Nefis Travel Zakynthos

29/12/2024

🌅 Winter Magic in Zakynthos

What a breathtaking morning it has been! ✨ Today, we were treated to the most stunning sunrise, captured beautifully by Vivienne Mills from Koukla Cats There's something truly magical about Zakynthos in winter — the peaceful quiet, the crisp air, and views like this that take your breath away.

Even in the cooler months, our island continues to amaze.

We hope this photo brings a little warmth to your day. Stay tuned for more winter wonders from our amazing island! 🏝️

Greetings Jackie and the Nefis Travel Team

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27/12/2024

Nefis Travel Photo/Video Competition 2024
So the winner has been chosen! We went through all of the videos and photos uploaded onto Facebook, Instagram and TikTok and the final 9 were uploaded into a random wheel selector. Watch the video to see which one was chosen.
We will be in contact with Anna Melina from TikTok for their prize.
Thank you to everyone who took part, your photos and videos have been fantastic to look through.

25/12/2024

🎄🎅 What Sweet Do You Serve Today? 🎅🎄
On this special Christmas Day, we're thinking about the traditional sweets that make the holiday so memorable! In Greece, two beloved treats take center stage:

🍪 Melomakarona – Honey-soaked, orange and cinnamon-flavored cookies, topped with walnuts. These delicious bites symbolize the sweetness and light of Christ's birth. Their roots go back to ancient Greece, where honey and spices were used in religious offerings to the gods. Over time, they became intertwined with Christmas celebrations, representing the warmth and joy of the holiday season.

🍪 Kourabiedes – Rich, buttery cookies filled with almonds and dusted with powdered sugar. Their crumbly texture makes them a festive favorite! Traditionally prepared during Christmas and weddings, Kourabiedes have a long history in Greek culture, dating back to the Ottoman Empire. The powdered sugar covering these cookies symbolizes the purity of Christ's birth, and their almond filling adds a rich touch of luxury, making them a perfect holiday indulgence.

What about you? What traditional sweet do you serve on Christmas Day in your country? Share your favorites in the comments, we would love to see your traditions ! 🎄✨
Have a wonderful chrisymad day
Greetings from Sunny Zakynthos
Jackie and the Nefis Travel Team

24/12/2024

Zante is ready for Christmas! The town’s lights shine even brighter, and one very old custom, still celebrated by many every Christmas Eve on Zakynthos, brings even more magic to the season.

On Christmas Eve morning, the preparation of the Kouloura (sweet bread) begins — though for those like me who aren’t kitchen pros, we grab it from the bakeries of Zante! 😉 The Kouloura symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem and is a mix between a cake and a bread, made with 15 ingredients including aromatic spices like cinnamon, clove, and anise, olive oil, red wine, Zakynthian raisins, pine nuts, walnuts, orange juice, and mandarin zest.

This bread is elaborately decorated, with a silver or golden coin hidden inside, called “ηύρεμα” (evrema), which brings good luck. Before cutting, the bread is transferred over the fire in the fireplace, crossed three times, and poured with a mix of olive oil and wine, while religious psalms are sung.

The head of the family then cuts the Kouloura, starting with a slice for Christ, then for the poor, followed by a slice for the home, and then for each family member in order of age. Everyone eagerly awaits to see if they’ll find the coin in their slice!

Another Zakynthian Christmas Eve tradition is a soup of boiled broccoli, served alongside the Kouloura. Yes, you read that right—broccoli! This tradition dates back to the 40-day fasting period before Christmas, which allows people to receive communion at church on Christmas morning.

In Greece, the Twelve Days of Christmas begin on Christmas Day and continue until January 6th, the Feast of Epiphany. During these twelve days, fires are kept burning in homes as a sign of goodwill to keep evil spirits away. The belief in the Kallikantzaroi (goblins) is strong — they live underground, sawing the World Tree in an effort to destroy the Earth. But on Christmas Day, they come to the surface to cause mischief. On Epiphany, they return underground, and the World Tree heals itself due to the magic of Christmas, starting the cycle again.

On January 6th, homes are sanctified with prayer and the sprinkling of holy water, as the priest asks God to bless the home, rid it of evil, and fill it with good fortune.

May your holidays be filled with tradition, warmth, and blessings. 🌟🎄
video credit to Nefeli Gklava

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24/12/2024

Here’s a video to bring you the Christmas vibes of Zante today!✨ Watch as the children fill the streets with joy, singing the beautiful Greek Christmas carols, the kalanda. 🎶 Their voices capture the true spirit of the season in Zante town! Stay tuned for more festive magic as we’ll soon be sharing a video of the stunning Christmas lights and decorations around town. 🌟

24/12/2024

🎄 Greek Christmas Carols: A Cherished Tradition

In the morning of December 24th, the air is filled with joy in Zante town as children go from shop to shop and in the neighborhood’s from house to house, singing Christmas carols. They sing about the birth of Jesus Christ, accompanied by the sound of small metal triangles struck with bars. In the past, children would also make little decorated boats from paper or wood, traveling from home to home, sharing their traditional songs. This tradition is deeply tied to the celebration of Saint Nicholas, the Patron Saint of Sailors.

