Map of Zakynthos with attractions in Russian

Zakynthos Island (Ζακύνθος) is one of the Ionian islands of Greece, located 8 nautical miles south of Kefalonia. The area of ​​the island is 402 sq. km, and the total length of the coastline is no more than 125 km. According to 2010 data, the population of the island is 50,000 people. The capital is the city of Zakynthos. The island is famous for its sandy beaches and nature reserves.

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Weather in Zakynthos

The climate on the island is typically Mediterranean: the average annual temperature is 18.9°C. Winters in Zakynthos are mild, with an average temperature of about 11°C, and summers are quite warm: in July the average temperature reaches 26.1°C, and the highest point is recorded in August at +35°C.

It should be noted that the relative humidity in Zakynthos is about 70%. Compared to other Cyclades islands, this figure is the lowest on Zakynthos, which makes holidays on the island the most comfortable.

By the beginning of May, the sea water temperature warms up to 24°C, and in mid-June it can reach 25-27°C.


Sights of Zakynthos

Blue Caves

One of the most most beautiful places on the planet is located on Zakynthos, namely on Cape Skhinari - a natural reserve " Blue Caves" The caves are a complex of arches and grottoes. In 1897, the largest one, the Azure Cave, was opened. You can get to the Blue Caves only by sea.



Natural park with an area of ​​500,000 square meters. m. is a unique collection of flora and fauna of the island of Zakif. More than 45 different species of animals live in the park; About 200,000 plant species grow there, and some species are more than several centuries old. Askos Stone Park is a nature reserve of a contact type: a visitor can not only look at representatives of the fauna, but also touch or stroke some of them.


You can get to the park on your own, in a rented car, or by ordering organized excursion from your tour operator.

The Church of Agios Dionysius, located in the city of Zakynthos, is one of the oldest buildings on the island. It was erected in honor of a saint originally from Venice - Dionysius, the patron saint of the island. Delightful frescoes and icons leave a lasting impression on visitors to the church.


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Excursions in Zakynthos

Since Zakynthos is nature reserve, you will find many excursions related specifically to the natural heritage of the island. For example, you may be asked to take a six-hour sightseeing tour around the island or go and take a dip in the clear waters there Ionian Sea.

It is also worth paying attention to the unique excursion “to the turtles”, which is held in July-August. It was during this period that the Caretta Caretta turtles, listed in the Red Book, swim to the shores of Zakynthos to breed their offspring.


Beaches of Zakynthos

Zakynthos has many pristine sandy beaches, most which can be found in the eastern part of the island. The most popular beach is Navagio Bay or “Shipwreck Bay.” The peculiarity of this beach is that the bay is surrounded by rocks from the shore and you can get to the beach only from the sea.

It is also worth visiting Agios Nikolaos beach with well-developed infrastructure and Gerakas beach, which is considered best beach on the island. But since these beaches are in close proximity away from turtle nesting areas, some types of water activities are prohibited.


Zakynthos Hotels

The island of Zakynthos is very popular among tourists from many countries of the world and therefore has a well-developed hotel infrastructure. Your tour operator will easily select and book a hotel in Zakynthos.

Zakynthos Map

Photo: nationalgeographic.com, tsharenko, Innokentia

Zakynthos Island stands out from other Greek islands due to its natural beauty and unique underwater world. Rocks and mountains in the west, densely forested hills and plains, olive groves, 123 km of endless sandy white beaches, clear blue sea, secluded coves and bays, underwater caves and wrecks - an excellent place for recreation and water activities.

The island of Zakynthos and 2 small islands nearby have formed a marine natural park reserve since 1999. This is a natural habitat dolphins, seabirds, rare species harbor seals - monk seals (Monachus), snails and Caretta Caretta turtles, porcupines, iguanas, etc.

Map of Zakynthos island with cities and resorts.

Zakynthos Island is one of the 7 islands of Greece in the Ionian Sea. It is conveniently located 18 km from the coast of the Peloponnese Peninsula and 15 km from the island. Kefalonia. Direct flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg to summer season from May to mid-October, as well as flights within the country (from Athens, Argostoli, Corfu) and regular ferry services make the island. Zakynthos is accessible and attractive to tourists.

Long sandy beaches, resort towns, villages and tourist complexes occupy mainly the northeastern and southeastern parts of the island. It is worth noting that the island does not experience a shortage of hotels. There is a wide range of developed tourist infrastructure of hotels of various categories: from 2* and above, to specialized spa hotels.

Resorts and cities of Zakynthos Island.

The capital of Zakynthos Island is Zakynthos town. This modern city, rebuilt after the 1953 earthquake. Zakynthos is the center of cultural life of the Island; it regularly hosts music festivals And cultural programs. Sights of Zakynthos: Strata Marina promenade; St. Mark's Square; Church of St. Dionysius; Church of St. Nicholas; Museum of Byzantine Art; Maritime Museum.

East of the capital, just 4 km, is Agrassi resort- a developed tourism center with nightlife, hotels, shops, beaches, water activities, restaurants and clubs.

