Mountain Villages and Monasteries

Behind the cliffs and beaches of the west coast, Zakynthos turns green and hilly, and a loop through the mountain villages shows an island very different from the resort strips. Narrow roads climb through olive groves and cypress to stone villages such as Volimes, where women still weave and embroider textiles that are sold in the village shops, and Anafonitria, set above the northwest cliffs, where a small monastery sits among the trees. These places are quiet, unhurried and little visited compared with the beaches, and a stop for coffee under a plane tree can feel like a different century. The air is cooler, the views stretch down to the sea and the pace slows. The monasteries are the other attraction. Several small medieval and later monasteries are scattered through the hills, and the one at Anafonitria is associated with Saint Dionysios, the island's patron saint, who lived and prayed there. Simple chapels, painted icons and quiet courtyards give a sense of the island's long religious tradition, and a visit is as much about atmosphere as about architecture.

A private or small-group tour is the most practical way to see the interior. Village roads are narrow, signposts are sparse and public transport is limited, and a guide adds stories about local families, crafts and customs that are hard to find on your own. The paid product below is a private day tour of mountain villages and medieval monasteries, with a driver and guide, which is a more expensive but much more flexible option than a shared coach.

It suits couples and small families who want to set their own pace and stop where they like.

Etiquette matters at religious sites. Monasteries and churches expect modest dress, with shoulders and knees covered, and quiet behaviour. Photography rules vary, so ask before taking pictures inside. Opening hours can be limited and some sites close in the afternoon, so a morning visit is a safer plan. Carry small change for candles or donations, and be respectful if a service is in progress. The villages themselves are working communities, so keep noise low and ask before photographing people.

The best things to do in the villages are simple. Browse the weaving shops in Volimes, look for handmade tablecloths and embroidery, and try local honey, olive oil and herbs. Stop for a coffee or a meal at a village taverna, where rabbit stifado, grilled meats and wild greens are typical.

If you are lucky, the day will coincide with a local festival, when villages fill with music and food. Combine a morning in the hills with an afternoon swim at Porto Vromi or on the north coast, and you will see both sides of the island in one day.

Season matters less here than elsewhere, because the interior is pleasant in spring and autumn and cooler than the coast in summer. Spring brings wildflowers and green hillsides, while autumn brings the olive harvest season, when groves are busy. Winter can be wet and some small businesses close. For a calm, cultural counterpoint to a beach holiday, this is one of the most rewarding days on the island.