Travel Guide Zakynthos

If you love sun, sea, and nature, then Zakynthos is the perfect vacation destination. This Greek island is located in the Ionian Sea, which has clear blue water and a reasonable temperature for swimming and to enjoy water activities. Additionally, it has a beautiful green natural area, which unfortunately is due to the rain that falls on average in Zakynthos. However, this is only a few millimeters per month, so it certainly won't ruin your vacation. Zakynthos has a lot to offer both on and off the water, as well as in the beautiful natural area.

ACTIVITIES TO DO IN ZAKYNTHOS

Turtle Boat Trip at Marathonisi and Keri Peninsula

One of the most popular activities in Zakynthos is taking a boat trip to spot turtles. The islans is the breeding ground of the Caretta turtle, which is an endangered species. The turtle boat trip usually starts from Laganas beach or Zakynthos town like ours. The boat then sails to Marathonisi, also known as Turtle Island. The environment here is beautiful, with clear blue water and you have the opportunity to swim and/or snorkel around. With luck, turtles will also be present here, but at our tour it was so busy with all the tourist boats that they have probably swam away. Below are some pictures of the beautiful Marathonisi:

After exploring Marathonisi, the boat continues to the Keri Peninsula where you can see some of the most beautiful scenery along the coastline of Zakynthos. The peninsula offers a breathtaking view of the Ionian Sea and the various caves and cliffs along it.

The captain communicates with other captains who keep an eye out for the turtles. If they are spotted somewhere, the boats go there in turns. Because the turtles are a protected species, they are protected by rules and laws. Therefore, the boats are not allowed to get too close and it cannot be too crowded. As they naturally live in the wild, the chance of seeing them is not 100% sure, but there is a good chance that at least one will be found somewhere.

You can choose to do the boat trip in the morning, afternoon or during sunset in the evening. This excursion can be booked at many hotels, your tour guide or at various places around your hotel.

Our boat trip ended at the fishing village of KeriKoel. Here you can sunbathe on the beach or walk around the village for shops, souvenirs or something delicious to eat. If you're not done seeing turtles yet, you could go to Cameo Island from here via a footbridge. This is a very small island where turtles are often spotted. Here too, you can enjoy walking around or enjoying the environment. Entrance to Cameo Island is 5 euros per person. Please note that the island is not always accessible, sometimes it is rented for weddings and the island cannot be entered.

If you love animals and nature, then a turtle boat trip in Marathonisi and Keri Peninsula is the perfect activity for you. It is a unique experience that you should not miss during your vacation in Zakynthos.

Tip: Do you really like water activity, but are you seasick? You can buy pills at any pharmacy in the Netherlands (and probably everywhere) to take against this. This way, you too can enjoy this unique experience in this beautiful landscape.

Blue Caves

One of the wonderful sights of Zakynthos are the Blue Caves. This is a network of rocky caves that are located on the north coast of Zakynthos overlooking the Ionian Sea. The caves owe their name to the clear blue water in Zakynthos, even in the caves. Due to the reflection of the sun on the water surface and the white limestone walls of the caves, it appears as if the water is emitting light. This is really beautiful to see.

To reach the Blue Caves, you can take a boat trip from the port of Agios Nikolaos or from the port of Skinari. During the boat trip, you can enjoy the beautiful view of the coastline of Zakynthos and the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea. You can rent a boat yourself or join an organized boat trip. We booked this tour through our tour guide, so we were picked up and dropped off at our hotel. Because our hotel was very remote, we found it too much of a hassle to find the way ourselves, so this was much easier and saved a lot of research on the route and renting a car or scooter.

Once you arrive at the Blue Caves, there is the possibility to swim in the crystal clear water or to snorkel to explore the underwater world. It is a unique experience to swim in a brightly lit cave.

The Blue Caves are an absolute must-visit for anyone visiting Zakynthos. It is definitely worth seeing this beautiful natural phenomenon when you visit Zakynthos.

A recap of when I visited the Blue Caves can be found on my social media:

Link to TikTok                  Link to Instagram

Snorkeling

Zakynthos is known for its crystal clear waters and is therefore a perfect place to snorkel. There are countless places where you can enjoy the underwater world of the island. From colorful fish and other animals to beautiful coral reefs, you will be amazed by the beauty of the sea around Zakynthos.

