Exploring the Off the Beaten Track Zakynthos

The small Greek island of Zakynthos is best known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, but this idyllic island has a lot more to offer those looking to explore off the beaten path. From hidden coves and ancient ruins to traditional villages and secluded coves, Zakynthos is home to some of the most beautiful sights in all of Greece. In this blog post, we’ll take an in-depth look at some of the best off the beaten track experiences on the island.

Exploring the Windmills of Anafonitria

The village of Anafonitria is a hidden gem located in the heart of Zakynthos. The village is best known for its three centuries-old windmills, which were built by the local people to grind wheat and produce flour. There are two windmills still standing, and visitors can explore their inner workings and admire their intricate architecture. The view from the top of the windmills is spectacular and provides a unique insight into the history of the island.

The village is also home to a stunning Byzantine church, which was built in the 16th century and is filled with stunning frescoes. The church also offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, making it an idyllic spot to take a break and admire the beauty of Zakynthos.

The village of Anafonitria is a great place to explore and experience the true spirit of Zakynthos. Visitors can also enjoy a traditional Greek meal at one of the local tavernas and sample some of the region’s delicious local cuisine.

Discovering the Shipwreck Beach

One of the most popular attractions on the island is Shipwreck Beach. The beach is located on the west coast of Zakynthos and is home to the famous wreck of the ‘Panagiotis’, a ship that ran aground in 1980. The crystal clear waters of the beach make it an ideal spot for snorkeling, and the surrounding cliffs provide a dramatic backdrop for a perfect day out.

The beach is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including loggerhead turtles, monk seals, and dolphins, which can often be spotted swimming in the shallows. The beach is a great place to relax and take in the stunning views, and is a great spot to watch the sunset.

Shipwreck Beach is a must-visit for anyone looking for an off the beaten track experience, and is an ideal spot for a day of exploring and relaxation.

Exploring the Caves of Maries

The small village of Maries is located on the east coast of Zakynthos and is home to some of the most stunning and unique caves in the region. The caves are filled with crystal clear waters and are home to a wide variety of marine life, making them an ideal spot for snorkeling and exploring. Visitors can also explore the deeper caves and marvel at the incredible rock formations formed over thousands of years.

The caves have become a popular spot for divers and snorkelers, and the crystal clear waters make it a great spot for swimming and exploring. Visitors will be amazed at the variety of wildlife that can be found in the caves, including octopuses, eels, and sea turtles. The caves are a great place to take a break and admire the beauty of Zakynthos.

The caves of Maries are an ideal spot to explore off the beaten track and experience the unique beauty of the island.

Exploring the Beaches of Alykes

The beaches of Alykes are some of the most stunning in Zakynthos and offer a great mix of seclusion and activity. The beach is located on the east coast of the island and is home to some of the clearest waters in the region. The beach is also a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

The beach is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including seagulls, terns, and sea turtles. Visitors can also explore the local village, which is home to some of the best restaurants in the region. Visitors can also explore the nearby ruins of the ancient city of Alykes, which was once a thriving port city.

The beaches of Alykes are a great spot to explore off the beaten track and experience the unique beauty of the island.

Exploring the Village of Laganas

The village of Laganas is located on the south coast of Zakynthos and is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the region. The village is home to a wide variety of restaurants and bars, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a night out. The village is also home to some of the best traditional Greek cuisine in the region, making it a great spot to sample some of the local delicacies.

The village is also home to some of the most stunning scenery in Zakynthos, and visitors can explore the nearby cliffs and coves. The village is also home to some of the oldest churches in the region, and visitors can explore the ancient ruins and admire the stunning architecture.

The village of Laganas is a great spot to explore off the beaten track and experience the unique culture of the island.

Exploring the Cliffs of Keri

The cliffs of Keri are located on the west coast of Zakynthos and are home to some of the most stunning scenery in the region. The cliffs are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including dolphins, seals, and sea turtles, making them a great spot for wildlife spotting. The views from the cliffs are nothing short of spectacular, and visitors can admire the stunning panoramas from the top of the cliffs.

The cliffs are also home to some of the most stunning beaches in the region, and visitors can explore the nearby coves and take a dip in the crystal clear waters. The area is also home to some of the best traditional Greek restaurants in the region, making it a great spot to sample some of the local cuisine.

