Exploring traditional Zakynthos

Exploring traditional Zakynthos

Looking for a more traditional Zakynthos island tour? With our tour you will get the chance to visit some of the most traditional villages on the island, that have been untouched by the time. Viewing traditional products, the way they are produced and interact with the locals…After this tour you will fulfilled with memories, the authentic Greek hospitality, culture and traditions.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: ΜΕΛΙΣΣΙΩΤΙΣΕΣ MELISSIOTISES, ΚΟΙΛΙΩΜΕΝΟΣ ΖΑΚΥΝΘΟΣ ΖΑΚΥΝΘΟΣ, Kiliomenos 290 92, Greece

Ιn the mountainous village of Kiliomenos you will have the chance to visit the Women’s Agricultural Cooperative known as Melissiotises (melissa being the Greek for bee). Melissiotises run their own shop where Zakynthian agricultural produce is shared aplenty. Tens of families are subscribed to the scheme each producing fresh and organic products using traditional recipes passed down from generation to generation.
Highly recommended are the traditional virgin olive oil, a number of signature Zakynthian wines, delicious honey, vinegar, herbs, variety of cheese, soap, candles, local sweets, liqueurs, selections of weaves, knittings and embroideries as well as beautiful hand-crafted jewelry, ornaments and decorations.
Your visit to the Melisiotisses will give you the real experience of the island’s agricultural heritage and it will give you a piece of Zakynthos to be cherished until your next visit to the island.


Duration: 25 minutes

Stop At: Bastas, Antonios, & Co. O.E., Ag. Leon, Machairado, Ζάκυνθος 291 00, Greece

The cheeses produced by the Mpastas Cheese Factory is exclusively from sheeps milk from in the area. The cheeses produced are the traditional ladoturi (oil cheese), gruyere cheese, brine (feta cheese),yogurt, creams, rice milk and also greek traditional mizithra.
The traditional ladoturi(oil cheese) is a type of gruyere, which after it has matured continues to ripen in oil. The result is a far more spicy and greasy gruyere than usual, but with a distinct flavor. The zakynthian oil cheese is a spicy cheese called "ntopio", which means native, made from sheep's milk which is kept in olive oil in clay bowls. Soft and not spicy in the early stages of ripening, spicy and tough as time goes on and matures. Produced from halfway through Spring, one finds it all year round in its mature form.
A perfect place to visit and try the zakynthian local cheese, you will get the chance to see the production, try and buy if you wish!

Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Vouno OLIVE OIL PRESS “VOUNO – MOUNTAINS” IN AGIOS LEON, Ag. Leon 290 92, Greece



We, as locals suggest you to spend some time in the olive press Vouno where you will learn step by step the procedure of olive oil production while you can also taste oil together with orange, lemon or garlic. If you wish to buy greek olive oil, that’s the place.

Duration: 40 minutes

Stop At: Cross Taverna, Kampi 290 91, Greece

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Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Anafonitria Monastery, Plemonariou, 291 00 Greece

The Monastery of Panagia Anafonitria on Zakynthos, Ionian: The Holy Monastery of Theotokos (Panagia) Anafonitria, dedicated to Virgin Mary, is a Byzantine monument with interesting architecture. It was founded in the middle of the 15th century, during the Venetian occupation of the island. In this monastery, Agios Dionysios, the protector saint of Zakynthos, became a monk and lived the last years of his life in the 16th century.

The Monastery was built in the middle of the 15th century in honor of Panagia Vrefokratoussa (Virgin Holder of the Newborn) but took its name after the miraculous icon of Our Virgin Anafonitria it is housing. This icon was brought to the monastery from Constantinople when the town was captured by the Turks.

Several buildings are forming this monastery, as well as a tower that was built for defensive reasons and is used today as a belfry. The entrance to the monastery is arched and guarded by a square-shaped defensive tower. The main church of the monastery is situated in the center of the complex and it is a three-aisled basilica. The frescoes of the church are impressive and date from five centuries ago.


Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Potamitis Windmill, Korithi - Skinari.290 91, Zakinthos 291 00, Greece

You will now get the chance to visit the area called Korithi where you can see the old light house and two traditional wind mills. Its an ideal place to take photos and have a light snack.

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Navagio Beach View, Elation 290 91, Greece

Please note this stop is optional and can be removed from the trip!

The next stop takes place at the platform that 'hangs' above Navagio beach so that you can get the best selfie with the panoramic view of the famous beach and the dark blue sea behind you. For safety reasons i recommend to remain on the specially built platform, if you are more adventurous we will walk to the end of the mountain to see the Navagio in a panoramic view and take as much selfies as you like. Shoes are very important; please choose shoes that are not slippery.


Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Taverna Xigia, Unnamed Road, Zakinthos 290 91, Greece

Stop for lunch (optional) at one of the prettiest spots on the island, high above the Ionian Sea with a stunning view amid the greenery and a local menu that will certainly whet your appetite. We’ve already reserved one of the best tables in the house for us to enjoy this sumptuous meal.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Xigia Beach, Koroni 290 91 Greece

After your lunch you will have the chance to swim in the sea you were gazing at during your lunch time. Do not be put off by the strange smell that fills the area here at Xigia. It is for a good cause! The waters here contain a large proportion of sulphur, hence the distinctive aroma. The sulphur comes from neighbouring caves and has healing properties making it an ideal choice for those suffering from pains in the legs and arthritis. It also helps to treat cellulite! Xigia beach is unique in Zakynthos.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Botega Café Museum, Orthonies 290 91, Greece

Pass by the Botega Café Museum to get a peek at Zante’s recent past, admiring traditional garb, discovering old customs and enjoying the vintage grocery store before ending your tour of traditional Zakynthos.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Alykes Beach, Alykes Greece

Last stop will be over Alykes, for some superb photo-taking with Zante’s salt pools and beaches in the background. Grab a fresh lemonade or orange juice on your way back to your hotel, perfect way to end a perfect day.

Duration: 10 minutes