The Strofades are a pair of small, low, remote islands situated in the open Ionian Sea, positioned far to the south of the main island of Zakynthos. These rugged outposts are renowned for their vast flocks of migratory birds resting during seasonal journeys across the water. The surrounding waters and islets constitute part of the … Read more
Lithakia is a traditional village in the south of the Ionian island of Zakynthos, set in the hills above Laganas Bay among vineyards and olive groves. It is one of the larger old villages of the south, with stone houses, churches, squares and tavernas, keeping a rural pace above the busy coast. The village overlooks … Read more
Porto Roxa is a rocky swimming cove on the west coast of Zakynthos, below the hill village of Agios Leon. Instead of sand it has flat rock ledges and platforms that run down to deep, clear turquoise water, with ladders and steps to help swimmers in and out. The water is exceptionally clear and good … Read more
The Helmis Natural History Museum operates as a private facility in the village of Gyri. It rests in the hills of the Ionian island of Zakynthos. This venue holds the main natural-history collection on the island. It gathers a large collection focusing on the nature and geology of the region. Displays span across the halls … Read more
Olive oil is a cornerstone of the land and cuisine of Zakynthos. Silvery olive groves cover the fertile central plain and climb the hills, and the olive has been grown here since ancient times. The oil pressed from the fruit is the foundation of the island’s cooking, poured over salads, greens, cheese and fish. The … Read more
Agios Leon is a traditional hill village on the west side of Zakynthos, set among vineyards, olive groves and rolling country above the sea cliffs. It takes its name from its church and keeps a quiet, rural pace, with village squares, tavernas and stone houses. The village is the gateway to some of the wildest … Read more
Planos and Tsilivi form one of the main holiday resorts situated on the east coast of the Ionian island of Zakynthos. This location is a short drive north of the island’s capital. Tsilivi is the resort and long sandy beach, while Planos is the old village beside it that grew into the resort. This area … Read more
Macherado is a traditional village on the fertile central plain of Zakynthos, set among vineyards and olive groves. It is best known for the church of Agia Mavra, one of the finest on the island. The church has a tall, elegant bell tower and a rich interior of icons, carved and gilded woodwork and silver … Read more
The history of Zakynthos runs from ancient myth to the modern day. Settled in antiquity and named in the oldest Greek legends, the island passed through Roman and Byzantine hands. It then spent long centuries under Venice, which shaped its towns, its art and its way of life. French, Russian and British rule followed, before … Read more
Diving on Zakynthos is a fine way to see the island from below the waves. The clear Ionian water gives long visibility, and the rocky coast hides caves, arches, reefs and walls. Dive sites lie off the south and around the sea caves of the coast. Dive centres cluster at Limni Keriou near Keri, running … Read more