laganas turtle boat trip

TURTLE SPOTTING TOUR

• GLASS BOTTOM BOATS

LAGANAS BOAT TRIPS

Laganas boat trip company is the most popular boat tour agency in Zakynthos to join excursions for turtle spotting. We provide boat tours in Zakynthos Marine Park since more than 20 years.

Our boat trips for turtle spotting start from Laganas beach. Our captains will take you to discover the most beautiful places around Zakynthos National Marine Park.

From May till October we organise daily trips to admire Caretta-Caretta turtles into their natural environment.

Together with turtle spotting we will take you to visit secluded places from Laganas bay untill Keri caves.

We will take you to visit the unspoilt Marathonissi island, turtle spots near Cameo islet, the beautiful Keri caves and to swim in Agrilaki lonely bay.

Laganas Boat Trip during all the summer offers daily tours starting from Laganas beach.

Our mission is to offer you unforgettable tours across Zakynthos Marine Park ideal for families, couples and large group of friends.

Our experience and the professionalism of our staff allow you to visit the natural beauties of the islandís coasts and the marine park in complete safety.

What excursions can you do with us here in Zakynthos?

Glass Bottom Boat

Amazing tours, every day tours, unique experience.

ABOUT MARINE PARK TOUR

20€ adult - 10€ child, departure 0900-1200-1500.

The tour around Zakynthos Marine Park and turtle spotting is the most exciting experience you can have during your vacation here in Zakynthos island.

Our boats represents the best choice in Laganas area as they have glass bottom which allows you to have a stunning full view, especially during turtle spotting.

Accomodating only 22 guests, our boats are the smallest for tours here in Laganas bay.

Turtle spotting.

Our trip across Zakynthos marine park lasts about 3 hours. We’ll take you to meet caretta-caretta turtles in their natural environment. Our boats are the best choice in Laganas area as the glass bottom allows you to have a stunning full view, especially during turtle spotting.

Our experienced captains know how to spot Turtles Turtles Spotting and photos

We will visit Keri sea caves area and take a swim in the wild Agrilaki bay. We will Explore the amazing Keri Caves and Marathonissi island cave

Marathonisi Island

Lets explore the unspoilt Islet of Marathonissi During our tour we will take you to the uninhabited Marathonissi island We will deep enter its sea cave and take a long swim stop on the sandy beach of the turtle island of Zakynthos. Free time on the island.

OUR GLASS BOTTOM BOATS

Day Tour Marine Park

Mizithres Sunset Cruise

Private Marine Park Tour

Rent a Boat

From previous seasons.

[email protected]

+30-698 498 0175.

Laganas Boats Trips, At the End of Laganas Main Road, 20m on your Left

Turtle Spotting Tour

Glass bottom boat.

OPERATING TIMES

April to October

Daily departure: 0900 - 1200 - 1500, max 22 persons on board.

The best Zante boat trips – on the Greek island of Zakynthos

Are you a secret pirate or a nature loving mermaid? If you take one of the Zakynthos boat trips that are a favourite with visitors to the island, you’ll have the chance to play at being both. As my sister lives on Zante (as it’s more popularly known to the Brits) I’ve had the good fortune to take a holiday in Greece every year.

We’ve done a few Zante boat trips throughout the years we’ve been visiting, and there are some variations. You’ll typically find a couple of choices depending on whether you want to explore the rocky north or the golden beaches to the south of the island.

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Visit the Blue caves and Shipwreck beach on a Zante boat trip

If you’ve seen any photos of Zakynthos, chances you’ll have seen the one of Shipwreck cove or Navagio, taken from the cliffs above. This crescent of sand hosts a half-buried, rusty wreck and high cliffs on either side. It is one of the most photographed beaches in Greece.

To reach Navagio, which is on the north-west coast of the island, you’ll typically take one of the many trips from St Nicholas port. Or, depart from Makris Gialos, a small beach that is just before St Nicholas port. We started our boat trip in Zante at Makris Gialos.

Our smallish boat took up to 20 people, had a shaded awning and a powerful motor. The boat made good headway on relatively calm waters at first. We passed the sea caves, known locally as the ‘Blue Caves’. These caves have been cut limestone cliffs by the sea.

We didn’t stop but powered on around the northern tip of the island, at which point the sea started to become decidedly rough. Around 40 minutes after leaving the beach we were all feeling a bit seasick. We were relieved when the Shipwreck beach came into sight.

