By on 10-08-2014
Zakynthos (also called Zante) is among the most beautiful and popular Greek islands. Located in the Ionian Sea, this is a tourist destination for all kinds of visitors: families with kids, youth looking for nightlife, romantic couples, even hikers or, lately, base jumpers! Getting to Zakynthos is easy as the local airport receives many internal and charter flights. There are also ferries to Zakynthos from the mainland port of Killini, in western Greece.
Beaches
The most impressive beach in Zakynthos is Navagio Beach, meaning The Shipwreck Beach in Greek. This fantastic bay on the northwestern side of Zakynthos island is accessible only by excursion boat and took its name from a rusty, shipwrecked vessel that is found onshore. The ship, which carried illegal cigarettes, wrecked in 1982 due to bad weather and broken engine.
Other fantastic Zakynthos beaches are Gerakas, Kalamaki, Tsilivi, Agios Nikolaos, and Banana. Some beaches are organized, while others are secluded. The special thing about Zakynthos beaches is that the endangered sea turtle Caretta-Caretta is choosing these sandy coasts to lay their eggs.
Sightseeing
Although there are not many sights to see in Zakynthos, there are few interesting monuments worth visiting. A Venetian Castle is found on the hill of Bohali, above Zakynthos Town, offering a wonderful view to the town and the Ionian Sea. Bohali is also a nice green place to walk around, where visitors shall find a monument dedicated to Dionysios Solomos, the Greek national poet originating from the island.
Zakynthos Town is a lovely place to visit museums, churches and have a drink in the evening. Solomos Square is the most popular spot of this town with the evident Venetian architecture.
A drive around the island will bring visitors to old monasteries, abandoned towers, and picturesque villages. On the northern side of Zakynthos is Askos Stone Park, a lovely place with many plants and animals. From the Monastery of Agios Georgios Krimnon, visitors can get a fantastic view down to the bay of Navagio, with the exotic blue waters.
Ferries to Zakynthos: from Killini and Italy
Ferries to Zakynthos depart from the mainland port of Killini, on the western side of Peloponnese. There are frequent Zakynthos ferries from Killini almost every two hours and the trip is only 1 hour.
In summer, there are also small local ferries from Schinari port in northern Zakynthos to the neighboring island of Kefalonia, at Pessada port. These local ferries are not available for online booking and tickets to have to be bought on the port before departure.
In high season, there are ferries to Zakynthos from Bari Italy. These ferries usually operate once per week only for high season (from mid-July to late August).
Want to book Greek ferries to Zakynthos? Check our online engine!
