{"id":53964,"date":"2025-09-11T09:21:05","date_gmt":"2025-09-11T07:21:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/?p=53964"},"modified":"2026-03-28T13:40:54","modified_gmt":"2026-03-28T12:40:54","slug":"zakynthos-sights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/en\/zakynthos-sights\/","title":{"rendered":"Zakynthos: Our 10 highlights of the Ionian Island"},"content":{"rendered":"

A rusty shipwreck on a white beach framed by limestone cliffs and a turquoise sea, with perhaps a few turtles to complete the postcard scene. This is probably how every holidaymaker imagines the Greek island of Zakynthos<\/strong> before their trip.<\/p>\n

With its lush vegetation, Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is a wonderfully green island. But the former beauty of the island is increasingly losing its charm.
\nTom & Ella<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"Zakynthos
Welcome to Zakynthos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Zakynthos is the third largest island in the Ionian Sea after Corfu and Kefalonia. About 40,000 inhabitants live on the island, which the Venetians already called \u00bbFior di Levante\u00ab<\/strong> (Flower of the East).<\/p>\n

The sell-out of Zakynthos<\/strong> is unfortunately in full swing. The masses of tourists not only leave tons of rubbish behind, but also threaten the population of the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta<\/em>), whose egg-laying sites are mainly located on the southern beaches of Zakynthos.<\/p>\n

For two weeks we explored the island intensively \u2013 surprised, amazed, horrified and thrilled in equal measure. Whether we found the original Zakynthos, and our personal conclusion about the island, can be found at the end of the article. First, we’ll show you the best sights of Zakynthos<\/strong> and our 10 personal Zante highlights:<\/p>\n

Our Zakynthos tips on Google Maps<\/strong>
Skip hours of research and get our Zakynthos Map with 195+ spots:

\ud83c\udfd6\ufe0f Dream beaches & hidden bays
\ud83c\udf7d\ufe0f Restaurants, tavernas & caf\u00e9s
\ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f Must-see highlights & ancient sites
\ud83d\uddfa\ufe0f Worthwhile spots & insider tips
\ud83d\ude98 Practical info like rentals & parking
\u267e\ufe0f Lifetime access & updates<\/div>
To Zakynthos Map \u2192<\/a><\/div><\/div>
\"\"<\/div><\/div>\n

#1 Walk through Zakynthos Town<\/h2>\n

The capital in the east of Zakynthos, also called Chora, has just under 10,000 inhabitants and is the central hub and supply centre of the island thanks to its ferry port. Zakynthos Town<\/strong> was founded in ancient times on a hill above today’s settlement.<\/p>\n

\"Zakynthos
Waterfront of Zakynthos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The largest footprint was left by the Venetians, who built the current district below the Kastro Hill on the coast around the 16th century. Unfortunately, the severe earthquake of 1953 destroyed a large part of the historic buildings, which were largely rebuilt true to the original in the years that followed.<\/p>\n

\"Zakynthos
Entrance to the port of Zante city<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Our tour of the lively city starts at Platia Solomou<\/strong>. The main square is located at the northern end of the elongated harbour pier, not far from the marina. With a bit of luck, you will also find one of the free parking spaces along the harbour pier.<\/p>\n

\"Platia
Platia Solomou<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Walking through the large square, you will pass the church of Agios Nikolaos on the right, which is worth a quick look for its golden iconostasis. Behind it are the city library and the cinema.<\/p>\n

History buffs can make a detour to the Archaeological Museum of Zakynthos. The pretty alley of Dimokratias leads past numerous shops, caf\u00e9s and restaurants to St. Mark’s Square.<\/p>\n

Platia Agiou Markou<\/strong> is located in the heart of the city and is home to the Catholic St. Mark’s Church with its striking bell tower. The restaurants on the triangular square invite you to take a short break.<\/p>\n

\"Platia
Platia Agiou Markou<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We continue along the long shopping street of 21st Maiou<\/strong>. Here you can stroll at leisure and find a nice island souvenir in one of the numerous shops. We loved the shop Anamnesia, which stands out for its original souvenirs from Greek designers.<\/p>\n

