Strategy//Greece Zakynthos Island Tourism Zone Strategy 2 (Blue Grotto and Northeast Attractions Strategy))

Highlights in the Northeast: Zha Island’s famous attraction “Blue Grotto”, the most beautiful road line and the most beautiful beach on the east coast

My choice: Go to Skinari Cape to take a boat trip to visit the Blue Grotto + Shipwreck Bay, and drive multiple times on the road from Agios Nikolaos to Xigia Beach.

Area map (created by Anny on Google Maps)

1 Introduction

My rating: 4.7 (recommended, a must-see in Zhadao) Google rating 4.8

Recommended length of stay: Take a scheduled boat to go deep into the Blue Cave for 45 minutes to 1 hour (including swimming); if you want to spend more time swimming, diving, or kayaking in the Blue Cave, it is recommended to charter a boat yourself or join an outdoor activity group. You can stay at the Blue Grotto for about 3 hours

Attraction introduction: The Blue Grotto is one of the most famous attractions on Zakynthos Island, attracting thousands of tourists every year. They are located in the northeast corner of the island, between Saint Nicholas Harbor and Cape Skinari, a series of sea caves. These beautiful caves get their name because sunlight penetrates the water, giving it a stunning blue color, with the largest cave being called "Kianoun". The Blue Hole also has interesting arches formed by thousands of years of sea erosion.

Beautiful image: from Google Images

2. Important tip: At what time of day should a visit to the Blue Grotto be arranged?

Because the Blue Cave is located in the northeast corner of the island, the light shines into the cave in the morning, and the seawater shows a strange and unpredictable blue color. The best time to visit the Blue Grotto is from morning to noon on a sunny day with plenty of light. Noon is the time when the colors in the cave are most beautiful.

If the weather forecast is cloudy, it is not recommended to visit the Blue Grotto. The blue hole without sunlight is eclipsed (pictured below).

3. How to take a boat trip to the Blue Grotto

The Blue Grotto can only be visited by boat. You can join scheduled cruises, private tours from travel agencies, or rent your own boat (Boat Rentals) to go to the Blue Grotto. Please note that small boats can only enter the caves. Some boats have glass bottoms, so you can see marine life downwards. Large boats departing from tourist towns like Zakynthos Port or Laganas cannot enter the caves.

(1) Potamitisbros Boat Trips Three Brothers Pier and Agios Nikolaos Port , you can take scheduled cruises . The boat leaves every 15-20 minutes on average. You can go to the Blue Grotto alone or to the Blue Grotto + Shipwreck Bay Beach. Both piers are very close to the Blue Grotto. There are boats to the Blue Grotto every day from May to October, and the price is 15 Euros to 20 Euros. Information about regular boats has been introduced in the previous section of the guide to Shipwreck Bay.

(2) Half-day and full-day cruises departing from Laganas, Alikes and Port of Zakynthos. Because these locations are far away from the Blue Hole and Shipwreck Cove, large boats are usually used. Large ships cannot go deep into the Blue Grotto, and it is a waste of time to dock at Shipwreck Bay because there are so many people getting on and off the ship. One-day boat tours in these popular resort towns are suitable for tourists who do not drive themselves.

(3) Private tour from travel agency. No matter which popular resort town you live in, you can find local travel agencies offering private itineraries to the Blue Grotto.

4. Tips for visiting the Blue Grotto

** I recommend to visit the Blue Cave near noon, the sea water in the cave emits fluorescent blue ;

**Be sure to check the weather forecast. Don’t visit the Blue Grotto if the weather is bad;

** If you want to swim, the boats you take are all speedboats, and there is no place to change clothes. Wear your swimsuit underneath in advance, and bring a towel and sun protection clothing.

**Zhadao is very sunny in summer, so prepare sunglasses and sunscreen. The boat is very fast, so don’t wear your hat as it will be blown away.

**There are parking lots near the pier and parking is free.

**Agios Nikolaos is a port town with buses to and from Zakynthos Town.

** The Blue Grotto area is a great place for snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking. You can sign up for local outdoor groups, such as:

Kayak adventure tour in the Blue Caves of Zakynthos lasts 3-5 hours, kayaking + snorkeling.

HTTPS://wuwuwu.sea Kay akin Zante.com/blue-caves-new.HTML

My rating: 4.7 (recommended) Google rating 4.7

Skinari Lighthouse

Potamitis Windmill, the windmill hotel and restaurant owned by Three Brothers, the picture below shows the sunrise view.