In short, snorkeling is a great way to discover the underwater world of Zakynthos. Whether you are an experienced snorkeler or have never snorkeled before, this is for everyone. Snorkeling is possible at all beaches where you can safely enter the water and during various boat trips, there is also an opportunity to snorkel. There are also special snorkeling or diving courses that you can follow. Our holiday company made this possible, but there are also several places where you can book such activities. At our hotel, there was an activities bureau at least every 10 meters. Snorkeling equipment can also be purchased on the island itself, but it is always recommended to bring your own. For tourists, it is naturally more expensive, so bringing it from home can save quite a bit of money.

Porto Schiza

Porto Schiza is a beautiful bay located on a cliff on the west coast of the Greek island of Zakynthos. From the top of the cliffs, you have a fantastic view of the bay and the surrounding hills. The restaurant located on the cliff Porto Schiza Sunset, is definitely recommended to enjoy a beautiful view and also have a tasty bite to eat. It is also possible to walk along the cliffs and enjoy the view of the bay from different angles. The sun sets on this side of the island, so if you are there at the right time, you will also have a beautiful sunset during dinner or walking. We went in the afternoon ourselves, but even then the view is still breathtaking.

Curious to see this vieuw? You can already take a look at de Prto Schiza vieuw on my social media:

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Aristeon Ecological Olive Press

Zakynthos is known for its olive oil, and a visit to the Aristeon Ecological Olive Press is recommended for those interested in the production of this oil. Here you can see how the olives are harvested and processed into olive oil.

Aristeon Ecological Olive Press is a beautiful company located on the picturesque island of Zakynthos. The company is known for its high-quality olive oil of the highest quality and is produced using environmentally friendly methods. For example, the company uses only renewable energy to power the production process, making the company one of the most sustainable olive oil producers in the world.

The production process of the olive oil begins with the careful selection of the best olives. These olives are then carefully picked and processed within a few hours after harvesting to ensure the highest possible quality. The olives are washed and pressed to obtain the delicious olive oil that is so beloved by so many people all over the world.

In addition to the production of olive oil, Aristeon Ecological Olive Press also offers tours for visitors. During these tours, visitors can see the production process up close and learn more about the history and culture of olive oil production on Zakynthos. In addition to the tour they offer, you can also buy this fresh olive oil in different flavors such as lemon, garlic or pepper.

In short, Aristeon Ecological Olive Press is a great company that produces high-quality olive oil using environmentally friendly methods. The company is a pioneer in sustainable olive oil production and is a must-see for anyone interested in delicious olive oil and sustainable production.

Anafonitria Monastery

The Anafonitria Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Zakynthos. It was built in the 14th century and is an important religious center on the island. The monastery houses some beautiful icons and frescoes and is a must-see for history lovers.

The monastery is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is considered one of the most important religious sites on the island. Built on a hill, the monastery offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the sea.

The monastery was founded in the 14th century by monks who were fleeing from the Turks. It was named after the holy Anafonitria, who was the patron saint of the monks who founded the monastery. The monastery was later renovated and expanded in the 16th century.

One of the most important features of the Anafonitria Monastery is the beautiful Byzantine chapel located inside the monastery. The chapel is decorated with 16th century murals and has a very impressive interior. There is also a museum in the monastery that contains a collection of religious artifacts, including icons and ancient manuscripts.

The monastery played an important role in the history of Zakynthos and was a refuge for people fleeing wars and persecution. Today, the Anafonitria Monastery is an important tourist attraction and a popular destination for pilgrims.

Daily services are still held in the monastery and visitors are welcome to participate in the prayers. The monastery is a beautiful place to visit if you are interested in the history of Zakynthos and the religious culture of Greece.

Bochali Viewpoint

The Bochali Viewpoint offers a stunning view over the entire city of Zakynthos and the surrounding hills. It offers breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea and the surrounding mountains. It is easily accessible via a winding road or a walk through the forest.

Once you arrive at the viewpoint, you will be amazed by the view. The sea stretches as far as the eye can see and the mountains are covered in green. It is a great place to enjoy the sunset or just relax and take in the view.

In addition to the view, Bochali also offers a number of restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy a snack or a drink while overlooking the sea. It is a popular spot among tourists and locals.

If you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature, then Bochali is definitely worth a visit.

Curious about my recap of my visit to Zakynthos? Check out my video on social media:

Link to TikTok                  Link to Instagram