Zakynthos

Greece

Zakynthos

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PDF Guide

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Do & See

While Zakynthos rightly earns its fame from a stunning coastline, the island offers far more than just sun and sand. Look beyond the beach towel to discover a rich tapestry of history, from ancient ruins and Venetian architecture to thoughtful museums. A key highlight is the Marine Park of Zakynthos, a protected stretch of coastline where lush Mediterranean vegetation shelters endangered species and a network of walking trails invites quieter exploration.
Church of Agios Dionysios

Church of Agios Dionysios

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.

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Byzantine Museum of Zakynthos

Byzantine Museum of Zakynthos

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.

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Monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa

Monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa

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.

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