After an incredible day exploring Athens, the next part of our Kraxe-Wien adventure took us to the stunning island of Zakynthos, one of the jewels of the Ionian Sea. Our travel companion for this leg of the trip was the Steyer Eco a travel backpack and waterproof backpack, the perfect size for both flights and ferry rides. It was ideal for keeping all our essentials safe, organized, and dry throughout the journey.
From Athens to Zakynthos: A Smooth Journey
Our journey began with a comfortable three-hour bus ride from the Ketel Station in Athens to Kyllini, a small port town on the western coast of Greece. The ride was smooth and pleasant, with a brief stop halfway through to stretch our legs and grab a snack. The Greek countryside, dotted with olive groves and small villages, rolled by as we traveled west.
Once we arrived in Kyllini, we boarded a ferry bound for Zakynthos. Our bus was also loaded onto the ferry, making the transition seamless. The ferry ride was a relaxing 1.5-hour journey across the sparkling Ionian Sea. The Steyer Eco waterproof backpack came in handy here, as the deck was breezy, and we didn’t have to worry about the sea spray. We enjoyed the scenery while knowing our belongings were secure.
After arriving at the port of Zakynthos, we hopped back on the bus, which took us directly to the main bus station in Zante, the island's capital. We arrived in the late afternoon, just in time to explore the lively streets of the city.
Exploring Zante Town
Zante Town, also known as Zakynthos Town, is a bustling hub full of energy, history, and culture. Despite arriving at the end of the day, we had enough time to stroll through the streets and soak in the local atmosphere.
Key Highlights of Zante:
- Solomos Square: One of the main squares in the town, this is a great spot to relax with a coffee while taking in the view of the surrounding neoclassical buildings.
- St. Mark’s Square: This historic square is home to the Byzantine Museum and is a perfect place to explore local culture.
- Zante’s Harbor: As the sun began to set, we wandered down to the harbor, where small boats bobbed in the water, and the lights from the town reflected on the calm sea.
The town was full of charming restaurants, shops, and cafes. We took a seat at one of the outdoor tables and enjoyed the lively yet laid-back vibe of the evening.
Day Two: Exploring the Northern Beaches of Zakynthos
The following day, we rented a car from Auto Lux Kalamaki and set out to explore the northern side of the island. The Steyer Eco backpack was once again our trusty companion, perfect for storing our beach essentials, snacks, and sunscreen.
Beach Hopping in Northern Zakynthos
- Laperda Beach: Our first stop was the serene Laperda Beach, a hidden gem with crystal-clear waters and white sands. It was a peaceful place to start our day, with hardly any other visitors around.
- Xigia Sulfur Beach: Just above Laperda Beach lies Xigia Sulfur Beach, one of the most unique beaches we’ve ever visited. The water here is cool at the surface but warm from the waist down due to the natural sulfur springs. The sulfur gives the water a milky blue color and is said to have healing properties.
- Wolf Rocks Beach: A bit further along, we found Wolf Rocks Beach, a wild and rugged stretch of coastline. The rocky cliffs and turquoise waters made for some stunning photo opportunities.
Sunset at Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach)
No trip to Zakynthos is complete without visiting the world-famous Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach. In the late afternoon, we made our way to this iconic spot.
The Story of Navagio Beach:
In 1980, a ship called MV Panagiotis ran aground on the shores of Zakynthos, and its rusted remains now lie in the middle of the white sandy beach. The contrast of the wreck with the bright turquoise waters has made it one of the most photographed places in Greece.
We timed our visit perfectly, arriving just before sunset when the crowds had mostly cleared out. The golden light of the setting sun illuminated the cliffs, creating an unforgettable view. For an even better vantage point, we followed a small trail to the right of the main viewpoint. The breathtaking, unobstructed views of the beach and the vast Ionian Sea below were simply unforgettable.
Evening Views of Zante from Above
Later that night, we returned to Zante and drove up to the Zoodochos Pigi Holy Church, which is located on a hill overlooking the town. The view of the city lights twinkling against the backdrop of the harbor was stunning. Several restaurants at the top offer delicious food with a panoramic view, making it a perfect way to end the day.
Exploring the Southern Beaches of Zakynthos
The next day, we explored the quieter, more peaceful southern beaches of Zakynthos. Each beach had its own unique charm.
Top Southern Beaches:
- Vrahos Beach: Located near our accommodation at Avesta Apartments, Vrahos Beach was calm and serene, offering crystal-clear waters and a laid-back atmosphere.
- St. Nicholas Beach: A great spot for water sports and adventure, with options for paddleboarding and snorkeling.
- Gerakas Beach: Famous for being a loggerhead turtle nesting site, Gerakas is one of the most beautiful and tranquil beaches on the island.
If you’re looking for something more lively, Laganas and Kalamaki Beach are perfect. Laganas is bustling with beach bars, restaurants, and nightlife, while Kalamaki offers a quieter escape without being far from the action.
Food Highlights in Zakynthos
Zakynthos has no shortage of excellent food, and we made sure to try some of the local favorites.
- Spartakos Taverna: We enjoyed a traditional Greek meal at Spartakos, with generous portions and excellent service. The Riganada, a dish of bread, tomatoes, feta cheese, and olive oil, was a standout.
- Alesta Italian Restaurant: For a break from Greek food, Alesta in St. Mark’s Square offers excellent pizza and pasta dishes in a lively atmosphere.
- Taverna Xigia: Located near Xigia Beach, this taverna offers amazing views and delicious, hearty meals.
For dessert, we indulged in Friganada, a traditional Zakynthian sweet made from bread, honey, and cinnamon.
Final Thoughts on Zakynthos
Zakynthos exceeded all of our expectations. The island’s lush greenery, crystal-clear waters, and stunning beaches were enough to leave us breathless, but it was the warmth and hospitality of the locals that made the trip truly unforgettable. Everyone we met was incredibly friendly, always willing to help, and happy to share their island with us.
Our Steyer Eco waterproof backpack was the perfect travel companion throughout the trip. Whether we were exploring beaches or climbing up to viewpoints, this travel backpack was comfortable, spacious, and reliable. Its waterproof feature was especially useful during our beach days, and the laptop rucksack compartment allowed us to carry our electronics safely and securely.
Next, we’re off to explore the neighboring island of Cephalonia. Stay tuned for more adventures from the Ionian Islands!
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