6 km west of Zakynthos there is another dynamic Tsilivi town. This is a beautiful resort with sandy beaches marked Blue flag, with all kinds of water activities, attractions, olive groves and gardens in the area.

A little further west (18 km from the capital) is resort town of Alikanas. This is the most developed, in terms of aquatic species sports, resort All young people usually come here for entertainment, extreme and active recreation.

The most famous resorts of the island are located in the bay Laganas. This is a resort Laganas and Kalamaki village, which is 5-9 km from the capital of the island. Beaches of Laganas Bay spread over 9 km. They partly belong to the national marine park: caretta-caretta turtles breed here (access to the beach is closed to tourists at night).

Vasilikos Peninsula beautiful sandy beaches combined with small pebbles and convenient entry into the clear sea. The natural beauty of these places gives peace and tranquility, however, active tourists there will also be plenty to do. Some beaches are part of the National Marine Park and are periodically or partially closed. Vasilikos is represented by beaches: Ionion, Gerakas(Gerakas), Porto Romo, Porto Zoro, Banana, Daphne(Dafni), Mavrantzi, Sekania and Agios Nikolaos(Agios Nikolaos).

Tours to the island of Zakynthos in 2019 from Moscow and St. Petersburg

Tours to the island of Zakynthos in Greece in the summer of 2019 offer best tour operators in the Greek direction: Mouzenidis Travel (Mouzenidis Travel), Panteon (Pantheon), TUI. Choose the best package tour among offers from all tour operators to the island of Zakynthos with direct flights from Moscow or St. Petersburg.
Tours to the island of Zakynthos in 2019 are compiled taking into account departure:
from Moscow on Wednesdays and Saturdays from May 25 to October 5.
from St. Petersburg on Thursdays from May 30 to September 26.

Direct tickets from Moscow to Zakynthos

Cost of living in hotels on the island. Zakynthos

Sights of the island of Zakynthos in Greece.

The underwater world around Zakynthos is very beautiful. The western part of the Island and the northern part, in the area of ​​Cape Skinari, are especially rich in natural attractions.


Blue Caves o. Zakynthos

It's worth noting here: Keri caves, the largest Azure Cave of Kianoun, Blue Caves.

Three stone arches rise majestically above the emerald sea: sailing between them will take your breath away! Perhaps these are the most memorable views, which can rival in beauty only the views Navagio Bays.


Navagio Bay o. Zakynthos Greece

One of the most popular attractions on the island of Zakynthos - this is Navagio Bay, surrounded by steep cliffs covered with greenery, with beautiful snow-white sandy beach(Navagio Beach) and a shipwrecked ship in 1967. The observation deck at the top of the cliff offers a stunning view, which is deservedly included in the top 10 beautiful places on the ground. Navagio Bay is located on the western side of the island of Zakynthos. You can only get to this heavenly secluded place from the sea.

Zakynthos Island - perfect place for diving:

  • Butterfly Cave – Papelon;
  • Triumphal Arch;
  • Blue Caves;
  • Keri Caves;
  • Watching the Caretta Caretta turtles that come every year and lay their eggs on the beaches of Laganas and Gerakas. In mid-August you can see small turtles hatching from their eggs and heading out to sea.

Sights of Zakynthos Island:

  • Rich underwater world;
  • Caves, bays and grottoes on the island of Zakynthos;
  • Askos Park;
  • Water Village water park in Sarakinado village;
  • Horseback riding in Laganas;
  • Bicycle, walking, sea excursions;
  • National Marine Park (caretta-caretta turtles);
  • Turtle Island – Marathonissi. Excursions depart from the city of Keri.
  • Orchid garden in the village of Agios Nikolaos;
  • Maritime Museum and Observatory in the resort of Tsilivi;
  • The capital of the island is the city of Zakynthos;
  • Ancient churches and ruins of a medieval fortress in the resort of Agrassi;
  • Village of Kampi, Mycenaean burials;
  • Kerion Village with preserved Venetian-style mansions.
  • Excursion to the island Kefalonia with a visit caves Drogarati Cave.

Come to the island of Zakynthos and you will see the majestic and serene beauty of the land!

Basic moments

By the standards of numerous Greek archipelagos, the island of Zakynthos is quite large - 405 km², and its coastline, broken by bays and capes, measures 123 km, with almost the entire coastline open to access to the sea. Between the forested mountain spurs there lies a flowering valley, and at the foot of the rocky shores, sea waves carefully polished and crushed the stones to create attractive pebble and sandy beaches for tourists.

The air of the island, which the Venetians called the “Flower of the Levant,” is filled with the intoxicating aromas of the sea breeze, coniferous forests, juniper thickets and herbs, the fruits of citrus trees and grapevines that grow in abundance here. The island still preserves the aristocratic spirit of the Renaissance and Enlightenment, when eminent musicians, poets, and painters lived and worked here.

