Think You Know Zakynthos? These 30 Facts Will Surprise You

From Singing Stones to Ghost Villages: 30 Zakynthos Facts

You’ve seen the Shipwreck Beach selfies and maybe survived Laganas’ infamous nightlife. But beyond the Instagrammable views, Zakynthos has a wilder, weirder story to tell. It’s a place where underground lakes hum with ancient energy, goats climb trees, and villagers whisper about mountains that sing. From myth to geology, Zakynthos is an island that hides its coolest secrets in plain sight. Whether you're a traveler who likes off-the-map stories or just someone who loves a good “wait, what?” moment—these 30 quirky, unknown facts will make you see Zante in a whole new light.

🧜‍♂️ 1. Navagio Beach May Have a Haunted Ship

Shipwreck Beach is stunning—but its centerpiece, the rusted MV Panagiotis, comes with eerie whispers. Locals claim the wreck emits sounds at night—groans, metal creaks, even phantom footsteps. Some believe it’s haunted by smugglers who perished onboard, while others say it’s just the wind and waves. Either way, some boat captains refuse to visit late in the day. Want a spookier perspective? Ask a local about “The Watchman,” a shadowy figure sometimes seen near the cliffs. Beach selfies never looked so haunted.

🐢 2. Zakynthos Sea Turtles Have Their Own Protected Airport

Caretta caretta—also known as loggerhead sea turtles—don’t just nest on Zakynthos beaches; they practically run the island’s environmental policy. In fact, planes at the Zakynthos airport are required to take off and land only during the day to avoid disrupting the turtles' nesting patterns at night. This unusual air traffic rule makes Zakynthos one of the only places in Europe where wildlife influences flight schedules. The turtles even have a marine national park named after them—because when ancient sea creatures want peace and quiet, you give it to them.

🕊️ 3. A Church Bell Once Rang on Its Own—During an Earthquake

In 1953, a massive earthquake struck Zakynthos, leveling much of the island. But at one small hilltop chapel in Kiliomenos, locals claim the bell rang by itself seconds before the tremors began. Some saw it as divine warning, others as proof of supernatural presence. The bell tower remained untouched while nearby buildings crumbled. Even today, villagers leave candles there on August 12—the anniversary of the quake. Whether it was physics or prophecy, Zakynthians haven’t forgotten the bell that tolled before the world shook.

🐐 4. Goats Climb Olive Trees Here

If you’re hiking inland and spot something furry high up in a tree—no, you’re not hallucinating. Goats in Zakynthos actually climb olive trees in search of young leaves and fresh olives. Farmers say it’s been happening for generations, and some even encourage it to help prune trees. It’s weird, it’s real, and it makes for one of the best “wait, is that a goat up there?” travel photos you’ll ever take. Just don’t try to follow them. They’re better climbers than you.

🕳️ 5. Zakynthos Has an Underground Lake That Locals Avoid at Night

Deep in the mountainous village of Loucha, there’s an old cave-lake called Limni tou Drakou (Dragon’s Lake). Some locals refuse to go near it after dark, claiming strange lights flicker on the surface and eerie whispers echo from the walls. Others say it’s just bats and wind. Still, even hikers admit the temperature drops sharply near its entrance. The lake's name comes from a legend that a dragon guards it—though no one’s seen him. Probably because he’s sleeping through tourism season.

🔥 6. It Was Once the Site of a Volcano That Vanished

Zakynthos doesn’t have an active volcano, but ancient records and underwater formations suggest there once was one—now sunken beneath the sea. In the strait between Zakynthos and Kefalonia, divers have discovered oddly shaped lava rock, deep cracks, and unusual magnetic anomalies. Some believe this was a prehistoric eruption zone that later collapsed into the ocean. Locals near Agalas say their hot springs “hum” during certain moon cycles—a sign, they claim, that something old and fiery is still stirring below.

🥁 7. Locals Once Used Drums to Communicate Between Villages

Before phones, Zakynthians got creative. Villagers in the mountains used large handmade drums (called “tampouria”) to send signals across the island. Different rhythms meant different things—weddings, deaths, gatherings, or danger. Some elders say they could interpret drum patterns the way we read texts. The tradition has faded, but every summer in Machairado, reenactors beat the drums in traditional costume, reviving the soundscape of old Zakynthos. It’s history you don’t just see—you feel it in your chest.

