Best Things To Do in Zakynthos

Zakynthos is a destination not to be missed, especially if you are looking for a relaxing holiday away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Greek hospitality will welcome you with open arms and you can visit the Blue Caves and the famous Shipwreck Beach, one of Greece's most photographed locations.

On this island most adventures are done on glass-bottomed boats, allowing you to see the crystal clear waters as you sail to the turtle islands. In addition, you can choose from gastronomic experiences, Greek craft classes and other activities ideal for connecting with the local culture. If your holiday is extended, you'll have the opportunity to visit a theme park, wander through historic sites and ride the Zante train.

Zakynthos is an extraordinary island and its main attraction is its paradisiacal beaches. In particular, Navagio beach is famous for its display of the shipwrecked Panagiotis, which sank off this coast in 1980. The ship is said to have been carrying contraband tobacco from Turkey to Italy.

However, in the middle of a storm, the Greek navy intercepted the fleeing crew and sank the ship so as not to leave any evidence. It was recovered and its rusting structure has remained on this little paradise ever since, making Navagio one of the most visited and photographed islands in Greece.

It's certainly a real find where breathtaking cliffs, golden sand and crystal clear waters await. Most boats to Shipwreck Beach depart from Porto Vromi, which is famous for its unparalleled views of the sea. Another way to admire this marvel is to take a bus to the village of Volimes and then walk approximately 45 minutes to the viewpoint, but bear in mind that you can't go down to the beach from here, you can only enjoy the panoramic views.

If you're looking to relax and visit the most beautiful beaches in Zante, here are some others you shouldn't miss:

• Porto Steniti, is a quiet harbour with impressive cliffs and coves ideal for a dip.
• Xigia Beach, famous for its beauty and sulphur-rich waters that offer natural spa and health benefits.
• Gerakaras, a beach considered to be Zante's turtle paradise.
• Porto Roxa, an uncrowded harbour ideal for snorkelling and swimming on secluded beaches.

The island is a gastronomic paradise where you should indulge in the perfect combination of smells and tastes. Fresh ingredients and recipes that reflect Greek culture are used here, with olives, wine and Greek cheeses being the most popular. During every meal you will be accompanied by colourful scenery and sea views, as well as the hospitality of the locals.

There are so many options to try that the most viable option may be to book a gastronomic tour of Zakynthos. This way, you'll get up close to the tastiest and most traditional offerings, while discovering why the people of Zakynthos love pastries and sweets.

During this culinary experience you will get close to good food and visit wineries in the mountain village of Maries to discover the wine history, taste the local wines and learn about the production process. Zante is also famous for its olive oil, so there will also be time to visit the Vouno Oil Mill.

If I were you, I wouldn't miss the opportunity to try the Greek Ladotyri cheese, which melts on the palate with its creaminess. And of course, you should not miss Machairado, a romantic village where the food is prepared by local chefs and accompanied by local music.

I'll tell you a little more about the dishes and desserts that await you in this gastronomic region par excellence.

Traditional dishes of Zakynthos

The savoury dishes of Zakynthos are famous for their use of filo dough and traditional sauces. Of course, cheese and olive oil are the mainstays of the island's cuisine. In addition, the fish is fresh and tasty, due to its connection with the sea.

• Moussaka: a pie filled with aubergine and minced meat and seasoned with cinnamon.
• Souvlaki: Skewers of minced meat served with pita bread and tzatziki sauce.
• Feta in Puff Pastry: Feta cheese wrapped in phyllo dough and served with jam or honey syrup.
• Dolmades: vine leaves stuffed with meat, rice and herbs and slow-cooked in a sauce of island lemons.
• Grilled fish: an ideal seafront dish served with local herbs, salad and olive oil.

Zante Desserts

The star of desserts on Zakynthos is honey, considered a gift from the gods and a healthy ingredient that sweetens desserts without the need for excess. In addition, savoury ingredients such as cheese are transformed into melt-in-the-mouth sweet preparations.

• Bougatsa: filo pastry filled with custard or sweet cheese.
• Kourabiedes: biscuits made of butter and ground almonds,
• Greek Baklavá: a different dessert than in Turkey and other countries, as its layers of filo dough are filled with walnuts and coated with honey syrup.
• Revani: semolina sponge cake in a honey syrup bath.

A must-visit stop in Zakynthos is the Blue Caves, where you'll have the Greek Mediterranean at your feet. It's a destination with warm, crystal-clear waters that allow you to immerse yourself in a tour of the island's most beautiful geological formations.

They are distinguished by their sculpted cavities formed by the erosion of the sea in the area. It is advisable to visit them in the morning or before 15:00, as you can better appreciate the effect of the water in contrast to the sun.

Considering that they are close destinations, many people choose to book an excursion to the Blue Caves and Navagio Beach from Zante. This way, you can optimise your time and enjoy the company of a tour guide, without worrying about transfers and other logistical details.

Usually, this type of experience arrives at the Blue Caves in a glass-bottomed speedboat so you can see the deep blue depths beneath your feet. In addition, the itinerary usually includes a glimpse of the shipwreck from a lookout point and a walk around Wedding Island, so nicknamed because it's a famous destination for romantic ceremonies.

