Discover the Secrets of Zakynthos with a Free Walking Tour
Are you going to visit the island of Zakynthos? Discovering this Greek island on foot is therefore an interesting and exciting way to tour since one can be able to interact of the culture, background and enjoy the natural scenery. First of all, one of the best options is to embark on free walking tours in order to uncover some of the less known treasures of the island. This article will provide all the relevant information you need to know about free walking tours in Zakynthos.
What is a Free Walking Tour?
A free walking tour, as the name suggests, is an open tour conducted by amateurs who have an interest in sharing information about their town/city with the world. These tours have become quite popular in all tourist destinations globally, and they have not been left out in Zakynthos. The tours are usually conducted with the help of qualified and friendly tour guides who guide visitors round the city, describing the key places, telling them interesting ancedotes and giving valuable advices.
Why Choose a Free Walking Tour?
Self-guiding tours have the following benefits compared to guided tours Free walking tours are highly advantageous than the conventional waking tours. Below are among the facts why one should consider joining one:
- Free of cost: These tours are not expensive in terms of money that has to be paid to organizers of these tours. Nevertheless, it is expected that you leave a tip to your guide at the end of the tour for the services offered.
- Local Perspective: Local guides are young people who know their city well and are more than willing to share their experience.
- Availability: Free walking tours may be conducted several times a day, and hence, you have the freedom to make your choice on when to undertake the tour.
- Small Groups: Some of them are grouped in small numbers of people in contrast with the traditional guided tours, making them more interactive.
What to Expect on a Free Walking Tour in Zakynthos
Special attention should be paid to the historical and cultural sights and attractions, as well as to the natural grandeur that allows tourists to take a free walking tour in Zakynthos. The following are some of the important areas of interest likely to be visited on the tour;
- Wandering around the picturesque and lovely Zakynthos Town, or Zante Town, and strolling along the old houses of the island.
- There is the Byzantine Museum where people could find out more information about the island related to the Byzantine Empire.
- Accosting the legendary unaccomplished ‘Solomos Square’ which has been named after Dionysios Solomos the poet of Greece.
- Wandering about the coastal area and the sea side together with beautiful views to the Ionian Sea.
- To receive information about the loggerhead sea turtles and countering their threats at the National Marine Park of Zakynthos.
- Visiting the remains of the Venetian Castle and thus getting the wonderful opportunity to see the wondrous views over Zakynthos.
- Enjoying various local specialties and traveling to traditional restaurants that serve Greek traditional meals as advised by the guide.
Tips for a Great Free Walking Tour Experience
Some recommendations that would prove useful when taking the free walking tour in Zakynthos are;
- It would be wise to go prepared, so do not wear tight clothing and make sure your shoes are comfortable as the demonstrating would require some amount walking for a few hours.
- Take a bottle of water with you for the need of water intake, especially during summer seasons.
- It is important to carry sunscreen and a hat to protect one from the scorching sun.
- Make your queries to your guide where you want to know more information about the culture and history of the place.
- The photographs should be taken gently and one should not forget to ask the people if they can be photographed.
- Feel free to buy souvenirs or snacks for instance at available stalls set ashore.
- As for tips , do not forget to leave them for the guide who tried his best to make the tour as enjoyable as possible.
Conclusion
Every traveler should make it a point to do a free walking tour in the island of Zakynthos for it is a way of experiencing the island, meets the locals and learn more about the wonderful place. It’s also worth noting that if you go for a free walking tour, throughout the tour, you will be shown not only the usual sights, but also some places where tourists rarely go, but are known to the local people. Therefore, do not forget your comfortable shoes, your cameras and excitement and let’s start exploring Zakynthos.
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