🧊 8. Zakynthians Used to Keep Ice Underground—Even in Summer

Before refrigeration, Zakynthians preserved winter snow in underground rock cisterns lined with straw. These early “ice houses” kept food cold and were sometimes used to make primitive gelato or cool down wines. You can still see remains of these clever contraptions near Exo Hora and Askos. Locals would dig snow from mountain peaks in January and store it until July—proof that island innovation doesn’t always involve electricity. Ice cream? Basically invented here.

🐾 9. There's a Village Where No Cars Are Allowed

In the hills near Loucha lies a nearly untouched hamlet called Giri, where most paths are too narrow for cars. Locals get around on foot, by mule, or small scooter. It’s quiet, cobbled, and almost time-frozen—no souvenir stands, no traffic, no noise. Some call it Zakynthos’ last truly traditional village. At night, all you hear are crickets, clinking coffee cups, and the occasional church bell. If you’re lucky, a friendly cat will guide you to the only taverna in town.

🎶 10. Zakynthos Has Its Own Musical Language

Locals have a unique form of serenading called kantades—romantic folk songs sung in harmony, often by groups of men with guitars and mandolins. Originally sung under balconies or in cafés, kantades date back to Venetian times and are now part of island weddings, festivals, and even funerals. Some kantades include verses only understandable to Zakynthians, mixing Italian words, Greek slang, and old island expressions. Think of it as musical dialect: emotional, poetic, and slightly indecipherable to outsiders—but unforgettable once you hear it.

🐌 11. Zakynthos Hosts a Rainy Season Snail Festival

Locals in mountain villages like Keri look forward to the first autumn rains not just for the crops—but for the snails. After the downpour, hillsides come alive with edible snails, which are gathered by hand and cooked in traditional village feasts. Known as “bourbouristoi,” the dish is flavored with wild herbs, garlic, and olive oil. Some locals claim snail season predicts the weather ahead—more snails, wetter winter. It’s not on any tourist calendar, but if you find yourself invited to one of these gatherings, go. It’s slow food in every sense of the word.

🕯️ 12. A Candle Has Been Burning for Over 300 Years

Inside the monastery of Anafonitria, there’s a candle that locals say has been burning continuously since the 1700s—relit every day without fail by generations of monks. The candle is said to protect sailors and keep evil away from the west coast of the island. Seafarers used to stop at the monastery to offer prayers before sailing through storm-prone waters. Even today, fishermen sometimes leave a coin or a rope knot near the candle before major voyages. It’s one of Zakynthos’ quietest miracles—burning in the background of daily island life.

🧠 13. Dionysios Solomos Wrote Greece’s National Anthem in Zakynthos

Greece’s national poet, Dionysios Solomos, wrote the “Hymn to Liberty” in Zakynthos in 1823, inspired by the island’s revolutionary spirit. The anthem later became the national anthem of both Greece and Cyprus. You can visit his preserved home in Zakynthos Town, where manuscripts and early drafts are still on display. Locals are fiercely proud of him—his statue guards the entrance to Solomos Square, and many families still recite his poems from memory. For an island known for beaches, it’s also got a strong literary soul.

🔮 14. A Mountain Village Claims to Have a Fortune-Telling Tree

In the remote village of Agios Leontas, there’s an old olive tree that’s said to “respond” to whispered questions during a full moon. Locals believe the rustling of its branches, the direction the wind blows through it, or even the shape of shadows cast on the bark can offer answers to love and life questions. Superstition? Probably. Magical? Definitely. Teenagers from surrounding areas still dare each other to ask the tree a question at midnight. Some say the tree only answers honestly to those who ask with a pure heart.

🍷 15. Zakynthians Drink a Secret Wine You Can't Buy in Stores

Ask for “Verdea” at a taverna, and you might get a wink. This local green-tinged white wine is made from a mix of indigenous grapes like Goustolidi and Robola—and is almost never exported. Verdea is dry, grassy, and slightly herbal, reflecting the wild herbs that grow near the vineyards. Many families still make their own versions in backyard barrels, and you’ll only taste the good stuff if you’re invited in. It pairs beautifully with grilled octopus, village gossip, and a sunset that makes everything taste better.

