Discover Off-the-Beaten-Path Zakynthos

Feel like discovering off-the-beaten-path Zakynthos?  There’s more to this island than meets the eye. Here’s a list by locals of some of the lesser-known things to experience on the island.

Discover More of  Zakynthos

After you’ve relaxed on its pristine beaches, ate at its great tavernas and boated to fantastic sea caves there’s more you can do to fill your Greek island days on the Ionian island.

Here’s a list of off-the-beaten-path things to do in Zakynthos as suggested by locals.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Zakynthos

Visit Kiliomeno Village

One of my favorite things to do when travelling Europe? Exploring a traditional village.  In Zakynthos, Kiliomeno was the place to go.

The historic Agios Nikolaos or St. Nicholas Church has stood in its main square since 1893. Nearby, a large grand stone-carved bell tower boasted a unique Gothic characteristics rarely found in Greece.

Our group visited a corner bakery and shop called O Menegos, a square stone house-like room topped with ceramic tiles.

Ms. Maria welcomed us and explained that she spends her days spinning at her traditional wooden loom.  Besides bread, she sold local honey and wine.

Admire the View in Kampi

Another off-the-beaten path Zakynthos experience was this view in Kampi, a mountainous area of the island’s western region.

Amazing?  We sipped our coffees at this traditional taverna café called Stavros.  The café offered a silvery blue vista of sea.

Go Olive Oil Tasting

One of the best local products is extra virgin olive oil.  Head to Aristeon for an opportunity to learn how this Greek island produces its quality extra-virgin olive oil.   I bought one bottle to take home, orange infused!

Go Try Local Cheese

Next to chocolate, I love cheese. So, I was delighted to sample the the local varieties at Galaktokomiki Zakynthou, which translates to Zakynthian dairy farm.

The farm, run by the local Bastas family, is located in Ag. Leon.  I loved the delicious local cheese called ladotiri. Olive oil is the magic ingredient in this hard, yellow cheese produced from sheep’s milk.

How to Get to Zakynthos

Bus 
There is a daily bus with services to the cities of Athens, Patras and Thessaloniki via a short journey on the Zakynthos-Kyllini ferry.
Bus travel via the Athens – Kyllini line is about 4 hours and 30 minutes. From Kyllini there is direct ferry to Zakynthos.
Useful numbers:
Athens KTEL Bus  ( Kifisou 100) Telephone: +30 210 5129432, 5129432
Zakynthos KTEL Bus (Filita Street 42) – Telephone: +30 26950 22255, 42656

Air
There is an airport on Zakynthos. Flights are 45 minutes.

Between April and October there are direct charter connections with many European cities.

The Zakynthos airport is in the town of Ampelokipi, which is three kilometers from Zakynthos Town. Check out the best flight deals on Vayama.

Getting Around Zakynthos

To get around the island, you’ll save time if you rent a car. I can recommend booking through Avis Europe.

Where to Stay in Zakynthos

Zakynthos is filled with all types of hotel options. I enjoyed my stay at the three-star Plessa Palace hotel in the quiet resort town of Alykanas.  A very hospitable Greek family-run hotel with a good little Greek restaurant.

Where to Eat in Zakynthos

Check out my post titled  Top Three Restaurants in Zakynthos.

What Else to Do in Zakynthos

For more on taking a day trip to one the most photographed beaches in the world check out my post the Navagio Shipwreck Beach Experience.

Go by private boat to visit the Keri Caves, Marathonisi Island and see the endangered sea turtles.  Details in my post Zakynthos Sea Caves, Sea Turtles and Dreamy Beaches.

Also be sure to explore the Blue Caves.

Out of the the off-the-beaten-path Zakynthos options, as suggested by locals, which would you love to try first?