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Smuggler’s boat or just a good story?

The metal hull of the ship on the sand is supposed to be a cigarette smuggler’s boat that went aground in the 1980’s. Perhaps that’s just a nice story to tell the tourists! In any case it adds some interest to a beautiful beach which is larger than it appears from above. This beach can only be reached by sea, due to the sheer limestone cliffs.

On the day we visited the swell was high. Although the captain skilfully moved the boat as close as he could, it wasn’t possible to get it right up on the beach. If we wanted to get ashore, we’d have to jump in and swim through the surf.

In we went, although I was knocked over by the force of the waves and ended up with sand in my bikini and water up my nose. We spent around 20 minutes on the beach and I took the opportunity to walk around the ship. Over time it has broken in half, making a shady area inside, with a hull that had rusted away into lacy holes.

Discover the Windmill Bay Hotel in Zakynthos – a 4-star seaside hotel in Greece

Visit the Blue caves and Shipwreck beach on a Zakynthos boat trip

We swam back to the boat and powered back the way we had come. The captain showed no mercy to those of us feeling sick as he opened the throttle and the boat banged up and down on the waves. Things improved once we rounded the headland and entered sheltered waters again, returning to explore the sea caves.

The captain nosed the boats into a few of the caves where the water below us was startlingly deep cobalt blue and turquoise. We anchored for a while and had a chance to swim and snorkel around the boat before returning to Makris Gialos.

You may also enjoy: 20 of the best beaches in Zakynthos – Greece

This boat trip in Zakynthos takes around 2-3 hours. Check whether the sea is rough or calm as this will affect your experience. Bear in mind that even if it is calm at your resort, it may still be windy with rough seas in the north of the island.

Also consider the size of the boat, as a larger boat may be more stable but a smaller boat will be able to get you closer into the beach. For those that don’t want to brave the choppy seas to the shipwreck beach, you can still do a very pleasant boat trip in a glass bottom boat to the sea caves.

You’ll have plenty of opportunities for swimming, although this will make a shorter trip. Our boat trip cost around €20 per person and you may be able to negotiate a discount for larger groups.

Zante turtle boat trips in Laganas bay

If you want more gentle boat trip for your holiday in Greece, I’d suggest that you head for the southern end of the island. Look for one of the Zakynthos boat trips that take you through Laganas Bay and around to the Keri caves.

This end of the island is famed for the beautiful golden sandy beaches and the Loggerhead or Caretta Caretta turtles that nest on them. These Zante turtle boat trips are typically sold as an opportunity to see the loggerheads swimming in Laganas Bay. You should be aware that their numbers are dwindling. Plan to go with a reputable boat owner who will respect the laws of the National Marine Park and not harass the turtles.

We’ve taken these Laganas boat trips twice. Different styles of boats give slightly different experiences although we went to the same locations on both trips. The first occasion was a half-day trip on a catamaran. This boat had a cabin and plenty of space on deck at the back and front of the boat to spread out.

We left from the small beach at Porto Roma. The first hour was spent travelling along the coast with views of the limestone cliffs. Later we rounded the point and crossed Laganas Bay to swim in the Keri caves.

On the second occasion we went on a much smaller, glass bottomed boat from Agios Sostis close to Laganas. This meant that we had a shorter trip of around 2 hours, which was still plenty of time.

Mind the strict rules about the turtles

Either on the way out or the way back the boat is likely to take you into Laganas Bay. This is the main place you can see turtles swimming in the water.

Beware of any boat owners who guarantee you’ll see the turtles. This makes it more likely that the few that are around will be chased and tracked down just to give you your sighting.

There are also strict rules about the contact with the turtles. For instance you’re not allowed to swim close to the turtles or to pull them out of the water. And, a limited number of boats are allowed near a turtle at any one time.

All this means that you’ll probably be able to see the turtles for around 10 minutes before the boat needs to move away. On our first turtle boat trip, we went with local naturalist Yannis Vardakastanis, who runs the Earth Sea and Sky volunteer and information programme. This time we didn’t actually see any turtles. On the second trip we did spot one and there were several boats close to it all homing in to take a look, so I felt a bit sorry for the turtle.

