Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Ayía Marína
AYÍA MARÍNA
, a few kilometres southwest of Katastári, has a church with an impressive
Baroque altar screen, and a belfry that's being rebuilt from the remnants left after the
1953 earthquake. As in most Zákynthos churches, the bell tower stands detached, in
Venetian fashion. In the upper part of the village is the new
Helmi's Natural History
Museum
(May-Oct 9am-6pm, Nov-April 9am-2pm; €2;
W
museumhelmis.gr), which
displays plenty of stuffed birds and mammals, seashells and the largest ammonite found
in Greece, as well as showing an informative film about turtles.
Volímes and around
Divided into three contiguous parts,
VOLÍMES
is the centre of the island's embroidery
industry and numerous shops sell artefacts produced here. With your own transport,
you could make it to the
Anafonítria monastery
, 3km south, thought to have been the
cell of the island's patron saint, Dhionysios, whose festivals are celebrated on August 24
and December 17.
11
Shipwreck Bay
A paved road leads on from Volímes to the cliffs overlooking
Shipwreck Bay
(Tó
Naváyio), with hair-raising views down to the shipwreck, a cargo ship which was
mistaken for a drug-running vessel and run aground by the coastguard in the 1960s.
ACCOMMODATION AND EATING
THE NORTHEAST
TSILIVÍ, PLÁNOS AND AROUND
Anetis Hotel
T
26950 44590,
W
anetishotel.gr.
Comfortable, good-value hotel with sizeable a/c rooms,
many with sea-faci
ng b
alconies overlooking the lively
beach bar. April-Oct.
€35
The Olive Tree
T
26950 62834.
The best of the
predictably touristy bunch, with a huge menu, including
grilled meat and fish, a host of starters and perfectly
acceptable
MAKRÝS YIALÓS AND AROUND
Pilarinos
T
26950 31396.
This good taverna on the flattish
hillock behind the beach does a decent line in grills, fish and
the usual accoutrements, plus there's a makeshift campsite
on the grounds.
May-Oct daily 11am-midnight.
ÁYIOS NIKÓLAOS AND AROUND
Ì
Anemomilos
Cape Skinári
T
26950 31241,
W
potamitisbros.gr.
Two expertly converted windmills
make for a unique place to stay. There are also some more
conventional rooms, a snack bar, and the same
fam
ily run
the excellent
To Faros
taverna nearby. May-Oct.
€50
Panorama
Áyios Nikólaos
T
26950 31013,
E
panorama
-apts@ath.forthnet.gr.
Great if you are leaving on the
morning ferry to Kefaloniá or want a northern base, these
friendly st
udios
are a good-value option. Breakfast included.
April-Oct.
€35
wine
by
the
kilo.
May-Oct
daily
noon-1am.
Passage to Asia
T
26950 43788.
One of the best
oriental restaurants on the island, serving
authentic
enough versions of both Indian and Chinese cuisine. Has
meal deals for two people at around €20.
May-Oct daily
noon-midnight.
ALYKÉS BAY
Eros Piccadilly
T
26950 83606,
W
piccadilly.com.gr.
Near the beginning of the road to Katastári, this hotel often
has super deals going on its
stu
dios and compact but
comfortable rooms. April-Oct.
€25
Fantasia
T
26950 83249.
Fairly standard tourist fare
with a dash of flair makes this one of the better options in
the resort. Also does full English breakfasts for €3.50.
May-Oct daily 9am-1am.
PIGHADHÁKIA
Ì
Kaki Rahi
T
26950 83670.
Traditional family-run
taverna, which serves tasty local cuisine from home-grown
ingredients, its own barrelled wine and provides
transportation on its little train twice daily from Alykés.
€12.50 including set mixed plate. Live music Sat evenings.
May-Oct daily 11am-midnight.
