The city of Zakynthos is the island’s capital, with a population of approximately 12,000 inhabitants; it is a relatively new city, built after the earthquake of 1953, which completely destroyed the old Zakynthos. It is situated in the eastern part of the island, at the foot of the Bochali Hill, and it has many traditional buildings with arches and arched windows. The picturesque squares maintain the traditional style of the old city. It is also the main port of the island.

You can visit several interesting places in the city. Among others, we strongly recommend the Holy Monastery of Agios Dionysios, the Faneromeni Church, the Post-Byzantine Museum, the Dionysios Solomos and Kalvos Museum, the Agios Markos Square, the National Resistance Museum, the Folklore Museum and the home of Grigorios Xenopoulos where he spent his childhood and which today has been turned into a museum.

The Agios Dionysios building complex consists of the Church of Agios Dionysios, the Patron Saint of Zakynthos, the Bell Tower – Belfry of the Church, the Holy Monastery of Strofades and Agios Dionysios and the Ecclesiastical Museum – Sacristy. The Church of Agios Dionysios, protector of the island, is the largest that exists in the city. The current major temple and the adjacent Ammos Monastery experienced several phases. They both were destroyed by the great earthquake of 1893 which left Zakynthos in ruins. Then, in 1900, a Special Fundraising Committee undertook the construction of a new church with the foundation of the current church beginning in 1925 and it was inaugurated on August 22, 1948. The church was built by architect A. Orlandos in a triple basilica rhythm. Thanks to anti seismic construction it was one of the few buildings that did not collapse during the devastating earthquake of 1953. The few damages it sustained were all repaired and in 1958 the church was renovated. Since then retains its current form. The church houses the relics of Agios Dionysios in a silver-sculptured Larnaka (tomb) (work of Georgios Diamantis Bafas, created in 1829), which apart from source of strength and belief for the locals, is also a major attraction for many visitors. The festival of Agios Dionysios is held twice a year and lasts three days at a time. On the 24th of August is honored the memory of the transfer of the Holy Relic from Strofades Islands to Zakynthos (1717) and on the 17th of December 17 is honored the memory of the saint’s Assumption (1622). The festivities culminate with the procession of the holy relics around the city of Zakynthos.

The Dionysios Solomos Square is the city’s central and largest square and where numerous religious events and cultural events are held.

There stands the statue of the Greek National Poet, Dionysios Solomos, a copy of the original, which was the work of the Athenian sculptor Georgios Vroutos.

The square is located at the end of the central pier of the port and it took its current form in the last reconstruction in 2016.

In its place there was once the sea, but during the expansion of the city, that point was banked.

The Church Agios Nikolaos of the Mole is the unique Venetian (Venetian style) that survived the earthquake and fire of 1953 and was rebuilt keeping its original characteristics.

Built in 1561 by the guild of seafarers who, in order to honor Agios Dionysios elected him their vicar. Originally, the church was built on an island with bridge connected to the mainland. Then this island became an integral part of the city and joined the rest of the main island, after several embankments made for the expansion of the city

The construction of the church dates back to the 17th century and is the oldest building in the Dionysios Solomos Square. Built in Renaissance style, except for the bell tower, which is more reminiscent of Byzantine style.

The Post-Byzantine Art Museum is housed in an imposing building in the Dionysios Solomos Square. The former building of the Post-Byzantine Art Museum collapsed in the earthquake of 1953. After the earthquake, it was rebuilt in the same location and the current form was curated by Academician Manolis Hatzidakis. The new museum operates since 1960. It is built according to the traditional architecture of Zakynthos with galleries, many arched windows and doors

Visiting it is essential in order to know the evolution of the classical arts in Zakynthos, which was an art center in the Post-Byzantine times. Inside the museum there are exhibits through which visitors will come into contact with the ecclesiastical art from Byzantine times until the 19th century, as the museum display about a thousand holy paintings. From the collection of the museum you can admire works in Byzantine, Cretan, Ionian and Zakynthian style by many great artists. Two churches, a monastery, a stunning representation of the old town and a large collection of photographs and paintings are housed in this building. It is mainly scriptural and ecclesiastical, and among others, you will notice the icon of the procession of Agios Charalambos, the wood carvings hall, a collection of built-in marble sculptures, several paintings from churches, icons of 16th-17th century, the Ionian School hall with prominent and dominant members Kandounis and Koutouzis and photos of the city before the last great earthquake.

