5 Best Sights in Zakynthos, Greece

This remarkable two-floor museum is a testament to the resiliance of the island. Most of the ecclesiastical artworks here date from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, and were rescued from more than 100 churches across the island after the 1953 earthquakes tore through the land. Entire frescoes, woodcarvings, iconostases, and religious artworks by key artists from the Ionian School of painters (Doxaras, Koutouzis), who flourished in the post-Renaissance, all survive here. The only tragedy is the lack of English translation to give context to their past. Last entry is 3:30 pm.

Not nearly as unknown as it used to be, though the same could be said for the entire peninsula, Banana Beach's golden sands are still impressive. It is the largest beach on the island, with rocky, wooded fringes and clear, shallow waters perfect for families. It has a few bars, restaurants, and services. Sun beds occupy a good chunk of the shoreline, but its size means you can always find a quieter corner. Around four bus services a day run here from Zakynthos Town, if you don't want to drive. Amenities: sun beds; showers; food and drink. Good for: families; sunworshippers; swimming.

A charming tour run by the most famous olive-oil brand on Zakynthos. Many of the island's famed dopia olive trees are thought to be more than 2,000 years old, and this deep dive into local oil production in Zakynthos follows the process from branch to bottle. If you want to see an ancient dopia in real life, head to the village of Exo Chora, on the northwest coast. At its center grows what's known locally as the "elephant tree," a truly venerable gnarled wonder.

The Caretta caretta loggerhead sea turtle is a common visitor to Zakynthos. Every summer, hundreds return to its shores to lay their eggs, and yet their survival remains in the balance. The IUCN still classify this species as vulnerable. The problems caused by encroaching development, uneducated tourists, and unscrupulous boat tours is a major threat to the welfare of a species that, when hatched, already has just a one in 1,000 chance of surviving until adulthood. This center, run by volunteers, does its part to help those that stumble along the way. It should be noted that you aren't guaranteed to see any sea turtles (there are usually a few turtles); that's the nature of a rescue center. Daily feedings (10 am, 2 pm, and 6 pm) do take place, however, when there is something to feed. The center runs on minimal staff and looks a little shabby these days, but still offers good information.

For an island that doesn't really do public transport, Zakynthos makes a rare exception for its resort areas. There are regular buses between Tsilivi and Zakynthos Town, around 6 km away, during summer. That helps to make this one of the busiest stretches on the island, and you'll struggle to find an inch of its golden sands not subsumed by a sun bed or lobster-red British tourist. It also means it's well catered to, with umpteen bars, tavernas, and cafés surrounding the shore. Its waters accommodate Jet Skis, kayaks, banana boats, and paragliders. It's busy but you know what you're getting, and it's a good spot for those with little children, who will want for nothing. Amenities: food and drink; toilet; lifeguard; showers. Good for: families; watersports; resorts.