When the time comes for holidays, most travelers plan their vacation on the beach. A favorite holiday destination for tourists from around the world is Greece and in particular the island of Zakynthos, popular along with Crete , Rhodes and other Greek islands.
In addition to rest on the sandy beaches of the island there are many attractions that are worth a visit. In 1953, there was a strong earthquake that destroyed many historical buildings. However, to date, many monuments have been restored. In order to determine what to see in Zakynthos, you can make a list of the most popular and frequently visited places in advance.
Zakynthos Island: attractions
Navagio Bay
Another name of the bay is the Shipwrecked Cove. It is located in the northern part of Zakynthos and you can reach it only by sea from Agios Nakiloaos. The beach is distinguished by the presence of a small pebble of white color, which at first sight may seem like sand. On the shore is the ship's skeleton, which was previously shipwrecked. Hence the name of the bay itself.
Go to Navaiio better as soon as possible, preferably in the morning. As the day comes a large number of tourists from different hotels of the island.
Blue caves on the island of Zakynthos (Greece)
In the northern part of the island, Cape Skinari, there are grottoes of extraordinary beauty - caves of greenish-blue color. In 1897, the largest cave in the grotto was found - Kianun Spileo, which the locals nicknamed Azure Cave. Here, not far from the blue caves, there is a lighthouse and a lake, which were named after Saint Nicholas.
The water near the caves is rich in calcium, so every tourist must definitely swim. Even those who can not swim, wear life jackets and enjoy swimming in this healing water.
You can reach the caves only by water from Agios Nikolaos. But it is better to gather in a trip in good weather, otherwise with strong waves you will not have an opportunity to swim, as this can be unsafe.
Zakynthos: The Park of Ascot
The most beautiful park of the flora and fauna of Greece is Askos. Its area is 500 thousand square meters. Here are collected about 200,000 species of plants and at least 45 species from around the planet. Walking along the stone path, you will see a large number of stone buildings - pens for livestock, stables, cisterns, designed to collect water.
At the entrance to the park each visitor is given one bottle of water and a guide is provided. However, he does not speak Russian. Also, the staff of the park can ask for special food for animals, because they can not be fed.
Visit the park Ascos at any time of year.
Water Village Water Village
In the village of Sarakinado, which is 4 kilometers from Zakynthos, there is an aqua park with an area of 40 thousand square meters. Visitors of any age category will find entertainment here. For the smallest children there is a children's pool, mini-car and children's playground. Adults can ride with slides, bearing such names as "Black Hole", "Kamikaze", "Crazy Hill" and many others.
Also in the water park there are several bars and cafes where you can have a snack.
Byzantine Museum of Zakynthos
On the main square of Solomos there is the Byzantine Museum, which must be included in the list of places that must be visited on the itinerary.
Here are the oldest exhibits: icons of the Byzantine period, made before the 19th century. Here you can find the works of Zanes, Damaskin, Doxaras, Kallergis, Kutuzis, as well as Byzantine and Hellenistic sculptures and statues.
The island of Zakynthos is famous not only for crystal clear water and amazing beaches, but also priceless monuments of architecture and natural sights. Having seen them once, you will be surprised at the beauty and magnificence of the constructed structures and features of the natural landscape of the island. After such a journey, you will want to return to Zakynthos more than once.