Villa Pampas

Zakynthos or Zante as it is often called is one of the most beautiful of the Ionian islands. The island offers breathtaking landscapes, exotic, sandy beaches, turquoise bays and a crazy nightlife. Many of the beaches, including Tsilivi where the villa is located, Laganas and Kalamaki enjoy an excellent range of watersports. For those that love hiking and cycling, there are many old footpaths leading to mountainous villages, monasteries and medieval towers. A visit by boat to the Keri Caves and Marathonisi, located at the bay of Lachana, is very popular. You will have the chance to swim or snorkel, meeting the famous Caretta turtles that swim in this wonderful natural environment. The island’s famous Blue Caves are one of its most fascinating, natural attractions. They are of great geological interest and are located along the northwestern side of the island, beginning after Agios Nikolaos and ending near Cape Schinari.
 
Zakynthos’ beaches are renowned for their beauty. Tsilivi Beach is absolutely wonderful, offering a good range of watersports and organised sun loungers, parasols and beach bars. Another of the most popular beaches is the sandy beach of Kalamaki. With fine, golden sand and shallow water, it is the ideal spot for families with young children. You can even horse ride on some beaches. Keri Lighthouse is a magical spot to enjoy colourful sunsets and magnificent views of the tall rocks.
 
One of the most famous sights and a must-visit is ‘The Shipwreck’, a magnificent real shipwreck on the secluded coast of St George. The wreck was discovered on 5 October 1980 and has become a major tourist attraction in its wild, beautiful landscape. There are frequent boat trips to the wreck.
 
In Zakynthos Town, Solomos Square is a focal spot with many restaurants and bars and the interesting Byzantine Museum and Cultural Center. Bochali is a 2km stroll from the centre of Zakynthos Town. Its panoramic views of the pretty harbour are stunning as are those towards Argassi and the Bay of Laganas. You will discover charming, narrow alleys lined with traditional cafes and old houses. The castle at the top of the hill is well-maintained and a popular attraction. Delicious wines can be tasted and bought at Solomos Wines distillery. The cellars are very attractive and worth a visit.
 
Laganas is one of the two main tourist hotspots in Zakynthos along with Zakynthos Town. Kalamaki is not far behind, though it is a little more laid-back. There is a good choice of restaurants at all of these resorts. The main street of Laganas runs along the lovely beachfront to Kalamaki. The 5km beach is wonderful with fine, silvery sand lined with sun loungers and parasols. Pedalos and boat trips are available to catch a glimpse of the protected Caretta turtles swimming around the bay. The beaches are part of the National Marine Park. The rare Caretta turtles lay their eggs in the sands of Gerakas, Dafni, Kalamaki, Marathonisi and Sakania, east of Laganas.
 
Agios Sostis is a charming, quaint coastal Greek village close to Laganas. It is surrounded by beautiful countryside and was named after a 16th-century church dedicated to Saint Sostis. The village has a stunning backdrop of the mountains and a delightful beach. There are some waterfront charismatic bars and restaurants where you will receive a very warm welcome. You can also hire a boat from Agios Sostis over to Marathonisi Island.

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.