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Zakynthos Greece

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While most tourists visiting Greek flock to the stunning Aegean islands, they overlook the beauty of those of the Ionian sea.  Zakynthos Greece is a beautiful Greek island in the Ionian sea (west side) of Greece. The island attracts many tourists and beach worshippers, making it an amazing vacation in Zakynthos Greece.

Vacation in Zakynthos Greece

While the largest resort on the island is Laganas, our favourite spot was Tsivili beach which is perfect for a family friendly vacation in Zakynthos Greece. We stayed at the beach-front Iakinthos Resort, which is a family-friendly three-star family resort in Tsivili Zakynthos. Iakintos Resort is one of the best family hotels in Zakynthos.

A family suite accommodated five of us, with three beds on the main floor and two in the loft – perfect for larger or multi-generational families.

Family Fun in Zakynthos Greece Tsilivi Beach Family Fun in Zakynthos Greece Tsilivi Beach

Family Resort Zakynthos – Iakinthos Resort Tsilivi Beach

The loft upstairs was good to separate the kids from the adults. The extra bed was a cot so it wasn’t very comfortable, however the other two beds were fine. The bathroom could use some extra counter-space and towel/clothing hooks.

The hotel rooms on the second floor had been renovated, and I believe the rooms on the main floor were next – the family suite could use an update, however it was still comfortable for us.

Just outside our room, we had a laundry drying rack which was convenient for our swim suits and towels, as well a table and chairs for dining. The room also had a mini-fridge, which was convenient to stock up on bottled water and fresh fruit from the market.

Iakinthos Family Room

Family Fun in Zakynthos Greece Tsilivi Beach

Family Resort Zakynthos – Breakfast included

We’d start our day with a wonderful breakfast which was included with the hotel rate – an excellent value. There was a choice of continental, Greek and English breakfast served to order, as well as fruit, yogurt and cereals in the buffet. Every morning we enjoyed fresh local eggs, along with bacon, toast, and pancakes. And coffee!

The nice part is that the breakfast area is right by the pool, and you can view the beach as well. As soon as breakfast was finished, the kids would jump into the pool… the chairs by the pool were covered in our hotel rate as well. Once we were bored, we’d walk over to the beach. Beach umbrella and two chairs cost 6 Euros a day.

Breakfast was so abundant that we would often have a late lunch or early dinner. Mid-afternoon we’d have a coffee, then have one more swim before going back to the hotel room to shower up. The hotel is a walk to the bars and restaurants along the strip, as well as gift shops and tour booths. The staff were lovely – Maria, Kostas, Yiannis, Georgia, Evgenia – they were all sweet and helpful, and made our stay even more enjoyable.

While still touristy, Tsilivi Beach is a fun destination for families, close enough to the city and the island’s stunning isolated coves.

Family Fun in Zakynthos Greece Tsilivi Beach

Zakynthos Greece Tsilivi Beach

When visiting Greece, many tourists choose to explore the Greek islands in the Aegean sea. But it’s worth a visit to the other coast of beautiful Greece, and the islands of the Ionian sea – where one of my favourite Greek islands is situated. Zakynthos.

Zakynthos is a popular tourist destination, with an international airport served by many charter flights from northern Europe. The island’s nickname is To fioro tou Levante The flower of the East, given by the Venetians.

It’s tough to narrow down all the amazing places and sites to see while visiting Zakynthos because there truly are many! But here are the top 5 Stunning Spots in Zakynthos Greece you must see:

5 Stunning Spots in Zakynthos Greece

Navagio Beach

Zakynthos attracts many beach lovers, with its most famous landmark  being Navagio beach. Isolated by high cliffs and accessible only by boat, Navagio is a small cove on the northwest shore. It’s named after a shipwreck (MV Panagiotis) which sunk on the shore around 1980. The ridge area from Anafonitria has a small observation deck which overlooks the shipwreck. The beach and sea floor are made of white pebbles, and surrounded by turquoise waters.

Navagio Beach Zakynthos Greece

Blue Caves

Another must-visit attraction in Zakynthos is the natural “Blue Caves”, cut into cliffs around Cape Skinari, and accessible only by small boats. My family and I were supposed to tour the caves, but sadly the tour boat operator wasn’t forthcoming with the timing of the tour. Traveling with seniors and kids, a six-hour trip when we had anticipated a two-hour tour, wasn’t ideal in the evening hour. If you do plan a boat tour of the blue caves, make sure it’s early in the day, giving yourself plenty of time.

Blue Caves Zakynthos Greece

Tsivili Beach

While the largest resort of Zakynthos is Laganas, we found it to be too touristy and busy. I also found the area to be tacky and obnoxious. I much preferred the quieter, family-friendly Tsivili beach. Tsivili is also closer to the downtown of the island, only a 5 minute drive. Since we had a car, we were able to tour the island freely. Tsivili main streets are lined with restaurants, souvenir shops and tour booths.

Tsivili Beach Zakynthos Greece

Bochali

Bochali hill above the Zakynthos town contains a small Venetian castle and offers panoramic views of the town. Located next to Bochali, Strani hill is the place where Dionysios Solomos wrote the Greek national anthem. You have a gorgeous view of downtown and the boats.

Bochali Zakynthos Greece

Downtown

The harbour city of Zakynthos is the capital and major hub, centered around waterfront Solomos Square. The houses, shops and buildings were rebuilt in Venetian Style after the destructive earthquake of 1953 that ruined the majority of the buildings. The architecture and style has been influenced in part by the Venetians, the French and the English who have all, at some time in history, occupied the island. There are lovely shops and restaurants to discover.

Downtown Zakynthos Greece

 

If you plan on visiting Greece, make sure to visit these 5 Stunning Spots in Zakynthos Greece!