Culinary Holidays in Zakynthos typically include a well-balanced mix of food-focused activities and immersive cultural experiences.
Expect hands-on cooking classes where you’ll learn how to make local favorites like moussaka, souvlaki, or bourdeto (a spicy fish stew). Classes are often held in traditional kitchens, vineyards, or open-air courtyards surrounded by olive trees.
Beyond the time spent in the kitchen, you might go on guided visits to local farms, sample award-winning extra virgin olive oil, or tour a vineyard while learning about the island’s native grape varietals. Some itineraries include foraging walks or visits to honey producers. Wine and olive oil tastings are nearly always included, and some retreats even offer yoga or wellness activities to round out the experience.
Many packages also include cultural excursions to historical sites like the Byzantine Museum in Zakynthos Town, the hilltop village of Bohali, or even boat trips to the stunning Blue Caves and Navagio Beach (which you can see from the sea, as the beach itself remains closed to visitors due to ongoing safety concerns).
More adventurous travelers will also be pleasantly surprised by this island. Your retreat might include diving lessons or horse riding. And if you’re more artistically inclined, you can attend a ceramics workshop or take painting lessons.
On a Culinary Vacation in Zakynthos, accommodations range from boutique hotels and seaside villas to charming agritourism properties tucked away in olive groves. Many holidays are hosted in traditional homes or rural guesthouses that let you live like a local. You can expect warm hospitality, beautiful views, and a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
As for what you’ll eat, prepare for your taste buds to be delighted. Meals often start with mezedes, such as tzatziki, grilled halloumi, and dolmades (stuffed vine leaves). You’ll also enjoy the local cheeses, especially ladotyri (a hard cheese preserved in olive oil), as well as stifado (a hearty meat dish made with beef, onions, and tomato sauce). Fresh seafood is abundant, and local wine accompanies every meal. Dessert might include mandolato (a nougat-like sweet) or pasteli (made with local honey and sesame seeds).
And if you’re searching for popular places for a Culinary Holiday in Zakynthos, there are quite a few to choose from. Volimes is a mountainous village known for artisanal products, including cheese, honey, olive oil, and handmade crafts. Nestled among olive groves, Lithakia, one of the oldest villages on the island, is great for olive oil tastings and local farm visits.
Keri, on the other hand, is a coastal village perfect for seafood lovers and traditional tavernas. Agalas is a peaceful village with stone houses, ideal for cooking classes and countryside experiences. Last, but not least, the capital, Zakynthos Town, is where you can explore local markets, museums, and refined restaurants.
The best time to enjoy a Culinary Vacation in Zakynthos is from May to October. Spring and early summer (May and June) bring mild weather and blooming landscapes, while in autumn (September and October), you’ll visit during the harvest months, ideal for wine, olives, and late-season produce. Peak summer (July and August) is warm and lively, ideal for combining beach time with food exploration, though it can get slightly more crowded.
Ready to savor the island as a local? Book a Culinary Holiday in Zakynthos and enjoy a deliciously unforgettable experience!