10 fun things to do in Zante on your villa holiday in Greece

I’ve been visiting Zakynthos for years, since my sister lives there. In this article I bring you some of my favourite things to do in Zante in partnership with villa company Clickstay. They offer over 75,000 villas, apartments and holiday rentals around the world. If you are travelling as a family or just want a bit more space and independence, you can find plenty of delightful villas in Zakynthos.

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I love the range of landscapes on the Greek island of Zakynthos. From the sandy beaches where the turtles nest, to green olive groves clothing the hillside and rocky cliffs and coves on the western shore. Also known as Zante, this popular holiday island in the Ionian chain has something for everyone. You’ll find swimming spots and water parks, historic squares, shady cafes and shopping in Zante town.

1. Wander around Zante town

Let’s start with Zante Town, the island capital and main town on Zakynthos, and where most ferries and cruise ships arrive. At the large harbour and waterfront you can admire the superyachts and wonder which billionaire they belong to. There are plenty of things to do in Zante town and it’s a fun place to shop for local souvenirs and relax in one of the many pavement cafes.

At one end of town is Solomos Square, an open plaza close to the harbour surrounded by cafes and churches. Because the town was hit by a terrible earthquake in 1953, most of the buildings in Zante town were built after that time. Even the older ones were restored so that they look new.

You may like to visit the Zakynthos Byzantine museum in the square. This museum contains many artworks and icons that were rescued from churches on the island after the earthquake.

St Mark’s Square

Walk on to the smaller St Mark’s square where the cafes and restaurants are always busy. Here there’s another museum dedicated to the famous Zakynthian poet Dionysios Solomos who wrote the words to the Greek National Anthem.

From here, follow the main street through town which is partly pedestrianised. You’ll find lots of fashion boutiques and gift shops. It’s also worth delving into the side streets as they tend to have more local shops and interesting food shops.

Discover the Windmill Bay Hotel in Zakynthos – a 4-star seaside hotel in Greece

At the other end of town is the main town church of Agios Dionysios. Its bell tower is dedicated to St Dennis, the patron saint of the island who lived on Zakynthos in the 16th century.

The interior of the church is richly decorated with precious metals, stained glass and frescoes. The remains of St Dennis reside in a silver casket which is brought out to parade the town on his feast day in August. Behind the church there’s a small museum with a display of embroidered vestments and ecclesiastical objects.

In the morning, fishing boats moor up along the harbour with the nets piled up to dry, selling their catch direct from the boats. If you are planning a trip to Zante town, be sure to check the shop opening hours, which vary each day. Shops typically open in the morning, shut around 2pm and open again for the late afternoon and evening.

Villas in Zakynthos near Zante Town

Check out these Villas in Argassi, a resort which is a short drive from Zante town. If these don’t suit you there are many more villas in Zakynthos with Clickstay. They offer over 75,000 villas, apartments and holiday rentals around the world.

2. Visit the Venetian Fortress and have a coffee at Bohali

While you’re in Zante town, you may like to drive up to Bohali, the hill that overlooks the town. You’ll find a terrace with several cafes that offer a fantastic view over the town and the port.

In the same area is the Venetian fortress built in the 17th century. It features the winged lion of St Mark above the stone gateway. The British used this as their garrison when they ruled the Ionian islands in the early 1800s. Most of the ruined buildings that you can see are their barracks, prison cells and houses that stood within the fortress walls.

The whole area is covered by shady pine trees. You’ll enjoy the views from the walls over the port and in the other direction over the plain behind the town.

3. A boat trip to Shipwreck Beach in Zakynthos

Also top of the list of things to do in Zakynthos is a visit to Navagio or Shipwreck Beach. The stunning location, with its picturesque shipwreck, sits in the curve of limestone cliffs. This makes it one of the most photographed beaches in Greece.

You can only get there by boat and there are numerous boat trips to Navagio from St Nicholas port or Makris Gialos. Take a swim, a few photos and a look at the ship’s rusty shell. There are no facilities or shade here, so you probably won’t need more than an hour or two.

The story goes that the ship ran aground in the 1980’s while smuggling cigarettes. However, perhaps that’s a story that’s told for dramatic effect!

Whatever the truth, that shipwreck has certainly helped the tourism industry on Zakynthos. Photos of the wreck on a golden crescent of sand are to be found in every coffee table book about Greece.