Zakynthos, which has been repeatedly subjected to earthquakes, cannot boast of numerous historical attractions, but its fantastically beautiful landscapes, fortunately, were not subject to the elements. Many corners of the island are protected areas. They attract travelers with the opportunity to be alone with nature, and for those who like the social resort life, Zakynthos offers to spend time at any of its many modern resorts. Here tourists are greeted by comfortable hotels, entertainment centers, cozy taverns and respectable restaurants, nightclubs and discos. On the island you can go scuba diving, horse riding, play tennis and golf, and make a lot of discoveries by going on excursion tours by land and sea.

Panorama of the city of Zakynthos

History and culture of Zakynthos

The historical name of the island is associated with the name of the son of King Dardan, ruler of Arcadia. According to Greek myths, the royal son of Zakynthos landed on this land lost at sea and founded a city here. This legendary character is deeply revered by local residents. Zakynthos, sitting pensively on a stone with a snake in his hand, is depicted on the green banner of the island, which flies on all public buildings, along with the striped blue and white national flag of Greece. The islanders' motto is inscribed on the banner: "Freedom requires virtue and courage." These words belong to the brilliant poet and public figure, aristocrat and patriot Dionysios Solomos, one of the creators of the modern modern Greek literary language, who lived and worked on the island in the first half of the 19th century.


The beauty of the island “drowning in emerald forests” was described by Homer in his epic “Iliad”, where you can also find Zakynthos in the lists Greek city-states who sent ships with their courageous warriors to the walls of Troy. Since ancient times, the inhabitants of Zakynthos were famous for their musical, poetic, and visual talents. The Greeks believed that they were protected by Apollo himself and all his nine muses.

The cultural layer of Zakynthos has its own characteristics. The colorful local mentality is largely formed under the influence of the Romans, Byzantines, Normans, different time who owned this blessed island. The most striking trace was left here by the Venetians, who ruled Zakynthos for three centuries. Until now, the Italian name of the island - Zante - is used in European guidebooks along with the Greek name - Zakynthos.

The heyday of art came here in the 17th century, when, after the Ottomans conquered Crete, the best masters of the late Renaissance moved from there to Zakynthos. An original movement in fine art was born here, which received worldwide recognition and was designated by art historians as Zakynthian painting. Only here you can hear Zakynthian cantades - ballads performed to the accompaniment of mellifluous mandolins. Until now, in Zakynthos, men in love, very much in the Venetian style, perform serenades for their chosen ones. But, of course, in Greek, and with noticeable national differences in melody.


The rule of the Venetians ended at the end of the 18th century, when the island was captured by Napoleon's troops. During the Mediterranean campaign against France, the Russian fleet under the command of Admiral Fyodor Ushakov approached the shores of Zakynthos and drove the French garrison from the island. Soon, the first Greek state formation in many centuries was proclaimed on the Ionian Islands - the Republic of the Seven Islands (1800-1815), which was under the patronage of the Russian Empire.

After the end of the Napoleonic Wars, Zakynthos was included in the protectorate of the British Crown as part of the Ionian Republic proclaimed on the archipelago. The island of Zakynthos, along with the other six Ionian islands, returned to the fold of the revived Hellas only in 1864, having survived more than two thousand years of foreign rule.

The island has been subject to earthquakes more than once, so the buildings of Greek antiquity have practically not survived here. In his modern history The cataclysm of 1953 was especially powerful, turning many remarkable buildings into ruins. Significant monuments have been restored, but a significant part of the historical architectural masterpieces disappeared forever.

Bay on Zakynthos

Nature and climate

Zakynthos tops the top ten greenest islands in Greece, its picturesque mountainous terrain covered with dense vegetation. At the same time, oddly enough, there is not a single river on the island. The secret of the abundance of greenery is in the porous rock, which can accumulate moisture, so there are many natural artesian springs that feed the fertile soil. Aquifers are saturated with useful minerals. Interestingly, in ancient times there was a mineral lake on the island, the bottom of which was covered with natural bitumen. This substance was exported to Athens for waterproofing the hulls of warships of the ancient Greek fleet.

The ecological situation in Zakynthos is impeccable. There are no industrial enterprises here. Exceptions are a factory for the production of edible olive oils and a distillery. However, these production facilities do not have a harmful effect on the environment.

The island of Zakynthos has a temperate Mediterranean climate. Impartial meteorologists of the European Union recognized the local climatic conditions as the mildest in all of Greece - both among the continental regions and in the various island parts of the country. In winter it is warm on the island of Zakynthos: in January during the day it is usually around +11...+15 °C, but at night the thermometer is unlikely to show less than +5 °C. This is a period of rain and thunderstorms. Frosts are very rare here, and snow is perceived as a natural phenomenon.

Already at the end of April and beginning of May the island begins to welcome guests. The air warms up during the day to +22...+25 °C, and the coastal waters - to +18...+20 °C. In summer, Zakynthos is quite comfortable: the daytime air temperature fluctuates around +30 °C. The tourist season lasts here until October inclusive.