\"Anamnesia
In Anamnesia, everyone will find a suitable souvenir<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We can follow the shopping street in a southerly direction to Platia Agios Pavlos. For a lunch break, we recommend the rustic tavern Kantouni Estiatorio<\/em>. From here it is only a five-minute walk along Agiou Dionisiou Street to the main church of the same name.<\/p>\n

Church of Agios Dionysios<\/h3>\n

The Church of Saint Dionysius of Zakynthos is located directly behind the ferry pier. It is the symbol of the city and stands out for its distinctive free-standing bell tower (campanile).<\/p>\n

\"Zakynthos
Agios Dionysios Church on the waterfront<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Since it was one of the few buildings to survive the earthquake of 1953 (see article: Greece Earthquake<\/a>), the magnificent interior of the majestic cathedral is still well preserved and well worth a visit. The numerous frescoes and the gold-decorated iconostasis are truly impressive.<\/p>\n

The bones of St. Dionysius, the patron saint of the island<\/strong>, are kept in a silver sarcophagus in the right side chapel. Every year on 24 August, a lavish festival is held in Zakynthos Town in honour of the island’s saint.<\/p>\n

\"Agios
Inside the church<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After visiting the church, we walk along the harbour promenade \u00bbStrada Marina\u00ab<\/strong> back to the car park at Solomos Square, and then head up to the Bochali district, including Kastro Hill.<\/p>\n

From the Church of Panagia Pikridiotissa<\/strong> you have the option to walk up to the Kastro district. Alternatively, a road leads directly to the Venetian Castle.<\/p>\n

Venetian Fortress (Bochali Hill)<\/h3>\n

Bochali district<\/strong> is located on a hill and offers a great view over Zakynthos Town and the coastal plain. Several higher-priced restaurants with terraces have opened here. If you don’t feel like eating, simply enjoy the magnificent panorama from the viewpoint before continuing up to the Kastro.<\/p>\n

\"Bochali
Entrance to the Venetian Fortress<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Castle of Zakynthos<\/strong> dates back to Venetian times, though an acropolis is said to have stood on this site in antiquity. You can explore the extensive and wooded grounds of the Kastro at leisure. As much was unfortunately destroyed by past earthquakes, you mostly walk among ruins.<\/p>\n

\"Zante
View of Zante city<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There are still powder magazines, prison cells, a barracks building and remains of old chapels to see. The shady grounds are also wonderfully suited to a short rest after a stroll through the city. The view of Zante city from the Grimani bastion in the north-east of the complex is terrific! (Wed\u2013Mon, 8:30 a.m.\u20133:00 p.m. | Admission: \u20ac4)<\/p>\n

\n

\ud83d\udca1 Zakynthos book tip:<\/strong> The travel guide to Zakynthos from Rough Guides contains valuable tips and background information for your stay on the island: View on Amazon*<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

#2 Skopos Peninsula<\/h2>\n

The Skopos peninsula not far from the capital is a scenic area. The green headland in the southeast of the island is well worth a day trip, as it packs in several Zakynthos highlights<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Coming from Zakynthos Town, we first pass Argassi, the tourist centre of the peninsula. There is a lot of through traffic in the busy holiday resort, and except for the old Argassi Bridge<\/strong> from 1885, there is not much to see. It merits a short photo stop, though finding a parking space can be quite a challenge.<\/p>\n

\"Argassi
Argassi Sea Bridge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa<\/h3>\n

A few kilometres after leaving Argassi, we turn right and head towards Mount Skopos<\/strong>. Below the 492-metre-high peak lie the ruins of the 17th-century monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa. In ancient times, a temple of Artemis stood on this site. The entire complex with its restored church is a place of silence on the otherwise bustling island.<\/p>\n

\"Kloster
Monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From up here you can enjoy a fabulous panorama of the island. On days with good visibility, the view extends as far as the neighbouring island of Kefalonia. Below the monastery complex there is also a simple kiosk, whose owners sometimes open the church for interested visitors.<\/p>\n