Visit Turtle Island in Laganas bay and swim in the Keri caves

The second part of the boat trip takes you to the far side of Laganas bay and under the high limestone cliffs at Keri. Here there are some sea arches and caves, although not as deep as the Blue Caves on the north-east coast. When the boat anchors, this is a lovely place to jump off into the clear water and swim or snorkel.

On the return trip, you are likely to stop at Marathonisi or Turtle island in Zante. This small island in the bay makes the shape of a turtle. It’s also one of the nesting beaches for the turtles. You are not allowed to land on the small sandy beach where the turtles nest, and even if you have your own boat you should not do so.

On the opposite side of the island is another small beach and a sea cave where you are allowed to land. Here you can relax for a while and have a swim. There’s even a boat that comes around selling ice creams and drinks, just like an ice cream van.

Turtle spotting boat trip options

If you are interested in taking a Zante turtle spotting boat trip, there are many boats that offer it. Go either from Laganas resort, from the small marina at Agios Sostis or from the harbour at Keri. If you’re in one of the holiday resorts you’ll also come across plenty of people selling you this as a day trip with transport to and from the resort.

The shorter 2-3 hour trips typically cost €20-25 per person. You can also rent small boats for 6-8 people to take out yourself into the bay. This is fun if there’s a large group of you and you feel confident handling the boat.

The boat trips in Zante to see the blue caves, turtles or Shipwreck beach are well worth doing. And, there are plenty more things to see and do on the Greek island of Zakynthos. The boat trips are a lovely way to see the island and was certainly a highlight of our holiday.

Need a guide book for Zakynthos? We recommend the Marco Polo Guide to Zakynthos and Kefalonia

More things to do on Zante

Three days, three beaches on Zante Get in your car and drive! The bits of Zante that you won’t see from your sunbed Swimming the turquoise blue at Porto Limnionas

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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Tuesday 9th of July 2019

Hello Heather, I've never been to Zakynthos. I'm looking to stay at a hotel close to a port where I could take advantage of daily boat trips. As a Zakynthos aficionado, what is the best port to stay close by for frequent boat trips to different beaches? (2-6 hour day excursions by boat, not ferries). We're planning to spend 5 nights.

Heather Cowper

@Rob There are a few main types of boat trips on Zakynthos - in the north of the island to see the blue caves and shipwreck beach, in the south of the island around Laganas bay for turtle spotting and to see the Keri caves for swimming, and longer variations such as around the whole island on a day trip. You can find lots of boat trips from Zante town, but I personally wouldn't stay there as you get a much more relaxed experience in one of the resort hotels with a swimming pool and close to the beach. I would hire and use that to visit different beaches as these are easy to access by car and the boat trips are more to see the sea caves and shipwreck. Then I'd take one or two boat trips in the north and south of the island depending on what interests you. These kinds of trips can be booked from numerous providers in every resort. If you want to be centrally located, my sister's hotels in Argassi (Windmill Hotel & Windmill Bay Hotel) are a good choice - you are a 15 min drive or bus ride from Zante town and can easily drive or get a bus to the other wonderful beaches at Vassilikos, Gerakas. Or you can drive to Laganas or to the north of the island to get a boat trip or organise it locally.

Sunday 26th of July 2015

I'm heading for Zakynthos on Tuesday for a family holiday, and was last there 21 years ago on honeymoon. We stayed at Kalamaki last time and saw the turtles coming ashore to lay eggs, and this time we are staying round the east side at Tsilivi. Really looking forward to how the island will have changed. We had a few wild nights out in Laganas last time, I suspect it's far wilder now!

@Rob I suspect that you'll find the area around Kalamaki and Laganas a lot more built up and busy than when you were there last and I think the beaches where the turtles nest are closed at night to protect them. Hope you have a great holiday!

Susan - ofeverymoment

Wednesday 10th of June 2015

I wish one of my sisters lived in Greece!! Both boat trips sound amazing, but if I had to choose, it would have to be to see the turtles!

@Susan I agree, I love the turtle trip, even if you don't see any turtles, the water is beautiful

Robert Wallace

Sunday 22nd of June 2014

Hello Heather, long time no see.

I just thought I would mention that in my opinion, if you are touring Zakynthos by car or bike, the quickest, cheapest and most convenient way of seeing both the Blue Caves and Navagio Beach is to take the boats below the lighthouse at Cape Schinari, right in the middlwe of the caves, and the Shipwreck is just 12 minutes away. I was there with guests earlier this week and the fare to visit both attractions was just 15 Euros.

