The best walks and hikes around Zante

The port and beach of Limni Keri are located on Cape Marathia in the southwestern part of the island and are a popular destination for nature and water sports enthusiasts. The region offers a mix of relaxed beach life and spectacular natural events: Keri Beach & Port: A narrow pebble beach with crystal-clear water, lined with shady tamarisks. Boats depart daily from the port for excursions. Keri Caves: These impressive sea caves along the cliff coast are only accessible by boat and are ideal for snorkeling or diving.

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 Laganas Bay, the city of Zakynthos, the Vasilikos peninsula, and with clear visibility, the Greek mainland (Peloponnese) and the neighboring island of Kefalonia.

The Skopos Café is a popular destination on Mount Skopos (approx. 490 m) near Argassi. It is known as a quaint stopover for hikers on their way to the Panagia Skopiotissa Monastery. It is located directly below the mountain summit and in close proximity to the historic Panagia Skopiotissa Monastery. The owner of the café is the one who has the keys to the monastery church and unlocks it for visitors.

The Monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa is an impressive historical building on the summit of Mount Skopos at an altitude of about 496 meters, offering a spectacular panoramic view of the entire island and the town of Zakynthos. The current monastery was built in 1624 on the ruins of an older 15th-century structure. It is likely located on the site of an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis; marble fragments from this temple were used for the entrance portal. Many visitors choose to ascend from Argassi (approx. 4 km, about 1.5 to 2 hours one way). The road is largely unpaved.

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.

View of Marathonisi, an uninhabited island in the Laganas Bay. It is widely known as the "Turtle Island" as it is one of the most important nesting sites for the endangered loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) in the Mediterranean. The island is part of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos. Between June and August, females come to the sandy beach at night to lay their eggs. From certain angles, for example from Limni Keri, the shape of the island itself resembles a turtle.

This viewpoint is part of popular hiking routes in the Keri region. The location is on the route of the „Keri (village) - Olive grove and cypress view Roundtrip". It is a moderate hike that requires good basic fitness, but leads over easily walkable paths. The route leads through a typical Mediterranean landscape with lush olive groves and distinctive cypresses. In the surrounding area, you will also find vineyards and raisin cultivation areas.