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Top 10 Things to do in Zakynthos, Greece
Zakynthos is a large northern Greek island known for its stunning Navagio beach and bright blue waters. This is a hidden gem that you may have not heard of but I highly encourage a visit! Zante (what the Greeks call it for short) is an exotic island with a natural landscape of olive trees, beaches, large cliffs, and rolling hills. We stayed in Zakynthos, Greece for one week and absolutely loved our time. If you love adventure as much as us I highly encourage a visit to this stunning Greek island.
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1. Blue Caves
A blue caves boat tour is an absolute must thing to do when visiting Zakynthos, Greece. The bright blue waters extend into the light limestone cliffs creating a stunning contrast. The best and only way to experience the Blue Caves is with a boat tour. We visited the small beach of Porto Vromi which had a few boat tour companies so we hopped onto the Porto Vromi Maries Boat Tour. This was a great tour at just €20 per person, our tour guide played fun upbeat music, gave us plenty of time to enjoy each area, and let us jump in to enjoy the cool blue waters.
2. Navagio Shipwreck Beach
Visit Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach when you take your Blue Caves Boat Tour. Most boat tour companies include both destinations in one tour. Navagio Beach is a world-famous beach with stunning bright blue waters and a white sand beach. The name comes from the large ship that washed up onto the beach in the 1980s while carrying illegal contraband. This is an amazing landmark that you can’t find anywhere else in the world with its towering limestone rock walls, clear blue waters, and rich history. You can only visit the beach by boat, there is no access from above, as the rock walls are far too steep for stairs.
Get a glance of Navagia Beach from above at the Shipwreck Beach Viewpoint. The top view showcases the full beauty and size of this extraordinary place. There is a photo spot on top but be prepared to wait in line, during busy times.
3. Wine Tasting
Get out to the countryside and enjoy some wines! Almost every island has a winery with a mix of unique Greek wines. We stopped at Goumas Estate Winery in Zakynthos while zipping around the island on our scooter. This family-owned winery was charming and offered some great wines. My absolute favorite was the smoked rosé, which came from some fires a few years ago that gave the grapes a smokey note. It was very unique and would pair perfectly with a light fish dish!
Winery: Goumas Estate Winery – Art & Wine | Wine List | Location
4. Stay at the Diana Palace Hotel
Diana Palace Hotel is the perfect hotel to book for your summer vacation to Zakynthos, Greece. Whether you are traveling with family, friends, or your spouse this hotel offers a little bit of everything to make your trip fun and memorable. Diana Palace Hotel offers many amenities to make your stay special. To start, there are two pools on the property with lounge chairs and a pool bar. We soaked up the sun on our last day at the pool and it was absolutely delightful. Diana Palace Hotel offers package deals for guests. You can choose from an all-inclusive, bed and breakfast, or half-board.
5. Rent a Scooter & Explore the Island
Zakynthos, Greece is a large island with tons of untouched natural landscapes. There are numerous beaches throughout the island making a coastal scooter drive worth your time. We rented a scooter at Olympic Rentals in Argasi, they were very nice and highly recommended by the Diana Palace Hotel. After a quick €20.00 and some funny-looking helmets, we were off to explore the island. Take in the many olive trees and endless blue sea views!
Tip: Get your international driver’s license before heading to Europe. Rental shops will ask for this and if you are renting a scooter you may want to look into getting your motorcycle license as well.
6. Mizithres, Keri
Mizithres is one of the most beautiful places on the island with its unique rock structure. This view reminds me of Bali with endless sea views and two large rock formations. To reach the scenic viewpoint park right before the Keri Lighthouse/Restaurant and walk up the windy road/path. You will be blown away by the stunning views!
7. Eat Dinner at Uranus Sky Restaurant
Uranus Sky Restaurant is an upscale outdoor restaurant serving elevated Mediterranean dishes. It is a stunning restaurant with a large center column that draws the eye in and creates symmetry. Uranus Sky Restaurant offers a creative and contemporary spin on Ancient Greek recipes and traditions. Each dish has a meaning and story behind it that resembles Greek mythology.
Location | What To Order: Aphrodite’s Hedonism – Figs & Goat Cheese
8. Go Snorkeling
One of the best spots to go snorkeling is Careta Careta Trampolino Beach located on the Northern tip of the island. This was one of my favorite adventures during our time here. There is a maze of stairs to reach the sea with multiple diving platforms for optimal cliff jumping. Snorkeling here is phenomenal with clear blue water and varied sea floors giving you a view of the different depths of the ocean.
9. Visit the Windmills
There are windmills located throughout the Greek Islands, all with their own charm. The Potamitis Windmill is right next to the Careta Careta Trampolino Beach and offers stunning views of the vast Ionian Sea. There is a restaurant on top with food and cold drinks, perfect for a sunset evening after snorkeling.
10. (Marathonísi) Turtle Island
Marathonísi is a small island off the South end of Zakynthos. Tourists flock here each year to see the famous turtles that hatch on the turtle-shaped island. Book a full or half-day boat trip to the island for a day of swimming, sightseeing, and spotting the beautiful sea turtles.
Zakynthos Travel Guide Map
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