Top Zakynthos Cultural Tours: Experience Island Heritage
Zakynthos, also spelled Zante, it’s not just about dazzling beaches and vibrant nightlife. That gorgeous island, resting pretty in the Ionian Sea, has got a very compelling history and culture just waiting to be discovered. I want to say if you’re very keen to peek under the tourist surface and see the heart of Zakynthos, joining a cultural tour really is just the ticket. So, here we’re going to peek at five terrific cultural tours that’ll provide you some truly memorable island stories.
1. Zakynthos Town Historical Walking Tour
What is it about walking tours? Very popular, this exploration type gives a relaxing way to absorb Zakynthos Town’s charm. Typically, it begins right in the main square, Plateia Solomou, paying respect to Dionysios Solomos. And as a matter of fact, he’s the national poet whose verses set the melody for the Greek national anthem! Next you’ll see the nearby St. Nicholas of the Mole church that, it’s almost certain, remained untouched by the horrible 1953 earthquake.
The route, just a little bit further, meanders over to Bochali Hill that, as a matter of fact, has panoramic views over the town and sea, really making it superb for photography. Often you will discover that this walking tour shares bits and bobs regarding Venetian influence along with a trip into the local lifestyle. I mean this stroll could definitely connect you closer to Zakynthos’ roots. So, if this type of walking experience speaks to you, you are going to be glad you said yes! Read our full review: Zakynthos Town Historical Walking Tour Full Review and Details
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2. Villages and Traditions Tour
For a sense of Zakynthos living beyond just the touristy areas, what about visiting traditional villages? Often, this excursion swings through places similar to Exo Hora and Volimes that, still today, practice a time-honored way of life. Also you will witness residents making crafts like weavings and lace that, usually, you will buy too it’s almost as little souvenirs!
Lunch, quite frequently, transpires inside a village tavern where exactly regional specialties come directly from local farms. The tour usually brings cultural interactions such as visiting a rural church, perhaps checking out olive pressing in action at the mill or going to a nearby vineyard, tasting samples as a bonus! So, in the event that wanting that real “Greek village vibe” tickles something, give thought towards adding that into what must be done while in Zakynthos! Read our full review: Zakynthos Villages and Traditions Tour Full Review and Details
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3. Zakynthos Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tours
Zakynthos boasts of ancient winemaking stretching into its heritage that, in fact, many vineyards mix wine with historical explanations as well. Most of the vineyard trips include strolling throughout vineyards with a discussion related to native grape varietals such as Skiadopoulo that, very typically, results in a tasting.
The guides very often tell everything there is to know, talking about how winemakers merge modern techniques alongside generational tradition. Besides wine-centered things, vineyards can, naturally, emphasize local foods such as cheese, olives and even bread in tastings, thus giving even more reasons you’re set to book a local trip. So, why-not indulge during your time there since, obviously, vacations were designed for indulging? Read our full review: Zakynthos Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tours Full Review and Details
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4. Zakynthos Olive Oil Making and Tasting Tours
The Zakynthians treat olive trees respectfully! You see, this comes as another significant segment to its rural industry and traditions! Lots of the tours concentrate regarding everything to actually seeing olive groves up to experiencing pressing processes that, by the way, produce liquid gold, providing lectures through each phase as you proceed through that day.
You’re able to usually get instructions discussing ways that they harvest or separate those superb high-quality oils and, similarly to vineyard visits, the tours will wrap-up including tasting sections paired besides native olives, bread alongside local cheeses providing excellent taste celebrations. You may discover farmers revealing family insights or traditional hacks handed downwards across centuries in connection with caring in ways that preserve the environment surrounding groves ensuring yields continue being superior season by season. Anyway, this really shows a cultural engagement focused completely toward probably Zakynthos’ prized resources! Read our full review: Zakynthos Olive Oil Making and Tasting Tours Full Review and Details
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5. Zakynthos Folklore and Music Nights
Thinking about nightlife that doesn’t necessarily involve loud pubs? Search all around Zakynthos in hopes to find regular “Greek Nights” which have live musicians that, typically, show off island tunes by instruments much like bouzouki’s and guitars too. You, as a matter of fact, get served regular Zakynthian foods while artists dance through classical robes!
Places much like tavernas close to the shore often are the host locations but some outdoor theaters or hotels often provide a platform displaying regional traditions besides providing meal alternatives making it feasible for tourists looking to soak deeply into Greek civilization. If you ever have interests towards linking culture directly in ways that make things energetic alongside entertaining simultaneously next attending regional musical functions, yet, seems pretty wise! Read our full review: Zakynthos Folklore and Music Nights Full Review and Details
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