Cielo Villas

Worth getting out of bed for

Fancy an in-villa pampering session? Owner Nikos can call up local massage therapists and beauticians to soothe frazzled nerves and knotted shoulders. He also has a cadre of private chefs on call if you’re in the mood to pick up some local culinary know-how with a cookery lesson (or have a delightful dinner whipped up for you).

Stretch out your legs with a jog – Nikos will point you in the direction of the best local routes – or challenge your travel companion to a rousing match on the nearby tennis courts. Watersports – from paddle-board session to parasailing – can also be arranged on request.

There’s no shortage of sun-soaked beaches on Zakynthos, but for a more off-the-beaten-path saltwater dip, make your way (carefully, over the rocks) to secluded Korakonisi beach. This rocky seaside spot has a large natural rock arch and crystal clear water – have snorkels at the ready – but no beach huts or bars.

Take a gentle stroll up Bochali hill – just two kilometres from Zakynthos town – for panoramic views of the Venetian castle, the city and the sea beyond. Head up in the morning for cooler temperatures the reward of a hilltop coffee or fresh Greek breakfast. If you need to see famous Navagio Beach – on the opposite side of the island – charter a sailboat and plan to arrive early to beat the crowds; we’d recommend a pre-breakfast explore of the cliff-framed shipwreck.

Local restaurants

Looking for a leisurely brunch? Madisons dishes out mid-morning meals of bacon-topped eggs benedict, gooey croque madame, fluffy tahini pancakes, avocado-laden open-faced sandwiches and honey-drizzled Greek yoghurt. Fresh juices and rich coffees – from black-as-night to chocolate-laced concoctions – are on offer too. Taverna Kantouni (Logotheton, Zakynthos Town) dishes out authentic Greek fare. Tuck into feta-topped salads, cooling tzatziki and crispy fried smelt while you escape the midday sun. For uninterrupted sea views and fresh fish, make your way to open-air eatery Bassia. Share plates of swordfish souvlaki, shrimp and langoustine orzotto, seafood linguini and grilled fish. Modern Greek restaurant Prosilio is open during the summer months for dinner. Kick back at a table in the open-air courtyard, enjoy the creative menu – white shrimp with crispy cranberry, truffle-topped carpaccio, Jerusalem artichoke chips and coconut semifreddo are among the offerings – and pick a bottle of two from the extensive wine selection.

Local bars

Base Cafe and Roof Cocktail Bar is smack in the centre of Zakynthos town. It serves classic Greek dishes, coffees and drinks throughout the day, but the real draw is its rooftop bar, where you’ll get panoramic views, icey cocktails and DJs spinning beats into the wee hours.