Greece - Walking holiday in Zakynthos ➤ The real island life

Arrive at Zakynthos airport or port, where you'll be met and transferred to your first hotel in Alykes. The trip takes about half an hour. Then you can let the relaxed atmosphere of the island wash over you and perhaps take a dip in the swimming pool.

Hotel (example): Zante Dolphin Hotel

Your first hike is an easy one, starting at the endless vineyards just behind your hotel. Today's destination is the small church of Saint Nicolas, which is beautifully situated on a hilltop surrounded by the village of Ano Gerakari and from here you can enjoy a great 360-degree view of the whole of eastern Zakynthos. The village is also the perfect place to enjoy a Frappe´ (cold Greek coffee) and get an even better feel of island life. The walk back to the hotel is through olive groves along paths that are only used during the harvest.

Walking time: approx. 2 hours
Distance: 10km
Hotel (example): Zante Dolphin Hotel

After breakfast you will hike to the village of Katastari and the further up you go, the better the views. You reach an altitude of about 300 metres. The trail rounds the hilltop of Psili Krorifi before descending again. Enjoy the total silence, disturbed only by the whistling of birds. The tour's next stop is the 16th-century monastery of Saint Ioannis Prodromou, a gradually forgotten building where today only a single monk guards the relics. The path now descends across the salt plains of Alati, where locals still harvest salt from the sea. The route ends on the beach at Alykes.

Walking time: approx. 2-3 hours
Distance: 12km
Hotel (example): Zante Dolphin Hotel

You pack your luggage and leave your bags at reception before setting off on the day's beautiful hike. The first part of the route zigzags through the vineyards of the central part of Zakynthos. You wander from town to town, always with the next church tower to steer for. The route follows ancient paths that connect the towns of Kalithea, Skoulikado, Drakas and Agia Marina. This green and lush part of the island is dominated by cypresses, walnut trees, pomegranates, herb gardens and vineyards. When you arrive at your hotel, your luggage will already have been taken to your room. The hotel is a charming newly restored mansion, well hidden behind small trillium vines - a stunning example of old Venetian architecture.

Walking time: approx. 2-3 hours
Distance: 11km
Hotel (example): Anatoli Labreon

Today's short hike takes you to the ruins of the ancient village of Agio Pantes. The rest of the day is spent relaxing in the swimming pool while enjoying the great views of the entire central part of the island.

Walking time: Under an hour
Distance: 3km
Hotel (example): Anatoli Labreon

Now it's time to change hotels again. As you walk, your luggage is taken to your next destination. You start by being driven to Romiri, from where you begin the hike. The route heads south along the side of Magalo Vouno mountain. First stop is the abandoned town of "Old Lagadakia". Here time has stood still since the earthquake of 1953 and the only witnesses of that time are now the very photogenic buildings. The trail continues through thick coniferous forests adorned with wild strawberry bushes. Halfway you meet the village of Lithakia, where you can take a break at the local taverna in the shade of the trees. A narrow path leads you on to the marshland of Limni Keri, today's destination.

Note: You can also choose to cut 7km off the route by taking a taxi to Old Lagadakia and walking from there.

Walking time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 14km
Hotel (example): Porto Tsi Ostrias

In Limni Keri you can choose to go on your last hike in Zakynthos or you can choose to go on a tour.

For example, you could choose to go on a turtle-spotting trip to the uninhabited island of Marathonisi. The outline of the island looks like a turtle. Coincidentally, the "turtle island" is also the breeding ground of the Caretta Caretta sea turtle. The most spectacular way to end your visit is a kayak tour, which is also suitable for beginners. Discover and explore the beautiful Keri coast with your guide and instructor. The tour takes you along the coast, into caves over crystal clear waters and to hidden beaches.

If you choose the hike
Today's optional route is a spectacular one. You can choose between a challenging 19km walk or an easy 14km walk. Limni Keri is in a valley, so the only way to go is up. The path goes up to 400moh. This area can only be reached on foot, so you can expect to have the area pretty much to yourself. The wild herbs smell wonderful as you walk. Halfway you reach the mountain village of Keri, where the local café is a perfect place to stop for a lunch break and perhaps sample the local dish of wild rabbit. You continue and pass the ancient church of Panagia Keriotissa, which has a majestic bell tower. The route now becomes more and more beautiful as there begin to be flowering thyme, roses and other flowers along the path. The island ends abruptly with a dramatic limestone cliff that drops 200m straight into the sea. You return to Limni Keri when you have finished admiring the view.

Walking time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 14km
Hotel (example): Porto Tsi Ostrias

Now the tour is over and you will be driven to Zakynthos airport or port in time to catch your flight or ferry. It is also possible to extend your stay, so please contact us if you would like to know more about this.