Volimes is a group of mountain villages in the rugged northwest of Zakynthos, spread across the high ground above the west-coast cliffs. Stone houses, old churches and a slow, traditional pace give the villages a character far removed from the coastal resorts. Cool mountain air and wide views reward the drive up, and the villages preserve the rural crafts and traditions at the heart of the island. Handwoven textiles, rugs, lace and embroidery hang from roadside stalls and small shops, alongside local honey, cheese and olive oil. Travellers often pass through on the way to the shipwreck cove and the sea caves of the north. Explore the best of the island with My Greece Tours.
The sections below cover what makes Volimes special, from its handwoven textiles and traditional pace to its location near the shipwreck cove and the sea caves of the north. Stone houses, old churches and cool mountain air give the villages a character far removed from the coastal resorts. Local honey, cheese and olive oil appear alongside lace, rugs and embroidery at roadside stalls and small shops. The villages sit close to the clifftop viewpoint and to the road down to the sea caves, and the Anafonitria monastery lies nearby. This area preserves the rural crafts and traditions at the heart of Zakynthos, as every Zakynthos travel guide will explain.
What handicrafts are Volimes villages in Zakynthos famous for?
Handwoven textiles, rugs, lace and embroidery are the traditional handicrafts that made Volimes famous across Zakynthos. Roadside stalls and small shops across the villages sell these pieces, preserving the rural crafts and traditions at the heart of the island.
Volimes is famous across the island for handwoven textiles, rugs, lace and embroidery. Roadside stalls and small shops across the high ground above the west-coast cliffs display these pieces, and the cool mountain air and wide views make browsing them a pleasure. The villages preserve the rural crafts and traditions at the heart of Zakynthos, and visitors travelling from Zakynthos Town often stop to buy textiles, lace and embroidery along the road. Stone houses and old churches line the route up into the mountains, and the slow, traditional pace gives the stalls and shops a character far removed from the coastal resorts.
Handwoven rugs hang beside local honey and cheese, and the small shops offer a genuine glimpse of the craft heritage that defines the rugged northwest.
The handwoven textiles and lace of Volimes reflect the rural crafts and traditions at the heart of the island. Roadside stalls sell rugs and embroidery alongside local honey, cheese and olive oil, and the small shops give the villages a character far removed from the coastal resorts and Zakynthos beaches. Stone houses and old churches dot the high ground above the west-coast cliffs, and the cool mountain air and wide views reward the drive up into the mountains. Travellers heading to the shipwreck cove or the sea caves of the north pass through the villages and often stop to browse.
The slow, traditional pace of the mountain craft villages sets them apart, and the handmade pieces on sale preserve skills that the island has long valued.
Volimes groups three mountain settlements known as Ano, Kato and Meso Volimes on a ridge in the north. The craft workshops here produce lace, embroidery, handwoven carpets and rugs, ceramics and leather goods by hand. Roadside stalls line the road with tablecloths, bags, ceramics, honey and sweets for passing travellers. The upper, lower and middle hamlets each keep their own small shops and family workshops. Weavers pass their skills down through the generations across these three linked settlements. The ridge sits around 350 metres above sea level, giving the crafts a cool mountain home. Handmade rugs and lace hang beside jars of thyme honey along the roadside.
The three Volimes hamlets together form the craft heart of the rugged north.
Where do travellers pass through on the way to the shipwreck cove?
Travellers often pass through Volimes on the way to the clifftop viewpoint above the shipwreck cove and the road down to the sea caves of the north. The villages sit along this route through the rugged high ground.
Travellers often pass through Volimes on the way to the clifftop viewpoint above the shipwreck cove and Navagio Beach. The villages sit in the rugged northwest of the island, spread across the high ground above the west-coast cliffs, and the road to the viewpoint runs right through them. Cool mountain air and wide views reward the drive up, and roadside stalls selling handwoven textiles, lace and embroidery line the route. The Anafonitria monastery lies nearby, and the road down to the sea caves of the north branches off close to the villages.
Stone houses and old churches give the area a character far removed from the coastal resorts, and the slow, traditional pace of the villages makes the drive a memorable part of the journey.
Volimes sits close to the road down to the sea caves of the north and the Blue Caves, so travellers heading to those sights pass through the villages. The high ground above the west-coast cliffs offers cool mountain air and wide views, and the drive up rewards visitors with a landscape of stone houses and old churches. Roadside stalls sell handwoven textiles, rugs, lace and embroidery along with local honey, cheese and olive oil. The clifftop viewpoint above the shipwreck cove lies close by, and the Anafonitria monastery sits nearby.
This rugged northwest corner of the island preserves the rural crafts and traditions at the heart of Zakynthos, and the slow, traditional pace of the villages gives travellers a genuine taste of mountain life before they descend to the coast.
Travellers drive about 30 to 35 kilometres northwest from Zakynthos Town to reach Volimes. The winding mountain roads take roughly 50 minutes from the town to the villages. No reliable bus serves this route, so a car or scooter is the practical choice. Drivers pass through the three Volimes hamlets before the clifftop viewpoint above the shipwreck cove. The viewpoint sits about four kilometres on from the villages along the ridge. Anafonitria village and its monastery lie on the same approach through the high ground. The monasteries of Agios Georgios and Agios Andreas also sit near the mountain road. The route climbs steadily, rewarding drivers with cool air and wide views of the north.
