Sherrie's Cruising Blog (Sailing Catamaran Element): Zakynthos

May 25 - May 28

We arrived at Zakynthos (more commonly called Zante by the locals). We pulled into the public quay now privatised by the local agents. Dimitri was very helpful with our lines and boat documents.

As we entered we noticed our new friends aboard s/v Seahorse were side tied not far up the dock from us. They were our neighbours in Chania harbour Crete. The fellow stopped by to say hello and chat later that day. It was nice to see familiar faces.

At some point we headed out for a walk around along the waterfront and came across an Admiral store. Both girls were in dire need of shorts and luckily the store had some that were acceptable for both. Once these were purchased we headed further and stopped into the local grocery store just to see what was available. I was so happy to see onion flakes (silly but many onion flake or powder is hardly found). I guess most people cook with fresh onions. With our purchases in tow we headed back to the boat to stow our goods.

Later we needed some internet so we took a walk along some of the inner back streets. As it was siesta time most shops were closed. As we walked along the street we started to notice the swallow nests with small, medium and big babies all crammed in the small nests. The parents constantly swooping in with nourishment for the hungry babes. It was very entertaining to watch. As we headed back we stopped at a local taverna for wifi and a beverage.

some of the many baby swallows in town waiting for food to be brought

On another outing to the post office (which was closed) to drop off school books to send back to Canada, we came across a pharmacy so I ducked in to see if they might have and mechlizine (my chosen seasickness medicine). The lady behind the counter was very helpful as I turned down what she first offered. She did a bit of searching and found what I was looking for. In the 4.5 months I have been in Greece this was the first time we had found it. I bought 5 boxes from her for something like 10 euro. I was very happy to be able to stock up.

Zakynthos is famous for shipwreck beach (only accessible by boat). In this particular bay if there is any sort of swell it can be dangerous to enter. Shaun had been checking the weather and it was looking good but we were both leery on taking Element. We decided that we would take a day trip that would take us to the blue caves and to the beach. We had to get up early to get back to the post office and on our way inquired about ticket prices. We purchased the tickets (25 euro/adult and 12 euro 50 for Paige) and quickly got our items prepped and walked down the dock to the power boat that would take us. The trip took us up the coast passing slowly by the Blue Caves and into Navagio Beach or better known as Shipwreck Beach. As we entered we were so very glad that we didn't bring Element. There was a swell with waves crashing onto the beach making beach access tricky.

The view was amazing and we recommend visiting if you ever get to Zakynthos. The beach was rocky and difficult to walk on with bare feet so shoes would be recommended. The high wall and the aquamarine waters make this a gem. We had 1 our at the beach but had to board the boat 15 minutes before departing.

On the way back the boat dropped anchor at the Blue Caves allowing us to jump into the "brisk" water for a short swim and then headed back to the town for 2:00 PM. We really enjoyed the time and met a couple from England that were sitting next to us.