Zakynthos Greece
Bochali Hill
Zakynthos was one of those places I had not heard much about before this trip, but I was glad I ended up there. It is smaller and less talked about than some of the other Greek Islands, yet it has its own charm. Because the harbor is shallow we had to tender in. The port felt like the kind of small town you see in movies. Sailboats were anchored at the docks and the concrete pier led straight toward the shore where a row of shops and homes sat along the main road. It was simple and pleasant from the moment we arrived.
About Zakynthos
Zakynthos is part of the Ionian Islands and sits west of mainland Greece. The island is known for its clear blue water, limestone cliffs, inland villages, and a coastline that shifts from long sandy beaches in the south to steep cliffs in the northwest. It is also home to a protected marine park where loggerhead sea turtles nest.
One of the most famous places on the island is Shipwreck Cove, also known as Navagio Beach. The ship was a smuggling vessel that washed onto the sand in the early 1980s after running into bad weather. The beach is only accessible by boat which is why it often shows up in photos of the island.
Church of Saints Timotheos and Mavra
Zakynthos was one of those stops where you get a mix of inland villages, quiet viewpoints, and places you probably would not find on your own. Once we left the port, the road climbed into the hills toward the middle of the island. The first stop was the Church of Saints Timotheos and Mavra in the village of Maries. It sits in a small courtyard with a tall stone bell tower beside it. People stepped inside to look around but the setting stood out more than anything else. A small village. A simple church. A quick look at what life is like away from the coast.
Taverna Michalis
The drive continued through farmland and clusters of homes as we moved deeper inland. We stopped at Taverna Michalis which is an outdoor restaurant under tall pine trees. You can hear the breeze move through the branches and the sound carries across the tables. They brought out a small sample plate with tomato, cucumber, tzatziki, bread, a cheese pie, a stuffed grape leaf, and a couple of pieces of meat. Nothing heavy. Just a quick taste of local food before heading back to the bus. A couple of local Greek dancers performed for the group and invited everyone to join in. Before long you had people who had never met dancing in a circle and laughing while they tried to match the steps.
Northwest cliffs
From the restaurant we had a view of the northwest cliffs and the water below. This area has a few lookouts and the one we visited sat high above the sea. The coastline drops straight down and the water shifts from pale blue near the rocks to darker shades farther out. This was not the main Shipwreck Cove viewing platform but it still showed how rugged this side of the island is.
Ancient Olive Tree of Exo Chora
The tour also stopped at the Ancient Olive Tree of Exo Chora. It sits in a courtyard framed by stone buildings and small shops. The trunk is wide and twisted with deep grooves. You can walk right up to it and take a closer look. It is a quick but interesting stop.
Church of Panagia Zoodochos Pigi
Closer to the end of the day the bus circled back toward Zakynthos Town and stopped at Bochali Hill. This overlook gives you a clear view of the harbor and the town below. It is an easy place for photos because everything is right in front of you. A short walk from the viewpoint is the Church of Panagia Zoodochos Pigi. It has a pale yellow exterior and a bell tower beside it. It fits the hillside setting well and is worth a quick look since it is close by.
Getting Around
Zakynthos is small enough that most visitors use guided tours, rental cars, or local buses to move between villages and viewpoints. The port area is walkable. If you want to see places like the Blue Caves, Shipwreck Cove, or Marathonisi you will need a boat tour since those areas are not accessible by road.
Currency
Greece uses the Euro. Most places on Zakynthos accept cards but small villages, roadside stands, and family owned restaurants may prefer cash. ATMs are available in Zakynthos Town and in the larger beach areas.
Things to Know
The tender process can take time on busy cruise days so it helps to go early. The main Shipwreck Cove viewpoint is separate from the beach and can get crowded. Some areas of the coastline have steep drops so watch your footing when taking photos. Many boat tours are weather dependent and can be cancelled if the water is rough.
If You Have More Time
Zakynthos has a few well known spots that people visit if they have a full day or want to explore beyond the cruise excursions.
Shipwreck Cove is the cove you see in almost every photo of the island. There is a cliff viewpoint above it and most boat tours visit the beach itself when the water is calm.
The Blue Caves on the northern end of the island are another major stop. Many tours combine the caves with small swimming areas along the coastline.
Marathonisi is a small island inside the protected marine park. Visitors go there by small boat to look for turtles or spend time on the beach. Cameo Island is another spot where people stop for photos and a walk across the wooden bridge.
Keri Caves sit on the southwest side of the island and are known for deep blue water and boat tours that take you close to the rock formations. If you prefer inland views, places like Bochali Hill give you an easy way to see the harbor and the town from above.
For a quieter stop, places like Xigia Beach, Porto Limnionas, and Porto Roxa are rocky coves where people swim, lay out in the sun, or have lunch near the water.
