THE ISLAND OF ZAKYNTHOS
Zakynthos is the southernmost of the Ionian islands, under an hour by air to Athens and a ferry ride to the southern tip of Italy.
In the south of the island you will find sandy beaches and bustling bars, whereas in the north, where Villa Tal Hamsa is located, you’ll discover a beautifully slow pace of life punctuated by a vast array of aromatic olive trees and regular clifftop lookouts.
The pre-summer rain adorns the island with lush vegetation and picture postcard views. Activities center around the turquoise sea with most guests finding time to visit one of the island’s secret beaches or caves via speedboat or kayak.
VOLIMES
A short 5 minute drive (or 20 minute jog) from Villa Tal Hamsa, you will find yourself in the mountain village of Volimes where you can buy hand-made lace, bed linen, crocheted bed-spreads, rugs, pottery and honey, and of course local olive oil. Venturing up here early in the morning is an absolute pleasure, whether you feast on a tiropitakia (a traditional feta and pastry snack) or are brave enough to try an ouzo with pistachio nuts in one of the tiny bars.
Between Villa Tal Hamsa and Volimes is the well sign-posted and charming Olive Press, run by brother and sister Giannis and Marinetta. They will show you how olives are processed from tree to bottle, and offer a great selection of gifts.
Drive through the pungent pine forests to the beautiful Venetian monasteries of Anafonitria and St.George’s, and next to it, view the famous shipwreck on Navagio Beach from the giddy heights of the cliffs.
ZAKYNTHOS TOWN
Zakynthos town, the island’s capital, is an hours from Villa Tal Hamsa either through the countryside or via the dramatic coastal road. Destroyed by an earthquake in 1953, the elegant venetian houses, icon rich churches, museums and magnificent sweeping harbour have all been faithfully restored. It’s suprisingly cosmopolitan and a pleasant place to wander, dine and shop.
Bochali hill, above Zakynthos Town contains a small Venetian castle, and nearby you’ll find numerous activities to keep you busy including indoor and outdoor cinemas, go-karting, horse riding and a water park.
SIGHTSEEING
Zakynthos offers some of the most breathtaking and famous sights in the whole of Greece, rivalling even the Parthenon and Acropolis in Athens. The stunning Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) and Blue Caves are both within 15 minutes drive of Villa Tal Hamsa, perfect for half-day boat trips, as are the multiple windmills and the Skinari Lighthouse which protects the waterway between Zakynthos Island and Kefalonia Island. In the south you will find Marathonisi Beach (Turtle Island), the largest nesting area for sea turtles in the Mediterranean Sea.
SURROUNDING ISLANDS
With their cooler climate, abundant olive and cypress trees, and forested mountains, the Ionians Islands are a lighter, greener variation on what one normally experiences in Greece. Venetian, French and British occupiers have all helped to shape the islands’ architecture, culture and (excellent) cuisine, and contributed to the unique feel of Ionian life.
Corfu is home to Parisian-style arcades, Venetian alleyways and Italian-inspired delicacies, Lefkada boasts some of Greece’s finest turquoise-lapped beaches, while Kefallonia (a mere 1.5 hours from Zakynthos by boat) is adorned with soaring mountains and vineyards. With southern Italy across the water, the Ionian Islands hold something new for adventure seekers, food lovers, culture vultures and beach bums alike.
CONTACT
If you would like to discuss staying at Villa Tal Hamsa, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.