Zante sights: Beaches, museums & exciting excursions
If you're looking for the best Zante sights you've come to the right place. Zakynthos - or Zante as it's otherwise known - is a popular Greek island in the Ionian Sea recognised for its wineries, mountain villages and picturesque Blue Caves.
It's a destination for those who like a little bit of everything, with shopping and nightlife in the lively resort of Laganas, natural beauty at the olive groves of Alykanas, fine dining in the upmarket resort of Kalamaki, and complete list of excursions to choose from when island fever kicks in.
1. Enjoy Zante
As well as plenty of soft sandy beaches and impressive landscapes at the likes of the iconic Blue Caves and turquoise Navagio (Shipwreck) Bay, Zante offers holidaymakers loads of watersports options to choose from, most of which are available from St Nicholas beach at the end of the Vassilikos Peninsular. Cool off with a leisurely pedalo trip along the coast, hire a jet ski for an exhilarating ride or paraglide over the Ionian Sea.
If you'd rather stay indoors or just escape the midday heat, stop in at some of the island's museums. The Byzantine Museum of Zakynthos, which houses historical artefacts and sculptures from the Byzantine period, is especially good, as is the Museum of Solomos and Kalvos with its collection of crafts, paintings, pottery and more dating from the 18th century onwards.
2. Take a boat trip
You can't go all the way to a Greek island and not sail around it. The waters surrounding Zante are calm and gentle, and there's plenty of opportunity to avoid the tourists as you sail to quieter parts of the island. Most boat trips will take you to Zante's only shipwreck, the Blue Caves and, if you're lucky, you may even spot dolphins or turtles.
3. Hop across to Kefalonia
After you've sailed around the island, why not take a trip to another one? Just across the water is Kefalonia, the biggest of the Ionian Islands famed for its mountainous regions and its role in the film: Captain Corelli's Mandolin. After the 1953 earthquake many of the buildings were destroyed so the island looks more modern, but with some of the best beaches in Greece, it's the perfect place to top up your tan.
4. Explore Athens
If you have a couple of days to spare, a trip to the mainland to see the historic capital is a must. It does take a good few hours to get here but you do stop in some interesting places on the way. The history of Athens dates back more than 3000 years, and the city is easily explored on foot. Visit Plaka, the ancient area of Athens, where you'll see the stunning Acropolis lit up in all its glory.
5. Visit Olympia
If you've been to Athens before, then take a trip to Olympia instead. An excursion to the old Greek site of the Olympic Games will only take you two and a half hours including a 60 minute ride on the ferry. Visit the Temple of Zeus, built for the king of the gods or the Olympia museum for exhibits of historical ornaments from the temple. The museum is there one of the most important in the country.
If, however, you really don't want to do much of anything or just want a day off tackling the main Zante sights, take a breather in a Greek taverna, watch traditional dancing and enjoy an Ouzo - when in Greece after all...
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