Zakynthos Island (Greece) is a magical corner of beautiful dreams. Hundreds of poets and writers have praised this island, gifted with the beauty of untouched nature, a variety of rich colors and conditions for a comfortable holiday. It smells of pine needles, you can feel the aromas of exotic flowers, citrus and grapes.
Luxurious flower of the Mediterranean
The island of Zakynthos, or Zakynthos as it is commonly called in Greece, is part of the Ionian Islands. It is located 30 km west of the mainland of Greece and is the third largest among all the islands of its group. It will not be difficult for tourists to get to the mainland if they wish. The capital city, by the way, is also called Zakynthos. It is very convenient – no one will get confused when planning a vacation, because Zakynthos and Zakynthos are essentially the same thing.
The total area of Zakynthos is 407 sq. km. The length of the coastline is 123 km. The population is about 39,000 people. Quite modest sizes do not prevent this island from developing in the tourist direction, because the nature here is truly beautiful, small villages are very colorful and attractive, and sandy beaches are very convenient and beautiful.
Features of Zakynthos
The Greek island of Zakynthos was called the “flower of the Levant” or “flower of the Mediterranean East” in ancient times. These names were given to it by the Venetians, who appreciated all its beauty back in the 15th century. The island not only inspires musicians, artists and writers, but also attracts numerous tourists with its amazing beaches, clear turquoise sea, and unusual sights. The greatest flowering of culture on this Greek island occurred during the reign of the Venetians.
According to legend, Zakynthos charmed even the Greek gods with its beauty. Apollo and Artemis were the ones who admired it the most. That is probably why the natives have especially revered this couple since ancient times. In the immortal poetry of Homer, Zakynthos is also described as “paradise, drowning in emerald forests.”
At the beginning of summer, people come to Zakynthos to see one interesting event. The impressively sized loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta lay eggs in the sand in the summer. 55 days after laying, new individuals hatch from the eggs and head en masse to the sea. The process is monitored by specialists, because only 1-2 turtles are able to reach the water on their own. This event also arouses great interest. Caretta caretta turtles reach up to 1 m in length.
The island of Zakynthos, or Zakynthos, is unique in that nature has been preserved almost in its original form. Greenery is lush everywhere, numerous flowers bloom and spread their honey aromas all year round. There are no aggressive industrial facilities here, so harmful substances do not pollute the atmosphere, water and land. The activities of small factories producing olive oil and wine are strictly regulated by environmental standards and do not harm the environment.
Photos of tourists returning from the island of Zakynthos in Greece are literally full of images of folklore and music festivals. This place honors cultural traditions, so you can come across many authentic paintings and local architecture. In the colorful taverns on the seashore you can try the most delicious Mediterranean dishes.
What to see and where to have fun?
The most important thing for travelers and vacationers who come to Zakynthos from different corners of the planet is the nature of the island: picturesque beaches, natural grottoes, dense greenery and truly beautiful panoramic views. It is a pity that most of the historical monuments have not survived. But the island’s population tries to protect everything that remains. And there is really something to see!Blue
Caves of Keri in Zakynthos
In the north of Zakynthos, you can take beautiful photos if you decide to visit the unique blue caves. Admire the numerous picturesque grottoes, stone arches and crystal clear blue water. The originality of this natural attraction is added by the fact that you can only get to the caves by boat. The most visited and famous blue cave is located on Cape Skinari. Artists, professional photographers and directors love to work in it.
By the way, the water in the snow-white grottoes is saturated with calcium and other minerals. Therefore, washing with such water has a beneficial effect on the skin. The depth of these waters reaches four meters. Due to the sufficiently large depth, you can dive here with a mask and admire the corals to your heart’s content.
In the northwest of Zakynthos is the famous Navagio Bay. This is a very beautiful beach, surrounded on all sides by high white limestone cliffs. People looking for a thrill on holiday like to jump from the cliffs with a parachute. Read more about Navagio Bay and other beaches of Zakynthos .
Church of St. Dionysius
On the city embankment of Zakynthos there is a temple with an impressive bell tower, which can be seen from afar. This is the Church of St. Dionysios, named after a priest with a difficult fate, who, despite human malice, earned great respect and love from the islanders. His relics are kept in the chapel at the church.
The entrance to the temple is decorated with complex mosaics, the basis of which is a noble golden color. Inside the temple, you can see icons painted by famous Greek masters. Multicolored stained glass windows act as windows, and the walls of the church are richly painted.
By the way, another outstanding islander was named after the priest. For the Greeks, Zakynthos is not just beautiful beaches and pristine forests. First of all, it is the birthplace of a revered person, a great poet, the author of the national anthem – Dionysios Solomos. His monument is located in the main square of the capital.
Water Village Water Park
If you want to spend time in Zakynthos not only usefully, but also cheerfully, then you should definitely visit the water park. There are three of them on the island, but the most famous and largest is “Water Village”. It is located in the village of Sarakinado, 6 km from the capital of Zakynthos. There are slides of different levels for children and adults, a huge number of pools and various water activities. In several cafes and bars located right on the territory of the water park, you can have a snack or refresh yourself with a cocktail.
- Ticket price: 20 EUR for adults and 15 EUR for children, for half a day (after 14:30) 15 and 10 EUR respectively.
- Opening hours: in May-June and September-October – from 10:00 to 17:00, in July – from 10:00 to 17:30, in August from 10:00 to 18:00.
- Official website of the park: https://zantewatervillage.gr
10 Stunning Beaches on Zakynthos Island You Can’t Miss
Marine Reserve
In 1999, a nature reserve was founded on the island. It is located on several beaches and 2 small islands. This is a miniature example of the Mediterranean ecosystem. It will be very interesting for both children and adults. Everyone can see iguanas, porcupines, dolphins, rare turtles, unique seals and many other inhabitants of the sea.
Askos Stone Park
In addition to the sea, there is also the Askos stone reserve. The limited territory of the park contains many rare species of animals and plants. Among the hundreds of inhabitants of the animal world, it is worth noting peacocks, raccoons, deer, donkeys and ponies, as well as wild boars.
Children will definitely be delighted with a walk around Askos. The park staff allow you to feed some animals with food that they themselves give. The entrance fee is €9.50.
The Stone Park is located 30 km from the town of Zakynthos and only 3 km from the Blue Caves.
Transfiguration Monastery on Strofady
The monastery was built back in 1241 on one of the islands near Zakynthos. In the 15th century, the monastery building was rebuilt, and it began to look like a castle or a medieval fortress. Such a structure served as an excellent shelter for monks from pirates. The central temple is built in the form of a tower. It was here that Saint Dionysius served as a simple monk for some time. As a result of an earthquake, the monastery was badly damaged, but they tried to restore it, restoring its original appearance. Nowadays, the monastery is active, 60 monks live in it.
Weather on the island
Zakynthos attracts vacationers and tourists with its mild Mediterranean climate. It is not cold at all in winter, and there is no scorching heat in summer. In winter, the land is generously watered with rain. Such weather conditions favor the formation of rich vegetation and the constant accumulation of fresh water. In the summer season, from early May to October, there is practically no rain. A constant fresh breeze from the sea helps to soften the heat in July and August.
The air and sea water weather by month in Zakynthos is shown on the graphs.
Average summer temperature: +24…+30°С. Seasoned tourists believe that the best period for a holiday in Zakynthos is June-October. It is not cold here at other times either, but the sea does not warm up enough. If a beach holiday is not essential for you, then excursions and entertainment tours are held on the island all year round.
Zakynthos Island, Greece – this is an educational and harmonious holiday in an ecologically clean area with pristine nature.
