Looking forward for those long summer days, the sandy beaches and the chilly evenings by the sea? And you are lost trying to decide for one of the countless Greek islands? Well, Zakynthos has many special traits that make it the best choice for your holidays!
- The richness of its natural beauty
Zakynthos has one of the top beaches worldwide! The Shipwreck beach -or Smuggler’s Cove- attracts people from all over the world, visiting the island solely to see this beach! The unique geological formation of the place makes it inaccessible by land and of unique natural beauty. And the rusty wrecked ship, which was beached there almost four decades ago, decorates the beach, creating a quite mysterious and special scenery!
The island offers natural beauty sceneries for every liking. There are the endless sandy beaches(Kalamaki, Gerakas etc), then some exotic white sanded beaches (Shipwreck etc.)some remote pebble stone beaches (Marathias, Oasis etc.), the small islands in the bay (Marathonissi, Peluzo, Cameo), tiny picturesque harbours (St. Nickolas, Pentakamaro etc.), hundreds of caves (Blue Caves, Keri Caves Agalas Caves etc.) and by land inaccessible bays and coves (mainly in the northern part), high cliffs and stones (northern and west side), intensive green colors and all shades of blue and turquoise…
The Laganas Bay is a dream for morning joggers or for long evening walks, as it has a sandy beach covering 9 km!
And the small turtle-shaped island, Marathonissi, also known as Turtle Island, is an exotic alternative for a swim. It is a turtle nesting place and has a beautiful golden sandy beach you can visit!
- The unique species
Speaking of turtles, the protected species Caretta- Caretta has chosen Zakynthos as its nesting place! That’s why Laganas Bay is divided into 3 protected zones, making up the National Marine Park. In this area you can observe the adult turtles swimming around when coming back to the island to lay their eggs, the nests that are spread (and marked) all over the beach, the baby turtles finding their way to the sea when they hatch or you can join the volunteering team Archelon to help and protect them.
You might also get to see some dolphins and the monk seal Monachus-Monachus!
- Serenades and poetry
In Zakynthos you can listen to “Kantades”! These are traditional songs passed on from generation to generation, perfectly depicting the feelings and life of the Zakynthian people. They are written from life itself- songs of love and sadness, also inspired by Zakynthian nature. These traditional serenades will leave you lovestruck!
The National Anthem of Greece was written by a Zakynthian poet, Dionisios Solomos, too! He was sitting on Lofos Strani overlooking Zante Town when he wrote the “Ode to Liberty”, which later became the national anthem! At the islands main square Plateia Solomou, which is named after him, stands also his sculpture. So, you will be visiting the homeland of Greece’s national poet and many other important musicians, poets and writers!
And if you happen to be keen in the Greek language, the Ionian is a place of great linguistic interest, as people speak a very cute and special idiom, rich in Italian words!
- The endless fun
For “party animals”- Zakynthos has also much to offer. There are many beautiful party locations around the island, and there is also the well-known Laganas area, which transforms into a party village at night, offering theme parties and endless clubs. Not to forget some boat parties!
During the day the island offers also a variety of activities, boat trips, bus trips, sports and water sports, ensuring that you never ever get bored!
- The healing earth
The island is full of clay, which is used by many for “clay therapy”! Besides, there are also the therapeutic sulphur springs at Xigia beach! This beach has become famous because of these sulphur springs, said to be healing for skin diseases and cellulites!
Despite all the summer activity, Zakynthos is a highly agricultural island, which means that you can taste innumerable traditional products and fresh fruits directly from mother nature, there! From fresh water melon to honey, homemade wine and extra virgin olive oil!
Not to forget the age-long olive trees all over the island you will definitely stun at…!
- Day-trips to neighbouring treasures
Visiting Zakynthos you also have the chance to visit Kefalonia (Captain Corelli’s island) and Olympia (the place where the Olympic Games started) in just one day as they are a hop away from Zante!