The Faneromeni Church was built in the 15th century. Unfortunately, it was damaged by the 1953 earthquake, but has since been restored, after its initial design. The only part of the church that was not destroyed is the old bell tower. The frescoes (murals) were saved and today kept in the Post-Byzantine Art Museum.

The history of the Faneromeni Church was the subject of many studies by Greek and other scholars of classical arts, and is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Greece. During the years of the Venetian rule, the Faneromeni Square, unlike Agios Markos Square was the meeting place of the poorer classes. The Faneromeni Church that was destroyed by the 1953 earthquake and fire that followed has been rebuilt and is now just as it was then.

The most famous area of the island is Bochali, located on the highest point of Zakynthos the town and just two kilometers from it. From there the view is magnificent during the day, but especially at night, as you can see from far above, not only the city, but also the blue Ionian Sea, stretching in front of you, the port, Argasi and Bay of Laganas.

On the left side of the square stands the church of Zoodochos Pigi with its Byzantine icon of the Virgin. Several parts of the church were stolen from the old church of Chrissopigi, built in the 16th century, which originally was situated in the castle.

The area of Bochali was among the first areas to develop as the capital of the island was within the Venetian Castle, which is located there. Local residents are trying to preserve traditions and traditional buildings. The village has cobblestone roads, preserving the old architecture of the island.

The Venetian castle located in the Bochali area and just 2 km from the city of Zakynthos. The castle is of great historical importance, as in its interior during the years of Venetian rule there was the capital of the island. The exact date when the castle was built is not known.

Its walls are of ashlar stone and their form is like that of the walls of Cretan castles. In 1480 the Turks demolished a great part of it and they did not allow any restorations. From then to 1514, the inhabitants, made several restoration attempts, after each raid or earthquake. The major restoration was done in 1515 with help from The Republic of Venice.

At that time the cannons and the great gate, the bell of which served as the town clock, were added. The presence of the Venetians still lingers, as we can see at the third gate, the walls of which bear the “Lion of St. Mark” as a symbol of Venice.

Just two kilometers from the city, in the Akrotiri area, lays the hill of Strani, right on the road junction turn to Bochali. Here, the national poet of Greece, Dionysios Solomos, listening to the cannons of Missolonghi, was inspired by it and wrote the Greek National Anthem.

In the small square where today the statue of Dionysios Solomos stands, was the tree, in the shade of which he wrote two of his masterpieces, the “Ýmnos is tin Eleftherían” (Hymn to Freedom) and the “Eleftheroi Poliorkimenoi” (The Free Besieged).

Helmi’s Natural History Museum is located in Agia Marina, a beautiful village in the center of Zakynthos and is the only museum of natural history in Zakynthos.

3,000 specimens welcome you and allow you to admire the beauty of the natural heritage of the island and other areas of the planet. In the two halls, with awareness messages in defense of the environment almost everywhere, you can find collections of birds, fish, shellfish from the seven seas of the world, plants and animals that have long disappeared from the Earth, minerals and rocks. The aim of the museum is for the visitor to learn about the natural heritage and ecosystem of the Zakynthos.

The three traditional and picturesque villages of the island: Upper, Mid and Lower Volimes.

Volimes located 30 km northwest of the city of Zakynthos and is in the mountainous part of the island. It is the largest mountain in the area and population of the village and basically is the capital of the mountain villages. The village extends from the top of mountain Vrachionas (Upper Volimes) and ends in the northern seas of the island (Down Volimes). More specifically the beaches Xigia, Makrys Gialos, Agios Nikolaos (Skinari) belong to this village. The natural beauty of the landscape will enchant you with its pine forests, olive groves, local farms and vineyards resulting in crystal clear blue water.

The sunset in this area is impressive and enchanting for the romantics and not only. Volimes are the starting point of your exploration in the northern parts of the island, with the numerous blue caves and the well-known Navagio.

In Volimes you can enjoy the authentic Zakynthian traditional cuisine and local traditional products, and textiles.

In Volimes there is a small settlement, Agios Nikolaos or Skinari, where there is a port that during the summer months connects Zakynthos with Cephalonia.

Here you can swim, make your trip to the beautiful blue caves and the Navagio, with small boats, you’ll find in the port.

There are restaurants and taverns with local cuisine and shops with traditional products of the island and textiles.