 Central part of the island

Zakynthos town

The capital of the island is also called Zakynthos, but local residents unofficially called Hora. This is a compact city, comfortably located on the slope of a wooded hill facing the sea. Start your walk from the main square of Solomos, from the monument to the poet.


When you first get acquainted with the miniature capital, you will notice that the streets of Zakynthos have a certain theatrical decorativeness. This is true, almost all ancient buildings after the last major earthquake, which occurred in 1953, were restored from ruins using modern materials. Among them are neighborhoods with medieval Venetian mansions, lined with beige travertine and terracotta. They have irretrievably lost the true spirit of antiquity, but, nevertheless, they successfully create a cozy aura of the Mediterranean. Fortunately, several ancient buildings in the city survived.

Be sure to visit the Byzantine Museum. It contains unique artifacts, archaeological finds, restored frescoes taken from the walls of monasteries and churches destroyed by earthquakes. About a thousand icons are presented (the oldest of them was painted in the 12th century). The museum is open from 09:00 to 15:00 and is closed on Mondays. Entrance ticket – 8 €.


The tallest building in Zakynthos is the bell tower Orthodox church Saint Dionysius. This church is located on the embankment, a stone's throw from the port. Dionysius was a bishop on the island in the 16th century, he became famous for his good deeds and philanthropy. For several centuries, Dionysius has been considered the patron saint of Zakynthos. The cathedral houses a precious silver shrine containing the relics of the saint. There is always a pair of light shoes next to her. Parishioners claim that over time these shoes become worn out and have to be replaced because Dionysius walks around the island, continuing to help righteous Christians. On August 24, the entire island celebrates the day of remembrance of its patron saint. At the cathedral there is an interesting museum of church utensils, vestments of priests, ancient church books, icons and paintings. Entrance to the museum is paid - 2 €.

Once upon a time, a powerful Venetian stronghold towered over the city. It was erected in the 15th century, on the site of destroyed ancient temples. Only some of its structures, the gate arch and part of the walls, survived. The fortress is located at the very top of the hill. If you find the climb tiring, a taxi will take you to the top for 3 €.

Those wishing to learn more about the culture of the island should look into the Museum of the Poet Solomos and the Museum of Fine Arts of the Ionian School of Painting. Both of them are located next to seaport cities.

Resorts and beaches

Resort life in Zakynthos is focused on its east coast. The rating is headed by the most popular and expensive resort - Laganas. This is where the most fashionable hotels, spa centers, best restaurants and largest nightclubs are located. The democratic resort of Argassi is no less noisy and fun. Married couples with children and lovers of a relaxing holiday are better off heading to Alykes, Tsilivi or Kalamaki, while fans of water sports are welcome to the resort centers of Alykanas and Agios Nikolaos.


There are many beaches on the coast of the island of Zakynthos, often they smoothly merge into one another and stretch for kilometers. Admission to most of them is free; you only need to pay for the rental of beach equipment. Many beaches are covered with pebbles; walking barefoot on such a surface is not very comfortable, especially when the pebbles are hot. It is better to buy rubber slippers immediately upon arrival; they are sold for 6-7 € in all shops with beach accessories.

The island's iconic spot is a charming beach in the azure Navagio Bay, strewn with sand and small marble pebbles, known as Shipwreck Beach. It has been called that way since 1980, when the ship Panayotis, loaded with smuggled tobacco from Turkey, ran aground and was then washed up on the coast. The rusty hulk of the unlucky smugglers' ship lies in the middle of the beach to this day, attracting the attention of tourists who often leave memorial inscriptions on its corroded side.

When calm, the water in the Navagio water area becomes an unreal sapphire color, and when the rough seas lift sand from the bottom, it takes on a milky blue hue. The beach is accessible only from the sea, although you can admire it from above, walking along the edge of the steep cliffs surrounding it. There are two upstairs observation decks, but there are a lot of people who want to get here, and you often have to stand in line. Tourists from all over the island are brought to the beach by boats, boats and even large vessels for 200-300 passengers. Only from the pier of the Skinari resort, boats depart to Navagio Bay every quarter of an hour. From the capital you can sail here on a “pirate” sailboat.

By mid-day, the beach begins to become crowded, so it’s better to go to the bay early in the morning, and then, after enjoying a swim and taking great photos, have lunch at a local tavern with Greek cuisine and panoramic views of the bay.

Here you can sometimes see a stunning spectacle - wingsuit fans jump onto the beach from a cliff in wing suits. After half a minute of desperate flight, the BASE jumpers land to thunderous applause from the amazed audience. For extreme sports fans, there is another entertainment: strong ropes hang between the rocks, you can swing on them and get a decent dose of adrenaline.

The two-kilometer long sandy spit of Laganas Beach is a typical holiday destination in Zakynthos. It's crowded here, but there's enough room in the sun for everyone. Excursion boats depart from the pier and are offered at hourly rental boats with motor. In taverns and beach bars you can rent sun loungers (7 €), and there are sports equipment rentals. Music can be heard from everywhere, hotels and restaurants are located nearby.


