Zakynthos Island (Greece): vacation, attractions, prices and tourist reviews

Zakynthos (Greece) is a legendary island of romantic dreams, sung not by one generation of poets. Luxurious flower of the Mediterranean called this place enthusiastic admirers. Colorful views, kilometers of sunny beaches, the beauty of unspoilt nature - all this you will find on the island of Zakynthos. Here everywhere there is a persistent aroma of fragrant coniferous forests, flowering plants, grapes and citrus. This fabulous island will be discussed in this article.

Zakynthos island in Greek culture

According to an ancient legend, with its incredible charm conquered the island of Zakynthos (Greece), the great Olympic gods - Apollo and Artemis. Not surprisingly, ordinary mortals instantly fall under the charm of this wonderful land. In the works of the great Homer Zakynthos is mentioned as an island "drowning in the emerald forests". The islanders in antiquity especially revered Apollo as the patron of various arts and were famous among the Greeks for their special love of music and poetry. The most flourishing culture of Zakynthos reached under the leadership of the Venetians. However, the Greeks revere this island not only for its extraordinary beauty. It turns out that this land is the birthplace of one of the greatest poets of Greece - the great Solomos Dionisy, the author of the Hymn of Freedom. On the central square of Zakynthos there is a monument in honor of this famous person.

Landscapes

The island of Zakynthos (Greece), photographs of which can be found on postcards and posters all over the world, are two rocky ridges of mountain ranges, framed by a luxurious valley covered with lush vegetation. Due to the special composition of the local soil, there are many artesian springs with clean and cool water. The age-old pines, emerald greenery, sunny dunes, ridges of strange beauty, orange groves, vineyards, picturesque settlements with neat streets - all this provides for pleasant reflections and creative feats. It is not for nothing that the artists of the whole world tried to depict on their canvases the magnificent magnificence of Zakynthos, and poets - to glorify its beauty in the most elegant expressions. The island is so rich in marvelous panoramas that even from the most remote corner, fantastic and unforgettable views of the sea, rocks, golden beaches and flowering vegetation open. Especially popular is the image of Navajo bay with the skeleton of the old ship.

Climate

The hot rays of the sun penetrate the emerald island almost all the year round. If you are looking for a place where the climate has an ideal holiday at any time of the year - go to the island of Zakynthos. Greece, whose photographic images amaze imagination, welcomes everyone who wants to spend leisure time on its shores. But nowhere will you be so comfortable and cozy, as on this blessed island, sung by Homer himself. Summer here is dry and hot, but the sunny heat is softened by a refreshing breeze from the sea. Precipitation rarely falls here. Rain only occurs during the winter warm months. In the cold season almost no snow and frost. The holiday season lasts here from May to October.

Blue caves

The most interesting places on the island of Zakynthos (Greece) are of natural origin. These are magnificent beaches with gentle golden sand, picturesque grottoes, beautiful plants and incredible panoramic views. Natural treasures, generously scattered throughout the island, are carefully protected by local residents. Most of the monuments of deep antiquity have not survived to this day, but the magnificence of nature has remained unchanged. In the north of the island there are Blue Caves - a real miraculous miracle that conquers at first sight. Stone arches, countless grottoes rise above the sea surface, blue water fascinates with its beauty. The most famous cave is located on Cape Skinari. To get to her mysterious grottoes you can only swim. The waters in blue caves are considered curative due to a large amount of minerals and calcium.

Reserve Ascos

The Ascos Stone Reserve is another business card of the island of Zakynthos. Greece, whose attractions are not limited to architectural and historical monuments, is famous for its natural splendor. And Ascos is a superfluous proof of that. In the reserve you can meet rare species of plants and animals from around the world. The untouched greatness of the nature of Zakynthos is harmoniously combined with large stone structures, water reservoirs and wood compositions created by man. The reserve covers 500 thousand km. It provides conditions for the inhabitation of about 1500 birds and animals, including deer, raccoons, llamas, ponies, chinchillas, etc. The excursion can be continued at the famous museums of the island. There are several in Zakynthos: the Museum of Byzantine Art, the house-museum of the Roma Alexander family, the museum of the famous poets of Greek origin Andreas and Dionysius Solomos.