Pottery is part of the island's traditions and dates back to Ancient Greece. Hence the use of techniques that have been handed down from generation to generation. You can buy some handicrafts to take home to remember your trip, or book a pottery-making experience in Zakynthos. A professional potter will accompany you to model the creation of your choice with the freedom to let your creativity run wild.

It will be an unforgettable experience, as pottery studios are often in an inspiring setting, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. You will learn how to use the potter's wheel and perfect the pieces with your own hands. As the class progresses, the expert will tell you interesting stories and the secrets of pottery making.

If I had a whole day to explore the Greek coast of Zante, I would get lost in its islands and caves, where the water seems almost unreal. Of course, I'd take advantage of an unforgettable sunset and the vineyards where one of the local treasures is harvested: the white wine of Zakynthos. Here are the favourite getaways for locals and tourists alike.

Excursion to Marathonisi, the island of Cameo and the Keri Caves

Zakynthos is a destination full of paradisiacal beaches. A good way to get out and discover its scenic beauty is to book an excursion to Marathonisi, the island of Cameo and the caves of Keri. You'll have a complete experience that takes you to natural sites such as Kalamaki beach, famous for its turtle nests.

You can also board a glass-bottomed boat to see the crystal-clear waters of the Keri Caves and pass through its iconic stone arch. Following the wildlife, you'll reach Marathonisi Island, a haven for loggerhead turtles or Caretta Caretta turtles.

Cameo Island also has a small nesting ground for other turtle species and desolate spaces ideal for snorkelling.

Sunset excursion to Agalas and Damianos Cave

Zante will steal your heart, especially if you dare to go beyond the typical places and look for experiences that combine the best of the island. To do so, I suggest you book a sunset excursion to Agalas and Damianos Cave. You can lose yourself in vineyards and local villages, as well as defy vertigo on a wooden rope bridge.

At Damianos Cave stalactite and stalagmite formations await you, as well as free time to enjoy the tranquillity of the place. Then you can continue to the colourful houses of the iconic village of Agalas. In the late afternoon, the Mediterranean sunset will take your breath away. From the viewpoint of Agalas it is even more breathtaking and I find it perfect for relaxing and admiring the natural spectacle with a glass of wine. This kind of experience can also be found in other Zante destinations, such as the Keri Caves and Cameo Island.

Leaving the island without learning how to cook? Impossible! In Zakynthos you can book a cooking class and enjoy the company of expert chefs who will reveal the secrets of the recipes of local dishes.

Recipes for typical Zantean dishes are available on the internet, but it can be frustrating to prepare them and not get the expected result. The local gastronomy has tricks of the trade that you will discover during your experience and you will surely return home as an expert filo dough chef. Most importantly, you will have fun and learn new culinary skills.

Some of the dishes you can learn to prepare include:

• Souvlaki, the typical island kebabs served with pita bread.
• Spinach pie.
• Rigidado, a slow-cooked casserole with explosive flavours.

If you'd like to enjoy the pleasant sunshine and warmth of Zante in a fun environment, you should buy tickets to Zante Water Village. This theme park offers an adrenaline rush and a variety of attractions for the whole family.

It has slides of different intensities so you can slide down the gentler ones with the little ones, or dive through the twists and turns and speed changes on the Kamikaze. There's also a blind date on the Black Hole slide, which is completely dark and full of fun surprises.

To relax during your holiday, nothing beats the lazy river, a water attraction that allows you to float in a tube while you get a tan, or swim in the pools and take time to relax your muscles in the Jacuzzi.

Although Zakynthos is a city of getaways to hidden coves and nature parks, that doesn't mean you should miss out on its picturesque streets. Like other Greek islands, its historic centre has a particular charm, with stone houses and craft shops. In the old town you should take advantage of its charming relics and stop by the Church of St. Dionysus, dedicated to the island's patron saint.

Nearby is Dionysios Solomos Square, in honour of the Greek poet who wrote Greece's national anthem. But if you want to take advantage of the local atmosphere and nightlife, you're sure to find a good spot between St Mark's Square and the seaport.

The island is surrounded by ancient monasteries and castles, some of them related to Greek mythology or religious places of prayer. Would you like to see them? Here are the ones you shouldn't miss.

• Monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa: it is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, known in Greece as Panagia. It is located on the top of a hill and is a perfect meditation space to get lost among ancient paths and explore some striking ruins.
• Anafonitria Monastery: You'll find this place in the middle of olive groves and mountains, so I think it's a perfect excuse to get away from it all. It is dedicated to the Virgin Anafonitria, considered a protector of the island.
• Bochali Venetian Castle: It stands on a hill and is a testament to Venetian influence, as this enclave protected the island from invasion. All the activity of the city and its port was controlled from here, which is why it is now a popular lookout point.

As you walk around the city, the Zante tourist train will not go unnoticed. It's an ideal attraction for touring the island in comfort while taking advantage of stops at points of interest such as the main viewpoints. You can also get off at St. Dionysios Church, St. Mark's Square and Dionysios Solomos Square.

On board you will enjoy the informative explanations of a guide and get lost in the alleys along the bay. You might even make your way to the Venetian castle of Bochali and enjoy a tour of the traditional olive press, where you will learn how olive oil is produced.