The Ionian Islands are one of the most popular tourist destinations for holidaymakers in Greece. One of the most popular destinations on the island of Zakynthos is the large beach resort of Laganas in the southeast. The small town is considered the cultural and tourist center of the island. Especially in the summer months of July and August, numerous tourists from all over the world cavort here. As the largest town on the island, Laganas is particularly popular with young holidaymakers because of the lively nightlife. Throughout the region you will find numerous accommodations for all tastes and budgets. From large luxury hotels to holiday homes and holiday apartments to small hostels or campsites, everything is available.

Paradise for beach vacationers and water sports enthusiasts

The main attraction in the summer months is the sandy beach, which is several kilometers long, which is located about ten kilometers from the island’s capital Zakynthos Town. Beach vacationers and hobby water sports enthusiasts from all over the world get their money’s worth here. Since the shimmering blue water slopes gently on the wide beach with soft sand, it is also very popular with families with children. There are also numerous opportunities for water skiing and jet skiing, as well as stand-up paddle boarding, boating or other water sports.

There are also several diving schools and boat rental stations as well as several beach volleyball courts directly on the beach. Those seeking relaxation can of course rent deck chairs or parasols. The beach, which is extremely busy, especially in July and August, has been considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Greecefor several years. Thanks to good transport connections, the beach is very easy to reach – either on foot, but also by bus or car. In the immediate vicinity of the beach you can also rent bicycles, jeeps or quads to get around the island. And it’s definitely worth it. After all, there is a lot to see not only in Laganas, but all over the island.

Popular destinations: Turtle Island and Keri Caves

Even if you are looking for plants and animals, you will definitely find what you are looking for around Laganas. After all, part of the beach, together with the stunning bay of Laganas, belongs to the National Marine Park of Zakynthos. With an area of 13,500 hectares, it includes several large beaches. One of the most famous inhabitants of the bay of Laganas, the longest bay on the island, is the sea turtle Caretta-Caretta. This is mainly found on the small island of Marathonissi, the so-called Turtle Island. With a bit of luck, you can even see small and large seals in the marine park.

Other popular destinations are the caves of Keri and Marathia Beach. With its two high rock walls on the sides, it offers an impressive panorama. With an excursion boat, you can also take a trip to the “Blue Caves” at Cape Skinari in the north of the island. And if you are ever on the island of Zakynthos, you should definitely visit the ruins of the monastery of the Madonna Skopiotissa on Mount Skopòs and take a look at the eventful history of the island.

Lively nightlife in discotheques, pubs and markets

Especially among young people, Laganas is also famous for its lively nightlife. In the numerous nightclubs, bars, restaurants and discos, night is turned into day, especially in the summer months. In many discotheques, admission is even free. And the markets and souvenir shops are also always bustling with activity in the late evening hours. The “party mile” is mainly limited to a three-kilometre-long main road in the centre of Laganas. For many young people from Europe, Laganas come mainly to party at night. During the day they rest on the beach, recharge their batteries and in the evening they are fit again to celebrate. For many holidaymakers, the road is also considered the “Ballermann” of Greece”

Best time to visit Laganas: April to October

The best time to holiday in Laganas is during the spring and summer months from April to October. During this time, hot summer temperatures of up to 35 degrees Celsius and plenty of sunshine are guaranteed. Rain is not expected during this time. However, tens of thousands of tourists cavort in the region during this time – significantly more than the region has inhabitants. If you prefer to enjoy the beauty of the island in peace and quiet, you should visit Laganas in winter. During this time, however, only autumnal temperatures between ten and 15 degrees Celsius prevail.

On the edge of the Sporades is the island of Alonnisos, a true natural paradise. Unspoilt beaches and a lush landscape characterize the rather unknown island, which looks back on an eventful past. The magic of the destination also lies in the fact that the island is rather sparsely populated and there are only a few small villages apart from the main town of Patitiri.

Of course, there is no airport on the idyllic island. If you choose Alonnisos as your holiday destination, you can either travel via the city of Volos or via the neighbouring island of Skiathos . Both Volos and Skiathos are served by numerous European airlines several times a week during the peak tourist season and offer a ferry connection to the island of Alonnisos. In the low season, you can travel via Athens or Thessaloniki. Even if a little longer distances have to be accepted for the journey, the effort is forgotten at the latest at the sight of the island paradise of Alonnisos.

