Is it WORTH to visit ZAKYNTHOS?

in #travelfeed6 years ago

✌ If I had to choose which Greek island I liked the most, Zakynthos would be high on the list.

Paradise beaches, lots of greenery and beautiful landscapes cause that after returning home for some time you can not recover. :)

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I left in mid-September. Reading the opinion that I could have some rain here, I had some concerns. And in fact, one day happened, where the weather was capricious, it was a bit dripping, but it was warm. For the rest of the stay it was only hot and sunny.

I had a base in Planos - a small coastal town on the east side of the island. Basically, every town on the island is small. The capital city is the largest city - Zakynthos, but it also has only 1,000 inhabitants.

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In which part of the island you would not have a base camp - everywhere will be close. I guarantee! The island is only 40 km long and 20 wide. It happened to me to be at the end of the island, then to come back for dinner (oh, it was AI time!) and again go back to that place without feeling that the time for the trip was lost.

Mode of transportation? Car, quad or scooter. After all - I always choose a car because of comfort and safety (Greek are crazy drivers;)). And in the case of rain there is always a place to hide. You can easily move from one point to another, although I must admit that some of the roads are really narrow. Especially those leading deep into the island.

You will not find many monuments here - a large part of them was destroyed during the earthquake that struck the island. What is amazing here are landscapes and beaches. You can rest here and enjoy the views.

Agios Sostis and the islet Cameo
Agios Sostis is a small town in the south of the island. Seemingly, it does not stand out as anything special, except for one. It connects with the tiny island of Cameo, one of the obligatory points on the Zakynthos map. Why?

A bridge leads to the island, which in itself gives this place an incredible amount of charm.

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Admission to the island costs 4 euros, but the price includes a welcome drink or other drink. There is a great view of the whole Laganas here. The characteristic element are bright cloths that flutter in the wind.

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The island has its own separate beach, from which you can admire the Turtle Island - Marathonissi.

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Since we are at the turtles - Zakynthos is also known for the fact that the turtles that are in danger of extinction are the place - the turtle Carreta-Carreta. For this reason too - one of the most beautiful beaches on the island - Gerakas Beach is under strict control. Between June and August, females lay eggs here and entrance the beach is limited, including the time you can spend here, the beaches of Laganas Bay and Gerakas are closed between sunset and sunrise. The turtle's nests are carefully marked.

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The Gerakas beach itself - soft sand and water around crystal clear. The beach is located in the bay, which is practically the last bay looking towards the open sea. I would recommend!

When it comes to interesting beaches, I recommend you also see Banana Beach on the east coast - wide, sandy. And windy!

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Interesting experiences will be provided by Xigia Beach. ;) The beach is surrounded by steep rocks, which gives it an intimate atmosphere and picturesque nature. Unlike most beaches on Zakynthos, Xigia is covered with small pebbles, which guarantees an additional massage. But ... You will not find crowds on it. There are sulfur sources here, which probably deter some tourists. The baths in this place have a good effect on the skin. Interesting experience!

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I know that you like beautiful landscapes - in this case you should go to the Keri peninsula. And in particular to the Lighthouse... The road is winding, full of elevation but I assure you that it is worth it. What you see before your eyes will stay with you for a long time. On the observation deck you will see two rocks protruding from the sea - Great and Small Myzithra.
Legend has it that it is a pair of lovers. Crossing them and kissing you is to ensure your life together to the grave.

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Due to the small size of Zakynthos, I recommend one day for a cruise around the island. The best pirate ship! During the cruise, visit the most important coastal attractions - Xigia, Blue Caves, Porto Vromi, Shipwreck, rocky shores on the west side of the Island, Keri Caves and Marathonissi area.

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Blue Caves are impressive. They are available only from the side you can. To get inside, it's better to buy a regular cruise on them. The pirate ship can not be influenced there.

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In the Porto Vromi, the Captain will show you a rock resembling the face of Zeus. You see? ;)

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During the cruise you will have the opportunity to go scuba diving, feet for bath are provided. It is also a chance to jump directly from the ship into the sea. Well worth it! Especially around Keri, where you can enter the caves yourself. Wow!

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During sightseeing, you'll probably get to Porto Roxa and Porto Vromi. It's worth taking a look, bathing in crystal clear water and admiring the views!

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It was not by accident that I left the best at the end. Two words: Shipwreck Beach.

If you have heard of Zakynthos, it is very likely that it is due to her. On the other hand - I'm not surprised at all. He drops to his knees!

Visiting I recommend to break for two turns - the first time you go there by car and admire it from above. Probably you saw this view in all guides, in the pictures on the internet. What I can tell you personally - pictures do not lie. It looks phenomenal on a sunny day. No filters. Looking down you have the impression that the ships are floating in the air, their shadow is reflected from the bottom. Definitely one of the most beautiful places in which I have had the opportunity to be so far.

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At the top there is a statue of a boy who, in love with this place, wanted to stay here forever. His ashes were scattered over the Bay.

The second time taste the Gulf from the bottom. You have two exits. Because it is only accessible from the sea, you will be there during a cruise (when you hear from the speakers you can hear music from Pirates of the Caribbean;)) or on a separate trip in a smaller group. No matter what the option - it's worth it! Unfortunately, during my stay in this place the sky was slightly cloudy.

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Do not let the beauty fool you - I do not recommend to swim away from the shore - the waves are large here and draw into the sea. It's getting deep quickly. Also, do not go to the sea without water shoes - I guarantee that you will not last 2 minutes. Because of the strong current, the stones under the glass are in constant motion, and they are the size of a fist. I saw with my own eyes how the girl came out of the water with big bruises.

There is a wreck on the beach itself, to which the bay owes its name.

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Being on Zakynthos is a must see place!

To sum up and answering the title question - YES! If you are thirsty for heavenly views, nice atmosphere and rest - I definitely recommend it!

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And you? Have you ever been here?
Leave follow and wait for more entries!

@lashotta

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I lived on Santorini - which is a must see!! - for 6 months and I only went to Rhodos once when I was younger. But I definitely would love to visit Zakynthos :) actually I want to island hop through different Greek islands! Have you been to any other Greek islands?

Santorini is on my list! I've heard a lot of positive words about the island :)
I was in Greece 6 times, 2 times on Rhodes, Crete, Kos, Zakynthos and a week ago on Corfu. I definitely recommend you this last island. On my profile soon there will be an extensive entry in English, for now it is in Polish. :) I love Greece and this atmosphere!

Heard a lot of good things about Corfu indeed :) Would love to read the English post about it! I love the atmosphere of Greece and especially the Greek islands as well.. and the food! :D

Tomorrow around 18 you will be able to read! :) Greece is great! If you are also a fan, you will definitely like the post :)

@madeforseaside You can check new post now! ;) Hope you will like it.

Hello!
My God, what a beauty ...., very, very beautiful ...
I would really like to go there ...
Just beautiful ...
I'm overwhelmed with emotions ... I'm delighted ...
Great post!

Thank you very much for so many good words! I am delighted :))

Ow so beautiful!

Highly recommended! :)

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