\"Skopos
Panorama from Mount Skopos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The approach to the monastery is mostly via a bumpy gravel road, but Mount Skopos can be reached comfortably with an off-road vehicle. Alternatively, the 4 km can be covered on foot in around 1.5 hours.<\/p>\n

Zakynthos beaches on the Skopos Peninsula<\/h3>\n

Back on the main road, we drive via Xirokastello to Vasilikos. Several roads branch off to frequented eastern beaches on this section, including Porto Zorro Beach and Banana or Plaka Beach.<\/p>\n

\"Banana
Banana Beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Of all the beaches, we especially liked St. Nicholas Beach<\/strong>, with its small chapel of Agios Nikolaos perched on a rocky outcrop directly above the sea \u2013 a popular photo motif.<\/p>\n

\"Agios
Greece idyll near Agios Nikolaos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The golden sandy beach next door is wonderful for families with children, as it slopes very gently into the sea. A visit is especially recommended in the quiet low season. Parasols and sunbeds are provided by the on-site restaurants for a fee.<\/p>\n

Logothetis Organic Farm<\/h3>\n

Before entering Vasilikos, it is worth taking a detour to Logothetis Organic Farm<\/strong>. The farm produces olive oil, wine and honey in organic quality, among other things. The products can be tasted and purchased on site. The team around owner Dionysios also organises cooking courses and other events (including yoga) by appointment.<\/p>\n

\"Logothetis
Wide range at Logothetis<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\n

\ud83d\udca1 Coffee break at Vasilikos<\/strong>: A little hungry? At Tranakas Bakery in Vasilikos, you can not only get a good coffee, but also delicious sweet and savoury snacks. We found the dumplings with chicken particularly tasty.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Ceramics from Zakynthos<\/h3>\n

Only a few metres after the Tranakas bakery, a road branches off to the right to Hanne Mi’s ceramics workshop<\/strong>. The friendly Norwegian sells very tasteful ceramics and pottery in her studio.<\/p>\n

\"Hanne
A visit to Hanne’s ceramics shop<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Even if the handmade pieces are on the pricey side, ceramic lovers are sure to find a beautiful souvenir from Zakynthos here. Hanne and her team also offer pottery courses on Tuesdays and Fridays by appointment. (Shop opening hours: daily 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., April\u2013end of October)<\/p>\n

Cape Gerakas: Home of the turtles<\/h3>\n

Our tour across the Skopos Peninsula ends at Cape Gerakas. Before visiting the beach of the same name, it is worth stopping at the Mediterranean Marine Life Centre<\/strong>, run by environmental activist Jannis Vardakastanis. The small visitor centre provides extensive information about the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta<\/em>), which lays its eggs every year in the fine sand of Zakynthos’ southern beaches.<\/p>\n

\"Mediterranean
Mediterranean Marine Life Centre<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The population of the loggerhead turtle is now severely threatened by the intensive development and use of the beaches for tourism around the resort of Laganas. What we can do as holidaymakers to help protect these animals, and how to behave correctly on site, you can find out in the following section #3 Zakynthos turtles.<\/p>\n

Behind a large park area, we pass the turtle information centre and walk down a wooden boardwalk to the beach. The kilometre-long Gerakas Beach with its striking Jason’s Bite rock formation<\/strong> is an important nesting site for sea turtles. If animal welfare is important to you, we recommend avoiding this beach as a swimming spot between May and September.<\/p>\n

\"Gerakas
Jason’s Bite rock formation at Cape Gerakas<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Alternatively, you can take a short walk along the northern stretch of beach, which is covered by gravel and not used by the turtles. After a few metres you will reach a hidden valley with curious sandstone formations, also known as the \u00bbWhite Sandstone Mountains\u00ab<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"White
Curious sandstone ensemble<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

These erosion-sculpted stone formations are worth a visit, especially in the late afternoon when the sun casts fascinating shadows across them. A real Zakynthos highlight for us!<\/p>\n

