The third largest Ionian island, belonging to the Greek archipelago, Zakynthos (also know sas Zante) has a very long history of foreign dominations and influences, among which the most marked was the Venetian – and therefore Italian – one. You see this in the architecture, in the names, in some food recipes which make this island a world on its own. Most part of the island consists of hills and mountains, while a plain on the east side ends up into lovely beaches. You will admire nature, but also historic monuments and the heritage of the ancient Greece.
Best period to visit Zakynthos
The best time in year for visiting Zakynthos and enjoying a holiday over there is late spring or summer, from May to September. It is quite crowded in July and August, but it has a very large territory so you will always find your relaxing corner, even in the “tourist season”.
Travel documents
Greece is in the Schengen Agreement Area, so its islands welcome all tourists from the same area easily. The nations belonging to Schengen allow their own citizens to travel free from one country to the other, as if they were traveling their own homeland. In this case, ID paper is enough. If you belong to non-Schengen nations, though, you shall show your passport as soon as you arrive at the local airport.
What to pack for your trip to Zakynthos
When you pack your bags for your trip to Zakynthos, you shall never forget to put in: swimming suits, light summer clothes, sport clothes, comfortable shoes, hats, sunscreen, sunglasses. Make sure you have your camera, the battery chargers and an easy first-aid set with you. Do not forget a jacket (it can be windy and cool at night) and a thermal bottle so to always have cold water in your bag, during the long trekkings and walks. Before you go, do read some books about Zakynthos and its ancient heroes… it could help you appreciate more its monuments.
How to get to Zakynthos
You arrive at Zakynthos via airplane – the island has its own international airport, Zakynthos Airport (ZTH) or via ferry. Many ferry-boats connect the main Greek ports with Zakynthos’, so if you are already in Greece you may try this way to get to this destination.
How to move through Zakynthos
It is not a problem to find a means to explore Zakynthos. You can easily travel by local public buses, or taxis, or rent a vehicle (car, motorbike, bike) and manage your tour yourself. The best way to enjoy this island is by private transfer, that is with a private chauffeur at your disposal! Otherwise, try the many boat trips organized by local tour operators and hotels!
What to see
In Zakynthos there is so much to visit and admire! Before you lie down and rest on the beautiful beaches – sandy ones such as Tsilivi, Amboula, Alykes or rocky ones such as Limniona, Roxa or The Shipwreck Beach – go trekking and discover places such as the grottos of Keri, the lighthouse of Keri, the Blue Grottos, the villages (Bochali, Mikro Nisi, Agios Nikolas), the islet of Agios Sostis, Shiza Panoramic Point, Alykes Salt Pans, Zakynthos City’s old town. If history and art do charm you, go visit the Venetian Aqueduct, Andronios Walls, Old Monastery Agios Andreas, Venetian Tower. You shall also love the archaeologic sites of Olimpia, and the site that reminds Venus’ birth!
What to do and NOT to do in Zakynthos
When in Zakynthos you can and must: walk among monuments, taste local food, join the local people during the celebrations and feasts, go explore the beautiful seabed.
You must never: trust immediately the first person proposing as “tour guide”; order pasta or pizza at the restaurant; rent a vehicle without testing it previously; bother turtles as they try to lay eggs on the beaches.