Things to Do at Venetian Castle of Zakynthos

The Venetian Castle of Zakynthos, locally known as Kastro, sits on a hill overlooking Zakynthos Town and offers one of the island's most compelling glimpses into its layered history. Built by the Venetians in the mid-15th century on the site of an ancient acropolis, this fortress was actually the island's capital for over 300 years until an earthquake in 1953 changed everything. What you'll find today are atmospheric ruins that give you a real sense of how strategic this position was - the views alone explain why everyone from ancient Greeks to Venetians wanted to control this spot. The castle might not have the pristine restoration of some Greek sites, but that's actually part of its charm. You'll wander through crumbling stone walls, past the remains of houses where Venetian nobles once lived, and into what's left of churches that blend Byzantine and Western architectural styles. The whole place has this wonderfully melancholic quality, especially in the late afternoon when the light hits the old stones just right and you can see across to the Peloponnese mainland.

The castle sits 2km southwest of Zakynthos Town. You can walk there, but the steep uphill climb will test your stamina-most people drive or grab a taxi instead. Parking is tight. A narrow road winds up to the entrance. Early morning arrival works best since the small parking area fills up quickly. Some visitors prefer the walk for exercise. The views improve with every step. No direct bus service. You can catch a local bus partway up, then walk the remaining distance to reach the entrance.