is pretty impossible) or the weather is not suitable

for swimming, you may spend your time visiting the

area around. It is worth seeing many things, ffirst of all it is the excellent environment: there is

a small river flowing in the beach of the settlement

with a very interesting stone bridge with five arches.

You may also enjoy an excursion to the scenic village of Katastari (1250 permanent residents)

at a distance of 2 kilometers western to Alykes: situated within an overgrown environment with vine-

yards and olive trees, the village offers a marvelous view of the beach of Alykes.

Dont miss to visit the interesting Folk Museum at Pigadakia, some 3,5 kilometers at the South-

east. You will see a rich collection of traditional house ware, along with tools and equipment of old

professions.

If you are interested in old Monasteries, you should visit the Holy Monastery of Aghios IoannisProdromos (St. John the Baptist), established in the 17th century; it is an ideal place to take photos,

as from here you will have an excellent view of the cove and the blue sea, usually very calm.

In case of health problems, a local Medical Center is available at Katastari, at a distance of

2 kilometers western to Alykes.

Access from the town of Zakynthos (17,5 kilometers far away) is possible by taxi and by rented

or private car and motorbikes. At the eastern part of the settlement within the small cove, you will

find a safe marina for small tourist yachts and fishing boats.


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Beach

Almyras (Maries)

The beach of Almyras, one of the most difficult to access on the island, is situated at a distance

of 32 kilometers far from the town of Zakynthos at the Northwest and 8 kilometers southern to

Maries.

The beach offers no facilities at all; in fact it is a remote small cove, beside the homonymous

cape, with very clean crystal clear sea.

So, you should bring water with you, and possibly a sandwich; otherwise, you have to go to Aghios

Leon or Maries, where you will enjoy a good meal in a traditional tavern.

In case of health problems you may address to the local Medical Centers of Mahairado or

Volimes, or to the Health Services of the town of Zakynthos (depending on your destination).

Access to this remote beach is possible by rented or private car and motorbike, via the mountain-

ous village of Aghios Leon (8 kilometers southern to the beach), or via the village of Maries. It goes

without saying that the beach is also accessible by yacht or small boat.

Beach

Ammoudi(Gerakari)

The beach of Ammoudi is found at a distance of 5 kilometers Northwestern to the inland village

of Gerakari and some 13 kilometers northern to the town of Zakynthos. In fact, although seems a

separate organised beach, it is part of the long beach of the eastern coast of the island.

Several hotels of any category, studios and rooms to let are available for accommodation, at the

beach or at the nearby tourist resorts, open from the Easter period (April or May) until October.

For food and drink you will find several taverns with a good variety of dishes of local and inter-

national cooking.

The visitor will enjoy swimming, sunbathing and sea sports at this well organised beach, which,

as its name evidences (ammoudia means sandy beach in Greek) has nice sand.

For health problems, you may address to the Health Services of the capital Zakynthos, 13 kil-

ometers far away at the South.

Access from the town of Zakynthos is easy by taxi, by rented and private cars and motorbikes.

At Kavos, the port of Gerakari, there is a small port, available for mooring of small fishing and

tourist boats in case of bad weather.


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Beach

Amboula(Planos)

The sandy beach of Amboula is situated 10 kilometers far from the town of Zakynthos at the

North, 3 kilometers far from the tourist resort of Planos and 3 kilometers eastern to the village of

Tragaki.

Accommodation is possible in hotels of all categories, studios and rooms to let both at the beach,

and in the village of Planos and in the area around. All lodgings are open from the Easter period

(April or May) until October.

Several taverns offering good food are available for eating in the settlements and the beaches of

the area; in all of them you may choose from a variety of local dishes and international cooking.

Swimming is nice at this well organised beach, where you may also enjoy facilities for sunbath-

ing and sea sports.

In case of health problems, you may address to the Health Services of the capital Zakynthos, 10

kilometers far away at the South.

Access from the town of Zakynthos is easy by taxi, by rented and private cars and motorbikes. If

you have a yacht, or boat, the small port of Planos is available for mooring.

