Villa Volimes

The northern part of Zakynthos is far removed from the buzzy southern towns of Laganas, Kalamaki and Zante Town. You will feel like you have stepped back in the past. The rugged countryside is beautiful and charming. The locals are very friendly.

Within a short drive from the villa, you will find the pebbly Makris Gialos Beach as well as Xygia Beach. Both are unspoilt with crystal clear emerald water. Xigia Beach is known for its therapeutic sulphur springs rich in collagen that flow up from the sea bed. Agios Nikolaos houses an important harbour with ferry boats going to Kefalonia. Small boats take tourists to nearby Cape Skinari, the northernmost point of the island and the Blue Caves on the coast in between.

The Blue Caves are famous for the reflection and diffusion of sunlight within the caves, turning the water into an impressive azure translucent blue. The caves are very close to the villa. You can also get a boat from Makris Galios.

Also close to the villa is the famous Shipwreck Beach. The real name is Navagio Beach. It is absolutely stunning and is reached by boat. You can park at the top of the cliffs though and walk to get some amazing photographs. The boat trip is amazing, with the 256 feet sheer limestone cliffs in the background, the hues of azure blue water and the silvery sand. You will need to take snacks and water with you and probably jump in the water to get to the beach. It’s a great photo opportunity to capture the wrecked ship imbedded in the sand.

Alykes is 12km away and is a nice day out in combination with its neighbour Alykanas. You can take a horse and carriage ride between the two. It is also possible to rent jeeps, motorbikes or cycles here to explore the island. Alykes has a lovely beach, many churches and a Byzantine art museum as well as intriguing salt flats. Alykanas is a small beach resort where the pace of life is easy going. The new part of the town is right by the lovely golden sandy beach with views over to Kefalonia in the distance. The old part has a church and quaint main square.

A trip to Zakynthos would not be the same without some time in the busy resorts of Lagunas and Zante Town. You will find many bars, restaurants and nightclubs. There is entertainment for the whole family.

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.