The northern part of Zakynthos is far removed from the buzzy southern towns of Laganas, Kalamaki and Zante Town. You will feel like you have stepped back in the past. The rugged countryside is beautiful and charming. The locals are very friendly.
Within a short drive from the villa, you will find the pebbly Makris Gialos Beach as well as Xygia Beach. Both are unspoilt with crystal clear emerald water. Xigia Beach is known for its therapeutic sulphur springs rich in collagen that flow up from the sea bed. Agios Nikolaos houses an important harbour with ferry boats going to Kefalonia. Small boats take tourists to nearby Cape Skinari, the northernmost point of the island and the Blue Caves on the coast in between.
The Blue Caves are famous for the reflection and diffusion of sunlight within the caves, turning the water into an impressive azure translucent blue. The caves are very close to the villa. You can also get a boat from Makris Galios.
Also close to the villa is the famous Shipwreck Beach. The real name is Navagio Beach. It is absolutely stunning and is reached by boat. You can park at the top of the cliffs though and walk to get some amazing photographs. The boat trip is amazing, with the 256 feet sheer limestone cliffs in the background, the hues of azure blue water and the silvery sand. You will need to take snacks and water with you and probably jump in the water to get to the beach. It’s a great photo opportunity to capture the wrecked ship imbedded in the sand.
Alykes is 12km away and is a nice day out in combination with its neighbour Alykanas. You can take a horse and carriage ride between the two. It is also possible to rent jeeps, motorbikes or cycles here to explore the island. Alykes has a lovely beach, many churches and a Byzantine art museum as well as intriguing salt flats. Alykanas is a small beach resort where the pace of life is easy going. The new part of the town is right by the lovely golden sandy beach with views over to Kefalonia in the distance. The old part has a church and quaint main square.
A trip to Zakynthos would not be the same without some time in the busy resorts of Lagunas and Zante Town. You will find many bars, restaurants and nightclubs. There is entertainment for the whole family.