#3 Turtles of Zakynthos<\/h2>\n

The island of Zakynthos is one of the most important egg-laying sites of the loggerhead turtle. In the past, the dune-like beaches in the very south of the island offered sea turtles ideal conditions to bury their eggs in the fine sand.<\/p>\n

The population of Caretta caretta<\/strong><\/em> on Zakynthos has decreased in recent years due to the heavy development of the coast and the intensive use of the sandy beaches for beach tourism around the resort of Laganas.<\/p>\n

\"Schildkroeten
Turtle nest on the beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As holidaymakers, we can make an active contribution to the protection of these vulnerable sea creatures \u2013 for example by refraining from turtle-spotting excursions or motorboat tours on site.<\/p>\n

\n

\u2192 We have summarised all the important information on this topic in the following article: Zakynthos Turtles<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

#4 Mizithres Rock and Keri Region<\/h2>\n

In the southwest of Zakynthos, the headland of Keri juts almost circularly into the Ionian Sea. The highlights of this region are the dramatic Mizithres Rocks, located off the cliffs, and the Keri Sea Caves<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"Myzithres
Mizithres Rock of Zakynthos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

But besides these scenic highlights, the former fishing village of Limni Keriou<\/strong>, located west of Laganas and Agios Sostis, is well worth a visit. A large wetland, also known as the Lake of Keri, characterises the townscape.<\/p>\n

Numerous small hotels, apartments and studios have settled near the coast. You will also find tavernas and caf\u00e9s, supermarkets and boat rentals in the resort, although some facilities were already closed when we visited in early October.<\/p>\n

The narrow pebble beach behind the wetland is lined with a few tamarisk trees. The stony shore slopes gently and is also suitable for families with children. Keri Beach<\/strong> is not a dream beach, but it is perfectly adequate for a short refreshment.<\/p>\n

\"Limni
On the beach of Limni Keriou<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

During the season, daily boat tours depart from Limni Keriou to Cape Marathia<\/strong>, the Keri caves and the Mizithres rocks. The coastline in the southeast is defined by towering white limestone cliffs, crisscrossed by numerous caves and grottos where the sea sparkles in the most beautiful shades of blue.<\/p>\n

\n

\ud83d\udca1 A note from Keri:<\/strong> Since ancient times, pitch has been mined in the Keri region, which was used to seal ship planks. Of the former sources, only the “Herodotus Spring” remains, which lies behind the studios of the same name in Limni Keriou. This pitch pond has also largely dried up and unfortunately looks a little neglected.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Mountain village of Keri<\/h3>\n

From the coastal town of Limni Keriou it is about 10 minutes by car to the mountain village of Keri. The tranquil village has about 470 inhabitants and is mostly only a transit stop on the way to the Mizithres rocks. It is worth taking a short walk through the narrow streets.<\/p>\n

On the northern outskirts of the village, the church of Panagia Keriotissa<\/strong> is well worth a visit, with its sunny yellow fa\u00e7ade and free-standing bell tower. Unfortunately, the church is usually locked.<\/p>\n

\"Nitzi
Nitzi Cafe in Keri<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In the centre, it is wonderful to linger on the cobbled Platia. For a coffee and a small snack, we can recommend the colourful Nitzi Caf\u00e9<\/em>. For a bigger appetite, the Allegro Restaurant opens from 1 p.m. and has a beautiful roof terrace.<\/p>\n

Mizithres Rock and Lighthouse<\/h3>\n

From Keri, it is a five-minute drive to the lighthouse and the associated restaurant, which is also home to what is reportedly the largest Greek flag in the world<\/strong>. Unfortunately, it was not hoisted during our visit.<\/p>\n

The entire site of the Lighthouse of Keri<\/strong> is currently not accessible, and the rather pricey restaurant below requires a minimum spend to enjoy the view of the Mizithres rocks.<\/p>\n

Above the lighthouse there is also a simple snack bar whose owner charges around \u20ac2.50 entrance fee for the sea view. Alternatively, you can enjoy a free view of the spectacular coastline with its rock pyramids by following the gravel road to the left in front of the restaurant.<\/p>\n