Greece certainly has no shortage of beautiful islands to visit! When it comes time to plan your trip, it can be hard to choose one. Zakynthos is an island that should absolutely top your list. This island is a bit of a hidden gem because other islands seem to get more visitors. However, that doesn’t make Zakynthos, with its stunning coastline, rolling hills, quaint villages, and wonderful beaches, any less amazing. Here are some things you can do while here:
Blue Caves
On the west coast of Zakynthos, you will find the spectacular blue caves. The caves beautifully reflect the distinctive blue color of the water to create a magical setting. The caves are best viewed at sunrise or sunset and can only be accessed by the water. Kianoun is the biggest cave in the network, making it the star attraction. This area of the island is less developed, giving visitors a chance to experience the unspoiled beauty of Greece.
Venetian Castle
This archeological gem is found on the hill of Bohali towering above Zakynthos Town. The castle dates back to its completion in 1646 AD by the Venetians. The Venetian influence is highlighted by the Winged Lion of Saint Mark, standing guard above the main entrance of the site. In 1812, the castle was taken over by the British Empire, resulting in a reconstruction of the entire complex. A myriad of churches also called the castle site home over the years, including the 12th century Byzantine Church of the Savior.
Askos Stone Park
Nature enthusiasts and animal lovers will delight in a visit to this 124-acre park. The multi-purpose park is a wildlife sanctuary, a zoo, a forest reserve, and an agricultural research area. In addition, the park is also an important archaeological site. There is a bevy of animals that call this natural zoo home, including deer, hawks, horses, cows, goats, doves and grand peacocks. The tour guides will help visitors feed the animals, giving you an up-close and personal experience with the residents. This park is located in the northern part of Zakynthos in the Volimes village.
Solomos Museum
This historic Neoclassical building is conveniently located at the square of Saint Mark in Zakynthos Town. The first floor of the museum hosts the mausoleum, including the bones of the National Greek Poet, Dionysios Solomos. The mausoleum is also home to the bones of the ancient poet Andreas Kalvos and his wife. The rest of the museum pays homage to the rich cultural history of this island with a variety of artifacts.
Shipwreck Beach
No trip to Zakynthos is complete without a trip to one of its many gorgeous beaches. As the most famous beach on Zakynthos, Shipwreck Beach features turquoise waters and soft stretches of sand. The vertical white rock cliffs provide the perfect backdrop to the water and sand. It is obvious to see why this beach is one of Greece’s most photographed sites.
No matter what you are interested in, you will find something that strikes your travel fancy on the Greek island of Zakynthos.