If you're looking for privacy, walk through the eucalyptus grove and, a kilometer from bustling Laganas, relax on Kalamaki Beach, part of a national reserve. The dense sandy bottom here is flat, and the shallow coastal waters are favored by sea turtles. They can often be spotted underwater.

When the sun rises to its zenith, take a walk to Crystal Beach along the coastal cliffs. Quartz crystals sparkle in the crevices, shining like scatterings of diamonds. There is only one tavern on the deserted shore where you can have an inexpensive and tasty meal. The tavern has a shower and toilet, and a rental point for beach equipment (two sun loungers and an umbrella - 8 €). Canoe rentals are also available here. Planes fly low over the coastline, heading to the airport located a few kilometers to the north. They are so close that you can read the names of the airlines and study world geography from them. By the way, night flights to the island have long been prohibited - the noise of aircraft engines frightens the turtles that crawl out at night to lay eggs in the warm sand.

Daphne Beach

Another secluded beach can be found on the coast of the marine reserve south of Zakynthos town. It's called Daphne. Head there by car, scooter or bike and admire the stunning scenery. True, the path along the winding serpentine mountain road is not easy and even extreme. Your reward will be an incredibly picturesque coastal strip, where olive trees grow right in the sand. The bottom of the beach is flat and the sea is usually calm. There are places where turtles lay eggs; such areas are fenced off with huts, and volunteer guardians are on duty near them. There is a children's playground on the beach and a bar serving drinks and inexpensive fast food in the olive garden. Order any drink (a cup of coffee, lemonade), and take a sunbed for free. There are also taverns where you can have a delicious lunch. Specialties are prepared from freshly caught fish and octopus.

Next door is Gerakos Beach, it is more spacious and accessible, but there are also more vacationers here.

Entertainment

Each resort town of Zakynthos offers tourists its own entertainment program. For example, in Argasi (1 km from Zakynthos) there is one of the most popular nightclubs, “Barrage”. The building with a dance stage and three bars is surrounded by a fragrant garden where olive trees grow mixed with orange and tangerine trees. There is an open music bar in the garden, with tables placed under trees on stone terraces. World-famous DJs are often moderators of the fun here.


The resort town of Laganas is famous for its karting center “Laganas Go-Karts”. There are go-kart racing tracks of varying difficulty here. There are tracks for children and beginners getting behind the wheel for the first time. And if you want to ride a horse and master the basics of equestrian sports, go to Lucky Luke Horse Riding. The Fantasy Mini Golf Club is located nearby. Here your children can learn to play this aristocratic game. For kids there are specially made small clubs and other mini-equipment. It's fun to watch them play. A quieter and more picturesque place for a relaxing family vacation on the island of Zakynthos, probably not. The club's taverns offer a children's menu and delicious non-alcoholic cocktails.

A large amusement park "Caretta Fun Park Center" awaits you in resort town Kalamaki. The park is designed for family fun. There are carousels, water attractions, children's pools, and playgrounds. Children enjoy riding on the miniature train.

One of the favorite entertainments of tourists in Zakynthos is visiting water parks. The prices and operating hours of most of them are approximately the same. The entrance ticket price for adults is from 18 €, for children from 2 to 12 years old – 10 €. Children under two years old are admitted free of charge. If you want to spend just a couple of hours here and save money, come by 14:30, from this hour there is a 50% discount at the box office. Security officers determine the order of descents from extreme rides, preventing collisions in the pools, they will tell you which slides and attractions are suitable for your height, and for children - by age.


Six kilometers west of the town of Tsilivi, in the interior of the island, one of the largest water attraction complexes in Greece, the Water Village water park, was built, its area exceeds 40,000 m². There are many water attractions, extreme giant slides, slides for adults and children, relaxing pools and canals with currents. The park is surrounded by greenery of trees and vines, flowering shrubs.

An excellent water park, Splash Fun Tsilivi Waterpark, is located in the resort town of Planos. There are many extreme pipelines and slides here. After visiting such an attraction, it will be pleasant to relax on a soft inflatable ring in the calm flow of a circular canal lined with juniper and roses. Here, for a fee, you can visit the fish pool for peeling. A 20-minute session will cost 8 €. During this time, the hardworking “cosmetologist fish” just manage to gently gnaw off the rough skin on the feet.

Excursions

For a general acquaintance with the beauties of the island, in the very first days of your vacation, go on the “Daily cruise”. Such an educational journey is offered to tourists everywhere. By boat you will go around Zakynthos in one day and get a complete picture of it. If you wish, book a sightseeing tour by taxi with a guide (40 €/hour). Jeep tours are also offered to see the sights of the island and visit its most inaccessible corners.


One of the most popular excursions among tourists is a boat trip to the Blue Grottoes. It usually takes 5 hours and costs from 25 €. Pleasure boats are often accompanied by dolphins, which every now and then jump out of the waves and invariably cause delight among passengers. The Blue Grottoes are one of the most wonderful places in the northern part of the island, they are created by the surf at the very tip of Cape Skinari, made of white limestone. Like the buttresses of a stone cathedral, the arches of the grottoes support the sheer cliff.

