Marathia Cape
Marathia Cape Is a lovely promontory at the far end of the marine park; it is located in the area of Limini Kerì from where you can take a road going up to the right coasting the entire promontory.
The road is in good condition, traversable both by car and motorbike and allows reaching the small beaches scarcely crowded even in August.
These beaches, even though with polish rocks, are very good for sunbathing and snorkeling since the sea here is clear and full of fish.
Nearby it is possible to find a couple of refreshment areas without having to drive back to Limni Kerì.
On the biggest beach is possible to rent sunshades and deckchairs and there is a taxi-boat service from the beach to Marathonissi island.
Limni Keri
It is a small but lovely beach developing along the village seashore with restaurants and tourist shops.
The beach is of pebbles but the sea depth is sandy; this beach is a strategic point to visit Marathonissi and for a lovely trip to the caves of Marathia Cape; it is also possible to hire motorboats for daily trips.
There is also a small harbour and two diving center for wonderful experiences underwater.
Kaminia
Kaminia is a small beach of white pebbles.
It is narrow but with a wonderful water and it is difficult to reach by land.
There are only steps not comfortable to come down.
Kaminia is the continuation of Porto Koukla so it is advisable to go for a walk along the beach to reach it.
This is the ideal beach in order to be alone or away form it all.
Porto Koukla
Porto Koukla is a sandy narrow beach.
Situated in the middle of the gulf, it allows to have a panoramic view from Marathonissi island to Ag. Sostis.
This beach is constituted from two different parts.
First can be reached by sea continuing along the beach of Agios Sostis.
In this part of beach there aren’t tourist features and it continues until to a small cape.
After the cape there is the second part of the beach that consists of a mixture of sand and pebbles.
This part can be reached by land.
Gerakas
Gerakas is the southern beach of the island and for sure one of the most beautiful.
It consists of a long sand tongue ending in a small promontory diving in the sea.
The promontory is very famous since it is entirely made of argyle and you can not miss the opportunity to get a regenerating “argyle bath”: your skin will turn into silk!
From May to October for those who like to wake up before dawn, there is the possibility to of seeing the turtles’ eggs hatching and admire tens of specimens trying to reach the sea.
This beach is a protected area of the marine park because of the turtles’ choice to go there to hatch, and in addition to the fact that it doesn’t offer any tourist devices the access is forbidden from half an hour before the sunset to half an hour after dawn.
Bochali
Bochali it is a lovely and small village at the top of the promontory rising at the back of the city of Zakynthos.
Keeping the sea at your right, once passed the chief town, there is an inner road going up and once passed the Nautical Museum you turn left going up till you reach Bochali. Reaching the place is very easy, not so easy to park, but we believe it is really worth especially at sunset or at night when the landscape of the enlighten city and the harbour bay are really beautiful.
In spite of the small dimensions of the village there are different restaurants offering a romantic dinner under the stars. Bochali is worth visiting even by day to take pictures of the small church of Zoodos Pigi with its Byzantine icons, or of the huge pinewood with ancient Venetian castle.
The castle, partly destroyed by the earthquake that in 1953 devastated the island, must be visited during your holidays even because from there the 360° view allows the visitor to see in one time both coasts of the Island.
Shiza
Shiza is a cliff that together with Shipwreck and the Keri’s lighthouse, offers you a breathtaking landscape and unforgettable sunsets.
From the top of the cliff the view can space from the infinite blue of the Ionian sea to the underlying Seal Gulf, a bay that derives its name from the seals that every year go there to breed in the marine caves.
Visiting Shiza, in addition to visiting the huge concrete cross in memory of the deceased of the civil war, you can also visit the narrow lanes of the small mountains villages like Kampi, Exo Chora and Maries, where inhabitants are still living on farming and handicraft and where the time seems to run slower than ever.
In those villages it is possible to buy hand made products such as mats and table clothing or natural food like honey and oil.
WALKING
There are some superb headland and coastal walks in and around Gerakas, and weekend ramblers and nature lovers should remember to pack their walking boots. Earth Sea & Sky has self-guided walks and trails and details can be found at the Gerakas Information Centre.
ECO-TOURISM ACTIVITIES
Try a eco-tourism turtle spotting excursion within the National Marine Park of Zakynthos. They take small groups of people on a catamaran and yachts chartered by local skippers. Archelon, Sea Turtle Protection Society volunteers also accompany them on trips, with information about the Park and the threats that the wildlife, particularly Loggerhead Turtles and their habitat are facing. These trips are a unique and wonderful opportunity to see the wonders of the underwater world, viewing wildlife in their natural habitat at close range.
Explore...
the hauntingly beautiful Blue Grotto on the northern tip of Zante. Famous for its impossibly blue waters and incredible rock formations, this is the place to gather some great snapshots for your album.
Sail...
to the small, uninhabited island of Marathonissi. Lush greenery, fascinating rock formations and silky sands convince you that you've landed in paradise.
Visit...
Kefalonia, the island of Captain Corelli fame, which is just a short ferry journey away. One of the sunniest Greek islands, Kefalonia's ivory shores and plethora of tiny fishing villages are a joy to explore.
Festivals...
Carnival in Zante Town in August. Colourful floats converge on Zante Town where comedians in fancy dress entertain. There’s dancing in the streets and even a cheese-eating competition. It all ends in highly dramatic style with the mock funeral of the Carnival King • Feast of the Virgin Mary on August 15th, one of the most important feasts in Zante, with celebrations lasting until dawn • The Feast of Agios Dionysios in August, island-wide celebrations in honour of the patron saint of Zante • Wine Festival in Zante Town in August and September