Opening our doors to the carolers is believed to bring good luck into the home. The children greet us with “Να τα πούμε?” (“Shall we sing?”), and we reply with “Να τα πείτε!” (“Go ahead and sing!”). In return for their festive songs, carolers are rewarded with coins .

Ever wondered where the word "carol" comes from? While it’s most commonly associated with Christmas songs today, the origins may surprise you!

One possible connection is to the ancient Greek word "choraulein" (χοραυλεῖν), which referred to a festive song or dance performed with musical instruments. In ancient Greece, "choros" (χορός) meant a dance, and "aulē" (αὐλή) referred to a pipe or wind instrument. Together, "choraulein" represented a joyous performance that combined both music and movement—something that sounds a lot like the carols we know today!

From Greek to Latin, the term evolved into "carola", meaning a joyful song or dance, and eventually became the "carol" we now associate with Christmas.

It’s fascinating to think that our Christmas carols might have roots that stretch all the way back to ancient Greek celebrations!

The Greek “kalanta” carols date back to Byzantine times. The term "kalanta" comes from the Latin “calenda,” marking the start of the festive season. The melodies and lyrics of kalanta vary by region, with different instruments—guitars, clarinets, tambourines, harmonicas, and accordions—adding a unique touch to each performance.

A beautiful and diverse tradition that continues to bring festive cheer to homes all across Greece.

Have a lovely day and maybe see you later in our live from Zante town .
Greetings Jackie

21/12/2024

🎅✨ Don’t wait—make your Christmas wish come true! 🎁💙
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18/12/2024

As the festive season brings twinkling lights and warmth, we want to thank you for your support throughout 2024.
Your feedback and your personal recommendations mean so much to us, and we're honoured to be part of your holiday memories on our beautiful island.

This Christmas, we wish you joy, good health, and exciting travel opportunities in the new year. We look forward to welcoming you back in 2025!

Warm wishes,
Jackie and the Nefis Travel team
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VIP group and private Tours & Excursions
VIP excursies op Zakynthos
Nefis travel is the leading agency for Land and Sea Trips which offers not only an experience of the traditional Zakynthian culture and way of life but also avoids the crowds !

18/12/2024

What do we do in winter? ❄️ Mariska, our office and guide star, just conquered the top of Skopos Mountain (492m) along with Julie, an amazing personal trainer and owner of Zante Zest! 🌄 What an incredible view of Zante from up high! 😍

Where’s your view at the moment? We’d love to see it in the comments! 📸👇

17/12/2024

ΧΡΟΝΙΑ ΠΟΛΛΑ ΣΕ ΟΛΟΥΣ ΚΑΙ ΒΟΗΘΕΙΑ ΜΑΣ, Ο ΑΓΙΟΣ ΔΙΟΝΥΣΙΟΣ! 🙏✨

On Monday at 16 th December at 11 am, the bells rang and cannon shots echoed across Zante, marking the beginning of the 3-day celebration for Saint Dionysios, the patron saint of Zakynthos! Known for his deep faith, compassion, and miraculous deeds, Saint Dionysios was a bishop in the 16th century who dedicated his life to helping the poor and spreading Christianity. He is famously known as the "Saint of Forgiveness" after forgiving the murderer of his only brother—an act that embodies his extraordinary love and grace. 🙌

The traditional procession will begin around 11 am in Zante Town, bringing the community together in reverence and celebration, just as it did in August. May Saint Dionysios, our protector, bless us all with his grace! 💫

Today, December 17th, is Name Day for anyone named Dionysios, Dionysis, Dennis, Dionisia, Sia , Sakis , Soula , Denia or any variation. In Greece, Name Days are celebrated with even more importance than birthdays! It’s a day to gather with loved ones, exchange gifts, and share warm wishes. 🎉
“What a man sows on his Name Day, he reaps all year round.” 🌿✨

If you know anybody with this name , don’t forget to send them a message, surprise them with a phone call, or even a gift! 🎁📲

Wishing you all a blessed day filled with joy and meaningful traditions! 🌟

15/12/2024

🍽️ Taste the Sunshine of Zakynthos 🌞

Missing the flavours of Zakynthos? From grilled fresh seafood by the beach to the rich taste of Moussaka, our island’s culinary delights are unforgettable. 🐟🧀

Experience the breathtaking views in this photo firsthand on our Shipwreck and Blue Caves tour. We'll stop at the charming Lastoria Taverna, where you can soak in the stunning scenery.

What’s the most delicious dish you had in Zakynthos?