Local residents will tell you that in those days when the Olympian gods ruled the world, beautiful Nereids lived in the Blue Caves. A little imagination - and you will imagine how they dance against the backdrop of magical stone arches. During the day, the Blue Caves are grandiose, and at sunset and early dawn they look absolutely fantastic. The water there is truly turquoise. The unusual color is created by the sun's rays, refracted in microscopic particles of minerals that mix with sea water from bottom sources. After swimming in the grottoes, you will feel how the healing water has refreshed your skin.

If the sea is not stormy, tourists are given the opportunity to swim and explore the grottoes from the inside. In stormy weather the ship does not approach the shore. But you will see a miracle that “doesn’t work” in calm weather. Among the arches there is a narrow, invisible gap. When a breaking wave hits the rock with force, a high fountain emerges from the gap.

It is also interesting to go on a trip to Navagio Bay with several stops at the most beautiful beaches of the island. Cost – from 35 €. There are other routes to choose from, including to the neighboring island of Kafalonia.


Fans of individual water travel can be advised to rent a boat in the village of Limni Keri. Unlike many other rental places, boats here are rented not hourly, but for the whole day. It’s easy to find your way around the sea; the boats are equipped with GPS systems. At the beginning and end of the season, a four-seater motor boat will cost 60 €; during the peak season (July-August) the cost of renting a motor boat increases to 80-90 €. There are also larger boats available here, designed for 6 passengers. The cost of their rental is 120-150 €. Please note that the rental price does not include fuel. So filling the tank with gasoline is up to you.


When traveling around the island, be sure to visit the Zakynthos National Marine Park. It is located on the coast of Laganas Bay, south of the island capital. The protected park occupies almost the entire water area of ​​the bay and includes the islands of Peluso and Marathonisi. The warm waters of the bay are home to Monachus seals and many rare representatives of the Mediterranean ichthyofauna. But the main wards of the park staff are the Mediterranean turtles Caretta-caretta. The park was established in 1999; since then, ecologists have managed to significantly increase the population of these ancient animals, which were on the verge of extinction. From May to August, sea turtles lay leathery eggs on the beaches. There are volunteer patrols in the park; they fence off the nests and guard them until the hatched turtles go to sea. Such places can be found in other parts of the island. Pristine nature reigns on the beaches chosen by turtles for procreation. Fishing is prohibited there; motorboats with water skis and banana boats, scooters and others are often missing water activities, noisy sports games are not welcome. However, other beach infrastructure is available - parking lots, sun loungers, umbrellas, toilets, taverns.

Nature lovers should also visit the Natural History Museum of Zakynthos, which displays all the island's flora and fauna. The Askos Stone Park is also interesting, where plants and animals from all over the world are collected. Guides claim that there are no analogues to it in Greece.

Historical landmarks


In the small mountain village of Echo Chora, located 25 km west of the island's capital, grows one of the oldest trees in the world - a giant olive, whose age exceeds 2000 years. When Jesus Christ preached in Jerusalem, this olive tree was already two hundred years old. Amazingly, the tree, as if nothing had happened, bears fruit every year. This is a must stop for tourist buses. Near the ancient olive tree, have lunch in a family tavern, try the signature roast rabbit, taste the stifado and wash down the delicious food with homemade wine. Portions are huge, prices are low. Souvenirs are also sold here.

Far from the bustle of the resort, on the top of Mount Skopos (492 m above the sea), is the abandoned medieval monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa. You can get to this attraction by rented car or taxi, or as part of a bus tour. Trained tourists come here on mountain bikes. You need to drive from the town of Argassi to the south, towards Vasilikos. After 2 km, behind the old stone bridge, follow the sign to turn right, then a three-kilometer climb awaits you along a steep mountain road. Public transport does not go to the monastery. If you arrive on your own, ask the friendly caretaker (who is also the owner of the bar at the entrance) to open the temple to examine the medieval frescoes of Byzantine writing. One of them - the image of the Mother of God - is considered miraculous. Nearby are the ruins of a destroyed church and a standing bell tower. The mountain offers wonderful views of the city of Zakynthos and the expanses of the Ionian Sea. In the west you can see the island of Kefalonia, and in the east - the Peloponnese. The caretaker does not charge any money for entry, but will be grateful to you for a small donation, and also for purchasing a glass of orange juice with ice or a cup of frappe (1.5 €) in her cafe, which she prepares excellently.

On the way back to the coast, check out the dilapidated Byzantine Church of St. Nicholas (there is a sign). Restoration work is currently underway here.

