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Askos Stone Park: A Zakynthian Wildlife Sanctuary

Explore Zakynthos's natural beauty at Askos Stone Park, a sanctuary where wildlife roams free among ancient stone structures.

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Askos Stone Park, located near Volimes in Zakynthos, is a 124-acre wildlife sanctuary, natural zoo, and archaeological site. It showcases the island's flora and fauna, with opportunities to observe and interact with various animals in their natural habitats amidst unique stone structures dating back centuries.

A brief summary to Askos Stone Park

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the park's stone pathways.
  • Visit during the cooler parts of the day, as animals may seek shade during peak sun hours.
  • Take advantage of the opportunity to participate in feeding the animals or other interactive activities.
  • Bring your camera to capture the unique blend of nature and historical stone structures.
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Getting There

  • Bus and Taxi

    To reach Askos Stone Park from Zakynthos Town, take the bus to Alykes. From the Alykes bus stop, a taxi can take you to Askos Stone Park. The bus ride to Alykes typically takes 30-40 minutes. From Alykes, the taxi ride to Askos Stone Park is approximately 15-20 minutes. The bus fare to Alykes is around €3, and the taxi fare from Alykes to Askos Stone Park will cost approximately €12-18.

  • Car

    If driving from Zakynthos Town, head north towards Volimes. The journey is approximately 17 miles and takes about 28 minutes. Be aware that some roads, especially in mountain villages, can be narrow and winding. There is a free car park available near the entrance to Askos Stone Park.

Unlock the Best of Askos Stone Park

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Discover more about Askos Stone Park

Askos Stone Park, situated in the northern part of Zakynthos near the port of Agios Nikolaos, is a unique blend of wildlife sanctuary, forest reserve, natural zoo, agricultural research ground, and archaeological site. This 124-acre park opened to visitors in 2002 and is home to approximately 170,000 self-sown plants and hundreds of animals living freely in their natural habitats. The park's name derives from the ancient stone structures found throughout the area, including old stables, cellars, and rainwater collection basins carved into the rock around 600 years ago. These historical features are complemented by more recent stone and wood constructions that blend seamlessly with the natural environment. Visitors can encounter a diverse array of animals, including wild hawks, pigeons, peacocks, deer, rabbits, ponies, cows, horses, sheep, goats, and turtles. The park is also home to the rare Platonia deer and raccoons from North America. Knowledgeable guides offer insights into the park's ecosystem and may even involve visitors in activities such as feeding the animals, picking olives, or milking goats and cows. While a portion of the park is open to the public, the remaining area serves as a protected forest and agricultural space, ensuring the animals' well-being and providing food for their sustenance. Upon entering the park, visitors receive a complimentary bottle of water and can explore the grounds via stone-paved pathways.

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