Blue Cave View Blue Cave Observation Deck (located next to the Three Brothers’ Windmill Hotel), coordinates 37.929137, 20.704345

The beaches in the northeast are quieter and less crowded than those in the east and south, and the water is clearer and crystal clear.

1. Agios Nikolaos Beach Google Rating 4.5

Not to be confused with the southern beach of the island with the same name. Located in the port town of Agios Nikolaos, the beach consists of small pebbles and is very deep.

This is the only village from which the ferries from Zakynthos to Kefalonia leave and, as a result, has one of the best-equipped ports on the island. There is an empty island in front of the port where you can swim.

2. Makris Gialos Beach Google Rating 4.5

The water is deep and not suitable for children, but the water is crystal clear and there are caves on the coast that can be reached from the beach. There are abundant fish resources and it is suitable for snorkeling and diving adventurers. The beach is just a short walk from the main road and parking is available. It is more crowded in the peak season, so there is a fee for bringing parasols and deck chairs.

3. Kremidi beach and Vathi Lagadi beach Google rating 4.5/4.6

The two smaller wild beaches have no facilities, few people, and crystal clear sea.

Kremidi beach

Vathi Lagadi beach

4.Xigia Sulfur Beach and Little Xigia Beach

Google rating 4.7/4.6 (recommended)

Xigia Sulfur Beach is considered the starting point of the northern part of the island. This is one of the most popular beaches on the island and the most beautiful in the Northeast. Xiga Beach stands out for its unusually soft blue color. This color is due to the presence of sulfur in the waters in some nearby underground caves, one of which is located in a vertical cliff about twenty meters from the beach. Immersion in this special seawater with a high sulfur content helps Used to relieve aches, pains, and arthritis.

Little Xigia beach is south of Xigia Sulfur Beach.

1.Agios Nikolaos (Volimes)

“The port of Agios Nikolaos” is located on the northeastern coast of Zakynthos. It should be distinguished from the beach of the same name found at the southernmost tip of the Vаssiliкos peninsula, which is why the port is also called Agiоs Niκοlaos Vоlimes, named after the nearby mountain village of Volimеs. In summer, Аgiоs Niκοlaos is the second port of Zakynthos, connecting it to Kefaloniaisland Pеssadа. Speedboats and boats depart from here throughout the day to the Blue Grotto and Navagio Beach, which are much closer than the boats departing from the town of Zaкinthos. Near the port you will find some nice taverns and a bakery. There is also a small pebble beach between the two piers.

My rating: 4.6 (recommended)

I think this section is the most beautiful road in the East. My real shot, shooting point coordinates: 37.872574, 20.733188.

There is a village called Mikro Nisi on this road, which is very photogenic. The shooting point coordinates of Mikro Nisi Village are 37.881851, 20.722599. There is a restaurant “NIKO’s by the sea” here.

1.El Sueno (Zante)-Restaurant and Seafood Restaurant Google rating 4.7 (recommended)

Located in the beautiful village of Mikro Nisi in the picture above. The restaurant has a particularly beautiful view, diners can use lounge chairs for free all day, and has a staircase leading to the extremely clear water. If you want to have a leisurely vacation, you can spend a day in this restaurant.

2. Taverna Xigia restaurant, Google rating 4.6 (recommended)

Located above Xigia Beach. This restaurant is appreciated by locals for its high-quality food and unique atmosphere, and many locals come to dine there. Restaurant introduction:

HTTPS://wuwuwu.zanteisland.com/zacanndayhouos/saierviword.PHP?can=45

3.Nobelos Seaside Lodge – Bio Restaurant

Google Rating: 4.7 (recommended)

Located in the port of Agios Nikolaos, official website:

https://www.nobelos.gr/. This restaurant won the one-star restaurant award for "Traditional Greek Cuisine" in the 2020 FNL Awards.

Regional highlights: Family resort, sandy Blue Flag beaches, extensive restaurant bars and entertainment options.

My choice : This area is where Westerners bring their families for leisure and vacation, and it is very lively and crowded. The beach scenery is not as good as that of the west coast. The sand is soft and suitable for swimming and water sports. Leisure activities were not my goal, so I didn’t stop. I just drove past the observation deck and took pictures of the beautiful Alykes Bay. If you choose to stay in this area, the rich restaurants and lively atmosphere are suitable for leisurely arrangements from evening to night.