Particular peace reigns in the quiet monastery of Anaphonitria, built in the 15th century. This is the oldest active monastery in Zakynthos. Surprisingly, the earthquakes hardly touched the stone buildings of the monastery - probably because Saint Dionysius once lived here. When visiting the monastery, pay attention to the icons of the 13th-16th centuries hanging on the walls in the twilight of the small church. Photographing them is not allowed. In the courtyard, several nuns sell candles, crosses, homemade rosaries made from multi-colored stones, and blessed icons. Goats graze serenely nearby, and well-fed cats bask on the rocks. At 13:30, tourist access to the monastery is closed. There is a tavern nearby that serves wonderful monastery-style veal with red sauce and excellent wine quite inexpensively.

Purchases

Throughout the summer season, the markets of Zakynthos are overflowing with fresh fruits and vegetables, delicious cheeses, olives, and seafood. Don't miss the opportunity to taste healthy and tasty local dishes, some of which you may well take home as souvenirs.

There are specialized souvenir and delicacy shops on the island for tourists. Here your purchases will be packed in colorful and easy-to-transport tin boxes. A couple of bottles filled with Zakynthos olive oil or local wine and a circle of sheep’s cheese will fit here.

Here you can also purchase works by local craftsmen: decorative masks, painted ceramic dishes, clay crafts, original jewelry with semi-precious stones, paintings, embroidered tablecloths.

Handmade products are also sold in shops at art studios, which are located in every resort village on the island.

There are many clothing stores in Zankif where you can buy light, beautiful summer clothes made from natural fabrics and shoes. Locally produced perfumes, created using exclusively natural ingredients, are also popular.

Kitchen

The gastronomic world of Zakynthos is incredibly diverse and offers guests of the island both simple, hearty food and the most exquisite delicacies of Mediterranean cuisine. The grandees of the local cuisine are olive oil, tomatoes, lemons, garlic and Ladotiri sheep cheese. Another popular local cheese is “myzithra”. It can be salty and bland, and is usually served with honey or sugar. In Zakynthos, homemade bread and sweets are very tasty, which invariably contain honey and almonds.

The signature island dishes are “sartsa” and “skordostubi”. The first is made with beef, tomatoes and cheese, and the second is a delicious mix of eggplant, tomatoes and garlic, generously seasoned with olive oil.


The island's traditional restaurant establishments are family taverns. The best of them are in the mountains. Here you can spend more than one hour, first watching how local cooks collect vegetables and fruits from which your dish will be created, and then slowly enjoying the taste of the freshest aromatic food. A hearty lunch or dinner (meat or fish dish, salad, cheese, fresh juice or beer) will cost from 20 € per person.

Fish restaurants are no less popular in Zakynthos, where they excellently prepare dishes from perch, tuna, shrimp, crabs and other generous seafood. Three-course meal accompanied by dry wine – from 30 € per person.

There are dozens of restaurants serving international cuisine on the island. Many of them offer excellent dishes for vegetarians.

Where to stay

Most of the hotels in Zakynthos are located on its eastern coast, where the busy resort villages are located. The most popular categories among tourists are 3-4 “stars”. In such hotels located on the first coastline, the cost of a double room ranges from 110 to 340 € per day. Accommodation in an apartment or in one of the two- to three-star hotels located on the second and third lines will cost from 30 to 100 €.


You can also stay in a five-star hotel in Zankif. There are relatively few such hotels on the island, but each one has health centers and spas. The rooms themselves are often equipped with private hot tubs, which, of course, increases the price of accommodation. For family holidays, luxury hotels provide separate villa-cottages. Depending on the location, the number of services provided and the comfort of the room, the cost of living in such hotels starts from 150 € per day and can reach exorbitant levels.

On the quieter southwest coast of the island, prices for accommodation are significantly lower. For example, renting an apartment (a modest but cozy 2-bed studio room) can easily cost 20 € per day.

All inclusive on Zankif is not very widespread yet, but you can find interesting and inexpensive options.

Transport

If you are not met by hotel transport, then from Dionysios Solomos Airport, located 4 km from the capital of Zakynthos, you can only get to your destination by taxi. Taxis on the island are painted in a single color - metallic silver. Prices for trips are posted in the parking lot. For four passengers with luggage, a trip from the airport to the city of Zakynthos will cost 13 €, to Agios Nikolaos – 42 €. There are taxi ranks in all tourist centers. You can also call a taxi by mobile phone.

Public transport in Zakynthos is well developed, and the roads meet European safety standards. The capital is connected by bus to all the cities of the island and attractions scattered throughout its territory. The fare ranges from 1.6 to 3.1 €. However, if you're not used to it, it's not easy to understand bus schedules. Some villages have several flights a day, others two or three a week. Mark on the map the places you want to visit on your own and consult with the guides of the host travel agency. They will tell you the bus route numbers, departure and arrival stations. It is also possible to purchase excursion trips on comfortable buses.


If you have a free spirit, rent a car. You can rent a car directly at Zakynthos airport or in the city. International car rental companies Hertz, Avis, Europcar and others are represented here. In large hotels you can fill out documents for renting a car at the reception. A European driving license is officially required. But they won’t refuse you if your driver’s license is national. You will also need a passport and a credit card. Please note that in Greece there is an age limit for driving. If you are under 21 years old, you will not be given a car. The same applies to travelers over 70 years of age. Another nuance that complicates movement around the island is that road signs are written in Greek; very rarely they are accompanied by duplicate English text. So choose a car with GPS.

