Stamps in My Passport

Why Greece is more than just a destination: mini series– Part III

Just when I thought Greece couldn’t dazzle me more — Zakynthos took my breath away. Nestled just 20 kilometers off the Peloponnese mainland and surrounded by the sparkling Ionian Sea, this island felt like a place born of both legend and light.

From towering cliffs to hidden churches and sunlit tavernas perched high above the sea, Zakynthos wasn’t just beautiful — it was spellbinding.

A Church with a Legend — Agia Mavra & The Black Madonna

Our first stop of the day took us inland to the village of Maherado, home to one of the most sacred places on the island: Agia Mavra, also known as the Church of the Black Madonna.

But what captivated me more than the architecture or art was the story.

Our guide shared the legend — that the church was built on the exact location where a mysterious painting of Mary kept reappearing. A local priest would try to move or hide the image, but it would always return to the same spot. It became clear that the sacred space was choosing itself.

Today, it’s impossible to miss thanks to the towering 40-meter Venetian belfry, built in 1802. Its pointed roof rises beside the church like a watchful guardian, casting long shadows and longer stories across the quiet village.

Kampi — Clifftop Views, Greek Dancing & Sunset Magic

From there, we made our way through a series of winding mountain roads, passing through olive groves, vineyards, and charming little villages. The drive alone was breathtaking, especially near the dramatic cliffs of Aliza.

Eventually, we arrived at one of the highlights of the day — Sunset Michalis Taverna, a seasonal cliffside restaurant only open from May to September. At 300 meters above the Ionian Sea, the view from our table was something I’ll never forget: endless blue, warm breeze, and a horizon kissed by sunlight.

We feasted on authentic Greek meze — everything from tzatziki and vine leaves to cheese pie, grilled sausage, tomato, cucumber, and crusty bread. Each bite tasted like summer.

As the music started, our group (new friends we’d just met on the tour bus!) was pulled to the dance floor by the sounds of live Greek music and traditional dancers. We laughed our way through not one but two traditional dances — arms linked, hearts full.

There’s a joy in letting go like that — in saying yes to the moment, to the rhythm, to life.

Bohali — A View Worth a Thousand Words

Our final scenic stop before heading back to the ship was the panoramic viewpoint at Bohali, perched above the island’s main harbor. From here, we could see all of Zakynthos Town, the docked ships, and far across the sea to the island of Kefalonia shimmering in the afternoon sun.

It was the kind of view that makes you pause. That hushes even the most chatty travelers. The beauty was beyond what a photo could ever fully capture.

We enjoyed one last quick stop to enjoy another viewpoint before heading back to the port. The water in Zakynthos is truly unreal — shades of turquoise, sapphire, and emerald dance together in a way that feels dreamlike. We were completely in awe of the natural beauty that surrounded us at every turn.

Zakynthos Left Me Speechless… and Smiling

As we boarded our ship again, I felt something shift. Zakynthos had left a mark — not just through it’s stunning cliffs or it’s stories or the laughter on the dance floor — but through the way it made me feel.

Alive.

Open.

Present.

Connected.

It’s one thing to visit a beautiful place. It’s another to feel a piece of your heart linger behind when you leave. That’s what Zakynthos gave me.

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Next up: Corfu — elegance, history, and island serenity.

With love & sun-soaked memories,

Krista

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