Beach

Argassi

The sandy beach in front of the homonymous well-known and popular tourist resort is found at

the southeastern coast of the island, at a distance of 4 kilometers southeastern to the town of Zakyn-

thos. It is a beach suitable for any category of visitors. Families, young or elder couples, bachelors,

everybody has particular reasons to choose this place for holidays. You will find quiet, out-of-way

places, along with crowded noisy bars, hot nightlife and a long, well organised beach with smallcoves here and there. As it is quite close to the capital, it is being developed very quickly.

Thanks to the tourist development of the last decades, you will find a lot of alternatives for accom-

modation. Many hotels of all categories, studios for short or longer staying, rooms to let are avail-

able for the visitors from May until October, both within the settlement and in the area around.

Food is good in the taverns and restaurants of the settlement. You will enjoy

fresh fish, but you may also taste a wide range of local dishes and Greek and International cook-

ing. Even the fast foods of the village offer good and healthy food. You will also find many bars,

cafes pubs with hot music, usually full of tourists. And, of course you will find many stores and gift

shops to buy your souvenirs.

The beach is narrow but long enough (some 1 kilometer), very well organised and offers full

facilities for any taste and mood. If you feel like wishing a more solitary and quiet place, some of


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the small coves of the beach will certainly satisfy your desires. Apart from the sea, kids (but adults

too!) will also enjoy very much the mini golf, the Fun Castle and the zoo.

Afternoons are ideal not only for staying at the beach, but also for sightseeing. If you stroll

around you may see the medieval tower, the stone bridge by the sea, very well preserved and the

ruins of the old church of Aghios Spyridon situated just off the village. At the top of mountain Scopos

you will find the now ruined Holy Monastery of Panaghia Scopiotissa (Holy Virgin of Scopos) built

almost, at the place where in antiquity was situated the temple of Diana (Artemis). The interior of

the church is decorated with nice frescoes and a carved icon screen made of marble. And, of course,

apart from the monuments, once at Scopos, you will enjoy the excellent view and take lots of won-

derful photos of the village and the sea below.

In case of health problems you may address to the Health Services of the nearby town of Zakyn-

thos (some 4 kilometers far away).

Access from the town of Zakynthos is possible by public buses, running frequently, by taxi, as well

as by rented or private car and motorbikes. You will need some 5 minutes to arrive to Argassi fromthe town of Zakynthos and less than 15 minutes from the airport.

Beach

Vourderi (Vassiliko)

The sandy beach of Vourderi is situated some 11 kilometers far from the town of Zakynthos at

the South, at the peninsula of Vassiliko.

A few rooms to let are available for accommodation near the beach, but you will find plenty of

lodging in the broader area of Vassiliko: hotels of all categories, studios and rooms to let for any

taste and budget.

Several taverns by the sea offer good food, fresh fish and seafood and a fascinating sea view;

you will also find many alternatives for food and drink at the nearby tourist resorts.

In case of health problems, you may address to the Health Services of the town of Zakynthos (11

kilometers far away).

Access from the town of Zakynthos is possible by taxi and by rented or private car and motorbikes.

Click here to view hotels in Vasilikos by Greekhotel.com - Greekislands.com

Beach

Galazies Spilies

Galazies Spilies (meaning blue caves in Greek) are found at the area of Aspros Vrahos (white

rock in Greek), southern to the Cape of Skinari, the most northern end of the island. The place is

found at a distance of 35 kilometers northwestern to the town of Zakynthos.
http://www.greekhotel.com/http://www.greekhotel.com/ionian/zakyntho/vasilikos/home.htmhttp://www.greekhotel.com/ionian/zakyntho/vasilikos/home.htmhttp://www.greekhotel.com/


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The bigger of these famous caves it the so-called turquoise cave; its entrance was discovered

only in late 19th century. Their name is due to the vivid turquoise color of the crystal clear water.

The caves are accessible only by excursion boats, departing from the nearby port of Aghios

Nicolaos; you may also use a private yacht or boat, provided you are well familiarized with the

sea in the area.

Of course, no accommodation facilities are offered on site, but you wi

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