In 2019 there was a frightening rockfall while tourists were on the beach. Although no-one was seriously hurt it was a warning to stay away from the cliff itself, even though the shade may be tempting.

If you are taking a boat trip, be guided by local advice on the best day to go. The sea can look deceptively calm when you set off on the sheltered side of the island. However, it may become rough and windy once you round the northernmost tip of the island.

Clifftop viewing platform

There’s also a metal viewing platform on the cliffs above the beach which is well signposted. A visit here can be combined with a trip to the monasteries near Volimes. From here you can also follow the small paths along the cliff top, to reach a rocky point where you also get great photos.

This furthest viewpoint is where most of the dramatic Instagram photos, with floaty dresses and high heels posing on the cliff edge, are taken. You can get to this point in relative safety if you stay away from the edge of the cliff. But, please take care! The memorial to a young man should be enough of a reminder not to take risks just to get the perfect Instagram shot. Read more about our boat trip to Shipwreck Beach.

Villas in Zakynthos near Shipwreck Beach

Check out these Villas in Volimes Zakynthos, close to where the boats trips leave for Shipwreck Beach. If these don’t suit you there are many more villas in Zakynthos with Clickstay. They offer over 75,000 villas, apartments and holiday rentals worldwide.

4. Visit the monasteries near Volimes

If you’re driving up to the viewpoint of the Shipwreck Beach, there are some interesting monasteries in the area that are worth a stop. On out last visit we passed by St George’s Monastery Agios Georgios ton Gremon. Here the walls enclose a defensive watchtower to look out for pirates and the church with a beautiful Madonna icon.

Famous religious figures who lived here include Saint Gerasimos, the patron saint of Kefalonia. Also, the theologian and historian Pachomios Rousanos whose books once filled the library.

In the same area is the Monastery of Panagia Anafonitria which was founded in the 15th century. This was the church where St Dennis, the patron saint of Zakynthos, lived as an abbot in his later years.

Stalls selling local produce are found outside the monastery. You’ll have a chance to buy some of the excellent honey that is made in the mountainous north of Zakynthos.

When visiting any Greek church or monastery it is respectful to be modestly dressed. This means that both ladies and men should cover knees and shoulders.

5. Learn about the turtles on Zakynthos

The Caretta Caretta or Loggerhead turtle is native to Zakynthos, with nesting beaches along the south-east side of the island. It’s become the symbol of the island, which you’ll see on postcards, fluffy toys, key rings and every kind of turtle themed souvenir.

However ubiquitous the turtle is in the souvenir shops, it’s sadly increasingly rare in the waters around Zakynthos. The numbers of nests have been in steep decline over the years. There is a protection programme in place with a marine park which restricts building near the turtle beaches and the operation of boats and water sports.

The best turtle beach in Zante to get more information is probably Gerakas. There’s a visitor centre near the steps down the beach.

The Earth Sea Sky centre also has plenty of information about the turtles and has been tracking the numbers of turtle nests over the years. On the beaches of Gerakas, Dafni and Laganas you may see markers of the nests. You should keep away from these to avoid trampling the turtle eggs.

Many boat trips from Laganas, Keri and Agios Sostis will take you on a turtle spotting boat trip. Be aware that there are strict rules about where the boats can go and how long they can spend with the turtles.

Try to find a trip with a reputable company that will follow the rules. You are not allowed to touch or lift the turtles out of the water or harass them by getting too close. If you want to preserve the turtles for future generations it’s better to enjoy your boat trip without any expectations and if you see a turtle it’s a bonus.

Villas in Zakynthos near the turtle beaches

Check out these Villas in Lithakia, Laganas and Kalamaki which are close to the turtle beaches on Zakynthos. If these don’t suit you there are many more villas in Zakynthos with Clickstay. They offer over 75,000 villas, apartments and holiday rentals around the world.

6. Relax and swim on Vasilikos beach in Zante

The best beaches in Zakynthos are located in the south east corner of the island. These have been protected from development because of the turtles that nest in the deep, hot sand.

One of our favourites is the beach at Vasilikos which stretches for miles and has several sections. Each section has its beach taverna where you can hire sunbeds and have a long, lazy lunch followed by swimming and sunbathing.

Our favourite spot is Banana Baya which has a restaurant overlooking the beach. They offer sunbeds to rent by the water, where they will take any orders for drinks and snacks.

