The Authentic Zakynthos Island

Away from the resorts, there is plenty of old and authentic Zakynthian charm to discover on the Greek island of Zante. The picturesque and nostalgic villages of Zakynthos offer narrow streets to wander through, with traditional coffee houses and tavernas scattered along the way. The peaceful serenity in these authentic villages, the sun-washed and almost magical stone houses, the delicious homemade cuisine and coffee, and the earthy tones of clay and limestone are all true elements of Zakynthian life. You can taste, see, and hear them everywhere when exploring off the beaten track on this amazing island.

Almost every resort on Zakynthos (also known as Zante) is within a short bike or walking distance of traditional Zakynthian hospitality. You can easily step back in time and embrace the off-the-beaten-track character of Zakynthos and meet the locals, who are always very pleased to share their village stories with you. Off the main roads and out of the tourist resorts, you will discover another side of Zakynthos; filled with olive groves, vineyards, orange trees, lemon trees, and fresh country air mixed with the enchanting scents of pine and wild herbs. However you choose to explore the island, you will be enchanted by the peaceful atmosphere in the monasteries and enjoy stunning panoramic views, such as those from the highest point of the island at the top of Mount Vrachionas.

During the "Back to the Roots" Zakynthos Island Tour by Nefis Travel, you can discover many hidden gems of the island at a very relaxed pace while strolling through the villages – a must for both young and old seeking authentic Zakynthos.

The Riza Villages

The translation of "riza" is "roots." These picturesque, nostalgic villages lie at the foot of the Vrachionas Mountains, strung together like a necklace of pearls. You can start from the village of Lagopodo and visit the friendly monastery called "Eleftherotria." The next village is Macherado, home to the famous Agia Mavra Church and the Agia Mavra icon. If you keep the church on your left-hand side, you will continue on the "riza" road. At the end, you will find the village of Pigadakia, which means "little wells," with its fantastic folklore museum "Verzagio" and the small church with its holy well.

Historical Sites on Zakynthos Island

• Lofos Strani – where the national poet Dionysios Solomos wrote the "Hymn to Freedom," which was later used as the Greek national anthem.

• The Church of Agios Giorgios Filikon – where famous fighters, such as Kolokotronis and Nikitaras, took their oath to the Filiki Eteria. This was a very important event in the Greek Revolution of 1821.

• The Amphitheatre – where the Zakynthian love for theatre and music shines through.

• The Roma Museum – In this mansion, built in 1660 by the Roma family, visitors can enjoy a collection of family portraits, valuable paintings, antique furniture, uniforms, and a book collection.

• The Post-Byzantine Museum – located on Dionysios Solomos Square. The museum contains a large collection of icons from the Byzantine era, beautifully carved iconostases, wall paintings, sculptural works, and a model of the city of Zakynthos from the period 1930-1950.

• The Solomos Museum – the museum of Dionysios Solomos, Andreas Kalvos, and other eminent personalities of Zakynthos, housed in a neoclassical building on San Marco Square.