Architectural sights

Several ancient architectural monuments were preserved on the island of Zakynthos. Greece, the map of which is presented in this article, is rich in similar attractions. On the territory of the old town of Argasi there is an ancient bridge, one part of which is covered with sand, and the other is buried in water. The real pride of Zakynthos are Byzantine churches and churches. Particularly interesting for travelers will be a visit to the ancient temple of St. Dionysius and the medieval church of St. Nicholas. In the small village of Maherado, there is the Church of St. Martha, and in the tiny village of Lagopodo there is a nunnery built in honor of the Mother of God Eleftherotria. The ancient temple of the goddess Artemis became the place where the Church of the Virgin Skopetissa was built from white stone.

Navagio Bay

And yet, the most attractive places on the island of Zakynthos (Greece) were and remain countless, incredibly beautiful, covered with golden sand, sunny beaches. The most famous of these is Navajo Bay, often also called the Shipwreck Beach. The visiting card of this place is a ship of smugglers, thrown ashore by the sea during a powerful storm. To get on the most fantastic beach of a planet it is possible only by the sea. A colorful combination of clear blue water and the towering cliff above it in the frame of emerald green is literally fascinating. It's best to get to the beach of the shipwreck from the port of Volimes on a boat. Only Zakynthos (Greece) can offer such a tourist attraction. Hotels located near Navagio Bay, such as The Peligoni Club, Lithies Studios Apartments, Panos Studios, enjoy constant popularity with tourists.

Gerakas Beach

A great place to relax is the beach of Gerakas. It is located in the southern part of Zakynthos. The waters in these places are calm, the sand is impeccable, the places around are unusually beautiful. This beach is the home of the rarest animals - the sea turtles of Caretta Caretta, laying their eggs in the coastal sand. Since only one or two turtles survive out of 1,000 suspected individuals, their mink is carefully guarded. Gerakas is part of the territory of the National Marine Park. Local people take great care of strange tortoises and strictly guard their rest, therefore all water sports are forbidden on the beach. People who inhabit the island of Zakynthos (Greece) care about preserving the identity of the local nature. The hotels located in the area of Gerakas Bay (Hotel Gerakas Belvedere Luxury Suites, Villa Katerina, Louis Palazzo di Zante Hotel, Zante Royal Resort, etc.) provide all conditions for a comfortable stay and relaxation.

Resort Laganas

This is the most famous resort on the island, and perhaps in the entire solar country, which is Greece. Zakynthos, reviews of the holiday are always positive and enthusiastic, offers a full range of entertainment in this stunning location. The beach of Laganas stretches for nine kilometers and is considered to be one of the largest in the country. It consists of fine sand, in which local exotic turtles also like to lay eggs. The resort is full of fun. Here there is a unique festive atmosphere: loud music, bars, nightclubs ... There are countless entertaining events at Laganas, parties are organized with the participation of world-famous musicians and DJs. During the day you can visit the Turtle Island and watch the marine life through the transparent bottom of a special boat or make a promenade through olive groves and vineyards, abundantly growing in the outskirts of Laganas. You can also take a walk on a mountain bike or riding a horse.

Kitchen and restaurants

The kitchen on the island of Zakynthos is really Mediterranean. Favorite and main ingredient, added to almost any dish, is olive oil, which is made on the island and is considered the most delicious in all of Greece. In huge quantities used for cooking tomatoes, garlic, lemons and scented herbs. The signature national dish is "sarca" - beef meat seasoned with garlic, tomatoes and sheep cheese. Another popular local dish - "Skordostubi" - is prepared from tomatoes, aubergines and olive oil with garlic. In Zakynthos cheese of local manufacture is offered - mizitra. It is customary to eat with sugar or honey. Home bread is very tasty. Sweets on the island, for example, "mandolato" and "pastels", are often prepared on the basis of almonds and honey.

Tours to the island

Tours to the island of Zakynthos (Greece) with accommodation in a three-star hotel (for example, Planos Beach Hotel or Letsos) in a standard room with breakfast only for seven days and nights will cost the travelers about € 1000. This price includes a flight, transfer, meals, hotel stay and medical insurance. The cost of fuel collection and visa is not included in the amount. Week of stay in a five-star hotel (Eleon Grand Resort & Spa) with meals on an all-inclusive basis will cost the lovers of beach holidays much more expensive - about € 2000. This amount also does not include the cost of a visa and fuel surcharge.

Get to Zakynthos will not be very difficult. You can make a trip from Kylleny and Kefallonia to the ferry (tel. (+30) 26950 239-84). The ferry links the island with Italy. Zakynthos can also be reached by air by taking a plane to Athens or Corfu. During low tourist activity the flight can cost only € 50. Zakynthos can be reached in six hours by a shuttle bus, which leaves Athens several times a day.