Top Reasons Why You Should Visit Zakynthos, Greece

Sometimes nature pulls out all the stops. Swim beneath these colossal natural white stone arches in neon blue waters at the famed Blue Caves. However, to enjoy these natural wonders, you’re going to have to put in some work, as they’re only accessible from the sea. Hire a boat, book a catamaran tour, or arrange for a private sailing excursion to make a day of it.

This beach looks like something a Disney animator would dream up. Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach, another spot accessible only by boat, is famous for its almost impossible beauty – a stretch of fine golden sand framed by towering cliffs, including a verdant peninsula, and lapped by bright blue waters. And then, there’s the shipwreck. The MV Panagiotis washed up on its shores in October 1980. Folklore abounds as to how it got there, but for now, it’s an attraction in its own right. Look upon its rusting hulk from a boat tour, of which there are many to choose from.

Gently snorkel through clear waters, and you may see some sea turtles. There, up ahead – a flipper, the back of a shell, then a face. Zakynthos is home to the largest breeding ground for loggerhead turtles in the whole of the Mediterranean Sea. Ecofriendly boat tours, authorised by the National Marine Park, let you observe but not disturb these creatures, with snorkelling stops away from the key habitats.

Food is a central part of Greek island life. To truly experience the culture here, you’ll need to eat like a local. With its position off the west coast of mainland Greece, Zakynthos has seen many invasions over the years, with many cultures bringing their culinary traditions with them. Try spetsofai, a rich stew of Greek sausage and peppers, as well as mantolato, a locally produced nougat made with egg whites, almonds, a little sugar and plenty of honey.

Remember Shipwreck Beach? Well, perhaps the best seat in the house is to see it from above. Experienced Base-jumping enthusiasts have been steadily discovering Navagio Beach and launching themselves off the cliffs above it. These brave souls have just two to five seconds to pull their chute and land safely on the sand. Organised events take place from May to September, so pick a spot on the beach and watch them soar through the sky.

With white cliffs covered in lush greenery and sprawling wild forests, Zakynthos is not short of beautiful vistas. Nicknamed Il Fiore di Levante (the Flower of the East) by the Venetians, it’s easy to see why they thought this island was so beautiful. While it has truly embraced package tourism, there’s still plenty of remote corners to explore. Head to the mountainous northwest and look for wild herbs (rosemary flourishes here) and, in early October, pink cyclamen among the olive groves.