Other spots along this stretch include the Ionian beach with a pleasant stone built taverna and a less visited stretch of beach. Or, the St Nicholas beach which tends to attract the younger party crowd with water sports and loud music.

A little further on, Porto Roma Beach has some stunning rock formations you can swim around and a stylish beach bar. Read more about the best beaches in Zakynthos.

Villas in Zakynthos near Vasilikos

Check out these Villas in Vasilikos, close to some of the most beautiful beaches on Zakynthos. If these don’t suit you there are many more villas in Zakynthos with Clickstay. They offer over 75,000 villas, apartments and holiday rentals worldwide.

7. Take a boat trip to the Keri caves

The same boat trips that take you turtle spotting in Laganas bay, will generally also take you on to see the sea caves near Keri. The sea here is an intense turquoise and you can weave in and out of the sea arches. The boats will generally drop anchor here to let you have a swim, so that you can snorkel around and spot any fish near the rocks.

The boats will also often take you to Marathonisi island, also known as Turtle island as it looks like a swimming turtle. There’s a sea cave and small beach on one side of the island, where boats selling drinks and snacks often moor up.

The larger beach on the other side of the island is a turtle nesting site. Stopping your boat here is forbidden due to the turtle nests here that need to be preserved.

8. Cool off at a Zante water park

If all this sea swimming is not enough and you want more fun, you can head to the water parks on Zakynthos as there are two on the island. Zante Water Village is the largest water park on Zakynthos, and a short drive from Zante town in the village of Sarakinado. You’ll find water slides and chutes, a lazy river, cafes and plenty of room for sunbathing.

As an alternative Tsilivi Water Park offers a number of water slides and children’s play areas. This water park is smaller and tickets may be included if you are staying at one of the adjoining hotels owned by the same company. If you don’t have a car, you can book this tour that will take you to the Zante Water Village including park entrance.

9. Swimming at Porto Limnionas in Zakynthos

Personally I’m more of a fan of sea swimming in Greece than the water parks. Porto Limnionas on the rocky west coast of the island is a wonderful place to swim in the clear blue waters of a fjord like inlet. There’s no beach here but the taverns has created terraces on the hillside for sunbathing and places that you can enter the water.

You jump straight into deep water, so it’s a place for confident swimmers and not ideal for young children or anyone with mobility issues. In recent years Porto Limnionas has become super popular, so go early to bag your sunbed and parking space.

Pack your water shoes for the rocks and enjoy the swimming and snorkelling in the cool, clear water. If you find it too crowded Porto Roxa is an alternative swimming spot which is close by. Read more about swimming at Porto Limnionas.

10. Head to the mountain villages with sunset views at Keri or Kampi

The western side of Zakynthos is rocky and wild, and it’s here that you’ll find traditional mountain villages and clifftop taverns. It’s also the best side of the island to see the sun set over the ocean. If you want to experience this you can head to the restaurants at Keri or Kampi that have some great views.

On my last trip we tried to visit the viewpoint at Keri lighthouse during the daytime, but the restaurant owners have put up a fence with a gate to the car park. It is only open in the evening, thus blocking access to the viewpoint at other times.

Unfortunately we visited in the morning when car park was closed and the cafe owner was unwilling to unlock the gate. Don’t make the same mistake and have a wasted trip.

Instead we visited the cute village of Keri where there are a few pretty cafes in the square and had a coffee there. I’ve heard that you get nice sunset views from the Keri lighthouse restaurant in the evening.

An alternative spot that also has several tavernas for sunset views is Kampi. You’ll know when you are there by the large cross in the village.

11. Try the delicious food on Zakynthos

There are lots of local specialities that you might want to look out for in Zakynthos to take home as souvenirs;

Honey – Most honey is made in the mountainous north of the island. We saw roadside stalls selling honey and local produce when we visited the village of Volimes and the monasteries nearby.

Olive oil – High quality olive oil that’s pressed on Zakynthos is easy to find in the shops or roadside stalls where you’re buying direct from the producer.

Zakynthian wine – There are several wineries where you can taste and buy local wines. Try Oenolpi winery at Machairado (read my review), Grampsas winery at Lagopodo and Solomos winery close to Zante town.

Mantolato – White nougat made from egg whites, sugar, almonds and honey which is usually cut up into squares and wrapped individually.

Pastelli – Another kind of nougat made with sesame seeds, honey and almonds that’s served cut into rectangles.

