Magnificent ZAKYNTHOS- Daylight dreams- Part two

Zakynthos is blessed with authentic villages, breathtaking nature and phenomenal beaches like Porto Roxa, Banana and Gerakas, about which you will read in the post below.

But besides that, this island is also a place with a strong religious element which can be seen by the many churches and monasteries that exists on the island, so I recommend that you should find time between swimming and also visit some of them.

Anafonitria monastery- Paw traveller

On the northwest of the island you will find the Monastery of Anafonitria.

This is a beautiful 15th-century Byzantine monastery built in honor to the Virgin Mary, and in this monastery the patron saint of Zakynthos, Agios Dionysios, has spent the last years of his life livng as a monk.

The monastery consists of several buildings and a tower with a bell.

While you are strolling through the monastery courtyard between its beautiful stone buildings and flower-rich gardens, you will feel the calmness of this place.

Anafonitria monastery- Paw traveller

In the surrounding area you will find traditional tavernas and local products such as cheese, honey, wine and olive oil. I also recommend a tour of the small village of Orthonies and a visit to the mini traditional national museum-tavern located in this small village.

Orthonies- Paw traveller

Friendly hosts will invite you to visit their museum and take a look, and after the visit you can sit and enjoy in the garden of taverna.

On the west coast of the island there is a bay with the beach of Porto Roxa.

The road to this beach leads through almost desert landscapes.

This beach may not exactly be called a beach, but these beautiful blue waters are perfect for swimming or snorkeling.

This bay is not very popular and requires some rock climbing so you will probably share this experience only with few people.

Porto Roxa is a small cove and one of the few completely rocky beaches in Zakynthos.

Road that leads to Porto Roxa- Paw traveller

Porto Roxa- Paw traveller

Here, in Porto Roxa, you will find crystal clear and surprisingly deep water.

Porto Roxa- Paw traveller

The water is very deep so you can freely jump without fear of hitting the bottom when you jump.

In case you are not so eager for these adrenaline-filled activities, you can always, like us, step on a side and watch those who enjoy spending the day at the beach in this manner.

After getting tired of rock climbing and various activities in Porto Roxa, you can sit in the bar above the beach and enjoy in the shade.

Banana beach is one of the largest and most organized beaches on the island.

The beach is sandy and waters are shallow which is ideal for young children.

Nearby are bars and restaurants where you can buy all kinds of food and drink.

Banana beach- Paw traveller

Beach bars have lots of sunbrellas and deck chairs set up on the sand so you don't have to worry are there free space or not.

Although this beach is very popular you do not feel crowded because the beach is huge, very long and wide.

On this beach, music is played all day long and young people dance and have fun as they are on the party.

This charming beach with a party atmosphere offers everything you need to relax and enjoy.

Gerakas is one of the most beautiful beaches in Zakynthos.

Gerakas- Paw traveller

This long and sandy shoreline is located in the southern part of the island, and is a part of national marine park and it is a place where Caretta Caretta turtles nesting.

At the beach entrance, volunteers hand out leaflets about the rules of behavior near the nests, which are prominently marked, and beach entry is forbidden half hour before sunset and half hour before sunrise to allow turtles to nest smoothly.

The largest Greek flag- Paw traveller

Guided by some guide-book through Zakynthos where everything is beautiful and must see, we also headed to Cape Keri to see the largest Greek flag in the world, which was included in the Guinness Book.

Well, if anyone would ask me, this can comfortably be removed from the Island Attractions Manual because Zakynthos really has much more to offer.

Although, I must admit, the panoramic view of the Ionian Sea is spectacular from this point of the island.

Anyway, when you are already here visit the village of Kerri and visit the Church of the Virgin Keriotisse.

 Church of the Virgin Keriotisse- Paw traveller

Damianos Cave, another attraction from the guide that did not thrill us, and in my opinion these are two holes in the rock rather than a cave.

Damianos Cave- Paw traveller

But getting to them through the pines and olive groves of the picturesque village of Agalas is a real pleasure.

Walk past traditional stone houses and narrow paths following the signposts for the Damianos Cave.

What is striking about this cave is that it has two entrances - one above the other.

If you are in a good shape, climb up and enter, and enjoy the view of the surrounding hills with dense vegetation from the above.

Agalas- Paw traveller

On your way back from the cave, stop at the village once more and visit the village church with its beautifully painted building and an extremely large bell tower.

This is just a fraction of what Zakynthos has to offer, so put Zakynthos on your list of future trips and discover the island by yourself.

Do not miss the opportunity to indulge in the rhythm of this island, enjoy its beautiful beaches, walk through its villages, explore a little more and experience this unique island in your own way.

If you are an adventurer looking for a future destination, read also posts about Pelion which deserves to be visited before mass tourism:

On PAWS across Pelion Peninsula- part one

On PAWS across Pelion Peninsula- part two