Two more advantages are that you get to see the most beautiful and rugged part of the island with picturesque old villages, wonderful vegetation and you can better evaluate sea conditions so that you avoid the rough ride that you referred to.

Best Regards Rob

@Rob Great to hear from you, I'll try and call in when I'm visiting my sis in August - thanks for that tip, I didn't realise that you could take a boat from that location, probably it's not much promoted as the boatmen don't make as much out of the trip. As you say you get the benefit of the caves and the beach without the long boat journey which isn't great if its rough

Saturday 21st of June 2014

Hello Heather, long time no see. I just thought to mention that if you are touring the island by car or bike, the most convenient, cheapest and quickest location to see both the Blue Caves and Navagio is below the lighthouse at Cape Schinari, right at the north of the island, where glass-bottomed boats take you into the adjacent Caves, and it is only 12 minutes to the Shipwreck. The other advantage is that you can evaluate the sea conditions much better up there and avoid the rough ride that you had. There are also boats for the Shipwreck at Porto Vromi on the West Coast.

About Zakynthos, Greece , Greek Travel Guide

Visit laganas: swim with the turtles on turtle island.

Written by Greek Boston in About Zakynthos, Greece , Greek Travel Guide

The Greek island of Zakynthos is notorious for having the best beaches of any of the Ionian islands. Zakynthos is also home to Laganas, the Greek village that we’re going to be talking about today.

The beach itself is very private and intimate. With its secluded atmosphere, Turtle Beach is what you would envision when you close your eyes and picture what paradise would look like. Plan ahead and take a boat trip so that you can go in and out of the caves around the island. On most boat trips, you can jump out of the boat and swim around in the caves. And I know that the idea of swimming in a cave might sound scary, but it’s absolutely beautiful inside of the caves on Turtle Island.

The other beach option is, of course, Laganas Beach. This beach isn’t nearly as popular as Turtle Beach, mostly because people prefer the privacy that they get on Turtle Beach, as Laganas Beach usually draws large crowds. But if you don’t mind the crowds, it is a really nice beach. There are plenty of bars and restaurants that line the coast. It’s a very lively atmosphere, and the clear-blue water is what you would come to expect from one of Zakynthos’ gorgeous beaches.

The nightlife is fantastic in and around Laganas, with so many great bars to choose from. Glamour Bar is a very flashy bar, plays good music and serves satisfying drinks at reasonable prices. If you’re looking for a great time, check out Fishbowl Bar. They usually draw a much younger crowd, but the atmosphere is much like a frat party. Their specialty is fishbowls. The later you go, the wilder the atmosphere is.

The two most popular bars are Drunken Duncan’s Cocktail Factory and Cheeky Tikis Bar. Drunken Duncan’s Cocktail Factory is another bar that draws a younger crowd, but also has that excellent party atmosphere. It’s certainly a great place to check out if you’re looking for a fun night out. They usually play house music at Drunken Duncan’s Cocktail Factory, and could very well have the best cocktails on the island of Zakynthos.

That being said, Cheeky Tikis Bar gives Drunken Duncan’s Cocktail Factory a run for their money in the cocktail department. At Cheeky Tikis, the staff is so nice and friendly, they provide great service, and are very welcoming. The music at Cheeky Tikis varies from the other bars we’ve mentioned in that they don’t really have a particular style of music that they stick to. You really never know what you’re going to get as far as music goes at Cheeky Tikis, but that might have something to do with their karaoke nights in which you can choose what songs are playing!

Categorized in: About Zakynthos, Greece , Greek Travel Guide

This post was written by Greek Boston

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Laganas Bay Private Tour

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Zakynthos Marine Park – LAGANAS Boat Trip

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English, Greek

🇬🇧  ENGLISH  –  🇮🇹   ITALIANO

The Laganas boat trip to the Zakinthos Marine Park starts from Laganas beach  ( check Map’s Meeting point ), just few meters far from the Waikiki and Cherry bay clubs.