The road stays paved but narrow, so drivers take the bends slowly.
What gives the mountain villages their traditional character?
Stone houses, old churches and a slow, traditional pace give the villages a character far removed from the coastal resorts. The cool mountain air and wide views across the rugged northwest complete a setting that feels untouched.
Stone houses, old churches and a slow, traditional pace give the mountain villages a character far removed from the coastal resorts. The villages of Volimes spread across the high ground above the west-coast cliffs, and the cool mountain air and wide views reward the drive up. Roadside stalls and small shops sell handwoven textiles, rugs, lace and embroidery alongside local honey, cheese and olive oil. The Anafonitria monastery lies nearby, adding to the traditional atmosphere of the rugged northwest. These villages preserve the rural crafts and traditions at the heart of Zakynthos, and the stone architecture and old churches reinforce the sense of a place untouched by mass tourism.
Travellers heading to the clifftop viewpoint or the sea caves of the north experience this character as they pass through.
The traditional character of Volimes comes from its stone houses, old churches and the slow, traditional pace of mountain village life. The villages sit in the rugged northwest of Zakynthos, and the drive up into the high ground brings cool mountain air and wide views across the slopes above the west-coast cliffs. Roadside stalls sell handwoven textiles, rugs, lace and embroidery, and local honey, cheese and olive oil appear alongside them. Travellers heading toward Cape Skinari and the sea caves of the north pass through these villages, getting a taste of the rural crafts and traditions at the heart of Zakynthos.
The clifftop viewpoint above the shipwreck cove sits close by, and the villages give travellers a setting far removed from the busy coastal resorts below.
Stone houses and old churches built from local rock define the look of the three Volimes settlements. Farming and shepherding still shape daily life across Ano, Kato and Meso Volimes. Village squares hold the pace of the community, and the quiet feels a world from the resorts. The ridge at around 350 metres keeps the air cool through the warmest months. These settlements escaped mass tourism, so their stone architecture stands largely unchanged. Old churches anchor each hamlet, marking the centuries of village worship. Shepherds still move flocks across the surrounding slopes above the west-coast cliffs. The slow rhythm of rural work gives Volimes its lasting traditional character.
Craft, farming and faith together shape the identity of these three mountain villages.
What local foods appear alongside crafts in Volimes, Zakynthos?
Local honey, cheese and olive oil appear at the roadside stalls and small shops alongside the handwoven textiles, rugs, lace and embroidery. These products reflect the rural crafts and food traditions preserved across the villages of Volimes.
Local honey, cheese and olive oil appear alongside handwoven textiles, rugs, lace and embroidery at the roadside stalls and small shops of Volimes. The villages sit in the rugged northwest of Zakynthos, spread across the high ground above the west-coast cliffs, and the cool mountain air and wide views make the drive up worthwhile. Stone houses and old churches give the villages a character far removed from the coastal resorts, and the slow, traditional pace reflects the rural crafts and traditions at the heart of the island. Travellers heading to the clifftop viewpoint above the shipwreck cove or the sea caves of the north pass through and often stop to buy honey, cheese, olive oil and handmade textiles.
The Anafonitria monastery lies nearby, completing a route rich in traditional island culture and mountain scenery.
Roadside stalls and small shops across Volimes sell local honey, cheese and olive oil beside handwoven textiles, rugs, lace and embroidery. The villages preserve the rural crafts and traditions at the heart of Zakynthos, and the stone houses and old churches give the streets a slow, traditional pace far removed from the coastal resorts. Cool mountain air and wide views reward the drive up to the high ground above the west-coast cliffs, and travellers on the way to the shipwreck cove or the sea caves of the north pass right through. The Anafonitria monastery lies nearby, and the clifftop viewpoint above the shipwreck cove sits close to the villages.
Buying honey, cheese and handmade lace from these stalls supports the craft traditions that define the rugged northwest of the island.
Thyme honey stands among the best-known local foods sold across Volimes. Bees gather nectar from thyme, oregano, sage and wildflowers on the mountain slopes. Producers also press local olive oil and dry herbs from the surrounding hills. Homemade cheese appears at the stalls beside jars of the golden honey. Mandola and pasteli, sweets made with honey and almonds, sell alongside the crafts. Local wine from village vines rounds out the range of produce on offer. The three hamlets each keep their own foods beside the lace and rugs. Visitors taste and buy honey, oil, cheese and sweets straight from the makers. These foods reflect the farming traditions that still define the north of Zakynthos.
Buying direct from the makers supports the village families behind the produce.
What sights sit close to Volimes in the northwest of Zakynthos?
The clifftop viewpoint above the shipwreck cove and the road down to the sea caves of the north both sit close to Volimes. The Anafonitria monastery lies nearby, making the villages a practical stop for sightseers.
