Zakynthos Holiday
Zakynthos, the third largest Ionian Islands, has long been a source of inspiration for its many visitors. The Venetians dubbed it "Fiore di Levante", the flower of the orient, because of its rich and colorful landscape. Today's visitors are left equally awe-struck by the lands natural beauty and the clear waters that surround it.
"Lively, sporty, fun and - in places - intimate; Zakynthos is alive: you can feel it! It's an island of memorable moments..."
Zakynthos Holiday - Beaches
Long crescents of soft sand and sea on the eastern peninsula are perfect for sunbathing, swimming and a variety of water sports. On this coast you will find the popular beaches of Vassilikos, Tsilivi and Alikes. Further south Porto Roma, fringed by pine trees, and Gerakas with its golden sands and rocky peninsula offer a quieter beach experience. On the west coast, the island plunges steeply into the sea with numerous caves piercing the cliffs. Here you will discover the much-photographed bay known as Smugglers' Cove, only reachable by sea.
Shopping
Perhaps the best place to find a souvenir is behind the harbor in Zaknthos town where narrow streets are home to a jumble of small shops. Why not pick up some locally produced cheese, wine or olives to take home?
Nightlife
Argassi, Lagana and Tsivili offer the most if you are looking for lively nightclubs and bars. They also have plenty of restaurants and Tavernas with sea views for those who prefer a quieter evening. For an even more romantic setting try and find a secluded table over looking the Aegean in Alikes or Vassilikos.
The inland scenery of lush hills and plunging valleys that are home vineyards and olive groves is matched by the beauty of the coast. Swathes of sandy beach exist alongside spectacular, jagged cliffs that have been sculpted by the tides of the Aegean Sea. Mysterious features such as Smugglers' Cove, with its enigmatic, half-buried wreck, and the iridescent Blue Grotto characterize a unique coastline. On the southern coast of Zakynthos it's not just the tourists who are looking for a place on the sand, Loggerhead Turtles have made the beaches their home as well. Exploring the coast and inland is a rewarding activity since many of the villages such as Alikes, Tragaki and Tsivili retain much of their authentic charm. Indeed Zakynthos is a treasure chest of an island that will continually surprise and delight.
Holiday Tips
In most hotels and aparthotels gentlemen are required to wear long trousers to dinner. Most hotels or apartments ask customers to vacate their rooms between 10am and 12 midday. For late afternoon or evening flights, late check out rooms may be available. Local Specialties
Zakynthos has always taken great pride in its cooking and has many delicious local dishes. Stifado is a very popular rabbit stew while rose and fruit liqueurs and pastalis biscuits make for some tasty deserts. Look out for the strong and pungent 'graviera' cheese which with crusty bread, salad and olives makes a great picnic. 'Mandolato', a sticky white nougat made with almonds, is another local specialty. You might stop at a roadside stall and buy 'fitouri' or 'pasteli', delicious sweet fried snacks. The vineyards on Zakynthos produce some excellent wines. The white Popolaro is considered one of the best in the Ionians and the young and refreshing dry white, Verdea, is a fine accompaniment to seafood.