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Zakynthos Town Cruises, Zante

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Zakynthos Town is packed with culture – from centuries-old castles to museums stocked with relics from the past. Elsewhere, the island’s shoreline focuses on natural wonders, like cliff-framed beaches and stunning sea caves, while the interior is cloaked in olive groves.

  • In Zakynthos Town, work up an appetite with a walk to the hilltop Venetian fortress, before heading to St Mark’s Square for lunch. Like a mini version of the one in Italy’s Venice, it’s lined with al fresco restaurants where you can watch the world go by over a pizza.
  • Smugglers’ Cove is the island’s best-known beach. Jagged cliffs curve around this golden-sand bay, providing a dramatic backdrop for the famous shipwreck, which landed on the island’s shores in 1983.
  • On a trip to the hauntingly beautiful Blue Grotto, you’ll glide underneath the dramatic rock formations the sea’s carved into the cliffs, and have the chance to swim in the crystal-clear waters.

Map of Zakynthos Town

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Highlights of Zante

You’ll get to see Zante at its most authentic today. The tour starts with a drive to Bohali, where you’ll find an old Venetian fort at the top of the hill. It dates back to the 15th century and provides the perfect photo opportunity, with near-360 degree views over the island. You’ll then head to the village of Maherado. Here, the 14th-century Church of St Mavra boasts a 37-metre-high bell tower. While you’re there, check out the church’s collection of religious artwork painted by famous Greek artists – there’s one of St Mavra herself. Next on the agenda is Kampi, a quiet clifftop village, set above turquoise-tinted waters. You’ll get to sample some Greek meze with a glass of ouzo, and watch some traditional folk dancing. After the performance, the driver will take you the scenic route back to the port, along the western coast of the island.

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Panoramic Zante

This tour will showcase two sides of Zante, stopping off at the bustling capital and traditional villages. The day starts in Zante Town. You’ll stop at Solomos Square, which houses important buildings like the Byzantine Museum, the church of St Nicholas, and the cultural centre of Zante. You’ll then take a stroll along the major shopping road, before getting the coach up to Bohali village. Have your camera ready here, as the village has sweeping views over Zante Town. Next on the agenda is Anafonitria – the oldest monastery on the island. The patron saint of Zante, St Dionysios, served as abbot here until 1624, so it’s a pretty important place for the islanders. Plus, a recent renovation of the monastery uncovered some 15th-century artwork on its walls. From here, you’ll drive through the traditional mountain villages of Zante, stopping off at Volimes, which is famous for its handcrafted rugs, locally-produced honey and olive oil. You’ll have some free time to wander around before heading back to the port.

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Smuggler’s cove

No trip to Zante is complete without a visit to the island’s most photographed site – Smuggler’s Cove. This stunning arc of sand is framed by white cliffs and fronts many Zante postcards, but it’s best seen in person. It’s home to the wreck of an alleged smuggler ship which ran aground in 1982. On this tour, you’ll be driven to Porto Vromi – an area surrounded by myths and legends. From here, a scenic boat ride will take you across to the beach at Smuggler’s Cove. You’ll have an hour to take a look around the shipwreck, swim in the light blue waters, or simply lounge on the beach. It’s one of the most scenic spots in all of Greece, so you’ll want to bring your camera along.

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