8 Essential Things to See and Do Not to Be Missed!

You are soon going to the island of Zante (also called Zakynthos) and you are looking for what to do in Zante? Today we're taking you to discover this superb Greek island! Put on your sneakers and bring your camera, there are very beautiful things to see! Here are the 8 essentials a must-do in Zante!

1. Shipwreck Beach

This sublime beach is undoubtedly the most photographed in all of Greece. It is nicknamed the most beautiful beach in the world! And, in fact, it rarely leaves travelers indifferent. It is called that because it contains the wreck of a ship. Indeed, a cigarette smuggling ship ran aground there in 1983. Its crew fled before the police arrived and the ship has remained there ever since.

Unfortunately, this beach was closed to the public during the summer of 2023 due to a risk of landslides and landslides. Indeed, following an earthquake, the risk had become greater and this drastic measure was taken to protect travelers. This situation will be reassessed twice a year in order to guarantee the safety of all.

There is therefore still a chance that the beach will be open to the public during your stay. In the worst case, you can always approach it by boat to see it from afar and take great photos.

2. The town of Zante

Zante, also called Zakynthos City, is the capital of the island. Unfortunately, there are few ancient monuments there as the city was destroyed in 1953 by an earthquake. However, you will be able to appreciate its warm atmosphere, specific to Greek cities. Some mythical and historical places are also to be seen in Zante:

• There Agios Markos Square, particularly lively in the evening. It will be ideal for going to a restaurant or having a drink.
• The Byzantine Museum : this museum invites you to delve into the past of the island of Zante. There is a model of the city before the earthquake.
• There Bokali hill which offers a superb view of the city.
• Roma Mansion : this private mansion is one of the rare ancient monuments present in the city, because it was not ravaged by the earthquake. Today, this hotel has been converted into a museum and allows you to discover the life of the former aristocrats it accommodated.
• L' Agios Dyonisos church : who says Greek town, says church. This small church houses the relics of the patron saint of the island of Zante. Don't hesitate to discover its interior frescoes and stained glass windows.

3. Cape Kéri

If you visit Zante during your next vacation, you absolutely cannot neglect Cape Keri! Indeed, this natural place is one of the most beautiful places on the island of Zante. It is here, and more particularly near its lighthouse, that locals come together to enjoy the sunset. For this, a 2km walk from the village awaits you. You will need to follow the signs “faros keriou”.

On site, a restaurant is also present to combine indulgence with this experience!

In addition, there is a detail that you will not be able to miss when you come: this is where we find the largest Greek flag in the world. It was even recognized by the Guinness Book of Records. This flag weighs 80kg and has an area of ​​670 square meters.

4. Zakynthos Marine National Park

Zakynthos not only has the most beautiful beaches in Greece, it also has treasures off its coast. Thus, in the heart of the bay of Laganas, we created in 1999 a marine national park. Its aim is to protect sea turtles caretta caretta. Indeed, the Greek island of Zakinthos is considered to be the nesting place for turtles. caretta caretta the largest in the Mediterranean. Thus, more than 500 females come to lay their eggs on the beaches of the south of the island of Zante during the summer.

But, unfortunately, this ecosystem is endangered by tourism on the island. In fact, noises and lights at night frighten the females and the fragile eggs can be destroyed when travelers land on the beaches. The area was therefore protected for guarantee the preservation of the species. On land, beaches have become inaccessible at night. At sea, fishing is prohibited and water sports as well.

However, you can get closer to this area during the day to observe these sea turtles. This, especially if you go snorkeling or scuba diving during your visit to Zante.

5. Take a boat trip

In fact, turtles are not the only wonders to discover in the warm waters of Zante. So I strongly advise you to plan a day on boat during your stay. This will be an opportunity in particular to go snorkeling in search of original fish, to discover the island monk seals or to see geological wonders inaccessible from land. This is particularly the case for the blue caves which I will explain to you just after.

6. The Blue Caves (Galazia Spilia)

The blue caves are not really caves, but arches shaped over time by the salt, the wind and the sea. In this area we find a turquoise sea, which makes this visit even more enjoyable. Therefore, most travelers passing through the island of Zante opt for a boat trip to discover these fascinating blue caves.

During this activity, please note that it will be possible to swim! This will be the opportunity to dive into crystal clear water surrounded by a dream setting.

7. The beaches of Zante

The island of Zante is above all known for its beaches. These golden expanses of turquoise water will mark your stay. The superb expanses of the island will make you want only one thing: to extend your vacation!

THE southeast beaches, around Zante Town, are the busiest. They are often well appointed and easily accessible, which sometimes makes them crowded in summer. So, although they are truly superb, it may be interesting to discover the beaches in the north and west of the island if you want peace and quiet above all.

If you are looking for what to do in Zante, here is a panel of the most beautiful beaches on the island of Zante (Zakynthos):

• Gerakas beach: one of the most beautiful on the island with its reddish cliffs. It is partly developed, but also has a wilder side. Its waters are perfectly clear, which makes it very photogenic. On the other hand, in summer, it is a turtle nesting beach and is therefore inaccessible after dark.
• Banana Beach: this long sandy beach is one of the most beautiful on the island. However, it is very busy in summer which spoils its charm a little. However, you can discover it if you are looking for a place to do water activities in Zante.
• The beach of Porto Roma: this small beach surrounded by cliffs is particularly famous for its magnificent setting.
• The beaches ofAmoudi and Makris Gialos to the west and north of Zante, a little wilder.

8. The villages of Zante

During your stay in the Ionian Islands, you can also explore a less touristy side of Zante, which is not talked about enough. Indeed, the charm of Greece also lies in his meeting with the inhabitants and in its culture. To see this, you can stroll through the various villages of the island, far from the tourist attractions. Discover for example:

• Keri, a charming village, perched on the top of a mountain.
• Volimes, which has pretty houses and small churches to discover.
• Kampi, another perched village which also offers a superb sunset over an intense blue bay (photo).
• Kiliomeno is home to the oldest house on the island of Zante.

In any case, I advise you to stop at the taverns present in these villages, to also taste the delights of Greek cuisine. They often offer delicious dishes that will suit small budgets!

After reading this, I hope that the island of Zante has no more secrets for you now! If you were wondering about this what you absolutely must see in Zante so as not to miss anything, you now have your answer and enough to plan a superb stay. Don’t hesitate to tell us in the comments your favorite must-see in Zante or the one that you think we forgot to mention!