ZAKYNTHOS Island - From Agios Nikolaos to Navagio Beach (Greece)

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It is surprising, even fascinating, how we can see so much beauty in just 14 km in the northern part of Zakynthos Island on a route that starts from the east coast of the island and ends on the west coast. We depart from the port village of Agios Nikolaos (St. Nicholas) located about 30 km from Zakynthos City and climb the mountainous side of the island. The view opens and we admire the Bay of Agios Nikolaos with the small islet on which there are the remains of an old monastery from the early Christian period, as well as the ruins of a watchtower ("Vardiola", completing the name of the islet) from where the navigation between Kefalonia - Zakynthos - Peloponnese could be controlled. The road climbs to altitudes of 400-450 m between olive groves and groups of cypress trees, past very small villages (Korithi and Elies). On the way down, we cross a larger village, Volimes, practically untouched by tourism, known for its handmade textiles. The village, heavily affected by the great Ionian earthquake of 1953, preserves the traditional urban planning with very narrow streets (enough to fit a donkey loaded with 2 baskets), so we go through moments of emotion when the coach maneuvers to slip between the buildings. Soon we see the western coast of the island and reach the famous Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach, which is said to be the most beautiful in Greece, if not in the whole world. The beach is only accessible from the sea, so to see it from above, we sit in the queue that stretches from the viewing platform. However, we all agree that it deserves its reputation.