EXPERIENCE DETAILS:

• Departure directly from Laganas beach , turtles spotting and Marine Park.
• A 3-hour excursion to admire the Caretta Caretta turtles up close in the bay of Laganas.
• Comfortable boats with limited numbers of guests and seating for everybody.
• The boats all have shaded seating, rear sundeck and glass bottom.
• We organize 3 boat tours per day. At 09 am, 12pm and 3 pm.
• Trip to be booked at least 24 hours in advance for the limited number of places.
• We suggest that you buy some drinks and snacks in Laganas before departure. On the island of Marathonisi you can buy snacks, drinks and ice cream. All the other stages of this excursion do not have the possibility of refreshment..

🇮🇹   ITALIANO

DETTAGLIO TOUR:

• Partenza direttamente dalla spiaggia di Laganas, avvistamento tartarughe e Parco Marino.
• Un’escursione di 3 ore per ammirare da vicino le tartarughe Caretta Caretta nella baia di Laganas.
• Barche comode con numero limitato di ospiti e posti a sedere per tutti.
• Le barche sono tutte dotate di posti a sedere ombreggiati, prendisole posteriore e fondo in vetro.
• Organizziamo 3 gite in barca al giorno. Alle 09:00, 12:00 e 15:00.
• Viaggio da prenotare con almeno 24 ore di anticipo per il numero limitato di posti.
• Si consiglia di acquistare bevande e snack a Laganas prima della partenza. Sull’isola di Marathonisi si possono acquistare snack, bibite e gelati. Tutte le altre tappe di questa escursione non hanno possibilità di ristoro..

EXPERIENCE PROMOTED BY:

Since many years  Laganas Boat Trip here in Zakynthos marine park brings tourists from all over the world to admire the Caretta Caretta Zakynthos turtles in Laganas bay. He knows all the secrets of the marine park and he will bring you visit truly unique places.

MEETING POINT

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Thanks to YOTOMU – Travel Service for Tour Operator – Zakynthos marine park

Check all our Experiences in Zakynthos Here

• Boat has a transparent glass bottom to allow you to admire the sea
• Admire the Caretta Caretta turtles
• Keri caves area with a stop of about 20 minutes where you can swim in a beautiful unspoiltbay
• large cave on the “turtle island”
• Enchanting sandy beach of Marathonisi islet

Departure directly from for Laganas Beach

As soon as we get on the boat we will approach the Caretta-Caretta turtles together, about 10min sailing We will allow you to see these splendid Animals up close, taking photos and videos and admire them in their natural environment.

Boat trip departure

First stop will be just out of the mall harbour

Sail directly to visit the beautiful Keri Caves

The Keri caves, accessible only by sea with private boats, or through tourist excursions, develop near the promontory of Capo Marathia, in the south-west area of ​​the island. This coastal area has a myriad of caves, many with an entrance just large enough to enter by swimming, others large enough to be accessed directly by boat.

• Large cave on the “turtle island”

We will visit the Marathonissi sea cave entering with the boat to take beautiful photos.

Marathonissi island

We will take you to the beautiful uninhabited island of Marathonissi. We will make a stop of about 50 minutes where you can relax on a fine sandy beach and swim and snorkel in a crystal clear sea with incredible colours.

1 Hr Stop on the enchanting sandy beach

Back to Laganas Beach

Oasis bay We will stop at the deserted Oasis bay where you can dive and swim in a beautiful and uncontaminated sea

Included/Excluded

• Stop at National marine park of Zakynthos
• Sandy beach of Marathonisi islet
• Drinks and Snack not included

Destination

Tour's location, where is the tour meeting point.

At the end of main street 20 meters on your left., Laganas 290 92, Greece Open in Google Maps We will welcome you at the meeting point on the beach. You can find our Laganas Boat 's Flag. For further infos you can chat directly with us by : bit.ly/chat-yotomu.com

When and where does the tour end?

Laganas Beach - Check meeting point

How should I dress?

Dress comfortably We suggest Wearing the swimming suit.

When Do I need to Book?

As soon as Possible to get your seat and skip the line

What time should I Be There?

10' before is enough

Can I change tour Date?

Yes, up to 24 hrs if availability allows

What Does Ticket Available means?

Ticket available to sell from Yotomu

Cancellation policy?

You can cancel your tour up to 24 hours. In High Season from 1st July to 15th September you can cancel up to 48 Hours

Procedure to get Refund

If a tour is canceled due to bad weather or other operational reasons please contact us via email or form indicating your booking code and tour date. All requests received within 30 days of the tour date will be processed. After 30 days you will lose any right to a refund

Other Infos

You have to walk in the water to get on board.Knee-deep water

Slot Departing Time

In case of bad Weather or due to operational reasons all the Tour can have a flexibility time 1hr and 30 minutes. If you decide to leave and tour departs within 1h30' you are not entitle of ask and be refunded

Escursione meravigliosa

Bella visita!

