With its white houses draped in pink bouganvillea flowers and gnarled olive trees, Tragaki seems untouched by time. Stroll from your exclusive boutique hotel to a friendly cafe and watch locals playing cards. Head down to nearby Tragaki beach and kick back on soft, white sands. Then, as the sun sets, pick out a waterside taverna and savour fresh fish, accompanied by a cool glass of wine.
BEACHES
From buzzing resorts to all-to-yourself coves, Zakynthos has plenty of beautiful beaches to discover. Pack a picnic and search out a secluded spot on the sand. With Tragaki, Bouka, Amboula and Amoudi beaches, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Or you could travel along the coast to Tsilivi, where bars and restaurants line the shores, to sample the island’s famous nightlife.
WATERSPORTS
With calm, clear waters, the beaches surrounding Tragaki are the perfect places for a gentle swim. But if you feel like something a little more energetic, visit nearby Alykansas. Here the Ionian Sea becomes a playground for jet skis and windsurfing. Or you could hire a canoe to explore the coastline at your own pace.
DAY TRIPS
While in Tragaki, take a boat tour to Shipwreck Cove, on the northwest coast of the island. Have your camera at the ready as you sail around the headland. The sight of the rusting ship pitched up on the sands is one of the most famous in Greece. If you’re planning on spending time ashore here, remember to bring a parasol – the white cliffs are a real suntrap.
Seek out Xigia sulphur beach in northern Zakynthos. Here you’ll find caves where hot, mineral rich waters flow into the sea to create a nourishing, natural spa.