Zakynthos

Also, the Panagia Skopiotissa Monastery is a worthwhile climb for its 15th-century church and the breathtaking scenery. The church walls are coated with frescoes and there is an icon of the Virgin Mary produced in Constantinople and brought to Zakynthos after it was taken by the Ottoman Empire. When the sun is glaring, you can always drive up the snaking mountain road from Argassi to the north.

As public buses only run a few times a day, if you want to go where tourists don’t normally go, don’t miss the opportunity to rent a vehicle, car or minivan and you’ll be handsomely rewarded. This way, the island will be explored at an easy pace, driving leisurely past the woody and hilly countryside, fertile valleys and sites of rare natural beauty.

Zante Town will probably be your starting point and after your stroll in the old town, just drive up to Bohali, the verdant hill overlooking the harbor and you will get the best panoramic view of the gulf.

While driving along the eastern coastline heading southwards to Vasilikos Peninsula, you will find an array of spotless beaches, such as the amazing Gerakas, Porto Zoro and Dafni. Continuing along the south coastline from Laganas resort to Keri peninsula, you will come across some protected, nesting beaches that belong to the National Marine Park.

The island’s north coastline is mostly rocky, with impressive rock formations and hidden coves, amazing caves and crystal-clear waters in all the shades of blue & green. The northern route will take you through scattered villages & attractive countryside to two of the island’s most iconic landmarks, Navagio Beach [Shipwreck] and the Blue Caves.