Let us know below so we can relive those flavours together! 🌿
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13/12/2024

Did you know that in Greece, Tuesday the 13th is considered an unlucky day, not Friday the 13th? This superstition is linked to the fall of Constantinople, which, although not on the 13th, happened on a Tuesday, May 29, 1453. The Greeks associate Tuesday with bad luck because of its connection to war and destruction (it's ruled by the god Ares in ancient mythology). When combined with the number 13, it creates a day considered especially unlucky. So, next time you're in Zakynthos don't worry if your tour falls on a Friday the 13th – it's just another day to enjoy the beauty of the island! 🌞🌿
And for the 13th Tuesday, just get yourself a gift of the blue eye .
Want to know more about this superstition in Greece?
Have a look at the link!👇
https://nefis-travel.com/zakynthos-information/the-evil-eye-tradition

Enjoy your day no matter what 😉🥰

12/12/2024

Throwback Thursday:
A Glimpse of Shipwreck Bay on one of our last tours to the stunning Shipwreck Bay, where we captured this captivating video. The famous shipwreck, a symbol of our island, is slowly disappearing as the years pass. What will it look like as time and nature continue to shape it?

What do you think—how long will Shipwreck Bay endure, and how will it change? 🤔 When was your last visit to this enchanting Bay 🌊

Have a great day !!
Jackie and the Nefis Travel Team



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11/12/2024

I love seeing the beautiful nativity scenes in Tsilivi! 🌟 These heartwarming displays, from traditional shepherds to rustic wooden stables, really bring the Christmas spirit to life.

Is this something you also have in your village?
Do share the pictures and l et us know in the comments 🇬🇷🎅

Greetings from Zante
Jackie and the Nefis Travel Team 🙋‍♀️

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07/12/2024

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! What a magical day on Zante! 🎄 I had the pleasure of singing with the Winter Warblers, filling the air with beautiful carols. We started with the Xmas fayre in Lagana at The Pub, where Santa was greeting everyone and there were so many festive stalls packed with delightful goodies! Well done to all involved 🎄Then we made our way to the town square for the lighting of the island’s first real Christmas tree 🎶✨ The spirit of Christmas was truly alive today!
Jackie and the Nefis Travel Team

06/12/2024

🎄 Karavaki: The Greek Tradition of Decorating Boats for Christmas 🚤

December is a unique month in Greece, filled with rich traditions that make this time of year so special. I hope you enjoy reading about "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" in Greece as much as I loved writing it for you! 🇬🇷✨

6th December:
One of the most charming Greek Christmas traditions is decorating small wooden boats, known as karavaki. This custom dates back to Greece's maritime history, where many men worked as fishermen. During the holiday season, families would decorate a small boat as a symbol of their gratitude for the safe return of their fathers and sons from the harsh winter seas. 🎣🌊

Children would craft little boats, either from paper or wood, and visit homes, singing traditional Greek carols, or kalanda. The songs, often accompanied by local instruments, tell stories of different events and bring the Christmas spirit to life. As they sang, they would collect Christmas pastries, treats, and cross buns from the residents they visited. Kalanda are one of the most lively and cherished customs of Greek Christmas, sung on the 24 December, New Year's Eve, and on Epiphany (January 6th). 🎶

Saint Nicholas, the Patron Saint of Sailors, plays a significant role in this tradition. On December 6th, the feast day of Saint Nicholas, boats are decorated in his honor. These boats remain on display until January 6th, Epiphany, celebrating the connection between the sea and the Christmas spirit.

Today is also Name Day for:
Nikolina, Nikolaos, Nikoleta, Nikos, Nicholas, Nicolas, Nick!
In Greece, name days are often celebrated with more joy than birthdays! Each day is dedicated to a saint, and people named after that saint host family and friends for a special celebration. The traditional greeting is "Chronia Polla!" (Many years!), and guests often bring gifts.. It’s a beautiful way to honor saints and spend time with loved ones.

Have a lovely day !
Greetings from Zante
Jackie and the Nefis Travel Team
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05/12/2024

Gefeliciteerd Sinterklaas !! We wensen al onze kleine Nefis vriendjes en vriendinnetjes in Nederland en België een GEWELDIG sinterklaasfeest toe:
Today a big celebration for our little Dutch and Belgium Nefis friends ... "Het Sinterklaas feest" Agios Nicolas, also well known in the former Dutch colonies and Germany, Switzerland and Austria.
Every year he is celebrated in The Netherlands, one day before Saint Nikolas died (5 December) and on (6 December) in Belgium. His helper and best friend is 'Soot piet , Roet piet' ( he goes down the chimney to bring the presents and gets black due to the chimney creosote.) . Sinterklaas is the basis of the mythical holiday figure of Santa claus . (Will tell you much more about that in the next December posts )
Although Sinterklaas has nothing to do with Christmas, for those who celebrate his party today.
Christmas will also be celebrated in the Netherlands as well as in Belgium.
Sinterklaas arrives from Spain in a boat and has a white horse that can walk across rooftops. Every little kid puts his shoe at the chimney (or the window) and sings a song, when the kid goes to sleep Sinterklaas comes and puts a present in the shoe.

Indeed, Sinterklaas is also celebrated in Zakynthos ! While this picture is from 2012 ;-) , who can recognize our trusty helper of Sinterklaas .