Zakynthos Off-Road Buggy Adventure with Swim Stop and Lunch

Starting point near Laganas

The adventure starts at Ampelokipoi, near the small Lake Makris in the Laganas area of southern Zakynthos, about ten minutes from Laganas beach and 15 minutes from Zakynthos Town. You arrive by 08:00 for the safety briefing, receive your goggles and bandana and get to know the buggy's controls before setting off at 08:30.

The first half hour follows quieter roads to let everyone get comfortable before the off-road sections begin. Our lead guide sets a steady pace and keeps the convoy together, stopping regularly to check that each driver is happy. If you are wondering how to get to the start, hotel transfers are not included, but most hotels in Laganas and Kalamaki are a short taxi ride away and we can arrange one.

Mizithres viewpoint and the Keri peninsula

Mizithres are two white limestone pinnacles rising straight out of the sea below the cliffs of the Keri peninsula, the south-western tip of Zakynthos. They take their name from the local soft white cheese, which the rocks resemble, and they are one of the most photographed natural sights on the island. From the clifftop the view drops over 100 metres to turquoise water, with the open Ionian Sea beyond.

This is the first big photo stop of the day, reached on a dirt track through pine and wild herbs. Is Mizithres worth seeing? The colour of the water against the white rock is remarkable, especially in the morning light. Stay behind the guide near the edge, as the cliffs are unfenced.

Andronios wells and the western uplands

From Keri the route climbs into the hilly western uplands, a quiet landscape of olive groves, stone walls, small chapels and maquis. Here you stop at the old Andronios wells, stone-built wells that once supplied water to shepherds, farmers and their animals in a region with no rivers, and that remain a reminder of how hard rural life was before tourism.

This section is the heart of the off-road experience, with dusty tracks, bends and gentle climbs where you feel the buggy's suspension at work. The guide explains the island's farming traditions and points out views over the coast. During periods of high wildfire risk, the authorities may close forest tracks; when that happens we follow a carefully chosen alternative route of equal interest.

Swim and snorkel at Korakonisi

Korakonisi is a rocky inlet on the rugged west coast, where a small rock islet, natural arches and sea caves rise from water of exceptional clarity. The limestone has been sculpted by the waves into ledges and pools, and the sea here is deep blue just a few metres from the rocks, making it excellent for snorkelling.

You have about an hour and a half to swim, snorkel or relax in the shade, the longest break of the day. Access to the water is over rocks, so water shoes are very helpful. On days when the north-west wind (maistro) blows strongly in the afternoon, the sea can be choppy; the guide decides where it is safe to swim.

Lunch in the mountain village of Louha

Louha is one of the oldest and prettiest villages on Zakynthos, set in a green valley high in the western mountains, with stone houses, a bell tower and olive groves all around. Life here moves slowly, and the village has kept its traditional character far from the beach resorts.

A traditional Greek lunch is served here with soft drinks and water, usually home-style dishes, salads, cheese and bread. Halal food is limited on Zakynthos, so tell us your dietary needs in advance and we will ask for vegetarian or fish dishes. After lunch the final stretch winds through the Louha valley and back to the starting point, arriving around 15:00.