Zakynthos Visit Essentials - Must Do's

Summer edition. Essential 6 things to experience while visiting.

We get it. Greek island hopping is meant to be quick. Jump over, see the best the island has to offer and skip over to the next beautiful island and enjoy,

The essentials offers 6 things you obviously can't leave without seeing. Based on what we love to do and return to see again and again.

Mizithres

Travel here by boat and set anchor. Step 'ashore' for a moment and experience the bluest blues close up. You can opt for an arranged tour, but we think that renting your own little mini boat (no license required) is definitely the way to go. Explore the shore leading up to this slice of heaven, a magical way to spend 2 or 3 hours.

Leave the bay of Keri for a quick ride to Mizithres and enjoy everything you'll see on the way.

Mini Boat: for up to 8 passengers around 100 euros for 2 hours (+/-). We love to spend the last few hours of the day exploring this part of the island. It seems to us that the water has less 'traffic'. And with traffic comes waves, so we like to avoid that rush as much as possible.

Just a matter of preference.

Marathonisi (Turtle Island)

Again, you can opt into an organized tour but the mini boat is the way to go here! It's a fast 12 minute ride from Agios Sostis, where you can go around the islet, anchor, explore, and detour past Cameo Island on your way back. You are almost guaranteed to see a Loggerhead turtle around here, they are native to the waters and the main reason there aren't large tour boats operating. A great way to spend a few hours.

It's also fun to have lunch on the bay of Laganas. It gets a bad reputation for late night parties. And we won't pretend that after dark wouldn't make your jaw drop. The average age is well, questionably young. But daytime hours offer some great people watching, food and music if you know where to go. Home to one of our favourite beach bars on the island, Cool Peppers. They have free parking for their patrons. Music is good but at a decent volume we always appreciate, and the food (American fare) is always delicious.

Navagio (Shipwreck)

The image you'll find on Greek postcards worldwide. This busy little beach is only accessible by boat. Huge limestone cliffs tower above, so you have the option to get there by boat, or drive to the north western tip of the island and step onto the viewing platform to get a bird eyes view. If you opt to drive, there's a few great spots to make sure to see if you choose to explore that part of the island by car!

Porto Limionas

A beautiful slice of heaven. Something special. The water is crystal clear and so fresh. The view, breathtaking! Some adventure for sure. Not so much a beach as it is a cliff/platform you jump off, but worth the trip over for sure. The food at the only tavern you'll find here is excellent and absolutely worth it.

Come early for parking and chairs! It gets very busy as the day goes on!

Zakynthos Town

We have to always mention the 'hora' because you absolutely must visit town while you are on the island. Other than the shopping, which we love, you'll find some of the very best restaurants! No matter your preference... fine dining or authentic delicious tavern, it's here at the heart of the island.

We have a hard time choosing favourites, but if you are looking for a more refined meal, don't hesitate to go to Madisons or Manoo. Alesta in the square had declicious pizza (and my favorite chicken plate), Varkoula on the port has authentic greek food with live singers, and San Marco Cafe has a great burger.

We tend to have less authentic meals when we are in town (with Varkoula being the exception). Reservations are important, because everyone else also knows these are the best too!)

If you are looking for just a pick up snack during the day, then please do yourself a favour and go to 'Tzante' counter on the main shopping road and enjoy the best cheese and spinach pie you'll ever taste. Thank us later!

Beach Day, Vasilikos

It's an island after all. And spending an afternoon frolicking in the sun is basically the whole point. This one checks off a few great things. Cute photo opportunity at the chapel a short walk from the beach. The best water sports on the island right next door, and one of our most favourite beachfronts on the island, Ammos Beach Bar, St Nicholas Beach.

It'll be a great day.

Ammos has the best showers on the island. Refresh yourselves, or rinse off the salt before heading home. Whatever you do, do not leave without experiencing it. It's the icing on the cake!

As always, we can't wait for you to love this island as much as we do! Don't hesitate to send us any questions. We take our planning very seriously, and look forward to experiencing this islands magic every year.