ZAKYNTHOS

WALKING
There are some superb headland and coastal walks in and around Gerakas, and weekend ramblers and nature lovers should remember to pack their walking boots. Earth Sea & Sky has self-guided walks and trails and details can be found at the Gerakas Information Centre.

ECO-TOURISM ACTIVITIES
We offer our guests an eco-tourism turtle spotting excursion (see footage here) within the National Marine Park of Zakynthos. We take small groups of people on a catamaran and yachts chartered by local skippers. Archelon, Sea Turtle Protection Society volunteers also accompany us on our trips, with information about the Park and the threats that the wildlife, particularly Loggerhead Turtles and their habitat are facing. These trips are a unique and wonderful opportunity to see the wonders of the underwater world, viewing wildlife in their natural habitat at close range. You will have a wonderful day and at the same time learn how to take care of our beautiful home and the animals found here! Our website is now up, check out www.natureworldtravel.com for full details of all trips and videos of the excursions.

MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES AND JEEP SAFARIS
We are ready to assist our guests with arranging whatever excursions they wish to pursue. Teaming up with a local jeep safari company, we offer an alternative tour, enabling our guests to literally go off road and visit areas off the beaten track. We lunch in mountain villages, swim in blue lagoons, scale heights for stunning views and visit sites of pilgrimage.

WINE TASTING
Z akynthos has several traditional vineyards and Calinico is one of the best. There is an exhibition charting the history of the vineyard and the traditional wine making process in Zakynthos. Visitors can try the wines and buy their favourites direct from the winery.

ENTERTAINMENT
Since ancient times Zakynthos has been called the Island of Song. She is famous for her traditional folk singing, knows as Cantarrah. A combination of harmony and discord, with mandolins, guitars and violins and traditional Zakynthian drum, Cantarrah has been kept alive in a number of tavernas.

We recommend the Kostas Brothers Taverna in Vasilikos (open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from June to September), where they write and play their own music; and the ethnic Arekia Taverna in Zakynthos Town. We organise evenings out in the Vasilikos area.

If you feel like party time, there are some open air bars and Logos Bar/Nightclub in Vasilikos itself, where you can dance the night away. Anything is possible on long balmy summer nights under the stars, and the music can range from anything from salsa to rock.

VEHICLE HIRE
The island is rich in tourist attractions, from the famous smugglers' Shipwreck and Blue Caves of the North, to the sunsets at Keri in the South. There are many villages and secluded coves to be discovered, and it is easy to hire transport - anything from bikes to four-wheel drive jeeps. We use Potamia Rentals in Vasilikos and they come recommended.

KEPHALLONIA
An island of contrasts, Kephallonia has peaceful bays and coves, and wild mountains plunging into deep blue seas. Also an island of natural phenomena, with the subterranean seawater cave at Melissani, which acquires a turquoise colour when the sun reaches a certain point. Equally spectacular is the Drogharati Cave, with its impressive stalactites and acqoustics, which means it is used for concerts. Trips to the island also visit the famous Myrtos beach and the church of Agios Gerasimos.

OLYMPIA
For those who love Greece's ancient history, a trip to Olympia on the mainland is a must. Just one hour by ferry and then by coach to the site. The museum holds some of the most prized examples of classical art, and the archaeological site takes you back in time to the Olympic Games as they first began. You can even run the original 100 metres track.