ZAKYNTHOS

Zakynthos, the third largest Ionian Island and notable for its beautiful beaches and crystal waters, is a popular destination for younger generations and families alike, offering activities suitable for all ages.

The most popular among them is visiting the celebrated Navagio beach, with its clear blue waters and namesake wrecked ship. A favorite activity option is visiting the enchanting Blue Caves at the north coast of Zakynthos.

Gerakas Beach is an attractive pristine beach at the south coast of Zakynthos, as well as a protected nesting area for caretta-caretta sea turtles, making it an excellent spot for wildlife observation. Visitors can take part in a tour to find out more about sea turtles and the effort to protect them. The beach itself, with its fine white sand and clear blue waters, is equally exquisite and also a perfect spot for swimming and sunbathing.

Are you thinking about which destination to choose for your next family vacations? Gift your loved ones with valuable and unique moments and memories in the Ionian Islands, a small “family” of Greek islands, and explore the wide range of experiences and thrills they can offer.

Zakynthos is also a favorite island, which is famous for its beautiful beaches and unique landscapes. Zakynthos is home to the renowned Navagio beach, one of the most photographed Greek beaches. Visitors are also given the opportunity to explore the Blue Caves, a series of sea caves which are known for their amazing blue waters and rocky formations.

The Ionian Islands offer a rich and diverse cuisine, a blend of traditional Greek gastronomy and influences from other cultures. By emphasizing locally produced ingredients and the power of taste, it is made evident that the Ionian Islands are a special destination for all food lovers.

The Ionian Islands are famous for their “trademark” tasteful qualities, combining traditional Greek dishes with influences from the Italian, Turkish, and Venetian cuisine. The islands offer a wealth of fresh local ingredients such as fish, seafood, olive oil, vegetables, herbs, and wines. Their gastronomy constitutes a unique experience that is bound to thrill and delight all connoisseurs of fine food. 

Each Ionian Island features a variety of traditional recipes and dishes which are unique to the region.

Sartsa ragout – The most distinctive delicacy of Zakynthos, consisting of diced beef with tomato sauce, finely chopped garlic, sugar, bay leaves, pepper, oregano, and pieces of traditional ladotyri cheese.

Melitzanes skordostoubi – Fried eggplants cooked with tomato sauce, garlic, vinegar, virgin olive oil, and local cheese.

Pancetta paragiomisti – Pancetta rolls tied with a string and stuffed with garlic, onion, oregano, ladotyri cheese, and freshly ground pepper.

Zakynthino splinadero – Prepared mostly with goat or lamb spleen and heart and served with a lemon dressing. 

Sofigadoura – A type of potato stew. Generally speaking, stew dishes with vegetables, legumes, and potatoes are among the island’s most favorite dishes.

Mandolato – The trademark pastry of Zakynthos, originating from the times of the Venetian Rule. The version of Zakynthos is distinct thanks to its chewy texture.

Mandoles – Produced not only in Kefalonia, but in all seven Ionian Islands, this tiny red delicacy is named after “mandorla”, which is the Italian word for almond. Its shape is slightly irregular and very similar to sugared almonds, and its interior consists solely of freshly roasted, caramelized, and flavored almond with honey and sesame. Kefalonian mandoles are regarded as unique and their taste is still sublime despite throughout the ages. 

Pasteli – The traditional pastry made with sesame and excellent quality honey.

Fritoura (or fitoura) – A traditional pastry, consisting of fried bites of semolina, sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon. Mostly served in village festivals and weddings.

The Ionian Islands have been a hub of religious activities for hundreds of years, hosting a vast number of churches, monasteries, and Byzantine monuments, many of which are open for religious tourists during the months of summer and spring, whether for pilgrimages or just out of desire to explore the rich history of the region through its religious tradition.

Church of Saint Nicholas of Molos in Zakynthos: Situated at Solomou Square and the only building of Venetian architecture that did not collapse during the earthquake of 1953.

Church of Saint Mark: A small church – and the island’s only Catholic temple – located at the Square of Agios Markos.

Church of Saint Maura: Located at the center of Machairado village and distinctive for its many frescoes. According to the legend, the holy icon of Saint Maura dates back to the 3rd century A.D. and originates from Egypt, which was where Saint Maura lived and martyred.

Monastery of Agios Dionysios: Located in the capital city of Zakynthos and dedicated to the island’s patron saint, this monastery houses the saint’s holy relic and is a popular destination for pilgrimages. Its external architecture is quite special, and upon entering its halls, you will be astonished by the quality of its frescos, chandeliers, and colors. 

Monastery of Panagia Spiliotissa: One of the most famous religious monuments of the Ionian Islands. This amazing monastery rests “perched” on a rock overlooking the sea, and it is accessible only through a narrow pathway. It was founded in the 17th century and decorated with many attractive frescoes and holy icons.

Monastery of Yperagathos: A 17th-century monastery dedicated to Virgin Mary and situated between the communities of Koiliomenos and Agios Leon.

Monastery of Agios Georgios Krimnon: Other than the monastery of Panagia, the village of Anafonitria also hosts the Monastery of Agios Georgios Krimnon (Saint George of the Cliff Rocks), built on a small cape with a splendid view towards the sea. Although the period when it was built is not known, the monastery was destroyed by pirates in 1553 and afterwards rebuilt in a Venetian architectural style.   

Monastery of Panagia Anafonitria: This medieval 15th-century fortress is located at the northwest of Zakynthos. The interior of the temple houses an immeasurably valuable holy icon of Virgin Mary, also dating back to the 15th century and originating from Constantinople (the later Istanbul), as well as numerous frescoes. This is the monastery where Saint Dionysios took refuge in and lived a monastic life.

The island of Zakynthos also has a great number of impressive monuments, including the ruins of the 15th-century Venetian Castle, which is built atop the remains of the island’s ancient acropolis and once was the most important fortified structure in the entire region. Although a large segment of the castle has been destroyed over the centuries, its majestic walls and towers are still there for visitors to admire. The Mycenean cemetery at Kambi is also a site of great archaeological significance. 

Another one of Zakynthos’s ancient monuments is the Temple of Apollo that was built in 6th century B.C. Here you can see history come alive as you explore the majestic columns.

Korgialeneio History and Folklore Museum of Zakynthos: Located in the town of Zakynthos, it presents the history and culture of the island through exhibits of traditional garments, household objects, musical instruments, paintings, and photographs.

Byzantine Museum of Zakynthos: This museum presents an interesting collecting of religious objects from the island’s rich history.

Museum of Solomos and Eminent Zakynthian People: Dedicated to the life and works of Dionysios Solomos, Greece’s national poet, this museum also presents the contributions of other eminent figures of Zakynthos, including politicians, artists, and scientists.