The Colourful Centre

The Central region of the island is a colourful tapestry combining aspects of both the North and South regions with its traditional green villages and beautiful scenic beaches. The municipality of Alykes, one of the main tourist resorts on the island, features a salt flat and offers a vibrant atmopshere ideal for family holidays, group activities and watersports. It also includes a group of beautiful traditional villages: Alykanas (neighbouring village to Alykes), Katastari (largest of all villages on the island) Pigadakia (at the foot of Kaki Rahi hill where the Vertagio Cultural Museum is located), Kalithea (offering beautiful panoramic views of the plain below), Skoulikado (with a rich history of traditional theatre and the beautiful church of Maria Anafonitria) and Gerakaria (composed by three small villages dispaying original stone architecture and picturesque church squares and bell towers). All villages are within easy reach of the Eastern coast of the island and the consequtive beach resorts of Agia Kyriaki, Ammoudi, Drosia, Pachia Ammos and Amboula. Further on and moving towards the town there is the picturesque village of Maherado (with the beautiful Agia Mavra monastery) and Tsilivi another tourist hot spot with busy beach resorts and a vibrant nightlife. Finally, Zakynthos Town (or Chora) is built at the foot of the Mpohali hill and the Venetian Castle. Even though the 1953 earthquake flattened the town completely it has managed to retain many of its key traditional features evident in the pedestrianised arched shopping areas and the beautiful church of Agios Dionysios, patron saint of the island. Zakynthos Town is ideal for leisurely strolls along the Strada Marina, relaxed al fresco dining and lounging in the many beautiful tavernas and cafes available as well as atmopsheric nights out with many cultural events on offer.

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