The island of Zakynthos: a unique paradise in the Ionian Sea
Written on : 23 July 2021 By : Leo-Paul Weiss
Located off the Peloponnese, about twenty kilometers from the coast of mainland Greece, Zakynthos is one of the most beautiful Ionian islands in Greece- seriously with the islands of the famous Cyclades. With its dreamy scenery of cliffs, green backdrops, and beautiful beaches, Zakynthos will surprise and amaze you. Its 402 km2 of pure nature attracts thousands of visitors every year who want to relax and enjoy the island's breathtaking scenery. So, why not you?
Head to Zakynthos, the "Diamond of the Ionian Sea" to discover the natural gems the island has to offer and the activities that will keep you busy during your stay.
If you have to go to Zakynthos, it's impossible not to visit Shipwreck Beach, also known as the Wreck Bay. With a landscape worthy of the most beautiful postcards, it is the most famous and photographed beach in Greece where you can take your best Instagram shots to make your whole community envious. It is named after the "Panagiotis", a cigarette smuggling ship that ran aground here in 1983. Today, the wreck, eaten away by rust, lies in the middle of the beach and contributes to the atypical setting of this cove, surrounded by gigantic cliffs. Add to this the unreal blue of its waters, in perfect harmony with the whiteness of the sand of the beach, it is a real little corner of paradise to discover without moderation.
To see the beach from the cliffs, go to Shipwreck. To reach the beach, you can take a water taxi from the nearby port of Agios Nikolaos, or Porto Vromi, Saint Nikolaos Volimes, or from the port of Zakynthos town.
Devastated by an earthquake in 1953, the island's capital Zakynthos has been completely rebuilt and has a little charm. Spend a day strolling through the colorful streets, discovering Dionysius Solomos Square - named after the composer of the Greek national anthem - visiting the Byzantine Museum or heading to Bokali Hill, which dominates the city with its Venetian fortress.
Visit the blue caves by boat (Galazia Spilia)
Another must-see place is the Blue Caves of Cape Skinari. During a boat trip or, for the more sporty, a kayak trip, discover these magnificent arches made of white limestone. As you navigate the almost unreal blue waters, the light effects caused by the sun's reflection will give you the impression that the water is lit from below. Don't forget to bring your swimming costume and enjoy a little swimming and snorkeling too.
Meet the sea turtles: the National Marine Park and Marathonissi
The south of Zakynthos is almost entirely dedicated to the island's preservation of underwater flora and particularly to the protection of turtles during the egg-laying period, from May to September, thanks to its marine park, which is closed to swimming. Make sure that the beaches in this part of the island are open to the public, as many are guarded by guards and protected from tourism. To see sea turtles, you can also take a boat to Marathonissi, known as "the island of turtles", just opposite Keri beach.
Cape Keri
If you love sunsets, Cap Keri is for you. The best spot on the island to admire them, you will be perched on top of cliffs over 300 meters high overlooking the Ionian Sea. A short walk will take you to the Keri lighthouse, to gain a little more height. A beautiful place where you will see the biggest Greek flag in the world on the hillside.
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