Venetian Watch Tower, Zakynthos Travel Guide

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Explore the historic Venetian Watch Tower in Zakynthos: a sentinel of the sea offering panoramic views and a glimpse into the island's past.

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Venetian Watch Tower

The Venetian Watch Tower in Planos, Zakynthos, is a historical landmark built during Venetian rule. This stone structure served as a lookout point to protect the island from maritime threats. Today, it offers visitors a glimpse into the island's past and panoramic views of the Ionian Sea.

A brief summary to Venetian Watch Tower

Planos, 291 00, GR

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Venetian Watch Tower.

Wear comfortable shoes for climbing the worn steps of the tower and exploring the surrounding area.
Visit during sunset for spectacular views of the Ionian Sea.
Combine your visit with a stop at a local taverna in Planos to savor traditional Zakynthian cuisine.
Check out the nearby Vardiola of Kypseli, another Venetian watchtower with similar architecture and historical significance.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Zakynthos Town, take the local bus towards Tsilivi/Planos. Buses depart from the central bus station in Zakynthos Town twice daily. The ride to Tsilivi takes approximately 20 minutes. From the Tsilivi bus stop, the Venetian Watch Tower is a short walk. Head towards the main square and follow signs to the tower. Bus fare is approximately €1-€3.
Taxi

From Zakynthos Town, a taxi to the Venetian Watch Tower in Planos will take about 7 minutes. Taxis are readily available near the port and other central locations. The estimated fare is €7-€11. Alternatively, pre-booked private transfers from Tsilivi/Planos to Zakynthos Airport are available for around $35.
Walking

If you are staying in Tsilivi, the Venetian Watch Tower is easily accessible on foot. From the center of Tsilivi, walk towards Planos, following the main road. The tower is a well-known landmark and is a pleasant walk of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Discover more about Venetian Watch Tower

Perched in the charming area of Planos, the Venetian Watch Tower, also known as Vardiola of Planos or Vardiola at Gidaki, stands as a testament to Zakynthos's rich history under Venetian rule. Constructed around 1770, likely during the administration of Venetian Governor Claudio Gherardini, this watchtower was part of a network of vardiolas built along the coasts of the Ionian Islands to guard against potential invasions. The term “vardiola” likely originates from the Italian word “guardiola,” meaning guard or observatory.The tower's architecture is characterized by its small dimensions, robust stone walls, and distinctive square pyramid-shaped roof. From its strategic vantage point, guards could monitor the surrounding waters and alert the island's inhabitants and authorities of approaching ships.Today, the Venetian Watch Tower is freely accessible to the public. Though time has weathered its structure, it remains a point of historical interest. Visitors can explore the tower, appreciate its unique blend of Venetian and local architectural styles, and enjoy panoramic views of the azure Mediterranean Sea, lush green hills, and the charming rooftops of Planos. The site is a favorite spot for photography enthusiasts seeking to capture the essence of Zakynthos. Surrounded by quaint cafes and local shops, the Venetian Watch Tower offers visitors the opportunity to relax and savor traditional Greek cuisine after exploring its rich history.