Rental cost is 28-40 €/day, depending on the class of car. An all-wheel drive SUV would be ideal for the mountain roads of the island. Be careful while driving: on city streets and highways there are many careless tourists on bicycles, enthusiastically looking around the surroundings, and young people on nimble scooters.

Renting a scooter will cost 10-12 €/day, renting a bicycle – 3-5 €/day.

How to get there

Weekly charter flights to the island of Zakynthos are organized from May to October from Moscow (3 hours 25 minutes) and St. Petersburg (4 hours). In summer, tour operators offer flights to Zakynthos to tourists from Kazan, Rostov-on-Don, Chelyabinsk, Yekaterinburg, Kaliningrad and other cities.

But at any time of the year you can get to the resort island with transfers: take a direct flight from Moscow to Athens, and then take a regular domestic flight Athens - Zakynthos (from 50 €, flight lasts 45 minutes). There are other options. For example, you can travel from Athens by bus or train to the port of Kyllini, located on the Peloponnese peninsula. From there, sea ferries run to Zakynthos.

Greece. Ionian Sea and archipelago. The southernmost of its seven islands is Zakynthos (Zakynthos), with an area of ​​407 km2, located 300 km from Athens. The capital of the island is Zakynthos (Zante). The name comes from the name of the son of the Phrygian king Dardan. The Smaragd Sea, snow-white beaches, mountains covered with pine forests. Two mountain ranges separated by a valley. Homer called him "Iliesa" - Forest. Venetians – “Flower of the Levant”. Coastline The 123 km long island is heavily indented. The eastern territories are sandy “beach” plains. Western - rocky coast. Highest point Vrahionas town (756 m). Mild Mediterranean climate. There are more than 300 sunny days a year.

More than 7.5 thousand species of plants have taken root in Zakynthos. The honey produced here is considered the best in Greece.
Caretta-caretta sea turtles have chosen Lagana Bay for laying eggs and producing offspring. Since 1999 this national park. It consists of 14 km of beaches and dunes framed by lush greenery and pine groves. Rare iguanas, porcupines, Monachus harbor seals, dolphins and seabirds are permanent inhabitants of the marine park-reserve.

Among the natural attractions of Zakynthos, the Blue Caves with the Azure Grotto are unique. They are located on Cape Skinari. The grotto is rock arches “going” into the sea, a play of blue-silver reflections of the sun’s rays reflected in the water. The symbols of Zakynthos are the queen of coves and Navagio beach and the vertical rock, depicted on all postcards and calendars. Mycenaean burials were found in the village of Kampi. And the 400-meter abysses of Schiza and Foki here are a unique natural creation.
Historical monuments islands: the old part of the capital Zakynthos: St. Brand; Churches of St. Nicholas, St. George; a collection of icons, frescoes and fragments of carved wooden altars (XII-XIII centuries) in the exhibition of the Byzantine Museum, the belfry of the Church of St. Dionysius - the patron saint of the island. The ocher-colored buildings with Venetian porticoes are interesting. The once powerful Venetian fortress (XVII century) rises on the mountain. The gates and outer walls of the bastion have been preserved. The Venetian tower and ancient churches with preserved frescoes (XII-XIII centuries) of the town of Volimes are noteworthy.
Zakynthos is also known for its cultural traditions as a venue for music and folklore festivals.
The main resorts of Zakynthos: Argasi, 4 km from the capital - a large green valley with an endless beach and azure waters. Laganas - 10 km from Zakynthos - is a significant island tourism center. Alykes is a mecca for lovers of water sports. Porto Zoro, Agios Nikolaos, Vasilikos. Shallow water and coastline of Tsilivis beach. It's good to relax here with children. Alykes is an element for windsurfing.
You can get to Zakynthos by plane from Athens, or by charter from Europe. By bus from Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras to Kyllini and then by ferry.

Detailed map of Zakynthos in Russian. Satellite map Zakynthos in Greece. Where is the city of Zakynthos on the map:

Study the schematic map or switch to the satellite map in the lower left corner. Schematic map– city plan with street names and house numbers in Russian. The schematic map shows attractions and tourist sites, the location of train stations, shops, restaurants and shopping centers, map highways cities. Satellite map will allow you to view satellite photographs of the city thanks to images from the Google Maps service.

You can zoom in on the online map, scaling it to streets and house numbers. To change the scale, use the “+” (zoom in) and “-” (zoom out) icons located in the lower right corner of the map. You can also zoom in or out on the map using the mouse wheel. The left mouse button zooms in on the map, the right mouse button zooms out. You can move it with the mouse interactive map in all directions by using the left mouse button to grab any place on the map.

Interactive map is a very convenient and modern guide for exploring the city, its districts and attractions, hotels, places of recreation and entertainment. The online map on the website can become an indispensable assistant for you in your independent travel. Interactive map provided by Google Maps.