Wandio

Start your first day on Laganas Beach, where the gentle waves lap a long stretch of golden sand bathed in May’s warm but gentle sun. Arrive early to find a peaceful spot perfect for children to build sandcastles and adults to relax by the shallow, inviting waters that are known locally for their calmness and safety. The beach is part of a marine protected area, so take the chance to talk with local guides about the island’s Caretta Caretta turtles, found nesting here especially in spring. Around midday, embark on a short boat trip departing directly from Laganas. The breeze and shimmering sea create a soothing backdrop as you sail toward the captivating Blue Caves, a series of natural caves where water glows in extraordinary hues of blue under sunlight. Spend time admiring the kaleidoscopic effects of light on the cave walls—children will be mesmerized by the magical colors and the stories of legends held in these natural cathedrals of the sea. The boat then takes you to Marathonisi Island, shaped remarkably like a turtle, where you can anchor and enjoy pristine sandy beaches surrounded by crystal-clear waters. Stroll with the kids along the shore, often spotting traces of turtle nesting, and even take a guided dip in these protected waters. The peacefulness of this natural sanctuary invites a slow afternoon immersed in nature’s calm, a perfect end to your relaxing introduction to Zakinthos.

Begin your second day driving northward to the serene village of Volimes, nestled atop the island’s northern hills. Here you enter a world that feels frozen in time, with whitewashed houses, terracotta roofs, and narrow cobbled lanes lined with pots of vibrant bougainvillea. Take your time wandering through the village square, where local artisans sell woven baskets, traditional ceramics, and the pausing stops enrich your appreciation of Zakinthos's crafts heritage. Families will delight in the relaxed pace, and children enjoy small surprises such as hand-painted souvenirs. A gentle stroll from the village center leads into neighboring olive groves, where the silvery-green leaves shimmer in the spring sunlight; here you can breathe deeply the earthy scent of olive and wild herbs, spotting ancient trees that have witnessed centuries of local life. From Volimes, meander down the coast to Agios Nikolaos, an idyllic seaside village where quiet pebble beaches invite calm swims and parents can enjoy locally sourced ingredients at a family-friendly taverna while kids explore shallow coves. The slow day resonates with a connection to nature and tradition, allowing your group to leave behind all urgency and savor the slow rhythms of island life.

Set out in the morning for the spiritual heart of the island, the Church of Agios Dionysios in Zakinthos town. This majestic church, with its gleaming white floors and impressive domes, holds the remains of the island’s patron saint, lending the place a revered and peaceful atmosphere. Walk slowly around the nave, admire intricate frescoes and take a quiet moment to absorb the island’s history and faith that deeply roots the local community. From here, take a short scenic drive up to Bohali, a charming hilltop village with one of the best viewpoints on the island. As the afternoon light softens, the vista unfolds spectacularly — the town’s patchwork of red rooftops, the harbor’s glittering vessels, and the Ionian Sea stretching endlessly to the horizon. This spot paints a perfect picture for reflective moments and family photos. Then journey down to Xigia Beach, famous for its rare sulfur springs mixing gently with the sea, lending the water a rejuvenating quality noticed by locals and visitors alike. Here, the warm May sun and the gentle waves provide a soothing setting to unwind and enjoy a calm swim. Stay until sunset to witness the sky’s transformation as it turns vibrant shades of pink and orange, reflecting off the sulfur-tinged waters—an unforgettable natural spectacle that rounds off a day combining past and present, history and nature.

Begin the final day of your journey with a short drive to the charming harbor of Porto Vromi. This quiet fishing port buzzes with anticipation as families board boats destined for one of the most celebrated sights in Greece—Navagio Beach. The boat ride itself is a gentle cruise along the stunning western coast of Zakinthos, the sea sparkling under a mild May sun as limestone cliffs rise dramatically around you. When you arrive at the cove, the scene stops everyone breathless: the pristine white sand framed by sheer cliffs, the turquoise waves caressing the shore, and the iconic rusted shipwreck nestled on the beach’s heart create a picture so perfect it feels almost unreal. Walk along the sands with kids marveling at the relics of the ship, or take a refreshing swim in the calm crystal-clear waters. Then explore the nearby Smugglers’ Caves, carved naturally into the cliffs where gentle waves lap rhythmically, whispering stories of old. The quiet moments under the sun, combined with the stunning landscape framed by the Ionian horizon, bring a serene close to your Zakinthos adventure, filling your heart with memories of an island yet untouched by time.