Family Adventure in Zakynthos: Sun, Sea, and Culture

A Day of Thrills and Ancient Echoes

Today was all about balancing the thrill of modern entertainment with the echoes of ancient history. Zakynthos, you continue to surprise and delight! We set out this morning with a plan to make some waves, literally, and then step back in time. It’s amazing how much variety this island offers, ensuring there’s never a dull moment for our family.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Ionio Pelagos. It's a family-run fish tavern that I heard has amazing breakfast, and it did not disappoint! After the breakfast, we packed our bags and headed to Zante Water Village. It was time to unleash our inner children at Zante Water Village!.


Experience a day of aquatic thrills and family fun at Zante Water Village, one of the largest water parks in Greece, located just outside Zakynthos Town.

The drive to Sarakinado was scenic, with olive groves and vineyards painting the landscape. Omar was practically bouncing in his seat with excitement, eager to hit the slides. I must admit, Fatima and I were equally excited, though perhaps a little more discreet about it. I remember back in Gharyan, the closest we got to water parks were the occasional trips to the Mediterranean coast. This was a whole new level of aquatic adventure!

Stepping into Zante Water Village, we were immediately greeted by a symphony of splashes and laughter. The park was vibrant and bustling, a true testament to its popularity. Being September, the crowds were manageable, which meant shorter queues and more time for fun. The layout was impressive, with a variety of slides and attractions catering to all ages and thrill levels. Omar, of course, wanted to try everything at once. Fatima, ever the cautious one, started with the gentler options, while I decided to dive right into the deep end, so to speak.

I started with the “Boomerang,” a slide that, true to its name, sent you soaring up a near-vertical wall before plummeting back down. The adrenaline rush was incredible! Omar, after watching me, decided he was brave enough to try it too. His face was a mix of terror and exhilaration as he emerged at the bottom, declaring it the best thing ever. Fatima even joined us, though I could tell she was slightly regretting her decision mid-slide. It was hilarious!

We spent hours exploring the park, from the twisting turns of the “Black Hole” to the relaxing drift along the lazy river. Omar made friends with a group of kids from England, and they spent the afternoon racing down slides and splashing each other in the wave pool. Fatima and I enjoyed watching him, feeling a sense of contentment seeing him so happy and carefree. It reminded me of the simple joys of childhood, something I always want to nurture in Omar, especially given the sometimes serious nature of our conversations about our past and our hopes for the future.

The best memories are made when you least expect them, embracing the joy of the moment with the people you love.

After a lunch of surprisingly decent fast food at the park, we decided to take a break from the slides and explore some of the other attractions. There was a pirate ship play area for younger children, which Fatima and Omar enjoyed, and a few quieter pools where we could relax and soak up the sun. I even managed to sneak in a few minutes to practice my photography, capturing the vibrant colours and joyful expressions of the people around us.

As the afternoon wore on, we reluctantly decided it was time to leave the watery wonderland. Omar protested, of course, but the promise of ice cream on the way back to the hotel seemed to appease him. We showered off the chlorine, gathered our belongings, and headed back to the car, tired but happy.

Leaving the exhilaration of the water park behind, we steered towards a different kind of adventure: a visit to the Venetian Aqueduct. This ancient structure, a testament to the island's rich history, offered a stark contrast to the modern thrills of the water park. Built in the 16th century by the Venetians, who ruled Zakynthos for centuries, the aqueduct once supplied water to the entire city. Today, it stands as a stone fountain, a silent witness to the passage of time.


Explore the Venetian Aqueduct in Zakynthos, a historic landmark showcasing Venetian engineering and island history.

The aqueduct is located in Krioneri, a quiet corner of Zakynthos Town. As we approached, I was struck by its simple yet elegant design. The stone arches and intricate carvings spoke of a time when engineering was an art form. Omar, initially unimpressed after the excitement of the water park, soon became curious, asking questions about how the aqueduct worked and who built it. I found myself launching into a history lesson, explaining the Venetian influence on Zakynthos and the importance of water in ancient civilizations.

We walked around the aqueduct, admiring the stonework and imagining what life must have been like when it was still in use. It was a humbling experience, a reminder that even the most advanced civilizations eventually fade away, leaving behind only traces of their existence. I pointed out the small embossed inscriptions on the stone building, and Omar tried to decipher them, pretending to be an archaeologist. It was a far cry from the adrenaline-fueled slides of the water park, but it was equally enriching, sparking his curiosity and broadening his understanding of the world.

After exploring the aqueduct, we took a leisurely stroll through Zakynthos Town, soaking up the atmosphere and admiring the architecture. The town was a mix of old and new, with traditional Greek buildings standing alongside modern shops and cafes. We stopped at a local bakery for some pastries, savoring the sweet flavors and watching the world go by. It was a perfect way to end our day of contrasts, balancing the excitement of the water park with the tranquility of the aqueduct.

As the sun began to set, we decided to treat ourselves to a special dinner at Porta del Mar Restaurant. Located right by the sea in Psarou Beach, this restaurant offered stunning views and a romantic atmosphere. We secured a table on one of the elevated balconies, overlooking the Ionian Sea. The setting was magical, with the sky ablaze with colour and the gentle sound of waves lapping against the shore.


Discover Porta del Mar Restaurant at Psarou Beach for an unforgettable culinary journey amidst stunning seaside views in Zakynthos.

The food was exquisite, a blend of traditional Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. We started with some classic appetizers, including tzatziki, dolmades, and saganaki. For our main courses, Fatima ordered the grilled octopus, Omar chose the souvlaki, and I opted for the fresh fish of the day. Every dish was bursting with flavour, a testament to the quality of the local ingredients.

As we ate, we talked about our day, sharing our favorite moments and laughing at our misadventures. Omar regaled us with stories of his new friends at the water park, while Fatima reminisced about the beauty of the aqueduct. I felt a sense of gratitude for these moments, for the opportunity to share these experiences with my family. It was a reminder of why we embarked on this journey in the first place, to create memories that would last a lifetime.

After dinner, as the stars began to twinkle in the sky, we decided to take a detour to The Breeze Bar in Tsilivi. I heard that it has a family-friendly atmosphere, and I wanted to check it out. We ordered some refreshing cocktails (non-alcoholic for Omar, of course) and settled in to enjoy the live music. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, with people of all ages dancing and singing along to the music. Omar even got up and showed off some of his dance moves, much to our amusement.


Discover the perfect retreat at The Breeze Bar in Planos, where stunning views and delightful drinks come together for an unforgettable experience.

The bar is part of the Lazaros Hotel complex, and it seems like a great place to stay for families. I made a mental note to consider it for our next visit to Zakynthos. We chatted with some of the other patrons, sharing stories and experiences. It was a reminder of the connections we make when we travel, the shared humanity that transcends borders and cultures.

Reflecting on our day, I realize how fortunate we are to have these experiences. From the exhilarating slides of Zante Water Village to the ancient stones of the Venetian Aqueduct, from the delicious food at Porta del Mar to the lively music at The Breeze Bar, every moment was a gift. Zakynthos continues to surprise and delight, offering a perfect blend of adventure, history, and culture. As we head back to the Diana Hotel, I can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation for what tomorrow holds. We’re planning to visit Bohali for panoramic views and Stranis Hill, which promises more historical insights. Until then, goodnight from Zakynthos!


Discover the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure at Diana Hotel, Zakynthos. Enjoy modern amenities, stunning views, and easy access to top attractions!

Tomorrow, we plan to visit the panoramic view of Bohali and Stranis Hill. I am looking forward to exploring more of Zakynthos' beautiful landscapes and rich history.