Agalas and Damianos Cave

Agalas is a small hill village on the southwest side of Zakynthos, set among olive and pine woods a short drive from Keri and Laganas, and it is the starting point for a sunset trip that many visitors miss. The attraction here is Damianos Cave, a natural cavern with stalactites and chambers, reached by a short walk and some steps. Inside, the air is cooler than the outdoors and the rock formations catch the light from a torch or the entrance, and the cave gives a pleasant change from the beach and boat days. Local guides sometimes tell stories of its use as a hiding place in times of unrest, which adds a little folklore to the visit. After the cave, the usual plan is to drive or walk to a nearby clifftop viewpoint for the sunset. From the heights above Agalas, the land falls toward the sea, and the whole western horizon turns orange. It is a gentler, less crowded alternative to the big viewpoints, and it suits travellers who prefer a village atmosphere with a small taverna.

This is a good option for people who want something different from the standard coastal sights. The experience is a mix of nature, geology and local life, and tours that include it typically combine the cave with a village stop, a viewpoint and sometimes a tasting of local products. Because the cave is small and entry is organised, it works best as part of a guided trip.

The paid product below is a sunset tour to Agalas that includes the cave and the viewpoint, with transport, which is a sensible way to see it if you do not want to find the village lanes yourself.

Prepare for a cave visit sensibly. Wear shoes with grip, because floors and steps can be damp and uneven, and bring a small torch or use your phone. The temperature inside stays cool, so a light layer is useful after a hot day. People with claustrophobia or mobility concerns should ask the operator about the passage widths and number of steps.

Photography is allowed in most caves, but flash can disturb the formations, so use a steady hand and a high ISO setting instead. Do not touch stalactites, because the oils on skin stop them growing.

Combine the trip with other southwest sights. Keri is close, with its lighthouse and lake, and the Mizithres sunset cruise sails the same coast, so a day could include a boat trip in the afternoon and the Agalas cave at sunset. The village has a handful of tavernas serving grilled meat, local cheese and wine, and a meal here is a quiet counterpoint to the livelier resorts of the south coast. Because the area is hilly and rural, expect winding roads and quiet nights.

The best time to go is late afternoon in spring and early autumn, when the heat has eased and the light is soft, though it also works in summer if you start in the evening. The cave is usually accessible in all kinds of weather, but heavy rain can make the approach slippery.

If you are visiting with children, check the operator's age guidance and make sure everyone has a good pair of shoes. For travellers who have already done the boat trips, this is a charming, low-key addition that shows another side of the island.