Zakynthos (or Zante) is the third largest and southernmost of the main group of Ionian islands (not counting the distant Kythira), located in the Ionian Sea. The Greek island has its own airport, Dionysios Solomos International Airport, located in its south. Zakynthos was devastated by the earthquake of 1953, but over time, it has managed to become the radiant city of today, a perfect place to spend a dream holiday. The town enchants with the architecture of the buildings rebuilt after the earthquake, the castle on the hill being an impressive Venetian fortress built on the site of an old citadel. Together with the historical centre, this tourist attraction manages to impress visitors.

Thinking about when you should visit Zakynthos and haven't decided yet? We would like to give you some tips that might help you figure out much faster which period you want to choose for your holiday. First of all, we have to tell you that this island enjoys a Mediterranean climate and so, if you spend your holiday here, between May and September, the chances of having a rainy day are close to zero. Spring is the time when nature comes back to life and the climate is perfect for walks and sunbathing. The sea water reaches around 20℃, so slowly, it becomes suitable for swimming too, starting in May. In summer, the island becomes a holiday destination of choice for many tourists from all over the world. Temperatures start to exceed 30℃, the sea water is clear, making it a perfect time for heat lovers. In autumn, temperatures start to drop below 30℃, but the island is still visited by tourists who prefer the quietness, the number of visitors decreasing compared to the summer period. In winter, the island begins to have lush vegetation, thanks to the rains, which are more common during this season.

Zakynthos Town (Zante) is the capital of the island of the same name and also the main port. The town is clean, stylish, with narrow streets where you can find designer shops, cafes and tavernas that will definitely make you stop there. At sunset, you can take a walk along the seafront to enjoy the dreamy scenery. If you want to experience life like a local, the perfect place is 31km from the capital, Marines.

This location is not visited by many tourists, and for this reason it has kept its picturesque air, which you can enjoy while looking at the breathtaking scenery of the Ionian Sea. The locals have still preserved their traditional stone houses and their main occupation is farming. Navagio is one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, and for this reason it is featured in dozens of postcards. Navagio can be considered a corner of heaven, thanks to the golden sand and crystal clear water that complement in a perfect picture with the white rock walls that surround them. On the north coast of the peninsula, you will find spectacular caves, where the blue of the water reflects majestically on the rock walls, hence the name “Blue Caves”.

Kianouon is the largest and the easiest to visit of them, access being possible by boat. Gerakas is a protected nature park beach, as Caretta Caretta turtles come to lay their eggs here. Access to the area, guarded by the guards who are part of an association for the protection of turtles, is only on a special bridge, and after 7 pm it is forbidden to stay on the beach. However, you should be aware that there are no tavernas on this beach, so you should be prepared for this too. The beach enjoys fine sand and crystal clear water, making it a popular location for swimming and sunbathing. Cape Skinari is the ideal location for tourists who are keen on photography, due to the picturesque and authentic landscape, but also for tourists who are looking for some peace and quiet, being a quiet place, free from the hustle and bustle of crowded places.

Zakynthos has a simple but very important cuisine for the locals, because the dishes they prepare show their respect for visitors. The dishes they cook are healthy and rich in vitamins, as they contain the vast majority of 100% organic ingredients. Here are some of the local dishes you will find in Zakynthos: Melitzanosalata - is an appetizer based on eggplant Dolmadakia - are the famous sarmas stuffed with rice and wrapped in beef sheets Horiatiki - is a Greek salad, based on a mixture of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, black olives and feta cheese, to which oregano and a little olive oil is added. Stifado - is a preparation containing veal and tomato sauce. Briam - are baked potatoes, carrots, courgettes and small tomatoes If you like coffee, we would like to tell you that in Zakynthos, its preparation is like a ceremony, and it has to be savored in order to taste its delicious taste.

• Country: Greece, a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, does not need a visa
  Official language: Greek
  Currency: EUR
  Time zone: UTC/GMT +1:00 hours, summer time +2:00 hours
  Telephone prefix: +30
  Internet domain: .gr
  Airport: Zakynthos Airport is the local airport. How do you get from the airport to the city centre? The distance from Zakynthos airport to the town centre can be covered by bus, which is a cheap way to get around. They have direct flights to other resorts, so if your holiday is booked in another resort, you don't have to worry. However, these routes are only available in the summer season. The flights are frequent so you don't have to wait long.
  Information about COVID-19: Entry rules to Zakynthos depend on the rules imposed by the Greek government. Find out the details of the official travel rules in Greece.