⛪ 16. A Church Bell Tower Was Built from Pirate Cannons

The church of Agios Nikolaos tou Molou, located right on the harbor of Zakynthos Town, has an unexpected secret—its bell tower incorporates repurposed pirate cannons. After defending the island from corsairs in the 1600s, locals melted down cannon parts and used them as decorative ironwork and structural reinforcements. If you look closely, you’ll see cannon handles and markings on the wrought iron stairs. It’s a quiet nod to Zakynthos’ once-volatile past, when defending the island wasn’t just poetic—it was survival.

🦷 17. Ancient Zakynthians Practiced Tooth Jewelry

Archaeological digs on Zakynthos uncovered human remains dating back to the Hellenistic era with gold-threaded teeth—a rare form of ancient dental decoration. The gold wires may have symbolized status or been used in spiritual practices related to burial. Some historians say they could even be a form of dental repair mixed with bling. Either way, Zakynthos had gold grills way before TikTok. The artifacts now sit in the Zakynthos Museum—evidence that even thousands of years ago, islanders knew how to smile in style.

🛕 18. There's a Hidden Cave Shrine to a Mermaid Saint

Near the cliffs of Porto Limnionas, a barely visible trail leads to a small sea cave with a handmade shrine inside—dedicated to “Agia Gorgona,” or Saint Mermaid. It’s not recognized by the Orthodox Church, but islanders leave shells, candles, and ribbons here, believing the mermaid saint protects sailors and swimmers. The story blends ancient siren myths with local Christian lore. According to legend, she once saved a boy from drowning by turning into sea foam. Today, offerings continue to appear, though no one admits to placing them.

📚 19. Zakynthos Had One of the First Public Lending Libraries in Greece

Founded in 1628, the Zakynthos Public Library was among the first in Greece to allow anyone—rich or poor—to borrow books. During Venetian rule, the library hosted rare manuscripts in Latin, Italian, and Greek, and some surviving texts date back to the 1400s. Though the original building was destroyed in the 1953 earthquake, the collection was partially saved and moved to its current home in Zakynthos Town. It’s not just a quiet place to read—it’s a living archive of centuries of island curiosity, learning, and resistance.

🎭 20. The Island Has a Shadow-Puppet Theater Tradition

Zakynthos has its own form of Karagiozis—a traditional shadow puppet theater that combines slapstick humor, political satire, and folklore. Performed behind white screens with candlelight and colored puppets, these shows were once the island’s top form of entertainment. Today, a few local schools and cultural centers still teach the art form, using puppets made from goatskin and bamboo. Some performances are fully improvised, drawing from current island news or village gossip. It’s theater with no spotlight—but all the shadows steal the show.

🐍 21. A Rare Snake Only Found on Zakynthos

Zakynthos is home to a non-venomous snake species called the Zante viper, which is not actually a viper at all. This shy reptile exists only on the island, preferring olive groves and stone walls where it blends into the earth-toned background. Harmless to humans, it's revered by some farmers as a good omen for crop fertility. Local folklore says if you see one on your wedding day, it's a sign of lifelong prosperity. Just try not to scream if one slithers across your foot.

🌿 22. Some Locals Still Forage for Wild Tea

On early morning walks through the hills, especially in spring, you'll spot villagers gathering wild herbs like ironwort, mountain thyme, and sage to brew into traditional teas. Known as “tsai tou vounou,” these teas are used to treat everything from stomachaches to insomnia. Some families have their own secret blends passed down for generations. They're rarely sold—just shared among neighbors or offered to guests after a heavy meal. Zakynthos isn’t just scenic—it’s medicinal.

🧀 23. Zakynthos Has Its Own Cheese You've Never Heard Of

While feta gets the fame, Zakynthos is quietly proud of “ladotyri Zakynthou”—a hard, spicy sheep's milk cheese preserved in olive oil. Its name literally means “oil cheese.” This island delicacy is aged in clay jars, gaining its unique sharp flavor over time. Locals eat it with bread or melt it over roasted vegetables, and some say it’s an aphrodisiac (especially when paired with strong local wine). You probably won’t find it in supermarkets, but knock on the right farmhouse door and you might leave with a wheel.