Navagio is a unique, incredible and magical place with a beach that has become famous throughout the world. You can see the beach from above, from the platform made for this purpose and experience an incredible view of the Ionian Sea and the spectacular sunset in its deep blue waters, but also to visit it with one of the small vessels that make daily trips, and enjoy swimming in this beautiful beach.

In the Volimes area there is the Monastery of Agios Georgios Krimnon.

Founded in 1535, in the monastery lived as hermits important figures of Orthodox Christianity such as Gerasimos Notaras, later Agios Gerasimos, protector of Cephalonia.

The imposing tower was built in 1561 to protect the Monastery from pirates.

Inside the monastery, with its beautiful buildings and cared gardens, there was a rich library with numerous manuscripts.

The traditional village of Anafonitria is located 30km from the city of Zakynthos and the main port.

Anafonitria is a small picturesque and quite hospitable village in the north of the island of Zakynthos, which took its name from the monastery of Panagia Anafonitria, built there in the 14th century.

Agios Dionysios was a hermit in this monastery, and he hid there, and then helped to escape, the murderer of his brother, when the murderer, hunted by the military, requested the assistance of the saint, not knowing that he was the brother of his victim.

You will also find genuine traditional local cuisine, traditional local products and textiles.

The history of the village starts from mediaeval times and probably the village existed from the Frank domination era. According to Mas Latrie, Kampi was one of the two Cypriot villages, originally given to the Order of the Knights Templar and then when it was dissolved, were given the Order of the Knights of St. John.

In the village of Kampi, just above the picturesque bay of Skiza, stands the towering cross, which was built in memory of those who died during the German occupation of Greece.

From that point the view is spectacular, as before you lays the endless blue Ionian Sea. The combination of steep cliffs, caves and crystal clear waters gives the visitor a magical picture.

Also, you will see the Mycenaean cemetery with chiseled tombs. The sunset from there is remarkable, as you stare into the deep blue waters of the Ionian Sea and the image will be forever engraved in your memory.

Machairado is a picturesque village, located 10 kilometers west from the city of Zakynthos and has about 1000 inhabitants.

In the village and the surrounding area there are many interesting sights for visitors to see, such as the church of Agia Mavra which dates back to the 14th century and is particularly interesting for its architecture and decorative reliefs.

The Monastery of Panagia Eleftherotria is located in the Lagopodo village, next to Machairado, about 12 km north of the city.

Located in a panoramic area near the Church of Agia Mavra it was founded in 1962 by Archimandrite Chrysostomos Gkelmpesis, now spiritual father Monastery.

Keri is a picturesque village, 22 km from the city of Zakynthos, built 200 meters above the sea level, on the edge of a cliff. Here you will find the Keri Lighthouse (Fanari).

This is a 9-meter tower, built in 1925, to help the passing ships avoid collision with the cliffs. You will also see the most the magnificent sunset (with good weather). Furthermore, you will be able to look, up from the cliffs, to the Mizithres rocks.

The Mizithres are two huge rock cones, which spring from the blue sea, having on their side a small deserted beach and mark the beginning of the Keri Caves.

Lake Keri is a small settlement of the Keri village, 19 km from the city of Zakynthos. It has a beautiful little beach, which stretches along the coastline of the settlement.

The beach is pebbly, but once you enter the water, the bottom is sandy. From there you can visit to the enchanting Marathonisi for swimming or have a trip to the wonderful caves of Cape Marathia and the Mizithres rocks with small boats that you’ll find in the small harbor located there as well as a diving school for unique experiences.

The area of Laganas is one of the most crowded areas and beach of the island and is situated about 9 km south of the city of Zakynthos. Laganas has an endless sandy beach and shallow waters.

Here you will find many bars, restaurants and gift shops, and it is an ideal location for nightlife lovers. The area is located inside the Marine Park of Zakynthos, near the nesting beach of the loggerhead turtle.

Vasilikos village is located 17 km from the city of Zakynthos.

Here you will find many bars, restaurants and gift shops, and it is an ideal location for nightlife lovers. The area is located inside the Marine Park of Zakynthos, near the nesting beach of the loggerhead turtle.

A beautiful village which combines both mountain and sea, it also has a very popular beach due to the loggerhead sea turtle, Gerakas, which belongs to the Marine Park of Zakynthos, which protects wildlife.

There are no water sports facilities and bars on this beach in order to protect the loggerhead sea turtle. This has helped the beach to maintain its natural beauty, a beauty that combines the lovely blue seashore and the magnificent green environment of the mountain.