Attractions of Zakyntos

Zakynthos is the southernmost island of the Ionian Islands. The island attracts its beautiful nature, clean beaches, the spirit of Greek history and culture and good local traditions.It is one of the islands that was not under Turkish rule, and in the culture of the local towns you can feel the love for the preserved freedom.

Venice was a major influence on the island, which can be seen in the architecture and the local musical tradition. The spirit of the island is very musical, music is honored and loved here, and since 2008 there have been major international music festivals.

The beautiful nature of the island is carefully protected, so there is no air polluting industries.

The island has a number of unique attractions, including historical, cultural and natural sites.

Anafonitria Monastery

Anafonitria Monastery impresses its quiet atmosphere and mysterious spirit of old legends. "Anafonitria" means "screaming" in Greece. The legend says that once, in the 15th century, a local resident found an unusual icon of the Mother of God in the rocks, from which emanated an extraordinary light, as if the icon "screamed" with divine light. At the site of the discovery, the locals built first a chapel and then a monastery.

It was here that St. Dionysius, who is considered the patron saint of the island, lived. The tower of the monastery, which was built as a defensive structure, is now used as a bell tower. Now the monastery is a church parish for local residents. This unusual place, with its flower pots in the stone walls, peace and cats resting in the sun, will be remembered for its grateful tranquility.

Venetian Fortress

This fortress was built by the Venetians in the 17th century. It is located 3 kilometers from the city of Zakynthos.

At the gate of the fortress a Venetian "Lion of St. Mark" meets travelers. The fortress has been affected by battles and devastating earthquakes, so it is mostly in ruins, a reminder of the island's rich past.

However, some parts of the fortress have survived: the prisons, warehouses, and part of the sewers. The walls of the gunpowder warehouse are even "decorated" with inscriptions scratched during the British presence of the beginning of the XIX century. From the top of the fortress there is a beautiful view.

Byzantine Museum

This museum holds the richest collection of Christian, Orthodox relics of Greece.

Paintings are represented by icons from Byzantine times and carved iconostases. Here you can also see sculptures and other works of Hellenic and Byzantine art.

There are also pictures and models of what the city looked like before the earthquake that changed it forever.

The museum is located on the south side of the main square of the city, Solomos Square, one of the most important attractions of Zakynthos. In addition to the permanent exhibition, the museum holds lectures and cultural events.

The Byzantine Museum is open every day from 08:30 am to 15:00 pm. The day off is Monday.

Blue Caves

The Blue Caves are a number of amazing grottos and arches formed above the water by rocks. Sunlight, refracting and mirroring in the water, gives these caves extraordinary view.

The caves are located at Cape Skinari, on the north of the island, and can be reached only by sea. The best time to admire the play of sunlight in the blue caves is at dawn or at sunset, when the sun leaves a beautiful soft light on the water.

Shipwreck Beach

The cove where the beach is located is often called the most beautiful cove on Earth.

The bay's picturesque cliffs and clear, emerald water, combined with the grounded ships, make you feel as if you've stepped inside a postcard.

While you' re on the beach, you can see a shipwreck belonging to the smugglers. It was brought ashore by the sea during a big storm in 1982.

Askos Stone Park

Askos is a large nature reserve in the north of the island. It has many species of trees, both wild and artificially planted. There are rare animals, birds, reptiles. In the small zoo, visitors are given the opportunity to interact with the animals, such as trying to imagine themselves as the owner of a cow and learning how to milk a cow. The place is good for family time. There are also old stone buildings: paths, pools e.t.c. Park is called "stone" because of this unique exhibit.

Tourist train

On the train you can explore the capital of the island, see all the main attractions and listen to the history of the island. It costs only 5 euros for adults and 3 euros for children.

Zante Water Village

It is a large water park on the south-eastern part of the island, located four kilometers from the town of Zakynthos. Here you can find big slides and a variety of attractions, places to relax, areas for very young children.