Angel Sefer: Our visit to the Greek Island of Zakynthos (Part II)

Welcome back, my friends.

If you haven’t read Part I of our exciting visit to Zakynthos, click on this link.

Our visit to the Greek Island of Zakynthos (Part II)

When we go on vacation, my family and I enjoy the journey just as much as the destination. And going to Zakynthos this summer was no exception. We took our time and enjoyed the ride along the northern coastline of Peloponnese, the ferry to Zakynthos, and driving to the scenic town of Tsilivi.

My little boy has traveled with us to Europe and the USA. But this was his first time to visit a Greek Island in the Ionian Sea, and he was thrilled. My family and I have spent numerous summers in Kastro, Kyllini. During those unforgettable times, we used to lie down on the soft sand of the Golden Beach and gaze at the mysterious Ionian Islands on the horizon. And this summer, my son finally got his wish to visit Zakynthos.

Driving over the Rio–Antirrio Bridge, on our way to Zakynthos

At the port of Kyllini, waiting for the ship to take us to Zakynthos

We traveled to Zakynthos on Levante Ferries

Let me share an excerpt from my novel Eternal Soul Mates that describes my heroine’s trip to Zakynthos:

Book excerpt:

A few hours later, Joanna was leaning on the wooden gunwale of the ship, on her way to Zakynthos. She had taken a bus from Athens to the harbor of Kyllini, following a scenic route along the northern coastline of Peloponnese, and then had boarded the ferry.

Drawing a deep breath, she savored the salty scent of the breeze blowing on her face while her eyes wandered over the emerald waters of the Ionian Sea, sparkling like jewels in the brilliant sunshine. Overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, and smells of the vessel and the sea, Joanna felt like Alice in Wonderland.

All of a sudden, cheerful sounds made her glance at some passengers pointing towards the sea. She turned and was stunned to see a group of dolphins playfully leaping from the waves as they swam alongside the ship. The sight of these beautiful creatures and the cheers of the other passengers, especially the children, lifted Joanna’s spirits.

No matter what happens, I’m not sorry I came on this trip.

Closing her eyes, Joanna raised her face to enjoy the soft caress of the sun. I’m in heaven.

Her first time on a ship was a thrilling experience, stimulating her senses beyond description. Joanna felt content, enjoying the rhythmic swaying of the vessel—rising and falling with each secession of waves—as it sailed towards her destiny.

She glanced at Zakynthos from far away. Despite the bright sunshine, the island was smothered in a white haze as if trying to hide from unwanted visitors.

Wondering what this mysterious place had in store for her, a cold sweat washed over Joanna, and she went weak at the knees. Don’t panic, she urged herself. Breathe deeply! She closed her eyes and squeezed the wooden ship railing until her knuckles whitened. But the trembling inside her didn’t seem to subside.

The breathtaking scenery along her trip had occupied her mind so far and made her feel optimistic. But now that she was approaching her final destination, burning questions and doubts tormented her all over again. Who is that man in my dreams? And why does he call me, Anna? she wondered for yet another time. Am I going to find some answers on the island? Or is this trip just a waste of time and money? Her heart was telling her that she was right where she needed to be, but her mind told her otherwise. If she wanted to be realistic, it didn’t make any sense to fly almost six thousand miles away from home on a hunch. Not to mention that she had charged the expenses for the trip on her credit card, and it would probably take her at least a couple of years to pay it off.

And what was she going to do once she reached Zakynthos? She had no idea what she was supposed to search for or where to start looking. One step at a time, she reasoned with herself. After all, this is my mom’s birthplace. If nothing else, I should be able to visit it, at least once in my life.

Ever since she was a little girl, Joanna longed to visit Zakynthos. And now, she was almost there. So she might as well enjoy the trip and not allow second thoughts to ruin the experience.

My mom’s birthplace… Joanna’s heart fluttered like a little bird. She was going to visit Tsilivi—her mother’s hometown—walk on the roads Maria used to play on as a little girl. I might even be able to find the house she grew up in if it’s still standing. But then again, Mom probably had a good reason to alienate herself from Zakynthos, and whatever secrets were buried there, she thought and shot an uneasy glance toward the island in the mist.

End of the excerpt

On the ship to Zakynthos

A violent storm hit the island the day we were due to Zakynthos. By late afternoon that we made it there, we were “greeted” by dark clouds. What a sight! By the way, I love storms.

Arriving at the port of Zakynthos

But, by the time we disembarked and drove to the town of Tsilivi, the sun was shining brightly.

Let me share some exciting information on this fantastic island:

Zakynthos is one of the most exotic Greek Islands—a gem in the turquoise waters of the mesmerizing Ionian Sea. Boasting an incredible natural landscape and magical beaches, Zakynthos is also known as Fioro di Levante (Flower of the East) because there are over seven thousand species of flowers on the island.

The island is a wonderland of amazing sandy beaches, beautiful mountains, picturesque villages, and ports. What can I say about Tsilivi, Kalamaki, Gerakas, Porto Zoro, Agios Sostis, Limnionas, and so many other beautiful beaches? Not to mention, the famous and unique Navagio Beach. They are breathtaking—endless sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters. And among other things, they offer the fascinating experience of seeing the nests of the loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta.

Tsilivi Beach

Kalamaki Beach

Nest of the loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta.

I feel fortunate and deeply grateful for having the chance to visit this piece of paradise not only once but several times. Taking trips on the mountains, you can hear the birds singing and feel the fresh air caressing your face. Riding boats around the endless coves and swimming in the spectacular caves takes your breath away and helps rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul.

And of course…there is Navagio Beach. What an intriguing and enchanting place. A beautiful, secluded beach on the North-West side of the island, guarded by towering rocks like faithful knights keeping the beauty and secrets of this unique beach away from prying eyes.

Next week, I’m going to share more photos of our visit to Zakynthos and the famous Navagio Beach.

Come back and enjoy!

About Eternal Soul Mates:

Fascinated by the concepts of soul mates and reincarnation—the eternal cycles of the soul between this world and the Other Side—I have started a new paranormal romance collection cloaked in mystery and suspense. Eternal Soul Mates is the first novel released in the Flames of Destiny Collection.

Blurb of Eternal Soul Mates

In Eternal Soul Mates, the past merges with the present in a haunting and captivating story of love, loss, and betrayal.

Joanna Williams is bewildered by her mother’s mysterious past and scorching dreams of an irresistible stranger. Trying to find some answers, she visits her mother’s birthplace—the Greek Island of Zakynthos.

Alexandros Kortesis—the owner of a luxury resort on Zakynthos—is drawn to Joanna like no other. But a dark secret threatens his family’s legacy, and unfortunately, Joanna is the one trying to uncover it.

Danger and passion collide as the two soul mates—unaware that they were lovers in a past life—confront each other while at the same time try to resist the compelling force that draws them together. Will their eternal love prevail? Or will the battle against the evil guarding the secret lead them to their graves?

Eternal Soul Mates is a reincarnation romance story cloaked in mystery and suspense. The action unfolds on the Greek Island of Zakynthos—a paradise on earth, in the aquamarine waters of the Ionian Sea.