Villa Koukla

Porto Koukla is small and peaceful with a few mini-markets and a popular taverna. Just 350m from the villa is Kaminia Beach in a beautiful, quiet and privileged point. Agios Sostis is a charming, traditional Greek village close by, between Laganas and Keri. It is surrounded by beautiful countryside and was named after a 16th century church dedicated to Saint Sostis. The village has an attractive backdrop of the mountains with a delightful beach. Opposite lies the small island of Marathonisi, otherwise known as ‘Turtle Island’. There are some excellent bars and restaurants on the waterfront. You can hire a boat from Agios Sostis over to the island.

Limni Keri harbour is 10 minutes drive from the villa. Again it is an enchanting, small village which is on the side of Marathia Cape. It has a small pebble beach, shaded by lovely fragrant pines and local friendly taverns. Limni Keri is an ideal starting point to visit caves or the beaches of Marathia Cape. A few minutes away is the mountain village of Keri. The small streets are crammed with ancient houses. It feels like life has slowed down or stopped here.

In the other direction you will come to the very busy Lagunas resort with a thriving nightlife and great entertainment opportunities. The beach is protected due to the turtles nesting. It continues all the way along the coast to Kalamaki. Both of these resorts have many bars and restaurants although Kalamaki is more laid-back and more appealing to families. The fine, cashmere-soft sand is perfect, meeting warm, shallow water. There is a small waterpark in Kalamaki.
Vassilikos has 2 well-equipped beaches and every variety of watersports. The lush vegetation harmoniously combines with the sandy beaches to offer visitors excellent views. While it is a quiet resort, it does offer every convenience with many restaurants, bars and shops.

Alykes has a very authentic feel with intriguing salt flats, churches and a Byzantine art museum. You can rent bikes or even a horse and carriage! It is charming and lovely.

Read more about Zakynthos

An Ionian island of contrasts, Zakynthos (Zante) offers wild landscapes of olive groves and sleepy villages, iconic beaches and idyllic coves alongside bustling tourist hot-spots and long stretches of coastline with sun beds and watersports. Whether you are seeking Greek authenticity or the ease of family-friendly resorts, Zakynthos has so much to appeal to every visitor on the island.

Starting off in the capital, Zakynthos Town, enjoy a morning coffee on the vast Solomos Square overlooking Agios Nikolaos Church by the sea, then get lost in the warren of flower-filled lanes in the old quarter before shopping and dining by the waterfront. As evening nears, the town is a mecca for locals and visitors alike looking for vibrant bars and nightlife.

Head to the rugged north of Zakynthos for a wealth of hidden pebbled coves, picture-perfect swimming spots, the incredible Blue Caves and popular Navagio Beach (also known as Shipwreck Beach). Tour the natural beauty of Cape Skinari, drive to the traditional village of Volimes, bathe in the healing sulphur waters of Xigia Beach, then dine by the harbourfront in Agios Nikolaos.

A little further down the eastern side of the island, be enchanted by the traditional seaside village of Alykansas with its olive groves, vineyards and family-friendly ambience, then hop on a horse-drawn carriage to Alykes across the other side of the vast sandy bay.

Venture inland to experience the island’s wild landscapes of olive groves, cypress and pine forests, mountain slopes and the lovely scent of wild thyme. Zakynthos is wonderful for nature explorers as well as keen hikers with trails criss-crossing through the valleys.

The south of Zakynthos also awaits, so loved for its beautiful beaches and the incredible Marine Park, a protected area including Gerakas Beach, Marathonisi Island and the famous loggerhead turtles.

Bustling Laganas Beach will appeal to tourists wanting to stay near restaurants, bars and a beach with summer watersports. Meanwhile, Kalamaki is located between Laganas and Zakynthos Town, ideal for couples and families searching for a long and sandy beach, inviting places to eat and a range of child-friendly activities. For a truly memorable outing, join a sea-kayaking tour of this part of the coastline in search of the island’s beloved turtles.