Highlights
Scuba Diving
Zakynthos is a fantastic place to go diving, boasting a selection of dive sites and courses to choose from. Highlights include Barracuda Reef, Octopus Reef, Marathia and Arc de Triomphe, famed for resembling its namesake Parisian landmark. As you swim through the arc, look out for beautiful red corals and sponges, as well as morays, large bream, grouper and, often, tuna.
Wildlife
On the south-west coast, the National Marine Park of Zakynthos in the Bay of Laganas was created to protect the endangered Caretta Caretta, or loggerhead sea turtle. It’s one of the largest nesting grounds in the Mediterranean and the turtles are the world’s biggest hard-shelled turtles, weighing up to 160kg. The area is also home to a variety of other flora and fauna, including the exquisite sea daffodil, stunning underwater reefs and the shy Mediterranean monk seal. Don’t miss a wildlife watching boat trip to spot these wonderful creatures swimming in their natural habitats, and find out more by visiting the Thematic Exhibition Centre or join guided eco walks and presentations.
Scenery
With its plummeting limestone walls, gleaming white-pebble sands and extraordinarily turquoise seas, ‘Shipwreck Beach’ is a celebrated image of Zakynthos and “must-visit” on the island. Also known as ‘Smuggler’s Cove’ or Navagio Bay, the beach is only accessible by boat and day trips are often combined with the Blue Caves and a traditional lunch in a mountain taverna. Relax on the sands and soak up the sun, enjoy a swim, and gape at the famous shipwreck that ran aground in the 1980s. You can also glimpse this spectacular cove from a lookout tower outside the village of Anafonitria – a dizzying experience with breathtaking views.
Culture
While tourism is a huge source of income for Zakynthos, many traditional Greek practices are still carried out on the island. In the summer, local fishermen scour the coast for the freshest catches, while the winter months tend to focus on the agricultural industry, particularly the production of olive oil, raisins and grapes. The latter is made into local wines and at the end of August or start of September, the Wine Festival provides a great opportunity to sample various bottles of island grapes, alongside an evening of traditional dancing.
History
For a glimpse of the island’s history, explore Zakynthos Town’s Byzantine Museum on the main waterfront. Nearly all of the artefacts were rescued by volunteer sailors following the big earthquake of 1953, including exhibits of church interiors, ecclesiastical art and fancy frescoes. Another gem is the Church of St. Dionysios, dedicated to the island patron saint. Located near to the ferry jetty, there are some splendid examples of gilt work and frescoes, as well as a museum filled with religious garments and accessories. Follow this with a short, steep hike out of town up to Kastro, an abandoned Venetian fort atop a hill from which the panoramic views are awe-inspiring.