A must trip in Zakyntos

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Turtle Spotting Boat Trip from Agios Sostis to Turtle Island

Private boat trip to turtle island and the mizithres rocks, private boat trip to the keri caves and the shipwreck, private boat trip to turtle island and keri caves with snorkeling, private boat trip around zakynthos from agios sostis, private boat trip to marathonisi island & the keri caves with turtle spotting, private boat trip to the national marine park of zakynthos, glass-bottom boat trip to keri caves from agios sostis with turtle spotting, taxi boat to turtle island from agios sostis, private boat trip around zakynthos with turtle spotting, rib boat trip to marathonisi and keri caves with turtle spotting, glass-bottom boat trip to turtle island & cameo island with turtle spotting, private boat trip to the turtle island & keri caves with turtle spotting, what customers love about boat trips in laganas, trending boat trips in laganas, popular boat tour providers in laganas.

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The 10 best things to do in Zante

Z ante is renowned for raucous nightlife, but there’s a far more authentic side to the Venetians 'Fiore di Levante' (flower of the Levante) . 

For such a small island, scenery is extremely varied: the southern coastline - home to Laganas’ notorious nightlife strip - also encompasses the pristine beaches of Zakynthos Marine Park, where loggerhead sea turtle come to nest, whilst some of the island’s best-known attractions, including Navagio beach on the cliff-lined northerly coast, can only be reached by boat. 

Birthplace of the man who penned Greece’s national anthem, Zante was also a magnet for literary greats: Byron lay in state here and philhellene Edgar Allan Poe wrote a sonnet to the island’s ‘verdant slopes’.

Last but not least, food is a powerful lure here: sit in a rustic sea view tavern sipping local Verdea white wine with a plate full of traditional kouneli stifado garlic and tomato-soaked rabbit stew and you’ll be hooked.

For further Zante inspiration, see our guides to the isalnds's best  hotels ,  restaurants  and  nightlife . Plan an extended visit with our  ultimate guide to planning a Greek island-hopping holiday.

Take the train

The white trainaki (little train) which trundles out of Zante town to Kalamaki’s café-lined beach – stopping off en route to discover perfume workshops (scents are inspired by Mediterranean landscapes), and ceramic workshops selling Byzantine-style crocks – is an ideal and eco-friendly way to see the island’s sights. Another train leaving from Alykes beach chugs through ancient olive groves to visit the high flung mountain villages of Katastari and Pigadakia, and culminates in a boozy tasting session – local Graigos wine served with spicy lado tyri cheese and other specialties in the tree-shaded tavern Kaki Rahi.

Insider's tip:  Travel sickness sufferers should sit near the front.

Contact: trainaki.com

Discover the wildlife

Zante is a haven for the endangered loggerhead turtle that clamber ashore to lay their eggs on the protected beaches of Zakynthos’ Marine Park. Other critically endangered species that can be found frolicking in this protected zone, which stretches from wild and lonely Cape Marathia to Gerakas’ talc-soft beach, include doe-eyed Mediterranean monk seals. To get up close without disturbing them, take a day trip to Marathonissi – better known as Turtle Island – with eco-friendly experts Nefis Travel.

Insider's tip: Never disturb the turtles, or stay on the beaches after sunset when they could be nesting or hatching out. 

Contact: nefis-travel.com

Hitch a boat ride

Some of the island’s best attractions can only be reached by boat: Skinari is the starting point for half-day excursions to get a glimpse of Navagio, or Shipwreck beach, the dramatically picturesque cliff-framed sandy cove which earns its name from the rusted hulk of the MV Panagiotis, washed up here after an epic storm in the 1980s. Most trips also stop off at the Blue Caves, so-called because their pale limestone walls give the sea a ghostly turquoise hue.

Insider's tip: The Navagio viewpoint near Volimes village is accessible by road, but it’s impossible to access the beach from this high-flung spot.

