The best running trails around Εθνικό Θαλάσσιο Πάρκο Ζακύνθου

Definitely look everywhere and go inside. Really worth it

The beginning is quite a lot, steep climb. Worth it.

The Monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa (often simply called Monastery Skopos) is located on the summit of Mount Skopós at an altitude of about 496 meters. Originally, the monastery was built in 1446 on the ruins of an ancient temple dedicated to the goddesses Artemis and Apollo. Fragments of the ancient temple were used in the construction of the entrance gate and inside the church. After damage from earthquakes, it was rebuilt in the Byzantine style in 1638. It is known for being the only domed church on Zakynthos. Due to its location, the complex also served as a watchtower for the city of Zakynthos and large parts of the island.

This viewpoint below the summit of Skopos (496m) offers a spectacular view of the Laganas Bay, the town of Zakynthos, the Vasilikos peninsula, and on clear days, of the Greek mainland (Peloponnese) and the neighboring island of Kefalonia.

Kalamaki Beach (Paralia Kalamaki) is a spacious sandy beach that is part of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos. The beach is an important nesting site for the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta). For this reason, there are protected areas that are closed to the public, and motorized water sports are prohibited. It is characterized by fine sand and very shallow, warm waters, making it particularly family-friendly. As Zakynthos Airport is nearby, it is often possible to observe planes on low approach during landing from the beach.

The park was founded in 1999 to protect the endangered loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) and the Mediterranean monk seal. The mentioned "white cliffs" and striking geological formations are found in various places within or directly adjacent to the park, including the southeastern end of the island (Cape Gerakas). Here you can find impressive formations of white sandstone and clay, shaped by erosion.

Since 1534, the monastery has been owned by the noble Logothetis family, whose descendants still look after the site today. Inside, you can see valuable wall paintings (frescoes) from the late 17th century, as well as a marble iconostasis in the Baroque style. The double-headed eagle, the symbol of the Orthodox Church and the Byzantine Empire, is engraved on the floor. A small path leads behind the monastery to an even higher rocky peak with ropes for support, offering one of the best views on the island. Shortly before the summit, there is the "Kantina Skopos", a small café offering refreshments. The owner also has the key to the church.

The monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa is the oldest church on the island. It is located on the summit of Mount Skopos (492 m) near Argassi and offers an impressive 360-degree panoramic view of the entire island. The monastery was built in the 15th century (around 1400 AD) in the Byzantine style on the ruins of an ancient temple of the hunting goddess Artemis. Marble parts from the ancient temple were used for the construction, which can still be seen today at the entrance gate and inside. The current whitewashed cross-domed church dates from 1624.