Through the olive groves and traditional mountain villages

After another fantastic breakfast we decided to go exploring the otherside of Zakynthos.

The car is packed, the tank is full so off we go. We head up into the mountains to visit some of the traditional little villages.

Making our way up the mountains from the village of Lithakia.

Starting in the village of Agalas. One of the two villages on the island to have a field of wells. The story behind the wells is of a 300 metre high dragon named Adronios, who was made to build the 12 wells by the protector of the village Damianos. Opposite the wells is also the double cave of Damianos, with its amazing views over the village. You can also visit the village church of “The lady of the Angels”. Rebuilt after being destroyed by fire in 1978, the courtyard houses the 15th ‘old building’.

Driving further north we come to the lovely village of Kioliomeno. Here among other things you will find the ancient church of Agios Nicholas, with its bell tower opposite the church, dating back from 1893, it survived the great earthquake of Zakynthos in 1953. Many of the houses are built in the traditional style from the 16th century.
Just outside the village you will see the signs for Korokinisi, a windy road of 8 kms down to an amazing cliff edge, where swimming is not for the faint of heart!

Back on the main road and we make our way to the village of Agios Leon -Saint Lion. Stop off at the oil factory to tour the traditional way of making the extra virgin zakynthian olive oil. Take the side road to Porta Limnonas or Porto Roxa for a swim stop with the best snorkelling on the island, you can often find red starfish! or just chill and dive off the rocks.

Keep driving to the tiny village of Kampi where you will find the tall cross erected to commemorate the lives lost during the second world war. Also the small mycenaean cemetery. You will also find some amazing tavernas with fantastic sunsets, some of the best on the island.

The next village you will come to is the village of Exo Hora – literally out of town. Where you will find the oldest olive tree on the island, some say it’s as much as 4000 years old.. Here too you will find a field of well, one for each family in the village. Follow the road from the village square to the Italian Watchtower, built by local stonemasons during the Italian occupation of the island.

We keep going to the village of Maries, where you can get boats to the famous shipwreck cove. The village is named after Mary Magdalene, who is reported to have visited on her journey spreading the faith.

Zakynthos has so much more to discover than just the beaches. Take the car and explore this amazing island.