This is one of our favorite Greek islands. The main town, also called Zakinthos, has a very romantic atmosphere: You can tell it was once a Venetian colony. Visit the Museum of Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Religious Art, the beautiful church of St. Dionysos and the citadel that overlooks the sea.
The most famous residents are the endangered sea turtles at Laganas beach. The turtles continue to return to Laganas, even though it's the island's most popular beach (don't disturb nesting areas when visiting). There are good beaches at
Alikes,
Vassilikos and
Planos, too. Near the town of
Skinari are the beautiful Blue Caves (the cave's interiors are illuminated by light reflecting from the sea).
Zakinthos is 127 mi/205 km west of Athens.