Mantoles – Individual almonds that are covered with a sweet honey coating, sometimes coloured red with a natural food colouring.

Many shops in Zante town sell a range of local produce and wines, such Mantolato Zakynthos in Venizelou Square.

Our favourite restaurants in Zakynthos

Anadalis – This stylish restaurant in Argassi is the go-to destination to have dinner by the sea. There’s a lovely view of the sun setting over Zante town. It serves excellent Mediterranean dishes with Greek flavours, including fantastic seafood and organic age dried steaks. Anadalis is owned by my sister’s family so I’ve eaten there many times and can personally recommend it. Read my review of Anadalis here.

Nobelos – In the north of the island near St Nicholas Port, this is an idyllic place to spend a day with a lazy lunch or dinner overlooking the sea. There’s a small private beach area with crystal water and sun loungers that you can use if you are eating at the restaurant. The menu is full of the most instagrammable and delicious dishes that are based on Greek cuisine with a modern twist. Be sure to try their home made ice creams which are incredibly creamy and delicious.

Other restaurants we recommend

Votsalo at Marathias – If you pass Keri port and continue up the hill you’ll find some hidden pebble beaches and swimming places at Marathias. These overlook the turtle island, where the water is clear as glass. There are a few tavernas up there and our favourite is Votsalo. This is a stylish tavern set on the hill with sea views where you can enjoy all your favourite Greek dishes.

Kanelos between Argassi and Kalamaki – This charming summer restaurant is a bit of a local’s secret set in the hills above Argassi. You can reach it by car from Argassi. Turn opposite the church in Argassi and follow the road up the hill past the aqueduct until you see the signs for Kanelos.

Many people also walk up the paths from Kalamaki on the other side of the hill, passing a few hidden beaches on the way. At Kanelos they serve all the classic Greek dishes, the food is really good and the service also very friendly. This is a great one for walkers as you can take a walk down to the Kalamaki beach for a swim and back up again.

Banana Baya at Vasilikos – There are many beach bars along Vasilikos beach. We love Banana Baya for the views over the beach and sea and it’s a great place for a chilled lunch.

Typical Greek dishes in Zakynthos

Greek salad – The traditional Greek salad is made with tomatoes, cucumber, slices of sweet onion, and black olives. It’s topped with a sprinkle of fresh oregano and a slab of feta cheese. Drizzle on your own dressing of olive oil and vinegar which will be on the table.

Moussaka – Mouthwatering layers of minced lamb in a tomato sauce, potatoes and aubergines topped with béchamel sauce and a cheesy topping.

Beef Stifado – A slow cooked stew where the beef should be meltingly soft, with small onions in a rich tomato sauce. It’s served with rice, in a nod to the Venetian heritage of the island.

Lamb Kleftiko – Slow cooked stew of lamb with vegetables oil and lemon. Kleftiko means “stolen”, the idea being that this dish would be cooked by shepherds or bandits in the mountains. They might have stolen the lamb and cooked it in a pit in the ground with just the ingredients they could easily find around them.

If you’re out and about in Zante town and need a quick snack, look out for;

Koulouri – Rings of bread covered with sesame seeds that you can buy from all traditional Greek bakeries and roadside stalls.

Tiropita – cheese or spinach pies made with layers of filo pastry and local Greek cheese or spinach, sold in slices in bakeries or cafes.

Find your perfect villa in Zakynthos

Check out these Villas in Zakynthos with Clickstay who have over 50 villas of all sizes on Zakynthos. Clickstay offers over 75,000 villas, apartments and holiday rentals worldwide. There’s lots of choice throughout the Mediterranean, USA, Canada and the Caribbean.

While you are renting direct from the property owner, the Clickstay renter protection policy also means that you can book with confidence. Check out Clickstay to find the perfect villa for your next holiday in Zakynthos.

How to get to Zakynthos

There are plenty of flights to Zakynthos which are mainly seasonal starting in May until the end of October. The main airlines that fly direct to Zakynthos from UK airports include Easyjet, TUI, Jet2.com, Wizzair and British Airways. There are additional direct flights from other countries.

If you are travelling in Greece you can also fly to Zakynthos from Athens or take a ferry from Kyllini or Kefalonia.

Tours of Zakynthos

If you don’t drive then take a look at these tours in Zakynthos to enable you to visit the best spots on the island.

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This article is written by Heather Cowper and sponsored* by Clickstay.

* More info on my policies page

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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