The cliffs of Keri are a great spot to explore off the beaten track and experience the unique beauty of Zakynthos.

Exploring the Village of Volimes

The village of Volimes is located in the heart of Zakynthos and is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the region. The village is home to a wide variety of churches and monasteries, making it a great spot to explore the local culture and history. The village is also home to some of the best restaurants in the region, and visitors can enjoy some of the local delicacies.

The village is also home to some of the most stunning beaches in the region, and visitors can explore the nearby coves and take a dip in the crystal clear waters. The area is also home to some of the most unique wildlife in Zakynthos, and visitors can spot dolphins, seals, and sea turtles in the shallows.

The village of Volimes is a great spot to explore off the beaten track and experience the unique beauty of Zakynthos.

Exploring the Monastery of Panagia Kiliomenos

The Monastery of Panagia Kiliomenos is located in the heart of Zakynthos and is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the region. The monastery is home to a number of stunning frescoes, which were painted in the 16th century and provide a unique insight into the history of the island. The monastery also offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, making it an idyllic spot to take a break and admire the beauty of Zakynthos.

The monastery is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including loggerhead turtles, monk seals, and dolphins, which can often be spotted swimming in the shallows. The monastery is a great place to explore and experience the true spirit of Zakynthos.

The Monastery of Panagia Kiliomenos is a great spot to explore off the beaten track and experience the unique beauty of the island.

Exploring the Blue Caves of Skinari

The Blue Caves of Skinari are some of the most unique and breathtaking sights in Zakynthos and offer a great spot to explore off the beaten track. The caves are located on the north coast of the island and are home to some of the clearest waters in the region. Visitors can explore the caves and admire the stunning rock formations formed over thousands of years.

The caves also offer a great opportunity to spot some of the local wildlife, including dolphins, seals, and sea turtles. The caves are also home to some of the most stunning beaches in the region, and visitors can explore the nearby coves and take a dip in the crystal clear waters.

The Blue Caves of Skinari are a great spot to explore off the beaten track and experience the unique beauty of Zakynthos.

Exploring the Ancient Ruins of Zante

The ancient ruins of Zante are located on the east coast of Zakynthos and are home to some of the most unique and spectacular sights in the region. The ruins are home to a wide variety of structures, including a castle, a fort, and a temple. The ruins are also home to some of the most stunning views of the island, and visitors can explore the ruins and admire the stunning architecture.

The ruins are also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including loggerhead turtles, monk seals, and dolphins, which can often be spotted swimming in the shallows. The ruins are a great spot to explore and experience the true spirit of Zakynthos.

The ancient ruins of Zante are a great spot to explore off the beaten track and experience the unique beauty of the island.

Exploring the Olive Grove of Zakynthos

The Olive Grove of Zakynthos is located on the western coast of the island and is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the region. The olive grove is home to some of the oldest olive trees in the region, and visitors can explore the grove and admire the stunning views of the coastline. The olive grove is also home to some of the best traditional Greek restaurants in the region, making it a great spot to sample some of the local delicacies.

The olive grove is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including seagulls, terns, and sea turtles. The olive grove is a great spot to explore and experience the true spirit of Zakynthos.

The Olive Grove of Zakynthos is a great spot to explore off the beaten track and experience the unique beauty of the island.

Exploring the Turtle Beach of Laganas

The Turtle Beach of Laganas is located on the south coast of Zakynthos and is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the region. The beach is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including loggerhead turtles, monk seals, and dolphins, which can often be spotted swimming in the shallows. The beach is also a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

The beach is also home to some of the best traditional Greek restaurants in the region, making it a great spot to sample some of the local cuisine. The beach is a great spot to explore off the beaten track and experience the unique beauty of the island.

Summary

Zakynthos is an idyllic Greek island that offers a wealth of off the beaten track experiences for visitors. From exploring the windmills of Anafonitria to discovering the Shipwreck Beach and exploring the ancient ruins of Zante, there is a wealth of unique and beautiful sights to explore on the island. Visitors can also explore the hidden coves and beaches of Alykes and the Turtle Beach of Laganas, and sample some of the delicious local cuisine in the traditional villages. No matter what your interests, Zakynthos has something to offer everyone looking to explore off the beaten track.