An Adventurous Cooking Vacation at Zakynthos Island

Sample itinerary of our Greek cooking vacation on Zakynthos. Some activities will change over the winter months, and order of activities subject to change based on the specific week. 

Day One

• Arrival at the Zakynthos airport or port and private transfer to your accommodations.
• After settling in, meet your host for a welcome drink and recommendations on things to do on this lovely island, as well as an overview of the week.
• In the evening, a welcome dinner awaits you in the town of Zakynthos. Enjoy your first taste of local Zakynthos cuisine accompanied with local wine while local singers sing “kantades.” This is Zakynthos’ characteristic music, accompanied by the mandolin and guitar. Local islanders have used this beautiful tradition to express joy, grief and love for centuries
• Overnight.

Day Two

• After breakfast, you will be cooking with a local chef, Athina, to prepare this evening’s dinner. She will invite you to join her in the kitchen and cook starters and a traditional light dish, all bursting with summer colors and great aromas! Learn to cook delicious stuffed vegetables with potatoes, zucchini balls, and a Greek salad. Athina welcomes questions, as she is proud to share her knowledge and expertise in Zakynthian cuisine.
• While tonight’s dinner is cooking, explore the famous bay of Laganas with its shallow waters and sandy beach. It is one of the most important nesting grounds of the Caretta-Caretta sea turtle, a place where you can discover turtle nests scattered across the golden sands. The passionate volunteers from the National Marine Park of Zakynthos are always happy to share their expertise and answer questions!
• The secluded uninhabited Islands of Pelouzo, Cameo, and Turtle Island, just a little way out to sea, provide a stunning backdrop to the spectacular setting. It’s the perfect time to truly unwind and enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the sea. Why not try a spot of snorkeling to see if you can spot some turtles, or enjoy a wonderful lunch surrounded by the beautiful sounds, sights and smells of the glittering Ionian Sea.
• In the evening, join your hosts, Effie & Antonio, for dinner – the meal you helped to prepare! Indulge in your own incredible creations, accompanied by Antonio’s chilled house wine.
• Overnight.

Day Three

• Breakfast.
• Today, Athina will lead you in preparing the famous Greek dishes moussaka and tzatziki for tonight’s dinner.  With the sharpness of the tzatziki and the creaminess of the moussaka, it’s a recipe you’ll want to remember!
• While dinner is in the oven, begin an exclusive aquatic experience towards the west coast of the island. In the famous sweeping bay, spot and even swim alongside some of the large and extremely graceful loggerhead turtles. Continue your trip with swimming at the breathtaking Keri caves and next to the heavenly “Marathonisi Island”, which, remarkably, is shaped like a turtle! With its fine powder-like sand, this tiny island captivates water- and nature-lovers alike. Natural and intriguing, with wonderful little caves to explore, it’s the perfect place for snorkeling, swimming or just a paddle. Enjoy this tiny island beach experience!
• In the evening, return to the villa to enjoy the meal you prepared alongside your hosts and fellow guests.
• Overnight.

Day Four

• Breakfast.
• Today’s inspiration will come from the authentic and peaceful lifestyle of Lithakia and Machairado villages. Get an insider’s view of daily life on the island and meet local people and producers, who are excited to share their trade expertise with visitors.
• Begin your tour with a stop at the Aristeon Olive Press and Museum, a local gem that offers a delightful experience of savoring premium olive oil products.  Explore the old machinery from the factory’s bygone era, before embarking on a guided tour of today’s equipment. Learn about the fascinating process of turning the humble olive into liquid gold—the precious oil that gives Zakynthians their zest for life. Seize the chance to indulge in sampling and purchasing an array of extra virgin olive oils, paired with homemade bread.
• Next, Father Nicholas will guide you to St. Mavra church and Museum, a testament to the local artistry. Delve into the rich history and marvel at the intricate decorations adorning the church, each crafted by skilled local artisans and appreciate the collaborative effort that has transformed the church into a masterpiece.
• Following the visit to St. Mavra church, there’s the unique opportunity to meet one of these local artisans, Nikos, at his studio nearby and explore his creations, gaining an insight into his creative process and the role his work plays in enhancing the cultural tapestry of Zakynthos.
• And let’s not forget Dennis, the friendly owner of a charming taverna, renowned for his expertise in crafting delicious pita souvlaki since 1983. With a warm welcome, he’ll invite you into his kitchen, for a hands-on experience, skillfully guiding you through the intricacies of grilling your succulent souvlaki to perfection, cutting your vegetables, preparing tzatziki, and expertly wrapping your pita souvlaki with a finesse of an expert.  Enjoy your souvlaki lunch and other appetizers under the shade of the vine trees.
• Time to relax in the afternoon. In the evening visit the historic region of Bochali, located at the very top of Zakynthos town. The panoramic views of the town below, across the harbor and out to sea, guarantee another amazing evening. Time to toast the experience with a light dinner in the magical atmosphere – an experience you’ll never want to end!
• Overnight.

