Exploring the Hidden Gems of Lithakia Zakynthos
- Georgia Louise
- Jun 15
- 6 min read
Nestled on the southern coast of Zakynthos, the picturesque village of Lithakia is often overlooked by travelers eager to visit popular tourist spots. Yet, this charming settlement offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, rich culture, and an authentic Greek experience. From stunning beaches to vibrant local traditions, let’s journey through the hidden gems of Lithakia, Zakynthos.
A Glimpse into Lithakia's Charm
Lithakia is a quaint village that beautifully combines rustic Greece with breathtaking views. Here, traditional stone houses sit alongside olive groves, creating a serene atmosphere. The mountains in the background only add to the picture. Unlike more commercialised areas of Zakynthos, Lithakia has managed to keep its local character intact, making it ideal for those wanting to escape the crowded tourist areas and see how the locals live!
The village is a quick drive from Zante Town or popular tourist resorts such as Kalamaki and Laganas, yet its relaxed vibe feels worlds away from the busy attractions. Strolling its narrow streets or enjoying a meal at the local taverna invites visitors to slow down and really savor each moment. For example, you might find yourself sipping a coffee while watching locals go about their daily lives, truly immersing yourself in the local culture.
Beautiful Beaches Nearby
A major attraction of Lithakia is its close proximity to some of Zakynthos's finest beaches. Agios Sostis Beach, famous for its soft golden sands and crystal-clear waters, is just a quick trip away. This beach is not only perfect for sunbathing and swimming but also offers sunbeds and umbrellas as well as pedalo's available to hire by the hour. There is also a smaller, more hidden beach with no infrascturcure that the locals (and myself) love. Perfect if you feel like going off the beaten track and fully relaxing on a quiet spot of white sand. Nearby, along the promenade, tavernas serve delicious local dishes, making it an excellent family-friendly option.
For those seeking tranquility, Keri Beach is an ideal alternative. With fewer visitors, it offers a peaceful spot for sunbathers and snorkelers alike. Dut to its proximity to Marathonisi Island (also known as Turtle Island due to its shape being that of a turtle, as home to many Caretta loggerhead turtles), snorkelling is a great option for Keri beach if you are a confident swimmer, and want to swim a little further out. The crystal clear warm waters are delightful, and you may even meet a little friend along the way! The natural beauty surrounding Keri Beach makes it a hidden treasure worth exploring. In fact, studies show that quieter beaches can enhance relaxation and overall enjoyment, making Keri a great choice for those looking to unwind. Similar to Agios Sostis, Keri beach also offers a promenade full of both local tavernas service traditional greek food, and sports bars serving MASSIVE ice cream sundaes, brownies and various other delicious sweet treats. There is also a supermarket and tourist shop if you fancied stocking up on some Lays and Fanta Lemon, or wanted to purchase some souvenirs to take home.
Exploring the Culture of Lithakia
Lithakia's cultural heritage is both rich and inviting. The village is known for its traditional way of life, which visitors can experience first-hand. Locals often spend their winters harvesting the olive trees that have been floruishing on their land, transporting them via their tractors to the local olive factories, and
then producing them into the well-loved Olive Oil that you eventually see stocking the shelves of shops all over the island. In the summer, as the Olive Trees are newly pruned and ready to grow all summer again, the locals typically move onto their summer job, which on the Island of Zakynthos usually involves tourism.
Participating in community events is another fantastic way to immerse yourself in Lithakia's culture. In August every year, Lithakia celebrates in Panigiri , a traiditonal festival like evening, filled with Greek dancing, greek music, and of course, greek food! I attended the Panagiri in 2023 and i can honestly say it is one of my top highlights of zakynthos ever, and that means alot considering at the time of writing this blog post, i have been visiting Zakynthos multiple times of the year, for almost 25 years! The Panigiri is mainly local based, but tourists are always welcome as long as you go with high spirits and ready for a good time. Attending one of these events can be an enlightening experience, showcasing the village’s spirit and community bond. I will make a separate blog post on everything Panigiri and what to expect if you are attending one this up coming summer.
Lithakia is also home to numerous beautiful churches, which providing a service is not underway, they are free to enter and explore. These are a great way to explore the local orthodox life, just remember to dress accordingly and act respectfully, as the locals wont appreciate noisy, over-bearing tourists stomping their way through their local church!!!
Hiking Adventures and Natural Wonders
For outdoor lovers, Lithakia offers plenty of hiking trails that unveil Zakynthos's stunning landscapes. One popular trail leads to the cliffs of Keri, providing panoramic views that are hard to beat. On a clear day, you can see for miles over the Ionian Sea.
The paths meander through lush olive groves and emerald hillsides, where the diverse wildlife thrives. Birdwatchers will particularly enjoy the chance to spot rare species that call this area home. In fact, the region is known for housing over 200 bird species, making it a genuine paradise for nature enthusiasts.
Something to keep in mind is that Zakynthos only has one main road leading from Lithakia to Keri, so keep in mind this will be your hiking trail too. You want to be careful when walking through fields that you are not tresspassing on some dear mans property, so play it safe and stick to the roads. This goes without saying, but Island driving is typically very different to city driving so please be careful when walking road side. Stick to walking towards on-coming traffic, and change sides of the road when coming up to a bend... especially a hair pin bend when cars can come out of no w
here and full speed. Just be vigilant, if you like to listen to music on your hike, stay away from sound proofing headphones and maybe just stick one ear piece in so you can still listen out for on-coming traffic.
Gastronomic Delights
No visit to Lithakia is complete without indulging in the local cuisine. Dennis' taverna in the heart of the village offers traditional dishes prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From savory Moussaka to grilled fish, every meal is a treat for the taste buds. This is one of my favourite restaraunts, not just in Lithakia, but on the island as a whole. Some of my favourites where this salad with oranges, walnuts, cheese and lettuce, banoffee in a little shot glass, their meat platter was juicy and delcious, as well as their saganas was some of the most lightest and freshly frid cheese i've had. At the time of visiting Dennis', i only lived a 5 minute walk down the road, but its safe to say i would travel from anywhere on the Island, to eat here again. So much so, that in our up-coming July trip with my mum, i am prioritising this restaurant as a must visit, and will be driving us both their for an evening of indulging in their delicious food!
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