Apart from its long history, Zakynthos, like many Greek cities and towns, is associated with mythology. In ancient Greek mythology, literature and folklore there are references to the island of Zakynthos.
According to the poet Homer, the name of Zakynthos was derived from the first inhabitant of Zante Island - who was named Zakynthos. He was the son of King Dardanus, the founder of Dardania, which is now known as Troy.
According to myth, Dardanus was the son of Zeus and Electra. Zakynthos settled on the island around 1500BC and according to one version of the myth, he was the one to escort the demi-god Hercules to Spain. During their return Zakynthos died and was buried on the island.
According to other historical sources, the name of Zakynthos is derived from the words Za and Cynthos, which means hill. This corresponds to the mountainous landscape of Zakynthos.
There are also references to the Odyssey, (Book 9, line 24), Homer called Zakynthos ''yliessa'', which means rich woodland, while in the Iliad (Book II, line 634), it is referred to as one of the islands that took part in the campaign against Troy under the leadership of Odysseus.
The Blue Caves Villas are associated with a folklore story, a legend which refers to the “Cave of the Priest”, located under the Deep Blue Villa.
It is said that in ancient times the cave was home to a monk who lived there and allegedly fed only on water, bread and salt once a day. The monk's spirituality and ascetic life granted him the gift of healing the suffering and ill. Through prayer and natural remedies he was able to ease their pain or even cure them.
This legend is reminiscent of the Mediterranean monk seal Monachus Monachus. This species of mammal use natural hollows, like the Priest's Cave, to find shelter and rest or to give birth.
On holiday at Blue Caves Villas you can easily combine various holiday activities with rest and relaxation.
There are many sites of exceptional natural beauty to discover and explore either by car or foot, or on the Villas kayaks or bikes.
The magnificent Blue Caves are one of the islands natural attractions and some of the most beautiful in Greece.
They are located on the coast just below our Villas and the lighthouse at Cape Skinari.
The Blue Caves are famous for the reflection and diffusion of sunlight within the caves; turning the water into an impressive azure translucent blue.
It is certainly worth renting a boat or taking a boat trip which departs a short distance from the Villas and to stop at the numerous caves, bays and swimming spots around the area including the famous Shipwreck.
The small port of Agios Nikolaos is only 2.5 km from Blue Caves Villas where you will find plenty of traditional tavernas, restaurants and cafés along its promenade, in addition to small supermarkets and an easy accessible beach with free sun beds.
Agios Nikolaos is the second most important port of the island, as it serves the ferry connecting Kefalonia and Zakynthos.
You can schedule a single day trip to Kefalonia, as the ferry departs every day in the morning and arrives back late afternoon.
During your holiday in Zakynthos it is well worth taking a boat trip to see beautiful Caretta Caretta, commonly called Loggerhead Sea Turtles.
They are the largest hard-shelled turtle in the world and each summer hundreds of Loggerheads return to Zakynthos to mate and lay their eggs on the beaches in Laganas Bay, located on the South West coast of the Islands.
From there you may also take a boat trip to the famous Marathonisi ‘Turtle’ Island. This picturesque turtle shaped island lies in the middle of the Laganas Bay, floating like a turtle in the sparkling seas. The main beach on Marathonisi is really spectacular, with white sands and turquoise seas.
Throughout the summer months there are many trips running daily and you can often combine a bit of turtle spotting with your trip to Turtle Island.
The most famous beach in Zante, and in fact in most of the Mediterranean, is located on the west coast 20 minutes from Blue Caves Villas.
Shipwreck Bay, also known as ‘Navagio’ can only be reached by taking a boat trip, or seen from the top from the viewing platform above the cliff.
Approaching the beach from the sea provides a breathtaking spectacle – the huge cliffs surrounding the bay, bright white pebble sand, blue turquoise waters, and the stranded ship.
You can combine a trip to the Blue Caves with your day at Shipwreck Bay. There are a number of boat trips departing on a daily basis from Agios Nikolaos port (2.5 km) or from the lighthouse at Skinari (1.5 km).
Zakynthos is the third largest island in the Ionian Sea, having a distinct cultural presence and noteworthy agricultural activity.
It enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, hence its rich flora and fauna. The natural beauty and cultural tradition of the island render it one of the most popular destinations in Greece and Europe, as it has its own airport it is a unique holiday destination.
Zante has distinctive characteristics in which make it unique.
You will find rare Mediterranean herbs, such as the Ionian orchid (Serapias ionica), as well as a number of animal species under international protection within national wildlife reserves, who come to find shelter to rest and breed. The rare loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta Caretta) and the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus Monachus) are just two examples.
Zakynthos town today is a modern capital and is continuing to develop. During the decades after the disastrous earthquake, every building has been constructed to the highest anti-seismic standards.
Naturally, Zakynthos is a lively town with developed commercial activity and a variety of options for nightlife, dinner or drinks.
A visit to the Byzantine Art Museum at Solomos square and the impressive church of Saint Dionysios could be part of any visitor's plans.
Blue Caves Villas are also ideal as a base to travel not only throughout the island but also to inland destinations.
Ancient Olympia requires no introduction and is a very special destination. You will be surprised how magnificent the temple of Zeus is still, one of the Seven Wonders of the World – even in ruins - as well as the celebrated Olympic Stadium, where the first, original Olympic Games took place.
In a day trip you can easily visit Ancient Olympia, taking a ferry from Zakynthos town port towards Kyllini and from there Olympia is a 1 hour drive.
