Where to eat, stay and play

Located off the Mediterranean coast and a part of the Ionian Islands, Zakynthos is widely known for its incredible turquoise waters, rocky cliffs, lush landscape of pine and olive trees, and one of the famous beaches on the earth.

For years Zakynthos was referred to as a well-liked British destination for night owls. Now the island is experiencing a luxury renaissance with the opening of recent luxury hotels and seaside dining options. While the beach town of Laganas still has loads of noisy cocktail bars for late-night partying, the remainder of the island is a bohemian paradise.

When I first visited Zakynthos, I used to be immediately captivated by the tranquility of the mild climate, the gentle breeze, not as strong as within the Cyclades, and the crystal clear waters. The beaches with their natural beauty are an oasis of peace. Around every corner there are spectacular caves, coves and nesting sites for the loggerhead turtle within the southern a part of the island.

Easily accessible via a global airport, Zakynthos is attracting a brand new wave of tourists. The island has turn out to be a culinary destination with superb dining options and Michelin-starred restaurants opening. Many of the preferred restaurants are family-owned and really special because they use organic produce.

WHERE TO SLEEP

With stunning latest luxury hotels opening, this island is increasingly becoming a romantic getaway and has shed its repute as a celebration island. Here is a number of the perfect places to remain on the island.

King Jason Zante

This brand latest property on the north-east coast of Zakynthos overlooks Tsilivi Bay. The adults-only resort offers as much as 54 elegant pool-view suites and 33 exclusive swim-up suites.

From private two-bedroom villas to overwater suites with decks for jumping into the water, all spaces offer a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living, sea and sky, land and water.

Dining options include the Peruvian fusion restaurant Piscothe Levantine-inspired cuisine of Haruband the all-day Water Garden Restaurant.

Favorite room: Island Swim Up Suite by the massive pool with private terrace.

The Bay Hotel and Suites

This summer, a surprising renovation was unveiled on this beautiful 50-acre estate with a first-rate location right in front of its own private beach. The Bay is situated in Vasilikos, a phenomenal a part of the island where lush green mountains meet the white sandy beaches. This barefoot-style resort features three restaurants: thymewhich offers a sublime yet relaxed menu featuring seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Meraki is a conventional Greek restaurant open throughout the day and Arodo is a poolside à la carte restaurant. You may enjoy a romantic dinner under the celebrities by the pool while live music provides entertainment.

The resort has an enviable location that many hotels on the island do not have, namely direct access to a personal beach where you may walk straight onto the sand out of your room. The property offers an adult-only ocean-view infinity pool, a quiet sanctuary where you may loosen up on the poolside loungers or benefit from the privacy of the beach with sunbeds and umbrellas. The resort also has an indoor and outdoor spa, two tennis courts, a completely equipped gym and a boutique. The staff here is remarkable; everyone treats you want a visiting member of the family and makes sure you might be well taken care of.

Favorite room: Senior Suite, sea view for simple direct access to the beach.

Lesante Cape Resort & Villas

This stunning destination is situated on a secluded cliff along the Akrotiru peninsula. There are infinity pools throughout the property, offering stunning views of neighboring Kefalonia. There is a secluded pebble beach in addition to separate pools for adults and youngsters.

Designed within the kind of a conventional Greek village, with a square in the center where all social gatherings and events happen, and surrounded by a restaurant, tavern and shops, Lesante Cape features 55 modern and stylish rooms and ten villas, infinity pools, five restaurants that source their ingredients from an organic garden, and a spa.

Favorite room: Cape Three Bedroom Seafront Villa, designed as a personal country estate with a big swimming pool.

Olea All Suite Hotel

This tropical modernist resort perched high on a hill is a remarkable latest destination. This sprawling 93-suite property is arranged around a 4,000-square-meter pool that resembles a lake. Water is the fundamental feature here, with streams and pools integrated between island-like groupings of cube-like structures, while hidden gardens and centuries-old olive trees look out on it.

The three restaurants offer superb culinary offerings, including Flow Dine & Winea creative tasting experience, Pacific by Nikkei for Peruvian cuisine and a global buffet within the Omicron RestaurantThe Olea Royal Spa also offers a tranquil retreat with a personal pool and an out of doors gym.

