A kafeneio, or coffee shop, is an important part of Greek society

Beautiful beaches and exciting nightlife aren't the only things Zakynthos (or Zante) has to offer.

Beautiful beaches and exciting nightlife aren't the only things Zakynthos (or Zante) has to offer. The island can only be understood by immersing oneself in the daily lives of its inhabitants. Nikos has lived in Zakynthos his whole life, so I got to spend the day with him and learn about the island's rhythms.


First Things First
The gentle light of morning illuminates the Ionian Sea as Nikos begins his day at an early hour. As we make our way through Keri's twisting, little streets, he reveals, "The mornings are my favorite time." A kafeneio, or coffee shop, is an important part of Greek society, and he will be visiting one first. Here he enthusiastically says "Kalimera!" to pals. Salutations: good morning. Greek coffee is brewing, and its delicious scent fills the air.

Nikos recounts anecdotes and reads the news over a strong cup of coffee. "This is where we solve the world’s problems," quips him. More than just a coffee shop, the kafeneio is a gathering spot for locals. There, the social fiber of the community is preserved as residents engage in a wide range of conversations, from politics to family matters.

Engaging in Morning Routines
Nikos continues a long-standing family practice of tending to his olive orchard after waking up. Growing olives is a labor of love and an important economic driver on the island of Zakynthos, which is famous for its olive oil. "These trees are like family," he says as he demonstrates the correct way to trim them. Despite the difficulty of the task, Nikos enjoys performing it. "There's something deeply satisfying about working with your hands and being connected to the land."

His break time is about mid-morning. We stop by a neighborhood bakery, where the aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries is intoxicating. For his morning snack, Nikos always grabs a loaf of freshly made bread and some koulouri, which are bread rings wrapped with sesame.

Time-Held Lunch Customs
Having lunch as a family is the norm in Zakynthos. Maria, Nikos's wife, has cooked a feast, and he has invited me to join them. Greek salad (horiatiki), traditional foods like moussaka, and grilled fish collected by local fisherman are all spread out on the table. As she generously brings me a slice of moussaka, Maria informs me, "Food is at the heart of Greek culture." At mealtimes, loved ones may relax, catch up, and relish in one another's presence.

Another long-standing custom in the family is to provide homemade wine with the dinner. Nikos tells stories about his family's history of grape planting as we dine. Raise your glass, because "every sip of this wine is a taste of history," he proclaims.

Unwinding in the Afternoon
The island comes to a halt for a midday nap after lunch. This respite from the scorching sun is a treasured custom. "Recharge and rest is crucial," Nikos says. During this time, some residents choose to take naps, while others choose to read or visit friends. The tranquil beauty of the shoreline is something that Nikos frequently appreciates during strolls along the beach.

Nighttime Get-togethers
The town comes to life once again as the sun sets. When the sun goes down, people head to the neighborhood watering hole for a night of mingling. Nikos and I go to a bar where we hear live music and see people laughing and chatting at the tables. People from all walks of life may unite in jubilation via traditional Greek dances like the syrtaki.

Thoughts on
An intimate look of Zakynthos may be yours when you spend a day with Nikos. Tradition, community, and a strong bond to the land and sea are the bedrock of this way of life. "We may not have the hustle and bustle of the big cities," he says, "but we have a richness of life that comes from our relationships and our heritage."

Nikos and other residents make it plain that Zakynthos is more than a pretty sight. It's a community where people enjoy life to the fullest, with a strong feeling of belonging and continuity permeating every day.