Why Zakynthos is perfect for families
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).
A Greek island holiday will feature on many travellers' wish lists, but families may find themselves bewildered by choice — there are more than 6,000 of them, with 227 being inhabited. Part of the Ionian archipelago and easily reached by a direct flight, mid-size Zakynthos ticks all the boxes — its southern peninsulas of Keri and Vassilikos are particularly well-served by diverse landscapes and stellar beaches, rich (partly Venetian) history and varied activities both on land and at sea.
In-the-know visitors forgo popular Shipwreck Beach for Dafni, on the Vassilikos Peninsula, protected by the National Marine Park. Its calm waters are ideal for novice swimmers and parents can supervise while lingering at one of the low-key restaurants backing onto the shingly sands. Porto Mela's menu includes seafood crowd-pleasers like calamari, plus freshly baked bread from a traditional wood-fired oven.
Keri Caves, on the island's southern fringe, are a quieter alternative to the Blue Caves, and kayaks can reach otherwise inaccessible rock fissures and beaches. Adventure Zone offers tours in two-person vessels, with friendly guide Kostas Stoufis handling photography so families can concentrate on synchronising paddles and scanning the super-clear waters for loggerhead turtles. The island is an important habitat for the species and Archelon, the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, operates in several coastal areas. At its Kalamaki site in southern Zakynthos near Laganas, it's possible to meet volunteers and, on occasion, join a beach patrol.
The hike up Mount Skopos winds past an eerie abandoned resort and wandering goats. Best for over-10s, it'll take around an hour and a half to reach the 17th-century church and monastery Panagia Skopiotissa at the top — though the kids are more likely to appreciate the cafe's cold drinks. In the island's north is another intriguing monastery, that of St George — its tower was once used to fend off pirates. Explore Zakynthos offers guided excursions. Nearby Exo Chora is home to a 2,000-year-old olive tree, a gnarled beauty that serves as a giant scratching post for village cats. Next-door shop Olive Yard stocks edible souvenirs including flavoured oils and the traditional Ionian sweets mandolas: sugar-encrusted almonds.
To describe Nobelos simply as a restaurant is to sell it short. Tucked into the picturesque northeastern cove of Agios Nikolaos and named after the family who run it, guests are greeted like old friends before being served exceptional food at terraced tables shaded by mature pines. From zesty salads to grilled vegetables, seafood pasta to filled pastries, dishes are all made using local, organic ingredients. After eating, diners decamp to the loungers on Nobelos' private beach — the rocky shores here are ideal for snorkelling — or shop for handicrafts at on-site Thalassa Boutique.
A mezze meal is an ideal opportunity to get fussy eaters to try something new. Most kids will love souvlaki, small pieces of meat or vegetables grilled on a skewer. When served stuffed in a pitta bread with salad and sauces, it's called gyros, and both can be sampled at the Thraka Grillhouse in Zakynthos Town. Afterwards, experimental diners should try the unique, slightly chewy kaimaki ice cream, made using mastiha tree resin — just one of the bold flavours offered at Miretta Gelateria in Markos Square. This and the strikingly Venetian-looking Solomos Square are both popular local strolling spots.
The Greek plate-smashing tradition is believed to ward off bad spirits, but families can make their own luck at a ceramics class with Hanne Mi S Sauge. A two-hour session at her studio in Vassilikos includes instruction on how to use the potter's wheel and make hand-built sculptures.
Sitting on the peaceful fringes of Argassi town, Windmill Bay Hotel has family-friendly rooms — including ground-floor suites with outdoor whirlpool baths and direct access to a kidney-shaped pool. Its seafront restaurant Anadalis is one of the island's best and offers a bargain children's menu (€8/£6.50) alongside Mediterranean-Japanese cuisine. From £156 for a Junior Suite Sea View, B&B.
Published in the December 2024 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
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