Favorite room: Superior Water Suite Swim-Up/Pool View, surrounded by water and with direct access to the fundamental pool and bar.

WHERE SHOULD WE EAT

Nobelos

In Agios Nikolaos on the north-east coast, superyachts and billionaires frequent the family-owned Nobelos, situated on the waterfront on the sting of a pine forest. Spend a day lounging on sunbeds on the small sandy beach, then enjoy my favourite food on the island, including freshly cooked fish and traditional Greek dishes. Produce comes from the owner’s organic farm and the fish is transported in a picket caique. The charming Seaside Lodge is built entirely of stone within the old Zakynthian architectural style, paying homage to the normal mansions of Zakynthos.

Prosilio

Located next to Solomos Square in Zakynthos Town, Prosilio is top-of-the-line superb dining restaurants on the island, in accordance with locals. Talented young chef Kristy Karageorgou creates creative dishes using Zakynthian ingredients. Each dish is perfectly prepared to take guests on a sensory journey, exploring the normal with a contemporary twist.

The minimalist interior includes an open kitchen in a phenomenal garden setting, while a Moroccan-inspired corner invites you to benefit from the house cocktails and a good selection of over 100 wines can be offered.

Utopia

Located on the seafront of Argassi village, this elegant and romantic venue offers stunning sunset views from its three dining levels. The menu offers loads of fresh options, from street food like mousaka tacos to pasta and grilled fish. Don’t forget to try the large cocktail menu, with each cocktail specifically inspired by the island.

Anadia

Located within the Windmill Bay Hotel, this vigorous seaside restaurant offers some creative culinary options. You can enjoy great views of town because the waves lap below you. The seafood dishes are particularly popular and the ocean bass is caught locally from the fishing boats. Cocktails are an actual treat here, including my favourite margarita with dry ice smoke wafting out.

WHERE TO PLAY

Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach

One of essentially the most dramatic experiences you may have on the island is arriving on the famous Navagio Beach. You will all the time remember Shipwreck Beach since the water is spectacular and the brightest blue you will have ever seen. In the center of the sandy beach lies a rusty shipwreck from the 80s, now broken into small pieces and submerged in sensible white sand, surrounded by steep, vertical cliffs. As landslides have blocked access to the beach, it’s best to go to the bay on a hired charter boat from. Ionian View Yachting for expert guidance and to get so near the shipwreck you may almost touch it. Ionian View Yachting may even take you along the coast to the caves and small coves for swimming.

Turtle Island

Turtle Island is situated off Keri Beach in Laganas Bay. Zante Turtle Island (Marathonisi) got its nickname resulting from its resemblance to a turtle. Marathonisi can be the breeding ground of the endangered loggerhead turtle. Zante turtles are a serious attraction and are considered to be one among the oldest life forms on earth.

Blue Grottos

Located on the northern end of the island near Agios Nikolaos, these natural arches and water caves have been carved by the tides over hundreds of years. It is best to rent a small boat so you may swim and explore the deep inner caves.

Gerakas Beach is a famous sandy beach with clear waters, shallow seabed and a handful of pairs of sunbeds. It can be a natural habitat for the Caretta-Caretta sea turtle. Sandy, peaceful and free-spirited – there are not any facilities or beach bars nearby – the beach can be your oasis of calm.

Banana Beach is a phenomenal long strip of superb golden sand, the longest beach on the island of Zakynthos! With turquoise waters and a soft, expansive shore, Banana is a first-rate destination for individuals who wish to sunbathe, jump within the water or loosen up on the beach! The steadily deepening seabed makes it a implausible alternative for families with children!

Porto Limionas is a singular coastal formation near the village of Agios Leon! Barely touched by human hands, this fjord-like bay is home to large rocks from which you’ll be able to dive into the clear waters and experience the stunning colours of the Ionian Sea!

While exploring the island it’s also possible to visit quite a few cultural sites: the Church of Saint Dionysios, the Solomos and Kalvos Museum, the Post-Byzantine Museum, the Helmis Natural History Museum, the Roma Mansion, the Monastery of Agios Georgios ton Krimnon, the Church of Agia Mavra and the Askos Stone Park.