Area map (made by Anny on Google Earth)

Resort towns and beaches on the east coast

1.Alykes Alykes area (family resort area)

Because the water is clear and shallow, the golden sandy beach is perfect for families with children. There are umbrellas and sunbeds for rent, as well as a few beach bars.

Most of the beaches on Zakynthos are pebbly and not comfortable to walk on. And Alykes Beach, a stunning stretch of grainy golden sand, has actually been awarded a Blue Flag for cleanliness, an honor not given to many beaches around the world.

——Alykanas Beach Google rating 4.5

Many tourist facilities have been developed, including luxury accommodation, restaurants, taverns and many water sports centers along the beaches. Water sports have migrated from Alykes to Alykanas, so now there is a wide variety of water sports to attract tourists, such as pedalos, parasailing, banana boats and more! The resort has many shops, bars, restaurants and taverns to suit everyone, and it has a good reputation for being home to several fine fish restaurants.

——Paralia Ammoudi /Psarou Beach Google rating 4.3 /4.3

——Photographing the observation deck of the Gulf of Alykes (recommended)

The above beaches together form the Gulf of Alykes, and the panoramic view from the hillside is very beautiful. Viewpoint coordinates: 37.850696, 20.743270 Search "Fresh Orange Juice Bar" on Google Maps. The picture below is my real shot.

2.Tsilivi area (a lively resort area suitable for families and young people)

Soft golden sandy beaches, first-class restaurants, numerous bars and nightclubs, abundant water sports and abundant accommodation options make the Tsilivi area the most popular resort area on Tsa Island.

For a detailed tour of Tsilivi, check this website:

HTTPS://wuwuwu.TSIlivi.com/index.PHP

——Tsilivi Beach Google rating 4.3

Tsilivi Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Zakynthos, located on the east coast of the island about 7 kilometers from Zakynthos Town. The beach is 2 kilometers long and is mainly sandy with some pebbles. There are sunbeds and deck chairs, and some lively beach bars providing an entertainment atmosphere. Tsilivi beach has continuously received the international Blue Flag award, which is awarded only to beaches that meet strict cleanliness standards. The water here is shallow and safe for small children. You can also try many water sports such as windsurfing, water skiing, banana, pedal boats, jet skis, parasailing and more! The disadvantage is that there are too many people during peak season.

——Bouka Beach/Donkey Beach Google rating 4.2/4.5

——Paradosiako Alykes Google rating 4.7 Located in Alykes

Official website: https://www.paradosiako.com.gr/ There is a menu available for reservations

——Neraida Alykanas Beach Beach Restaurant Google Rating 4.5 Located on Alykanas Beach.

——El Greco Family Bistro Google rating 4.7

Located in Alykes, it is a family bistro recommended by several local travel agency websites. The owner Gnognos is the heart and soul of this family-run tavern: fresh fish every day, some meat dishes every day and a moussaka prepared daily by Gnognos' lovely wife.

——St.John’s Restaurant Google rating 5.0 (recommended)

Located in Tsilivi, official website: https://www.stjohnsrestaurant.gr/ There is a menu available for reservation

——Porto Paradiso beach bar -bistro beach bar Google rating 4.7 Located on Paralia Alikes beach

——Courser Chinese Restaurant Chinese Restaurant Ruilinge is located in Tsilivi. Google rating is 4.4 (recommended) The boss is enthusiastic and the dishes are authentic.

1. Visit the winery Goumas Estate Winery – Art & Wine Google Rating 4.9

The winery is located in Trilagkada, 8.2 kilometers from Alykes.

Official website: https://www.artandwine.gr/index.php

2.Luna Fun Park Water Park Google rating 4.5

Located in Tsilivi, entertainment venue suitable for all ages.

Official website: http://lunafunpark.com/

3. Water activities in Alykanas

VALAIS WATER SPORTS official website:

https://valais-watersports.personal/en-watersports.PHP

Jet skis, water skis, skydiving, bananas, and flying fish can be rented. You can also rent a boat and cruise to the Blue Grotto.

For other water sports rental centers on the East Coast, search "ALYKES WATER SPORTS", "Andreas Watersports", "Abra water fun", etc. on Google Maps.