Killini to Zakynthos

We spent two nights in Arkoudi at the Almira Hotel, twenty minutes from the port of Killini. Our small, light-filled, immaculately clean suite had a patio overhanging the outdoor dining terrace, a sparkling blue swimming pool, a jacuzzi, and a beach with soft sand and calm, clear waters.

The daily buffet breakfast that offered a scrumptious array of dishes, Greek pastries, cheeses, fruits, and vegetables was served on the covered terrace. From there, we were just steps away from lounging beach chairs and the ocean.

From Arkoudi, we drove to Killini, where we boarded a Levante Ferry that glided through the calm waters to the Island of Zakynthos. An hour and a half later, we disembarked at Zakynthos – a crescent-shaped gem that snuggles against a backdrop of soaring white limestone and dense forests.
We checked into the Bitzaro Boutique Hotel on the waterfront, across the street from a free public parking lot, a rare gift in small Greek towns where finding a parking spot can be like winning a trophy.

Zakynthos comes alive at around 8:30 pm when the winds die down, and locals stroll and dine in Solomos Square. Children play soccer, ride their bikes, and chase one another while the atmospheric web of streets beyond Solomos Square vibrates with music, chatter, and laughter.

Solomos Square

We spent our days exploring the beaches that line the coast.
Reaching Delfi Beach is a hair-raising experience along a bumpy, narrow, pot-holed road that clings to the edge of a cliff.
South of Zakynthos is Banana Beach – a beautiful golden sand beach where padded reclining beach chairs and umbrellas rest on the shoreline.
Overlooking the beach is an open-air restaurant and bar that serves an array of well-prepared dishes. It’s a perfect spot to linger over lunch with a glass of ouzo and enjoy the panoramic views.

Banana Beach.

North of Zakynthos is Tsilivi Beach. It’s a gorgeous drive from Zakynthos Town into the mountains on a road that snakes through villages, past olive groves, and winds its way down to the sea. The town of Tsilivi is very touristy. It’s full of trinket stores and hotels. We found the beach to be disappointing.

We continued driving north to Alykes Beach – a charming, almost hidden beach with a great restaurant and crystal clear, calm, warm waters. It has an inexplicable aura of peace about it.

Alykes Beach

Hotel and restaurant Alykes Beach.

• At the boat outlet, one has to make a sharp right turn along a narrow road that leads to the restaurant, hotel, and beach.