Escape to nature...

We arrived at Antonis' farm early in the morning... So keen were we to experience agricultural life on the island. Koiliomeno at 8 am – a July Monday morning. But days, dates and time are the last things on your mind as you are standing there, surrounded by the blue skies (with a hint of the sunrise colours still in the atmosphere), cockerels signalling the new day (in their distinctive 'kikirikou' fashion) and the smell of fresh bread mixed with that of a freshly baked Greek coffee. Right there as you enjoy the gently breeze against your face and while you anticipate the day ahead everything else just feels so small, far away, insignificant. Free, light and alive... that is how I felt that morning.

We found Ampelostrates during our search for authentic Zakynthian holiday options and alternatives to commercialised resorts. Antonis and his family welcomed us in the warmest and most generous of ways. During our visit we enjoyed local delicacies such as Greek coffee, hand made lemon cake, naturally distilled tsipouro, fresh vegetables from the farm and wine. We were also shown around the many guest areas on the farm including a wine tasting room, art workshop and animal houses. Ampelostrates (agro-tourism initiative) was set up by Antonis on the farm he inherited by his father and brings together local traditions of farming, wine making, art and cuisine; or in one phrase, local Zakynthian culture. This is what the farm has to offer for those thirsty for an escape to nature:

• Horse rides and hiking on forest trails amidst beautiful mountainous views
• Breakfast or meal, with or without the visitor's participation using exclusively local organic products
• Visits to the local vineyards and wine tasting from local producers
• Greek coffee, tsipouro and snacks
• Painting, jewellery and weaving workshops
• Seasonal activities include participation in farming life (i.e. harvesting grapes and picking olives) and helping process the farming products such as in wine making and cheese and bread making.                                   

Antonis and his family were tireless in showing us around and re-counting numerous stories on local tradition and heritage. I feel that the combination of farm life, food and wine, art and seasonal activity really encapsulate everything that Zakynthos has to offer combining sea and mountain, food and culture, relaxation and entairtainment in the most creative of ways. Leaving Antonis and his family we felt content and fulfilled. Most importantly we felt like we had made new friends to which we hoped to return soon After stocking up on good quality wine (both drought and bottled) and having enjoyed delicious Zakynthian treats, including a couple of shots of tsipouro at 10 in the morning (we were on holiday after all), it was well after midday when we decided to leave in favour of the nearest sea and the coolest waters we could find. A big thank you to Antonis, Mika and the rest of the family for their hospitality, warm welcome and beautiful memories...