The magic of the magical Sporades island

Even the first view of Alonnisos from the ferry gives an idea that the island has a very special magic. The island’s capital Patitiri, framed by pine trees, is practically the gateway to the island paradise for travellers. Around the atmospheric harbour there are some lovely taverns and cafes from which guests can enjoy the view of the fishing and sailing boats moored in the harbour as well as the uninhabited islands of Dyo Adelfia.

The breathtaking island landscape immediately makes you want to explore and so the island with its lush flora is also a hiker’s paradise. The island, which consists mainly of limestone, is overgrown with spruce, olive, fig and almond trees. In addition, viticulture is also practiced on the sun-drenched island, so that hikers always come across romantic-looking vineyards. If you walk mindfully through nature, you can also discover numerous wild herbs on the island, which beguile with their scent.

There are also numerous myths surrounding the island. Among other things, Peleas, the father of Achilles, is said to have chosen the island at the end of the Mycenaean epoch to spend his last years there and find his final resting place here. Regardless of mythology, numerous finds prove that the island was one of the first inhabited islands in the Aegean Sea and was exposed to a wide variety of influences throughout history.

Ultimately, Alonnisos seems to take his guests into another world. The island paradise makes it possible to enjoy nature and the special silence of the island world.

Chora – a journey into the past

Anyone who explores the villages of the island quickly gets the feeling of having traveled into the past. Especially the former capital Chora, which today is also often referred to as the “old village”, is extremely worth seeing. Only 2.5 km from the new capital Patitiri, the historic streets of Chora invite you to a very special exploration tour. The narrow and winding streets of the village are lined with ancient stone houses. Small shops and boutiques characterize the place as well as cozy taverns and nice little cafés. Once built as a medieval fortress to protect pirates, the village is still surrounded by the castle walls and only accessible through two entrances. This also ensures that the “village” is completely car-free, which further underlines the historic townscape.

Alonnisos National Marine Park – Northern Sporades

With a unique combination of land and marine biotope, it is the Alonnisos National Marine Park that delights nature lovers from all over the world. The unique flora and fauna, the natural beaches and the fascinating underwater world are thus under special protection.

So it is not only wonderful to enjoy the sun on the natural beaches and refresh yourself in the crystal-clear sea, but it is also particularly worthwhile to explore the underwater world. The unique ecosystem of the Northern Sporades ensures, among other things, that the rare Mediterranean monk seals cavort here.

But the underwater world around Alonnisos also combines the beauty of nature with the myths and legends that surround the island. Thus, numerous historically valuable shipwrecks, some of which originated from the seabed, can be found on the seabed. 4. and 5th century BC originate.

Excursion tip – Pelagonisi

The northern Sporades hold some treasures and so a boat trip from Alonnisos to the island of Pelagonisi (Kyra-Panagia) is worthwhile. It is the largest uninhabited island in the archipelago. But this was not always the case and numerous finds prove that the now uninhabited island was built as early as 6,000 years BC. was settled. There is evidence that the ancient city of Alonnisos was located on the island. A testimony to the former settlement are the ruins of the Kyra Panagia monastery complex, a windmill and a historic wine press.

Culinary tips for your holiday in Alonissos

To this day, the inhabitants of Alonnisos are very conscious of tradition, which is reflected not only in the authentic places, but also in the gastronomic offer. Fresh fish should not be missing from the menu in any tavern on the island and the tasty fish dishes also convince gourmets.

Especially the traditional fish soup Kakavia is worth trying, but also delicious meat dishes prepared according to family recipes can be found in the taverns. However, local specialties also include desserts such as fauskakia or hamalia. A very special sweet called Amigdalota is also very suitable as a souvenir to extend the holiday season, at least culinarily.

If you are looking for peace and solitude during your holidays, and want to combine the whole thing with wonderful summer weather and originality, the Cycladic island of Amorgos is the right place for you. There are neither large hotels nor other traces of mass tourism here. Less than 2,000 people live on the island, which is around 38 square kilometres in size. On the other hand, there are breathtakingly beautiful cliffs, rock monasteries worth seeing and fascinating hiking routes on well-trodden mule tracks.