Volimes sits close to the clifftop viewpoint above the shipwreck cove and to the road down to the sea caves of the north. The Anafonitria monastery lies nearby, and the rugged northwest of Zakynthos brings all these sights within easy reach of the villages. Cool mountain air and wide views reward the drive up to the high ground above the west-coast cliffs, and stone houses and old churches line the route. Roadside stalls sell handwoven textiles, rugs, lace and embroidery alongside local honey, cheese and olive oil.
Travellers pass through Volimes on the way to the shipwreck cove and the sea caves, and the slow, traditional pace of the villages offers a contrast to the dramatic coastal scenery below. The villages preserve the rural crafts and traditions at the heart of the island.
The clifftop viewpoint above the shipwreck cove, the road down to the sea caves of the north and the Anafonitria monastery all sit close to Volimes. The villages occupy the high ground above the west-coast cliffs in the rugged northwest of Zakynthos, and the cool mountain air and wide views make the drive up rewarding. Stone houses and old churches give the area a character far removed from the coastal resorts, and roadside stalls sell handwoven textiles, rugs, lace and embroidery alongside local honey, cheese and olive oil. Travellers heading to the shipwreck cove or the sea caves pass through the villages and experience the slow, traditional pace of mountain life.
Volimes preserves the rural crafts and traditions at the heart of the island, making it a genuine highlight of the rugged northwest.
The Navagio viewpoint above the shipwreck cove sits about four kilometres on from Volimes. The Blue Caves near Cape Skinari and Korithi lie down the road to the north coast. The Korithi and Skinari lighthouse area marks the northern tip beyond the caves. The monastery of Agios Georgios ton Gremon stands close to the clifftop viewpoint. The monastery of Agios Andreas sits near the mountain road through the villages. Anafonitria village and its monastery lie just south along the same ridge. These sights place Volimes at the centre of the rugged northwest. Drivers reach each of them within a short run from the three craft hamlets. The villages make a natural base for touring the north of Zakynthos.
The ridge road links every one of these northern sights in a single loop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is Volimes located on Zakynthos?
Volimes is a group of mountain villages in the rugged northwest of the Ionian island of Zakynthos. The villages spread across the high ground above the west-coast cliffs, and the cool mountain air and wide views reward the drive up. Stone houses, old churches and a slow, traditional pace give the villages a character far removed from the coastal resorts that line the shores below. The villages sit close to the clifftop viewpoint above the shipwreck cove and to the road down to the sea caves of the north, so travellers heading to those sights pass right through.
The Anafonitria monastery lies nearby, and roadside stalls and small shops sell handwoven textiles, rugs, lace and embroidery alongside local honey, cheese and olive oil. Volimes preserves the rural crafts and traditions at the heart of Zakynthos, and the rugged northwest corner of the island offers a landscape of high ground, stone buildings and wide views far from the busy resorts.
What can you buy at the roadside stalls in Volimes?
The roadside stalls and small shops of Volimes sell handwoven textiles, rugs, lace and embroidery, along with local honey, cheese and olive oil. These villages are famous across the island for their traditional handicrafts, and the handmade pieces reflect the rural crafts and traditions at the heart of Zakynthos. Stone houses and old churches give the villages a character far removed from the coastal resorts, and the cool mountain air and wide views reward the drive up to the high ground above the west-coast cliffs. Travellers heading to the clifftop viewpoint above the shipwreck cove or the sea caves of the north pass through the villages and often stop to browse.
The Anafonitria monastery lies nearby, and the slow, traditional pace of the villages makes shopping for textiles, lace, honey and cheese a relaxed experience. Buying these traditional products supports the craft traditions that define the rugged northwest of Zakynthos.
Is Volimes worth visiting on the way to the shipwreck cove?
Volimes is well worth visiting on the way to the shipwreck cove and the sea caves of the north. The villages sit close to the clifftop viewpoint and along the road that travellers take to reach those sights. Cool mountain air and wide views reward the drive up to the high ground above the west-coast cliffs, and stone houses and old churches give the area a character far removed from the coastal resorts. Roadside stalls and small shops sell handwoven textiles, rugs, lace and embroidery alongside local honey, cheese and olive oil, and the villages preserve the rural crafts and traditions at the heart of Zakynthos.
The Anafonitria monastery lies nearby, and the slow, traditional pace of the mountain villages offers a peaceful contrast to the dramatic coastal scenery below. Stopping in Volimes adds a genuine taste of traditional island life to any trip through the rugged northwest of Zakynthos.
How do you get to Volimes from Zakynthos Town?
Volimes lies about 30 to 35 kilometres northwest of Zakynthos Town in the rugged north of the island. The drive takes roughly 50 minutes along winding mountain roads that climb toward the high ridge. No reliable bus serves the route, so a hire car or scooter is the practical choice for reaching the villages. Drivers follow the road up through the three linked settlements of Ano, Kato and Meso Volimes on the ridge. The ridge sits around 350 metres above sea level, so the air turns cooler as the road climbs. Roadside stalls line the way with lace, rugs, ceramics, honey and sweets for passing travellers.
The clifftop viewpoint above the shipwreck cove sits about four kilometres on from the villages. Anafonitria village and its monastery lie on the same approach through the mountains. Allowing a full morning lets travellers browse the craft stalls and reach the coastal sights beyond.