Αctivities
A playground for the over-and-underwater world adventurers.
Explore the North of Zakynthos
Please note: Any activities mentioned are available at an additional cost and
are not included in the accommodation price.
The Village
A short 5-minute walk to the right takes you to Alykes center. Supermarkets, ATMs, and traditional tavernas are at your feet. No car needed for dinner.
North Island Tours
We are perfectly positioned to explore the famous Shipwreck Beach (Navagio) and Blue Caves, just a 30-minute drive north.
The Nature
Walk to the left for serenity. A wooden pier, untouched sands, and snorkeling spots perfect for children.
Beyond the Guidebook
Zakynthos has two sides: the one tourists see, and the one locals live. Let us show you ours.
The "North Coast" Private Charter
Skip the crowded ports. A private skipper will pick you up from the small harbor just down the road. Within 20 minutes, you’ll be swimming inside the Blue Caves before the big tour boats arrive.
- The Highlight: A secret stop at ‘White Beach’—accessible only by boat—where the cliffs are sheer white and the water is electric blue.
- Dionysis Tip: Ask the captain to take you to the hidden sea caves near Xigia to see the sulfur waters bubbling up from the sea floor.”
The "Farm-to-Table" In-Villa Chef
Experience authentic Zakynthian gastronomy without leaving your terrace. We work with a select group of local chefs who bring the island’s flavors to your kitchen.
- The Menu: Freshly caught sea bream grilled on your BBQ, ‘Ladotyri’ (local spicy cheese), and village salad with organic oil.
- The Vibe: Enjoy your wine while the chef prepares a feast as the sun sets over the pines.
Sanctuary Yoga & Wellness
Sandy Pines wasn’t just built for sleep; it was built for restoration. We can arrange a private yoga instructor to guide you through a sunrise session right on your lawn, accompanied only by the sound of the morning waves.
- Massage Therapy: Post-swim deep tissue massages are available under the shade of the oleanders.
Scuba & Snorkeling (The Underwater Gardens)
The waters off Alykes are calm, shallow, and crystal clear, making them the perfect classroom for your first breath underwater.
- For Beginners: A private PADI instructor can meet you at the local dive center for a ‘Discover Scuba’ session.
- For Pros: We can arrange a boat dive to the ‘Blue Caves’ or the spectacular ‘Butterfly Cave,’ a labyrinth of underwater tunnels teeming with marine life.
The Olive Oil Awakening
Visit the nearby Aristeon Ecological Olive Press. This isn’t just a tour; it’s a tasting journey. Learn why Zakynthian olive oil is famous worldwide and bottle your own tin to take home.
- Distance: Just a short drive through the olive groves.
Horse Riding in the Olive Groves
Discover the untamed beauty of Zakynthos on horseback. Just minutes from the villa, we partner with a local stable that offers guided rides through the ancient silver olive groves and along the quieter trails of the Katastari valley.
- The Magic Moment: Book the ‘Sunset Ride.’ Watching the sun dip behind the Vrachionas mountains while riding through nature is a memory you will keep forever.
- Skill Level: Suitable for total beginners and experienced riders alike.
Hiking the "Stone & Sky" Trails
Zakynthos is famous for its beaches, but its soul is in the mountains. We can arrange a guided trek to the peaks of Vrachionas, the island’s highest point.
- The Route: Walk through aromatic herbs (sage and thyme) to reach panoramic viewpoints where you can see the entire island—from the shipwreck cove in the north to the turtle island in the south.
- Host Tip: For a less strenuous walk, ask us about the path to the ‘Old Monastery’ nearby, perfect for a morning meditation walk.
Mini Adventures for Little Explorers
Zakynthos is a playground. Here is how we keep the kids happy (so you can relax).
The Caretta Caretta Expedition (Eco-Friendly)
A trip to the National Marine Park in the south (Laganas/Gerakas) is a must.
We recommend a Glass Bottom Boat tour where children can spot the famous Loggerhead Turtles in their natural habitat without disturbing them. A magical biology lesson.
Tsilivi Water Park (Action Day)
Just a 15-minute drive from Sandy Pines, this is one of Greece’s best water parks. It’s perfect for a high-energy day out, featuring a lazy river for parents and adrenaline slides for teenagers.
Junior Ceramics Workshop
Unleash their creativity. We can book a morning slot at a local pottery studio where kids can get their hands messy with clay and create their own Zakynthian souvenir to take home.
Safe Snorkeling at Your Doorstep
Remember, the biggest playground is right in front of the villa. The water at Alykes is shallow for a long distance out, making it exceptionally safe for children to learn snorkeling and paddleboarding right under your supervision from the terrace.