Zante, also known as Zakynthos, is a beautiful Greek island in the Ionian Sea and one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe. Known for its gorgeous weather and beautiful beaches, Zante ticks plenty of boxes. If you are considering a singles holiday abroad in Zante, you will be pleased to know the island is home to plenty of great attractions. Ranging from picturesque caves to historic structures, this guide highlights some of the best locations to visit during your holiday.
Blue Caves of Zakynthos
The Blue Caves of Zakynthos are one of Zante’s most famous attractions. People flock from all over the world to enjoy their beauty. Located along Zante’s northern coast, this spectacular rock formation features unique arches that have been carved over the centuries.
The caves are also known for their crystal-clear waters. Due to the sunlight reflecting on the white sand sea floor, the water in the caves is renowned for its bright blue colour. The best way to enjoy the caves is via a boat tour, with many trips offering an opportunity to snorkel and swim in these famous blue waters.
Bex, from the travel blog Life Beyond Borders, has visited Zante’s Blue Caves herself and describes the experience: “Walking down the small steps to the water’s edge, we waited as a small glass-bottomed boat came and took us plus a few other passengers.
“Taking a right (sorry – starboard) turn from the lighthouse, we puttered along until we reached the Blue Caves, and yes, collective gasps and ‘Noooo’s!’ escaped our lips.”
Agios Dionysios Church
Zante is home to many impressive religious buildings, but the Agios Dionysios Church is perhaps the most impressive. Located in the island’s capital city, the church was named after Saint Dionysios, who is the patron saint of the island. The saint’s relics are also kept at the church, adding to the location’s importance.
As well as its historical significance, the Agios Dionysios Church also boasts architectural beauty. The church showcases an array of beautiful Byzantine features and the tallest tower in the city.
Visitors to the church will be blown away by its artistic grandeur. Inside, you will be treated to grand frescos, icons, and religious artefacts, many of which make the church an important pilgrimage site.
Navagio Beach
There is no more photographed tourist attraction in Zante than Navagio Beach. Accessible only by boat, this stunning cove is nestled on the island’s northwestern coast.
Navagio is also known as ‘shipwreck beach’ due to the remains of the MV Panagiotis, a shipwreck that lies in the middle of the beach. Navagio is surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs, which further add to its scenic grandeur.
As well as taking a boat trip to the beach, it can also be enjoyed from afar via popular viewpoints that provide spectacular panoramic views of its white sand and bright turquoise waters.
Jess, from the travel blog Jess Wandering, has enjoyed visiting Navagio Beach herself and has shared a tip for accessing one of its best viewpoints: “At the official viewpoint, you’ll find a little balcony with safety railings that allow you to get a little glimpse of Navagio Beach far down below. The better views, however, require a little more work.
“The best views require you to take a ten-minute walk along a rocky path north toward the headlands. Eventually, you will reach a bench that serves as a memorial for someone.”
Marathonisi Islet
There are some great opportunities to spot turtles during a holiday to Zante and the best place to do so is Marathonisi Islet.
This beautiful location is also known as Turtle Island due to its shape and the presence of loggerhead sea turtles. These amazing creatures nest on the beach and can be spotted during organised tours.
Due to the importance of this natural habitat for the turtles, the islet is part of a protected area called Zakynthos Marine Park. Therefore, visitors can not explore the island alone; they can enjoy boat trips to the island and swimming off its shore.
Nick from the travel blog Goats on the Road, has shared some insight into seeing the turtles at this special location on a tour with the Sea Turtle Protection Society: “Upon entering the natural habitat of the turtle, guests can take photos of them swimming beneath the glass bottom boat and there are opportunities to snorkel around them as well. This tour is unique in that they abide strictly to eco-friendly behaviour and don’t simply drop boatloads of tourists off right next to the turtles.”
Zakynthos Venetian Castle
Situated on a hill overlooking Zante Town is Zakynthos Venetian Castle, a grand castle ruin that dates back to the Venetian period. The ruins of this former fortress include many of the castle’s original features, including walls, gates and rooms that offer a glimpse into Zante’s past.
The castle’s hilltop location also provides excellent panoramic views of Zante Town, including the harbour and surrounding coastline. As a result, it’s the perfect place to take in the scenery after exploring the ruins. If you love scenery, consider our painting holidays in beautiful locations across Europe.
Heather from the travel blog Heather on Her Travels has been to the castle and believes it’s well worth a visit: “If you visit the island of Zakynthos, it’s worth looking around if you’re interested in the history of the island, perhaps combining with a relaxing coffee on the terrace admiring the view and a look inside the church if it happens to be open. I believe the little tourist train that stops in the main square of Zante town will take you up to the top of the hill to save your weary legs on the steep climb.”
Top Zante tourist attractions to visit
- Blue Caves of Zakynthos
- Agios Dionysios Church
- Navagio beach
- Marathonisi Islet
- Zakynthos Venetian Castle
As you can see, Zante is home to a number of fantastic attractions and exciting activities. If you would like to visit Zante but want to travel alone, why not consider a solo holiday?
Here at Friendship Travel, we are experts in arranging holidays for single travellers, so browse our website or enquire today to make your Greek singles holiday a reality.
