Top things to do in Zante

Visit the coastal capital of Zakynthos, with bobbing fishing boats, winding streets lined with cascading bougainvillea and a Venetian feel to the scene. Explore the shops overflowing with local treasures, from handcrafted jewellery to pottery and olive oil. Follow the coastal road of Santa Marina leading up to the famous square, Solomos Square, hosting an array of attractions to see such as the Byzantine Museum and St Nicholas Church. Bochali Venetian Castle above the town is also great eye candy if you fancy stepping back in time among ancient stone ruins.

Famed for their peaceful life on Zante's beaches, loggerhead or caretta-caretta sea turtles draw crowds of tourists annually.

Dive into the emerald waters surrounded by white rock formations of Keri Cave, also known as the Blue Cave, in south-west Zakynthos. This part of the inlet is secluded, with access only by sea, and once there you'll discover brightly coloured marine life and legions of fish. For the best experience and excellent visibility, May to September is the best time.

On a hill, 2 km northeast of Zakynthos town, lies the captivating village of Bochali (also spelled Bohali) with the imposing ruins of the Venetian Castle. Stroll through its narrow, winding streets lined with traditional stone houses adorned with vibrant bougainvillea. Ascend the hill to the castle for panoramic views of the turquoise Ionian Sea and the town below.

For the more adventurous, follow a scenic pedestrian path uphill from Solomos Square through old neighbourhoods before entering a pine forest. This invigorating hike takes roughly 20 minutes.

Beat your family and friends to the race on the multi-slide, relax on an inflatable doughnut while floating on the lazy river, or reach the speed of light on the epic Turbulence slide! For the little adventurers, you'll find dolphin, elephant and octopus pool-play area, as well as a Jack-Sparrow-like pirate ship, make the Tsilivi water park a pumping playground for kids and grown-ups alike.

Channel your inner Lewis Hamilton or Max Verstappen at Formula Zante Go Karts! Race friends on a thrilling 610m track with high-speed straights and challenging bends. Choose from mini karts for kids or high-powered 300cc machines. Parents can relax at the snack bar with a drink while little ones enjoy the play area. Located conveniently on the Kalamaki-Laganas road, it's perfect for a family pitstop.

Journey through the Byzantine era (330-1453 AD) in the Museum of Zakynthos. Founded in 1960, the museum preserves the island's cultural heritage and serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of Zakynthos. The two-floor building houses a diverse collection in seven rooms, encompassing Byzantine icons as well as everything valuable that was saved from the devastating 1953 earthquake and fire that hit the island. The museum sits on Solomos Square in the heart of Zakynthos Town.

The picturesque and tranquil Holy Monastery of Theotokos (Panagia) Anafonitria in the northeast of Zakynthos is a Byzantine monument dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Founded in the 15th century during the Venetian occupation, it holds historical significance as the monastery where Agios Dionysios, the patron saint of Zakynthos, became a monk in the 16th century.

Comprising several buildings and a defensive tower, now used as a belfry, the monastery's entrance is guarded by a square-shaped tower. The main church, a three-aisled basilica, features impressive frescoes dating back five centuries.

Skopos offers a unique trekking experience in Zakynthos.

Lace up your boots for a rewarding 1.5-hour hike south of Argassi. Skopos Mountain's 492-m peak beckons with panoramic vistas. Wind through rolling hills, then witness the sprawling Lagana lagoon unfurl below, before arriving at Panagia Skopiotissa Monastery built on the ruins of an ancient temple to the goddess Artemis.

Head south from Argassi, look for a small road on the right, then turn left uphill at the crossroads. Drivers can park by the gate.