Visiting Zakynthos
As the bright county seat of the island that bears its name, Zakynthos, also called Zante, is the main town of a stunning Greek island spanning 406 km². Framed by the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea, its fine sand and lush vegetation make it a heavily visited destination. Homer already mentioned it in the Odyssey, and its history reads like a succession of rulers: Romano-Byzantine, Arab, Norman, part of the Kingdom of Sicily, Venetian, French, and more. It wasn't until 1864 that it officially joined the Kingdom of Greece. Today, fishing and tourism form the backbone of its economy.
A town of character and charm
The island's beauty shines right through the town streets. Among its many churches, the Agios Dionysios church stands out as the most prestigious. Beautifully decorated, this three-aisled Orthodox basilica dating from 1925 is remarkable for both its architecture and its interior. Located near the port, its striking bell tower defines the skyline. It is the premier spot for scenic strolls where you can look out over luxury yachts and fishing boats against that incredible blue backdrop. Lined with benches and framed by towering palm trees, the vast Dionysios Solomos Square captures the island's charm in one place. Named after the poet whose words form the Greek national hymn, he sits right in the center, immortalized in a pristine statue. Paved and flanked by stately buildings, it is the beating heart of Zakynthos. The Agios Nikolaou church edges the square, standing as one of the few structures that survived the devastating 1953 earthquake. Right here, the sumptuous Byzantine Museum opens its three levels to display sculptures, frescoes dating from the 15th to the 17th centuries, paintings, and photographs of the town before the natural disaster.
A beach right in town
Heading toward the coast to Agiou Markou Square, you will first spot a striking arched building housing the Solomos and Kalvos Museum. Alongside original works and personal belongings, the lives of these two local artists, who are among the island's most famous figures, are on display. The bustling square is packed with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. It is the ideal spot to try local specialties like tzatziki, a crisp cucumber starter that pairs perfectly with chickpea bread, psarosoupa, a traditional fish soup, or stifado, a tender beef and onion stew. For dessert, try mandolato, the island's signature sweet: an almond and honey nougat inherited from the Venetians. Be sure to stop by one of the oldest residences in town, Romas Mansion, once home to the aristocratic Romas family. This 1660 manor is exceptionally well-preserved.
Some of the finest coastlines in the region are found right here on Zakynthos. Located just 500m from downtown, Eot may be less famous than the renowned Gerakas or Navagio beaches, but it remains a gem framed by striking viewpoints. As everywhere else on the island, the crystal-clear waters are perfect for a swim, and the beach is overlooked by the Bokali hill, home to a Venetian fortress known as a kastro. The panoramic views from the top are unbeatable.
Getting there
The local airport handles international flights year-round, with direct seasonal routes from major European hubs during the summer. If you are traveling by car, you will need to take the ferry from Kyllini on the Greek mainland. From Athens, long-distance buses make the trip down, including the ferry crossing.
Off the coast of Olympia, Zakynthos has managed to escape excessive concrete development and mass tourism. It is small, without being tiny, and in the same day you can eat a meal in a picturesque village, visit some ancient ruins, and swim in little coves with turquoise water.