Villa Navagio

The delightful Villa Navagio is situated on private land of over 40000 sqm just above the famous Blue Caves towards the northern tip of Zakynthos, 2.5km from the small port of Agios Nikolaos. The villa’s breathtaking views are of Vasilikos and Alykes Bay as well as out to the Peloponnese and Kefalonia shores. You can travel by ferry from the Agios Nikolaos port to the beautiful island of Kefalonia in one hour. Small boats also take visitors to Cape Skinari, the northernmost point of the island and the alluring Blue Caves below the villa.

Shipwreck Beach can be reached by boat in roughly 20 minutes from the port. The 256 feet sheer limestone cliffs shelter a silver sanded beach with a wrecked ship imbedded in the sand. It is a huge tourist attraction and is absolutely stunning. It looks gorgeous from the top of the cliffs above. There are viewing points to admire this beautiful place. You need to be aware that some tourist boat trips only allow you half an hour on the beach which may not be as much as you would like so you might want to hire your own boat. You should be armed with snacks and drinks too.

Other popular beaches from this villa are Makris Gialos, Xygia, Alykes, Alykanas and Tsilivis. There are many to choose from and some are very secluded, only being reached by boat. Tragaki has a lovely sandy beach with a wonderful beach restaurant. It is picturesque and much quieter than some of the other beaches. Tsilivi is a lively resort just along the coast from Tragaki with a vast swathe of golden sand. Amboula is secluded and peaceful. The sand and shingle cove of Kato Tragaki or Tsilivi are popular for watersports. Bouka Beach has fine sand as well as a swimming pool and a children’s play area. There is also a working harbour at Bouka where you can enjoy watching the local fishermen hauling in the day’s catch

The charming village of Volimes is not far from the villa, on the way to the Shipwreck Beach. It is very attractive with craft and gift shops. Volimes is famous for its oils, honey, tablecloths, centrepieces and carpets which are handmade during the winter. The countryside in this area is beautiful with lush olive groves and vineyards.

If you are looking for lively clubby entertainment on your holiday you can head to the island’s capital Zante Town or Lagunas on the south coast. You will find many bars, restaurants and nightclubs as well as traditional Greek restaurants where you might enjoy the island’s hobby of smashing plates to the live music!

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.