I recently visited the Greek island of Zakynthos (also known as Zante) and spent some time exploring the holiday villages of Gerakas and Vassilikos where you can find stone-built villa and pastel painted apartments to rent through Ionian Eco Villagers.

Stone Villa at Vassilikos fron Ionian Eco Villagers

This collection of privately owned holiday lodging is run by local conservationist Yannis Vardakastanis who strives to provide a welcoming and eco-friendly holiday experience. The southern end of the the island of Zakynthos is home to the nesting sites of the Carretta Carretta or loggerhead turtle and Yannis is an award winning conservationist on the island, running the Earth Sea Sky turtle information centre close to the protected beach at Gerakas as well as a volunteer conservation programme to monitor turtles and wildlife. Although many of the resorts on Zante are packed with package holiday makers in high season, Gerakas and Vassilikos, where Ionian Eco Villagers is based, offers a much more low key and authentic Greek experience.

Villa at Gerakas by Ionian Eco Villagers

The properties range from simply furnished to boutique style but all are set in beautiful natural surroundings, with olive groves, lemon trees and bouganvillia and with space to relax and breathe in the scent of thyme and chamomile. There are different size and style of properties for different budgets, some with swimming pools, and the long sandy beaches of Vassilikos and Gerakas are within walking distance of all of them.

Villa at Vassilikos from Ionian Eco Villagers

As part of the holiday service Yannis provides information about wildlife in the area, taking guests on nature walks and providing bikes for guests to get around. The company supports the local economy by encouraging individual Greek property owners to preserve the unspoilt character of the area and discourage the building of larger scale hotels that would threaten the turtle and wildlife habitats in the area. Ionian Eco Villagers encourages the use of solar power and other eco friendly measures in their properties and they run turtle friendly catamaran trips around the bay where you can swim in the turquoise water, explore sea caves and if you are lucky, you may see some turtles too.

Turtle nesting beach at Gerakas

If you’re looking for a relaxing holiday in the sun that’s eco-friendly amid the olive groves and unhurried rhythm of Greek life, do take a look at Ionian Eco Villagers for a range of holiday properties to suit all budgets and tastes.

For more information visit the Ionian Eco Villagers Website and you’ll find other ideas for Zakynthos lodging on the Uptake website

Photo Credits: All photos by Heather on her travels on Flickr