TSILIVI BEACH HOTEL
ZAKYNTHOS
ISLAND
Zante and the Flower of Levante
TSILIVI BEACH HOTEL
There are two myths surrounding the name of Zakynthos. The first comes from the Venetians, who gave this name to the flowers blooming on the island during their occupation (1484-1797), while the second claims Zakynthos, son of Dardanus, the ruler of the ancient kingdom of Fria, was the first inhabitant of the island.
Zakynthos is an island that has much to offer. Verdant hills seem to roll into enchanting turquoise waters; the main town is teeming with historical buildings and the villages dotting the landscape are filled with well-hidden treasures. Imagination runs rampant and undeveloped areas await visitors to explore them.
Zakynthos is an island that will take your breath away with its many different beaches: sandy bays, remote coves with dark blue crystal-clear waters, quiet beaches with sparkling water that combine sand and pebbles, and some that are even more untamed.
BEST OF
Navagio (Shipwreck): the world-renowned exotic beach with white sand and turquoise-green water.
Marathonisi and Gerakas: glass bottomed boats offer a peak at the sea turtles.
Vassilikos: a lush green oasis with a sandy beach, ideal for children.
Bochali: the perfect place to admire the wonderful and romantic views of the town, both during the day and at night.
A stroll through picturesque Agios Leontas and diving from the rocks at Porto Roxa and Limniona.
Kalamaki: the continuation of Laganas beach, where the Caretta Caretta turtle lays its eggs.
Xygia: for thermal baths, where the beach with warm blue-green water is ideal for those suffering from arthritis and musculoskeletal discomfort.
Keri Lake: with trees casting a cool shade on the quiet and deserted beach of Marathia.
Makris Gialos: a small, picturesque beach on a cove, with a view of rocky cliffs.
Vrondonero: for adventurous visitors – this beach is the preferred haunt of nudists!
Must do – a visit to the Zakynthos National Marine Park
And the trademarks of the island? What more can one say about the sweetest of marine creatures, the famous Caretta Caretta sea turtles and the Monachus Monachus Mediterranean seals that choose Zakynthos for their breeding ground and outings! All that remains is to continue the unabated effort to protect them and their natural environment.
TOP SECRETS
The rich cultural and ecclesiastical wealth, picturesque villages with traditional stone houses and the changing scenery offer visitors unparalleled surprises guaranteed to make your holidays on Zakynthos unforgettable!
Bochali: stunning and romantic views of the town, day and night.
Sunset at the Lighthouse of Keri, on the southern tip of the island – the most enchanting corner of the Mediterranean.
The feast on 24 August honouring Agios Dionysios, the patron saint of the island, features impressive events and a unique festival.
Giostra di Zante: revival of one of the oldest events of the Zakynthian carnival, featuring dances and “omilies” (street theatre) and competitions on horseback to honour the maiden chosen by the competitors, where 1st and 2nd prize are a silver sword and silver spurs respectively. Visitors from all over Europe come to Zakynthos to participate in the event!
Korakonisi: a unique natural monument in the western section of the island, ideal for hiking and wildlife enthusiasts.
Kabi or Schiza: a cape overlooking the sea with incredible views and an amazing sunset.
Local cuisine: the morphology of the soil lends a special flavour to local agricultural products, and hence Zakynthian gastronomy is extraordinary. From the “mandolato” (Venetian sweet) to the delectable “stifado” (stew) to the “fritoures” (fried semolina sweets), visitors savour the incredible cuisine on an island that produces its own olive oil and raisins, not to mention incredible wines.
Quiet, shady, and full of pine trees, a Venetian fortress is situated high above the town of Zakynthos, just 2.5 km away, where according to written testimonials, the walls of the Ancient Acropolis (Psofidas) once stood.
Spot the culture
Byzantine Museum: Visit the two-storey building filled with the surviving ecclesiastical art from the island. This gorgeous building dominates the main square of the town, giving it a unique glamour. Inside, an ornate reproduction of the Monastery of Agios Andreas shelters the restored frescoes.
Museum of Solomos: The museum houses the souvenirs and records of Dionysios Solomos (1798-1857), who was born in Zakynthos and is considered the father of Modern Greek poetry. His hymn to freedom became the national anthem of Greece.
Church of Agios Dionysios: One of the greatest Orthodox pilgrimages in the Ionian, the church attracts devout crowds all year round. The ecclesiastical museum features amazing works and frescoes. The majestic temple was built in 1926 and was designed by A. Orlandos.
