Zakynthos has a reputation as the greenest of the Ionian Islands. Of course, Zakynthos cannot be compared with the lush vegetation of the islands of Thailand and New Zealand, but in comparison with the desert spurs of neighboring Kefalonia, Ithaca and Kerkyra, it is really green.
Zakynthos lies on the eastern shores of the Ionian Sea, at the very entrance to the Patross Strait. From above, the island looks like a swimming penguin, but in fact it is composed of two mountain ranges, between which lies a fertile valley. The coastline is so indented that with an island length of 40 km and a width of no more than 20 km, it is 123 km.
Why go to Zakynthos
First of all, for warmth, sun and relaxation without the stifling heat. According to meteorologists, Zakynthos has the best climate in the whole of island Greece: mild, moderately humid (up to 70%), without extreme temperatures. The holiday season here begins in early May, when the air warms up to + 25 ° С and ends by mid-October. During the peak season - June, July, August and September - daytime temperatures reach + 30 ° С, but at night the heat drops to + 25 ° С. Snow is unprecedented here, and the lowest temperature in January is + 5 ° С.
Over the sea, which is amazingly beautiful in Zakynthos. Beautiful and different. Warm, shallow, delicate turquoise in Laganas, piercing azure in Navagio Bay, cobalt blue and cold in Porto Vromi. The island's rugged coves create secluded beaches of rare beauty. Bright as on postcards!
For unique island cuisine. The cuisine is fragrant and delicious, because the olives, from which the olive oil is made, grow here, on the slopes of the mountain ranges. Tomatoes, lemons are grown in Zakynthos, and sheep are raised. And they prepare local dishes from local products. The most interesting and unusual:
- Sarca - beef with tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and cheese;
- Skordostubi from tomatoes, eggplants and again garlic and butter;
- Local mizithra cheese served with honey or sugar.
Resorts of Zakynthos
The tourist infrastructure of Zakynthos is concentrated on the east coast. The main resort towns of the island are located here: Zakynthos, Argassi, Kalamaki, Laganas, Tsilivi, Vasilikos.
Each has its own characteristics. If you want a hectic life, cultural events, noisy discos and themed bars, head to Zakynthos. In summer, national and international cultural events, festivals and exhibitions are held here almost every week. There is where to take a walk in your free time from the beach: the Strata Marina embankment for an evening promenade, the temples of St. Nicholas and Dionysios for acquaintance with the culture and religion of Greece, the Maritime and Byzantine museums to expand your horizons.
Agrassi is famous for its clubs and vibrant nightlife. There are a lot of restaurants and bars in the city, where life rages from 10 pm until almost morning. Young couples, companies and single tourists who are not shackled by family ties prefer to rest in Agrassi.
Kalamaki is a family resort. The beaches are mostly sandy, there is a water park and many activities for children. The town is quiet, calm, safe, very cozy and comfortable. It is here that most of the good family-format hotels are concentrated. The capital of the island is only 7 km from Kalamaki, so if you get tired of a quiet, measured rest, catching a taxi and going to light up in Zakynthos is a matter of minutes.
Laganas is located next to Kalamaki. Another year or two, and their tourist infrastructure will merge into a single whole. However, unlike Kalamaki, Laganas is considered a fashionable resort. Prices here are 5-15% more expensive than the average in Zakynthos, and for everything from housing to taxi fares. But Laganas is worth it. The city somehow manages to combine a noisy youth atmosphere with cozy corners of a family vacation. In addition, it is here that the beach is located with a convenient approach, well-warming water and a wide coastal strip. Ideal for kids!
Little Tsilivi is half and half. Like and next to Zakynthos - only 5 km to the capital, but more comfortable, green and provincial. Bars and restaurants are concentrated in the center, so if you want peace, choose accommodation somewhere on the outskirts.
They prefer to come to the Vasilikos peninsula with kids: shallow water, clear water, soft fine sand and no noise. It is forbidden to use motor boats and other noisy watercraft at the resort, but not for the convenience of tourists, but in order to preserve a rare species of turtles laying eggs on the western end of the peninsula. Prices for Vasilikos are slightly below the average for Zakynthos, but it is also further from the airport.
Hotels and apartments in Zakynthos: how much
As elsewhere in Greece, apart from hotels, apartments are widespread in Zakynthos. Depending on the area, livability and level of service, apartments can be either very modest - a small studio with a kitchen - or luxurious, up to 150 sq. m, with its own garden, swimming pool, access to the sea. Apartments are rented for a period from 3 days to several months. As in hotels, they have everything for a comfortable stay:
- furnishings;
- fresh bed linen;
- bath accessories;
- hairdryer, TV and air conditioning / fan;
- equipped kitchen.
As a rule, cleaning, washing and cooking in the apartments is at the mercy of vacationers, but the owners of some villas offer laundry services and cooking lunches / dinners. Prices for apartments start at 1800 rubles per day.
The hotel base in Zakynthos is designed for guests of any income. For example, even in the capital there are hotels with rooms for 2500 rubles. per day. At the same time, in the same capital, literally a block from the budget accommodation, you can find a hotel with rooms for 50,000 rubles a day. Those who are accustomed to staying in chain hotels can choose among the hotel complexes of the Mediterranean and Atlantica Hotels & Resorts chain. There are few all-inclusive hotels on the island. This should be taken into account if you are used to all inclusiv. In addition, all inclusiv in Turkey and Egypt differs from all inclusiv in Greece, so when choosing a hotel, carefully study what is included in the all-inclusive service and what is paid additionally.
What to do in Zakynthos
Each has its own format of rest. Someone is resting, spending 8 hours on the beach. Rest is not a joy for some if you do not see all the museums and explore every corner of a new city or country. In Zakynthos, both are perfectly able to relax. The island has dozens of official and publicized beaches, not to mention the secluded and little-known ones. As for connoisseurs of outdoor activities, the natural rarities will not let the lovers of the mountains get bored, or the admirers of sea beauty and unusual inhabitants of the local fauna.
In the TOP 10 must-see beaches of Zakynthos, travelers in love with the sea include:
- Navagio,
- Porto Limnionas,
- Laganas and neighboring Agios Sostis,
- Gerakas,
- Zorro,
- Porto Roma,
- Daphne,
- Banana,
- Xigia.
For cultural and active recreation, list the interesting places of interest in the Blue Grottoes at the northern tip of the island, the National Marine Park, the Natural History Museum and Askos Stone Park, the medieval Panagia Skopiotissa Monastery on Mount Skopos, the Anafonitria Monastery, built in the 15th century, the Strofada Islands with a fortress beacon. Even if you are seasick, do not ignore boat trips. There are more of them on Zakynthos than overland ones and they are more interesting, and in calm weather, and even on a good boat, no seasickness will overshadow the acquaintance with the beautiful Zakynthos!
