Laurence Ourac Travel Blog: Bluer than Blue: Blue Caves in Zakynthos

As splendid and paradisiac as the picture shows below, Blue Caves in Zakynthos should be included on your travel list!

Might think that the picture seems photoshopped but- NO! It’s just how the Mother Nature naturally looks like.

The reflection of azure blue of the beach is a feeling of peacefulness and freedom. A relaxing place indeed!

LOCATION

Zakynthos, also known as Zante in the Greek Islands, is the third largest of the Ionian Islands, covering an area of 410 km2. The coastline of Zakynthos is roughly 124 km in length.

Zakynthos, Zante Island is located west of the Greek mainland, lying northwest of the Peloponnese.

CLIMATE

It has a mild Mediterranean climate, hence its rich flora and fauna. The natural beauty and cultural tradition of the island render it one of the most popular destinations in Greece and Europe.

TRANSPORTATION

You can get through the caves by several means of transportation:

To GET IN:

• By plane – Zakynthos is served by one airport (airport code ZTH), located towards the south end of the island near to the resort of Laganas and Kalamaki, it caters for both international and domestic flights. Almost all international flights are chartered flights from other European cities during the holiday season (May-October). Domestic flights are available between Zakynthos airport and Athens, served by the national airline Olympic Airlines , there are usually two flights a day. The journey time to Athens is approximately 1 hour. As of January 2010, Easyjet started flying to Zante from nearly all UK airports and flights are usually Thursday to Sunday.

• By ship – Zakynthos has ferry links to Kyllini on the Greek mainland from Zakynthos Town During the last years, the area has evolved to a famous tourist resort with clubs, restaurants, cafes and shops € 8.20 per person and € 38 per car. Ferries to Kefalonia can be joined at Aghios Nikolas, on the North-East tip of the island.

To GET AROUND:

• By public transport – There are a lot of busses that go between the crowded places and areas of the island. Yo can ask aaround and bus stops are also easy to find. However, bus services on the island are rather infrequent and sometimes unreliable. Taxis, however, are not too expensive.

• By Car – There are a lot of rental agencies on the island. And the best way to get around the island is by car. Preferably get a 4WD car, as some attractions are located off the main roads. Beware of the condition of some of the roads – the smaller roads may well have pot holes and even the “better” roads are extremely slippery.

• By motorbike/scooters – Rental agencies abound. However, scooters may be somewhat painful to ride around the island, because it is very hilly, so get something with a little bit more power.

• By bike – Cycling is a pleasant way of navigating the southern and central parts of the island, if somewhat impractical in the rougher, hillier terrain of the north. Bike hire is available in all but the smallest of resorts.

WHAT TO SEE

SHIPWRECK BEACH

Zakyntho’s famous Shipwreck Beach, also known as Smuggler’s Cove, is one of the most well-known beaches in Greece.

The striking image of the beach from above is always magical.

ZAKYNTHOS SUNSET SPOTS – KERI AND KAMPI

The Keri Lighthouse, situated at the edge of Keri Village (the old village, located in the mountains, not the new village by the sea) is perhaps the perfect sunset spot.

Here the sun drops right into the sea – creating beautiful reflections on the water and spectacular colors in the sky.

Further around the West coast of Zakynthos, at the village of Kampi there are restaurants located on the edge of the cliffs.

They all enjoy fantastic sunset views for you to enjoy over dinner. This is a great place to stop for dinner if you have been enjoying the sites along the West Coast of the island.

Wherever you are on the island you will find special sunset locations of your own, just make sure you have your camera handy to capture the moment!

XIGIA SULPHUR AND COLLAGEN SPA