Zakynthos Town
A great way to experience the capital and main harbour of Zakynthos, called Zakynthos Town or Chora, is by strolling through the city centre and enjoying its historical sites, souvenir shops, and bustling cafes and restaurants. Walk along the seafront promenade that follows the harbour from the Church of Agios Dionysios to Agios Nikolaos of Molos, a beautiful church dating back to the Renaissance period (1561), and on to the scenic Solomos Square. Take the pedestrian walkway that connects Solomos Square with Agios Markos Square, the historical and cultural center of the island.
Bohali
Starting from San Marco Square, the pretty village of Bochali can be reached on foot in about 20 minutes along a beautiful panoramic path that starts from the Panagia Pikridiotissa Church and goes through the island’s old aristocratic neighbourhoods before reaching the the lush pine forest and fascinating Venetian Castle built around 1646. This is an excellent place to escape the city and enjoy a scenic countryside stroll with the most spectacular views of Chora and the Ionian Sea.
Stranis Hill
Lying slightly further from Bochali and the Venetian Castle, Strani Hill is also well within reach by foot from Zakynthos Town. On the hilltop, surrounded by stunning views, stands the marble bust of the Zakynthian-born poet Dionysios Solomos (1798-1857). During his frequent visits to the hill, which belonged to the Italian noble Ludovico Strani, Dionysios Solomos wrote the Hymn to Liberty, which was then set to music by Nikolaos Mantzaros and became the Greek national anthem in 1865.
Dionysios Solomos Square
Dionysios Solomos Square is the main square of Zakynthos town and a popular meeting point for the city’s residents and tourists alike. At the one end of the square, with its arched neoclassical facade, is the Post Byzantine Art Museum, showcasing the most significant archeological findings in Zakynthos from the Byzantine, Cretan, Ionian, and Zakynthian schools. The Public Historical Library of Zakynthos and the church of Agios Nikolaos of Molos are next door, while the third side of the square opens onto the Ionian Sea. Whether you start your day here with a coffee or sit amongst the locals as the sun goes down, you’ll love this traditional Zakynthian hang-out spot.
Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach
Navagio is one of Greece's most famous and photographed beaches—some claim it is amongst the best in the world. It is a relatively small cove on the island's northwest side, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, with soft cream-colored sand and the most impressive turquoise-coloured waters. Previously known as Agios Giorgos, it draws its nickname—Shipwreck Beach—from a freighter that ran aground there in 1980, was abandoned, and still rests in the beach’s white sands today.
Marathonisi
If you share our philosophy that well-being starts with experiences in total harmony with nature, then a day trip to Marathonisi and its neighbouring islets can be an awe-inspiring experience. Just a short distance from the island’s shore, these uninhabited little islands within the National Marine Park of Zakynthos are among the most important nesting grounds of the loggerhead turtle (Caretta Caretta), a species that—though endangered—has survived successfully for millions of years. Even though visitors are only allowed within five meters of the shore, this is a place of rare and pristine beauty where nature has been left untouched.
