Zakynthos

The Church of Agios Dionysios was slowly constructed from 1925 to 1948, completed only years before the devastating earthquake of 1953. It famously survived this natural disaster unscathed — proof, say devout islanders, of the saint’s miraculous powers. The church houses the silver-encrusted sarcophagus of the island’s patron saint. Its interior is opulent with gilt work and frescoes. Around the back of the church, the Ecclesiastical Museum displays a collection of religious paraphernalia and vestments, including those of Dionysios himself.

Housed in an elegant neoclassical building on Solomos Square, the Byzantine Museum of Zakynthos safeguards the sacred art rescued from the island’s devastating 1953 earthquake. Sailors and volunteers risked their lives to salvage icons, frescoes, and carvings from crumbling churches, preserving a legacy that might otherwise have been lost. The collection spans six centuries, with highlights including 15th-century frescoes, intricate wooden icons, and 18th-century oil paintings. A poignant scale model of pre-earthquake Zakynthos Town stands as a testament to the island’s former grandeur, while reconstructed church interiors.

This modest museum celebrates the life and works of Dionysios Solomos, the Zakynthian author and poet who penned the Greek national anthem along with other notable islanders. The museum houses 18th and 19th century paintings as well as ancient instruments and local artworks.

For a walk on the wilder side, tackle the scenic four-kilometre climb from Argassi village to the remains of Panagía Skopiótissa. The trail weaves through unspoiled nature, rewarding the effort with pine-scented breezes and ever-expanding views. Perched on the summit of Mount Skopós, the monastery has held its vigil since 1624, and its beautiful, fading murals feel like a secret waiting to be discovered. The site was once sacred to the Olympian goddess Artemis, and the monks had a pragmatic streak: they used marble fragments from her ancient temple to build their entrance gate and decorate the church interior.

Delve into the story of one of Greece's essential products at the Aristeon Olive Press Museum. This family-run operation in Lithakia traces its roots back to 1850, when the process was powered by draft animals. A section of the original press is still on display. The tour charts the industry's evolution from those early methods through to metal and hydraulic presses, right up to today's eco-conscious production. Best of all, visits are free, offering the chance to sample local olives and pick up a bottle of truly authentic olive oil.

Keri lighthouse is located about 20 kilometres from the town of Zakynthos. It is built on the edge of a steep cliff at Cape Marathia, a perfect place to enjoy stunning views at any time of day, but particularly at sunset. The lighthouse is a military installation and tourist access is not guaranteed. Stop by the eponymous restaurant while you're in the area, which offers great dining and unparalleled views of the Mizithra cliffs.

The Venetian Castle in Bóchali sits atop a forested hill just two kilometres inland from Zakynthos Town. The ascent involves a steep climb, but your effort is repaid with commanding views of the town and the Ionian Sea beyond. Completed by the Venetians in 1646, the fortress served as the seat of power for the island's governor. The Winged Lion of Saint Mark remains visible above the main entrance, a stone testament to its past rulers. While now largely in ruins, the site offers a tangible connection to the era when Bóchali functioned as the island's capital.

The only known residents of this island are the loggerhead sea turtles, making this secluded paradise a marine sanctuary and home to some of Greece's best beaches and most stunning caves. Several tours of the island take place every day and, though no restaurants or bars are located in Marathonisi, a picnic boat cruises around, offering snacks and drinks. The island has two distinct beaches. The main draw is the northern beach, a perfect triangle of white sand that juts out from a thicket of lush vegetation. For a more adventurous vibe, seek out the beach on the opposite coast. Here, hidden behind two caves and framed by cliffs, lies a secluded strip of sand and white pebbles. The real magic? You can make your way through a natural passageway to explore one of the caves from within.

Cameo Island, officially Agios Sostis, is a tiny, picturesque islet separated from the Zakynthos mainland by a 17th-century earthquake. You can reach it via a charming wooden footbridge from Agios Sostis Harbor. The island is part of the National Marine Park and is a known habitat for the endangered Caretta-Caretta sea turtles, making its clear, shallow waters excellent for snorkelling. Today, the privately owned island is home to the Cameo Beach Club, a popular bar recognised by the white cloths draped above its seating area. It serves refreshments by day and transforms into a scenic spot for weddings and evening drinks.

The Mizithres Sea Stacks are a pair of dramatic limestone islets rising from the sea beneath Zante’s towering Keri Cliffs. A postcard symbol of the island, they mark the spot of a small, boat-access-only beach formed by a past cliff collapse. The best land-based viewpoints are from the Mizithres Summer Vibes bar, the Keri Lighthouse Restaurant, or the dedicated Mizithres viewpoint. To get your toes wet, you’ll need to hire a boat.