Zakynthos Tourism (2024) - Greece > Top Places, Travel Guide

Shopping in Zakynthos

Shopping on Zakynthos island is restricted to small shops and roadside stalls. There is a shopping street in Zante town that is popular among tourists, Odos Alexandras that sells well designed, handmade jewellery, leather goods and a wide variety of souvenirs. Resort shopping streets are limited to selling souvenirs, cheap-colourful beach wears and knock-offs. They also deal in holiday essentials such as sunblock, snorkels and diving masks.

Nightlife in Zakynthos

Nightlife in Zante varies from area to area. Zakynthos town generally prefers a more mature style of nightlife. For more such calmer cocktail evenings but with views, a small village called Bochali and a few areas of Vassilikos make the perfect spot. For people looking for unbridled, crazy and fun party scenes, southern towns of Zante like Laganas, Tsilivi, Argassi, Alykes and Kalamaki are popular. These towns have full-fledged nightclubs, discotheques and bars to entertain youth and to have endless fun. Laganas is the mecca of nightlife. The clubs introduce various kinds of party events to make night more memorable for people visiting. All the nightclubs in the area stay open till 6 in the morning and have free entry. Agrassi, too, has fairly crisp party scenes and the town offers options for people looking for quieter as well as lively fun nightlife. Although smaller than Laganas, Agrassi offers cocktail clubs and bars on one hand and liveliest nightclubs with loud music on the other hand. Tsilivi, Alykes and Kalamaki offer a bit more calmer options such as entertainment shows in bars and restaurants and karaoke bars but the party culture is the clubs matches that of Laganas.

History of Zakynthos

According to the archaeological excavations found in Zakynthos, the island is believed to have been inhabited since the neolithic age. During the 5th century, Zakynthos was ruled by Lacedaemonians. Soon after Macedonian wars, the island came into Macedonians rule, later to be ruled by Romans. Around 34 AD, Zakynthos were introduced to Christianity, later the island fell under the Venetian and Frank rule. Zakynthos, during Venetian rule, grew culturally with the birth of a number of writers in that period. After some time, the Russians and Turks ruled the island. Between 1814 to 1864, English ruled Zakynthos, later it was united with Greece.

Zakynthos Island

The landscape of Zakynthos can be categorised into the Northern & Western parts and the Southern and Eastern parts. First one is mountainous while the latter is plain and houses Zakynthos' best beaches. The northern Zakynthos also boasts splendid limestone cliffs and caves. The capital of Zakynthos island is Zakynthos/Zante, which is perfect for evening strolls with Venetian and Neoclassical architecture charm. Apart from the capital, Zakynthos has about 15 other towns and villages, among which some are developed, and some are still unspoilt and close to their raw form. Laganas, Agios Sostis, Argassi, Tsilivi and Planos are most popular among tourists. Laganas is usually a party hub and crowded. Other villages are undeveloped but they have the prettiest views of the sea or hills.

Suggested Itinerary for Zakynthos

Start the day by heading towards the port to book a cruise around the island to visit Xigia beach, blue caves and Navagio. The cruise should also include Keri caves and Marathonisi island, where one can witness rare breeds of Caretta Caretta turtles. After covering Porto Roma, the trip ends at Porto Zoro, where one can have a nice swim.

Zakynthos

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"Zante, The Flower Of The East"