Vassilikos Peninsula and Village Zakynthos

Vassilikos is a peninsula that covers the area from Argassi to the beautiful Gerakas beach in the southeast part of Zakynthos Island.

First of all, we specify that Vassilikos village is actually not a real town, it does not have a center, but rather it is a collection of houses and tourist facilities scattered in the countryside where on the coast they alternate in addition to beautiful beaches, shops, small churches and typical taverns where you can taste dishes based on fresh and quality fish.

The area is much loved by families with children and by those who want only beautiful sea and tranquility for their holiday in Zakynthos. Here life revolves mainly around the days dedicated to basking in the sun and immersing oneself in the enchanting waters, indulging in a nice dinner in some traditional restaurant in the evening, a walk and then retiring and resting for the next day.

An area rich in vegetation, with a large and fresh pine forest, and a succession of beaches with soft golden sand that can be reached simply by following one of the many signs that will lead you to the sea.

The Vassilikos Peninsula is part of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos as the Caretta-Caretta turtles nest on some of its beaches, therefore a protected area accessible only for certain moments of the day ranging from one hour after sunrise to one hour. hour before sunset. At night it is forbidden to reach these beaches which are constantly monitored by the staff who are responsible for protecting the environment and the survival of animals.

The road that leads to the Peninsula is a real painting of Mother Nature that, through a long coastal path, offers breathtaking views of the bay and with a detour to Mount Skopos you can get to the church of Madonna Skopiotissa where the view ranges from the sea to the coasts of the nearby Peloponnese.

Well, here it will be like entering paradise for those who adore the coasts of fine sand bathed by a crystalline sea and changing colors. Let's start with the most famous especially because the area where turtles lay their eggs is Gerakas beach. Rated as one of the most beautiful, it is a long and narrow tongue with clear turquoise waters. The nature that surrounds it is wild, uncontaminated and of a shocking beauty. It is equipped with sun beds and umbrellas only for a part as the other areas are off-limits due to the presence of turtles and protected by the Marine Park.

We continue with Banana Beach the longest in Zakynthos and one of the most sought after during the summer for the numerous accommodation opportunities in the surrounding area and for the fact that it is very well equipped. Given its size, it is almost never chaotic and super full, you can safely relax and enjoy the warm sand and the always calm sea with gently sloping sandy bottoms. There are a couple of bars where you can get something to drink or eat. An enchanting place with a pine forest behind that encircles the coast like an embrace.

Here we are at Agios Nikolas beach, the busiest of the Vassilikos Peninsula, renowned for scuba diving given the multitude of fish to observe and for the clarity of the sea. A large beach of golden sand with crystal clear waters and a seabed that slopes gently towards the open sea. It owes its name to the small chapel dedicated to St. Nicholas which is located near the beach. It is equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, bar and a restaurant for a lunch based on Greek and international dishes. There is a diving center for lovers of the seabed.

Dafni beach is also part of the Marine Park of Zakynthos. It is located on the promontory of the Vassilikos Peninsula and has an intense blue sea that reaches a temperature of 30 degrees perfect for turtles. A coastline of golden sand with crystal clear and very clean waters enclosed at its ends by rock formations. It is not very well equipped as it is in part a protected area, a few umbrellas, deck chairs, a bar and a tavern to eat something. It is closed to humans from sunset to sunrise and getting there is not so convenient especially if you have a two-wheeled vehicle as the road is dirt and steep.

Pelouzo Island. Here we are in danger of reaching nirvana for the beauty of this beach. It is part of the protected area of the Marine Park and can only be reached by swimming and perhaps for this reason it has remained one of the last uncontaminated Eden of the Ionian. Virgin waters where turtles and schools of fish swim in harmony with the sea, a beach with soft white sand similar to talcum powder with a Caribbean flavor and nothing more 'but what do you want in the end? On the opposite side of the islet there is a cave to be explored but only for experts and resistant since the return is always swimming ... Obviously it is forbidden to stop at night so 'at a certain time dear adventurers, you have to return.

From wherever you are staying in Zakynthos, just follow the coastal road heading south east and you will arrive at your destination among breathtaking landscapes. As always, we recommend a rental vehicle, otherwise there is a bus service every day from the major towns on the east coast.

A paradisiacal area, one of the best places to stay during your holidays in Zakynthos where the pace is slow and relaxed and the nature still intact in its original beauty. Absolutely to be included in the list of things to see in Zakynthos.