The exciting entrance to the island

Amorgos can be reached by ferry from the Greek capital Athens, or from one of the larger Cyclades islands. Even the entrance over the emerald shimmering Aegean Sea is an experience. The ferries land alternately in Katapola and Ägiali. During the arrival of the ferries in Katapola, visitors have a fantastic view of the surrounding cliffs with their bizarre rock formations. Afterwards, it is worth stopping in the traditional fishing village. Directly by the sea, there are excellent restaurants where the fresh catch of the fishermen is tastily prepared and offered for sale. From the terraces of the restaurants, you can watch a tranquil sunset in the evening. The small village is winding, visitors stroll through enchanted and narrow alleys. The houses have been built, as on the rest of the island, entirely according to the Cycladic architectural style. Box-shaped snow-white houses, with blue decorations that can be seen occasionally, are lined up next to each other. After strolling through the village, a short hike should be taken to the excavation site of the ancient city of Minoa, which is located about three kilometers from the center of Katapola. A well-signposted hiking trail leads there. Minoa is located above the modern village. In addition to the exciting remains of a long-abandoned city, there is also a magnificent view over the bay of Katapola to enjoy.

A stroll through the idyllic island capital of Chora

Another highlight is a visit to the island’s capital Chora, which is sometimes referred to as Hora. The maze of alleys is even more convoluted here than in Katapola. In Chora, there is also a Venetian-style fortress that dates back to the 13th century. It is located high on a rock above the city. The best way to climb the fortress is in the evening hours, because then you can marvel at the setting sun in addition to the wide panoramic view over Chora. In the archaeological museum of Chora, which is open to all visitors, excavation finds from the island of Amorgos from the Minoan era are exhibited. A short walk east takes the adventurous to some traditional stone windmills.

Content: A pensioner is found dead in an old apartment in Berlin Charlottenburg. He was brutally murdered, and the circumstances of his death horrify even hardened detectives. The first clues lead to a small coastal town on an island in the southern Aegean. Filippos Panos, the police chief of Paros, is ordered to Amorgos to support the German-Greek team of investigators. What did the old man want there shortly before his death, after he had turned his back on the island many years ago? It quickly becomes clear that he was not only on the island for his vacation, and long-forgotten things become the focus of the investigation …

On foot, over the Palia Strata to the Orthodox monastery of Panagia Chozoviotissa

Palia Strata literally translates to “Old Road”. This trail, which is the most famous and also the most beautiful on the whole island, is an old mule track. From Chora, you hike over 14.5 kilometers to the Orthodox monastery of Panagia Chozoviotissa, which is known as the landmark of the island of Amorgos. The monastery complex, which stands on a 300-metre-high cliff, was built as early as the 11th century. The monastery of Panagia Chozoviotissa is not only ancient, but even the second oldest monastery in all of Greece. There are 300 steeply rising steps leading to the entrance of the monastery, which makes the ascent very sweaty on hot days. On the other hand, the view over Chora from the monastery is phenomenal.

If you want to visit the monastery not only from the outside, but also from the inside, which is free of charge, you should adhere to the strict dress code of the Orthodox monks. Men and women must wear long trousers. For men these are long trousers, for women skirts. Ladies who are not skirt wearers, for example, can improvise with a long scarf that they wrap around their hips. In addition, the shoulders must be covered when entering the monastery. Afterwards we continue via Kapsala to the villages of Asfondilitis, Potamos and Aegiali. The hiking trail, like many hiking routes on the island, is considered difficult. The climbs are sometimes very steep. The ground often consists of narrow paths covered with scree. It is therefore advisable to wear good hiking shoes in any case. Depending on the season, it can also get very hot on the hike. Therefore, you should always take enough water with you. A hat and sunscreen should also be taken with you on the hiking tour.

The most beautiful beaches in Amorgos

The Cycladic island of Amorgos is not necessarily known as a classic beach holiday destination due to its many cliffs. But even here there are some beach pearls that are worth visiting. The beaches of Psili Ammos, Levrossos and Hochlakies are all hidden at the end of a narrow hiking trail. They can also be reached by boat from the water. Ideal for sun worshippers who love to be alone.