We’re pretty sure that you have a list of places you want to go all over the world. Popular cities with all the glitz and glamour, exotic locations with empty beaches, lots of sunshine, and the freshest fruits, faraway paradise with rich history and culture, hometown spots you haven’t been to, and secret spots only the few are lucky enough to visit.
Greece has always been included in every traveler’s bucket list and there are a lot of reasons why. This magical Mediterranean country is a traveler’s dream – natural wonders, ancient museums and architecture, plus magnificent private accommodation and villas Greece has been known for through the years.
There’s the country’s front liners Athens, Santorini and Mykonos. There are also quaint locations like Paros with its posh boutique hotels but if there’s one place we highly recommend visiting, it’s an island off the Ionian Sea called Zakynthos. This Greek gem is the perfect hideaway for wanderers looking for the right mix of luxury and adventure and we’ve listed down the top 5 reasons why this should be the next destination of your next trip.
Luxury Living
If you’re into lavish vacations, then you won’t regret going to Zakynthos and staying for a week or two. The private villas in this Greek island are simply stunning, with most offering an “all-in” service. Comfortable rooms and suites, swimming pools for the old and young, wellness area and spa, plus a kids’ playground. There’s also a private chef and well-stocked bar perfect for a quiet dinner and winding down while watching the sunset after a day of touring.
Take things to the next level by renting a helicopter to tour you around the island.
Spectacular Scenery
Your villa in this Greek island isn’t only the highlight of this trip. Zakynthos has wonderful natural spots where you can take your family or loved one for a day of fun under the Mediterranean sun. Must-visit is the most popular tourist spot in the area which is Navagio or Shipwreck Beach, with a wreck of a smuggler’s ship as the main highlight.
Not to miss as well are the Blue and Keri Caves, snorkeling and turtle spotting at Turtle Island, and a day tour at Kefalonia and Old Olympia.
Foodie Paradise
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in a new place is tasting the local delicacies and it’s no different with Zakynthos. The island is a foodie heaven, with their own locally-produced cheese, olive oil, and yoghurt. You can also try local Greek cuisines like tzatziki or the interesting spetsofai at one of the many taverns in the island.
If you prefer to stay in, ask your villa’s private chef to cook you an authentic Greek spread with the freshest seafood, fruits, and vegetables.
Greek Goodness
If you want to get a feel of Zakynthos and witness the day-to-day life of its residents, it’s recommended to visit the island’s center Zante. This beautiful town of Venetian-styled buildings and friendly locals has so much to offer — museums like Solomos, Solomon Square, and Stranis Hill for sunset viewing. You can either rent a motorbike or a bike to get around.
If you want to get romantic and spontaneous, why not have a wedding in Zante? There are gorgeous churches in the island like the Church of St. Dionysios where you can say your “I dos.”
Wedding Goals
Speaking of wedding in Zante, if you’re traveling to get married, you should definitely consider tying the knot here. The island has a lot of wedding sites and supplier options including florists, photographers and caterers.
If you want something more intimate, use your villa as ceremony and reception venue for your wedding in Zakynthos. You can also extend your stay for the honeymoon! One last tip: it’s best to hire a talented wedding planner in Greece to help you with the preparations.
BIO
Maria Travlou is owner of Make Happy Memories, an International blog & Event Planning agency specializing in Destination Weddings in Greece.
She is based in Athens but travels a lot. Her business motto is “Tailor Made Happiness”. She is in love with beautiful minds, attracted by Greek light and Inspired by architecture.
Being a wife and a mother of two has taught her to put love and care in everything she does.
Passionate about adding beauty and style to some of life’s most important moments, she likes to think of her work as creative art, the art of Making Happy Memories.
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