If you are visiting Zante just for one day, is just like dipping your finger in the honey pot. Here’s how to taste the most of it and one thing’s for sure: You will return for the whole experience!
Begin your day early and wander in the streets of Zante town; go shopping on the port road, the pedestrian Alexandrou Roma road as well as the smaller parallel streets. Visit the museums in Solomos and Saint Markos square like the Museum of Byzantine & Post- Byzantine Art and the Solomos and Kalvos Museum. The Byzantine Museum has many interesting exhibits but is best known for the hagiographies by prominent Zakynthians, as well as exhibits ranging from the 12th – 18th Century. The Solomos and Kalvos museum is dedicated to these two famous Greek Poets. A poem wrote by Dionisios Solomos is actually the Greek National Anthem. Enjoy a refreshing drink, ice cream or a tasty snack in one of the many coffee shops while admiring the sea or watching people go by.
Continue your expedition with a visit to the famous Bohali Hill and the Venetian Castle. Bohali Hill offers some of the best views of Zakynthos town from above. Take a picture or enjoy coffee, local sweets and delicious Zakynthian dishes while enjoying the view as well as local folk songs called Kantathes. The Venetian Castle, on Bohali hill, on the outskirts of Zante town, was built in 1480 and only shortly after, part of it was destroyed by invading Turks. From 1514 and onwards it was repaired and at one point it became the capital of the island. The castle is in ruins today but it is still worth visiting as there are exceptional views of Zakynthos town below and across the Ionian Sea to the Peloponnese region of Greece. It is set among pine trees and is ideal for a picnic where children can play and you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
Day trip to Zante – View of Zante town from Bohali hill
Strani Hill is situated in the Bohali area across the Venetian Castle. This hill is of historical significance as it is where the poet Dionysios Solomos wrote the Greek National Anthem while listening to the canons from the siege of Mesolonghi city. From here you can enjoy panoramic view of Zakynthos Island, the neighbouring island of Kefalonia as well as the Greek mainland.
Continue your drive to Navagio, also known as Shipwreck Cove. One of the most photographed and recognizable sites worldwide, it is a must see! It is located on a small beach with pebbles and deep water in all the shades of blue. The story behind this is that the boat was carrying illegal cigarettes and crashed on the rocks while being chased by the Greek Navy. It was washed out on the beach later, in 1980. You can see it from a platform in the mountain village of Maries or get a boat from Agios Nikolaos port in Volimes village and enjoy a refreshing swim in the magical waters.
From Agios Nikolaos port in Volimes village, get a boat and visit the amazing Blue Caves in the north of Zante, one of the best known sights on the island. These unusual caves were discovered in 1897, with the largest cave being called Blue Grotto. The colours of the caves are spectacular, must be seen to believe! The area is also ideal for snorkelling.
Day trip to Zante – At the blue caves
For your evening entertainment, choose one of the many cafe-bars in Zante town and Bohali for a relaxing drink or one of the busy night clubs in Laganas tourist resort which is famous its nightlife!
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