Contact: potamitisbros.gr

Meet the literatis

Dig deep into the soul of this culture-loving island at the Solomos Museum, which is dedicated to Greece’s national poet, who was born here in 1798. The poet’s primrose-yellow neoclassical home, which was bombed during the Second World War, contains an eclectic and fascinating selection of the writer’s personal artefacts: look out for the desk where Dionysios penned the country’s rousing national anthem in 1823 and the mausoleum on the ground floor which contains the poet’s bones.

Insider's tip: Don’t miss the other rooms dedicated to the life and times of other famous island scholars, including celebrated Greek Revolution poet Andreas Kalvos.

Contact: zakynthos-museumsolomos.gr

Stroll the streets of Zante town

Destroyed by a major earthquake in 1953, then rebuilt in Venetian style, Zante town’s (semi-pedestrian) paved streets are lined with an elegant collection of buildings – low and well proportioned, with porticoes and pastel-painted facades – many of them are home to cafés and craft boutiques. 

Insider's tip : Look out for the Provençal-style façade of Archontiko Roma. One of the few buildings that wasn’t reduced to rubble, this 17th-century mansion which once belonged to President of the Greek Parliament Alexander Roma is now a small museum – family portraits, works of art and period furniture give an intriguing insight into the once lavish lifestyle of the island’s aristocracy, but it is not often open so call before visiting.

Contact: 00 30 26950 28381

Admire the views

A winding road just outside of Zante town leads to Bochali, a pretty pine-scented suburb where the ruined battlements of the island’s battered 15th-century castle offer eagle-eye views over Zante’s red-tiled roofs, glittering harbour and the dense pine forests and sand beaches of distant Vassilikos peninsula. Enter the incense-scented Zoodoxo Pigi church to see richly gilded Byzantine icons, and then hike back down to Bochali village nearby and order a beer and meze snacks in one of the cafés clustered around the square.

Insider's tip:  Phone in advance to check that the church is open.

Contact: 00 30 26950 22293

Price: Free

Roam with local deer

Families will love Askos Stone Park, named for its pond-sized 13th-century stone cisterns, whose tranquil green waters now squawk with ducks. Friendly guides lead walks out along the wooded hiking trails of this small nature park surrounded by dense pine forest: to pluck and sniff the wild thyme and oregano used to flavour countless local dishes, or to (hopefully) encounter Roe deer that run wild here. Children can also pick peaches and apples in the orchard or pet the farm animals which include portly pot-bellied pigs and fluffy chinchilla rabbits. 

Insider's tip:  Buy handcrafted goats cheese and homemade jams from the farm shop.

Contact: 00 30 26950 31650; facebook.com

Visit a winery

Historically, most of the island’s grape production was exported as currants – even so, Zante’s dry, highly alcoholic wine is well worth sampling in one of the island’s half a dozen wineries. The typical local wine is the oak-barrel-aged, intensely flavoured, highly acidic white Verdea, which has been produced here since the 19th century – another must-try is the silky-sweet Lianoroidi white. Sample both at Art and Wine, the Giatras-Gkoumas family’s century-old wine estate in the island’s north east region. Owner Giannis is also a skilled icon painter. 

Insider's tip: Hire a car – most wineries are well off the beaten track.

Contact: artandwine.gr

Learn about the local olive oil

The 2,000-year-old olive tree in the village of Exo Hora is living proof that world class extra virgin olive oil has been produced on Zante for millennia. Aristeon Olive Press is a (rather characterless) modern factory producing some of the island’s best organic oil, but the small well-organised museum inside is packed with olive oil-making paraphernalia – age-pitted stone mills, ancient wooden presses and tall clay pots. An informative guided visit is followed by a tasting session, when crusty local bread is dipped into fruity green oil.

Insider's tip:  Visits are free but remember to tip the guide. 

Contact:  aristeon.gr

Price:  Free

Hike to a high place

From the resort of Kalamaki on Zante’s south east coast, it’s a long, steep hike along thyme-scented, boulder-strewn paths to reach Panagia Skopiotissa (the island’s oldest monastery), but it’s well worth it for the views from this lofty leafy mountaintop whose name – Skopos – means watchtower. The monastery has been abandoned for decades, but the walls of the stocky 15th-century church blaze with 17th-century frescoes – the real gem is the gilded Panagia Skopiotissa icon said to have been brought here from Constantinople in 1341.

Insider's tip: Ask for the keys to the church at Skopos’ small café.

Price:  Free

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Laganas Beach

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