Day Five

• Breakfast.
• Enjoy time in Zakynthos town, where you will discover hidden gems and the amazing history, culture, and architecture of the Old Town. Check out the café culture of the modern center, and take a blessing from the island’s patron saint at St. Dionysius church with its celebrated interiors. Then, why not relax with a coffee at a café on the edge of the historical Solomos square?
• Batteries recharged, visit the local market to savor the island’s fresh local produce.  Here, you can shop for top quality local products, delicacies and souvenirs – and don’t forget to taste the special Venetian sweets of “mandolato” and “pasteli”! After the Venetian occupation of Zakynthos, the island embraced authentic recipes from different cultures, and provides you with a gastronomic experience filled with diverse flavors and sensations.
• Next, you’ll visit the winery of the Grampsas family, which is run by the third generation and widely respected by Zakynthians and international clients alike. The winery is beautifully presented, from the neat rows of vines to the display of winemaking equipment demonstrating the complexity and skill required in the winemaking process. Giannis, the son, will talk you through the whole wine-making process, before inviting you to sit on the shady terrace to sample white and red wines with local varieties.
• Arriving back at the villa, you will have enough time to relax or swim before a magical sunset dinner. With captivating views over rugged crags and the ocean, shimmering below, it is a mesmerizing experience that you’ll never forget.

Day Six

• Breakfast, followed by an exciting day exploring! Set out for the picturesque north of the island, traveling through stunning mountains and coastline, until you arrive at Agios Nicholaos port. From there you will set sail towards the captivating northwest coast of Zakynthos. Travel past the secluded coves, crystal clear water, dramatic sea caves and white sand, to the mesmerizing Shipwreck Bay and the Blue caves – some of the most famous sights of the island. If the weather is too windy for the boat, you will travel north by car and still be able to admire the shipwreck from the viewing platform set into the cliff top. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
• After the boat trip, continue north to Orthonies village, your lunch destination. It’s time to enjoy a “farm to fork” culinary experience at a family-run mountain taverna. Following a warm welcome and a cool drink, head to the kitchen with Grandma Athina, who will share with you one of her secret family recipes, handed down from generation to generation: a free-range stuffed chicken in tomato sauce.
• While the dinner is cooking in the old wood-fired oven, Athina’s son will take you on a walk around their vegetable and herb gardens, where you will also meet the livestock. There is a strong belief here that happy animals produce healthy meat, and Athina’s taverna is definitely a testament to this. Then, it’s back to the taverna, where, beneath the shadows of an ancient oak tree, you will enjoy the meal you helped to cook, alongside local wine, and homemade dessert.
• Back to the villa with time to relax and overnight.

Day Seven

• Breakfast followed by a morning at leisure. You can spend your day as you wish – perhaps swimming and relaxing at Agios Sostis bay. Discover this little oasis of calm, with sun beds on the grass, and a rustic beach bar, providing stunning views of the islands across the sea. You can enjoy a delicious beach lunch so that there’s no need to even leave this slice of paradise.
• In the evening, dress up for a delightful evening at “Alexis Taverna” in the charming village of Vanato. Indulge in a sumptuous traditional BBQ, featuring a diverse array of appetizers and locally sourced wines. Immerse yourself in the enchanting melodies of Greek music, celebrating the vibrant traditions of this rich and beautiful culture. It’s the perfect way to cap off an incredible week!
• Overnight.

Day Eight

• Breakfast and morning free to pack or do a little last-minute shopping before your transfer back to Zakynthos airport or port.
• Kallo Taxidi! Have a safe journey!