Villa Parasol

Villa Parasol can be found in the natural beauty of the small picturesque resort of Agios Sostis, on the southeast coast of the Greek island of Zakynthos, in the azure waters of the Ionian Sea. The villa is nine kilometres from Zakynthos International Airport, or island hop and arrives by ferry at the port of Agios Nikolaos. Local cafes and bars are within walking distance, and minimarts with provisions for your holiday, are a short drive away. The nearest organised beach of Agios Sostis is on your doorstep, a fifty-metre walk will take you to the sandy shores and crystal clear water of the Ionian Sea.

The villa is perfectly positioned near the busy resort town of Laganas, the charming harbour town of Porto Koukla, and the quiet secluded spot of Kalamaki rated one of the best beaches on the island. Laganas is famous for its seafront shops, bars and restaurants, bike and boat hire, sandy shores and water sports, thermal springs and nesting turtles, and lively nightlife. A ten-minute drive will take you to the holiday hot spot of Tsilivi, with banks and supermarkets, cafes, bars, and restaurants, and a beautiful sandy beach. Have fun on the pedaloes, take to the water on jet skis, and go airborne with a spot of parasailing. Feel the beat at Zante’s famous Pure Beach Club, party all day to the vibes from their state-of-the-art sound system, and discover the delights of a Champagne Spray. Go north to the unique Navagio beach, with a shipwreck on shore, and accessible only by sea.

The island is renowned for its excellent hiking, trek the local countryside to discover nature’s flora and fauna. The main town of Zante is seven kilometres away, visit the Byzantine Museum, the church of Agios Markos with its imposing belfry, and the impressive church of St Dionysus, the patron saint of the island. Go on a guided walking tour from Solomos Square, and be impressed by the historic Venetian architecture. Shop in the souvenir stores, and sip an ouzo in a Greek music bouzouki bar, as you watch the world go by.

Take to the water with a catamaran tour around the coastline, join a day trip from Zante harbour, or hire your own private yacht complete with captain. Nearby Keri Lake is a village that combines the sea, forests, valleys, and streams and is abundantly rich in agriculture. Walk through the scented pine forests, pick grapes and olives in season, be amazed at the bouquet of natural wildflowers, take a boat trip to the Keri Caves, and then dine by the waterside.

The picture-perfect village of Bochali has an ancient Venetian castle with stunning sea, coast, and town views, and a tiny church, charmingly named Zoodos Pigi with beautiful Byzantine icons. Make sure you take a tour of one of the many vineyards across the island, sample the wine, and take a bottle or two home with you. You may be there for the Zante Carnival, inspired by the island’s Venetian heritage, the festival starts with drinking and dancing, and ends with eating cheese – need we say more!

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.