Amiddalia

The Area

Amiddalia nestles in the southwest corner of Zakynthos looking out over the little village of Keri Limniou and Keri Bay. This latter is home to the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, the idyllic islet of Marathonissi, and a wide arc of sandy beaches where sea turtles come to lay their eggs.

Keri Limniou is just a 10-minute stroll from Amiddalia and has a few mini-markets, a handful of tavernas and cafés, a beach and, importantly if you're thinking of renting a boat, a little harbour. Also within walking distance or a quick drive (2km) is the lovely sandy beach of Marathia.

At just over 30km long and 20km wide, Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is easily discoverable in a week and you're never more than an hour's drive from most places of interest. Glorious sandy beaches line the east coast of the island, while to the west things are rather more dramatic, with towering chalky cliffs, rocky coves (such as those at Porto Roxa and Porto Limnionas) and plenty of excellent opportunities for snorkelling.

Zakynthos's most popular, most spectacular and most photographed beach is Navagio, located in the northwest of the island. Taking its name from the shipwreck that has lain on its sand since the early 1980s, the bay is surrounded on three sides by spectacular tree-topped white cliffs and is only accessible by boat. This sublime setting and the bay's transparent, electric blue waters attract the crowds in high summer, but it's most certainly a sight to behold, both from the viewing point above and from the water below.

Just a few kilometres west of Amiddalia is the charming little village of Keri (not to be confused with Keri Limniou below the house). It's particularly attractive in the late afternoon when the sun begins to set into the sea. There are a couple of tavernas and it's a lovely spot to while away an evening.

The countryside of Zakynthos is peppered with other villages, a few of which, such as Lithakia and Exo Chora (this latter with 16th-century houses, a 17th-century church and a 2,000-year-old olive tree) survived the earthquake of 1953 relatively unscathed.

Finally, just over 20 minutes drive away from Amiddalia is the capital of Zakynthos, Chora (or Zakynthos Town), which is well worth a visit. A few of its historic Venetian buildings remain, there are some interesting museums and galleries, and its streets and squares are flanked by a summery buzz of bars, cafés and tavernas.