🏛️ 24. An Entire Venetian Fortress Is Hidden in the Pines

Above Zakynthos Town, tucked into a pine forest, sits the ruins of a massive Venetian fortress—complete with old prison cells, arched gates, and cannon mounts. Few tourists ever visit it, despite panoramic views and total Instagram potential. Built in the 15th century, the fortress once protected the island from Ottoman pirates. Today, it’s quiet, often empty, and sometimes echoing with distant dog barks and wind through pine needles. Bring a flashlight, a sandwich, and a sense of curiosity.

⚓ 25. A Giant Anchor Lies at the Bottom of Laganas Bay

Divers in Laganas Bay have reported spotting a massive centuries-old anchor buried in the sand, believed to belong to a shipwreck that predates the Panagiotis. Covered in coral and surrounded by schools of fish, the anchor has never been officially recovered or studied. Local dive guides refer to it as “The Island’s Tooth,” and it’s become a kind of underwater legend. If you find it, take a mental picture—it’s proof that the real treasures of Zakynthos lie beneath the surface.

🧿 26. Some Zakynthians Use Blue Glass to Ward Off Jealousy

In parts of the island, you’ll notice blue glass bottles or shards hanging from olive trees or tucked into stone walls. These aren’t just decorative—they’re meant to ward off the “mati”, or evil eye. Locals say blue reflects envy and protects against bad luck. While the practice is fading, older generations still swear by it. Some say the glass must come from the sea to work properly. If someone suddenly gifts you a shiny blue pebble, take the hint: they’ve got your spiritual back.

🎨 27. Street Art Hides in the Alleys of Zakynthos Town

Look beyond the shopfronts, and you’ll find pops of surreal street art in back alleys and abandoned corners of Zakynthos Town. A growing group of anonymous local artists has been tagging walls with mythological murals, ironic slogans, and dreamy island-scapes. Most are unsigned, and some disappear under whitewash just as quickly as they go up. It’s an evolving, unsanctioned open-air gallery—part protest, part poetry. For those who wander, the island speaks.

🐴 28. Donkeys Were Once Island Celebrities

Before roads were built, donkeys were the lifeblood of Zakynthos. They carried goods, people, and supplies across rugged terrain. Some families even passed their donkeys down through generations and gave them names, birthdays, and funeral rites. In the village of Volimes, there's still a mural dedicated to a donkey named “Pandelis” who carried olive oil barrels for over 30 years. These animals weren’t just transport—they were family, and in some rural corners, they still are.

💀 29. A Skeleton Once Washed Ashore That No One Could Explain

In 1987, after a violent storm near Skinari, locals discovered a partial skeleton entangled in seaweed—large, humanoid, but with unusually long ribs and thick bone density. For years, speculation swirled: was it a shipwreck victim? A sea creature? A hoax? No official conclusion was reached, and the bones mysteriously disappeared from the town hall where they were stored. The event is now local legend, whispered by fishermen over late-night ouzo. Some say it was just driftwood. Others aren’t so sure.

🏝️ 30. The Island’s Real Name Isn't Zakynthos

Locals often refer to the island as “Fiore di Levante”—the Flower of the East—a name given by the Venetians in the 15th century. While “Zakynthos” is the official name, and traces back to Greek mythology (Zakynthos was the son of Dardanus), many locals feel “Fiore” better captures the island’s spirit: romantic, wild, and full of color. You’ll see the nickname engraved on tiles, sewn into cushions, and scribbled on signs if you know where to look. It’s not just a name—it’s a love letter in disguise.

Zakynthos—An Island That Whispers Between the Waves

Zakynthos isn’t just shipwrecks and nightlife. It’s a living mosaic of myths, mountain whispers, secret cheeses, and unsolved mysteries. It's a place where sea turtles direct airplanes, monks light centuries-old candles, and goats climb trees like they own the place. Scratch beneath the surface of this Ionian beauty, and you’ll uncover a deeper, stranger rhythm—one that blends folklore with forgotten trails and underground melodies. If you’re the kind of traveler who listens for the stories between the waves, Zakynthos will tell you secrets no travel guide ever could.