Bokhali
Perched on the hill overlooking the city of Zakynthos, the village of Bochali presents itself as a natural balcony suspended betwe...
Updated 7 July 2026
This season · July · Summer
What to do in Bokhali now
The story
The story of Bokhali
A story carved into Venetian walls
The history of Bochali is inseparably linked to that of its fortress and to the strategic position it occupies. Since antiquity, this hill was home to the acropolis of the city of Psophis, but it was under the rule of the Most Serene Republic of Venice, beginning in the late 15th century, that the village took on the role of the island's nerve centre. For centuries, Bochali was the capital of Zakynthos, protected by the imposing walls of the castle that offered shelter against pirate raids and Ottoman threats. Local nobility and Venetian officials resided here, turning the village into a centre of culture and diplomacy. Even after the administrative centre moved to the marina, Bochali remained the noble heart of the island. The tragic earthquake of 1953, which levelled much of Zakynthos, could not erase the aura of this place, which was rebuilt respecting the proportions and spirit of Ionian tradition.
The Venetian Castle: guardian of time
The most significant monument in Bochali is undoubtedly the Venetian Castle, or Kastro, standing atop the hill amid pine woods. Built on the ruins of the ancient acropolis and later expanded by the Venetians in 1480, the castle is a majestic testimony to the military engineering of its time. Passing through the main entrance, still crowned by the Lion of St Mark, one enters an archaeological area immersed in greenery. Within the walls one can make out the remains of Byzantine churches, barracks, a powder magazine and the system of cisterns that guaranteed the garrison's water supply. Beyond its historical value, the Kastro offers one of the most spectacular views in the entire Mediterranean: from here the gaze sweeps over the city below, the crescent-shaped harbour and the endless blue of the sea, making it a place of absolute peace where nature has slowly reclaimed the ancient stones.
The Church of Zoodochos Pigi
At the heart of the village stands the Church of Zoodochos Pigi (Life-Giving Spring), a sacred building that represents a fundamental spiritual landmark for the local community. The current church, rebuilt after 1953, houses priceless treasures of Byzantine art that survived the fury of the elements. Among these stands out the icon of the Virgin, dating back to the 16th century, an object of profound devotion. The interior is characterised by finely carved wooden decoration and an atmosphere of solemn contemplation. The square in front of the church is Bochali's true living room, a meeting place where life flows slowly and where one can observe the daily rituals of the inhabitants, between a religious service and a moment of conviviality in the shade of Venetian-style bell towers.
Strani Hill and the song of freedom
A short distance from the village lies Strani Hill, a place of the highest patriotic and literary significance for the whole of Greece. It was here, seated in the shade of the trees and inspired by the cannon fire coming from Missolonghi during the Greek War of Independence, that the national poet Dionysios Solomos composed the Hymn to Liberty in 1823. Today the site houses a small commemorative park with a bust of the poet, offering an idyllic setting ideal for a reflective stroll. Visiting Strani Hill means connecting with the Greek Risorgimento and understanding how deeply the beauty of Bochali's landscape influenced the birth of modern national identity, uniting the power of the poetic word with the majesty of the surrounding nature.
The Maritime Museum and naval heritage
For those wishing to explore the deep bond between Zakynthos and the sea, Bochali is home to an interesting Maritime Museum. This private collection gathers ship models ranging from the Byzantine era to the modern navy, along with uniforms, navigation instruments and rare historical documents. The museum tells the story of the evolution of Ionian seafaring, highlighting how Bochali's position was crucial for controlling trade routes in the Mediterranean. It is an exhibition curated with passion, allowing visitors to picture Venetian naval power and the courage of Greek sailors, enriching a visit to the village with technical details and tales of epic battles and transoceanic voyages that shaped the island's economic fortune.
Landscape and nature: among olive trees and cliffs
The landscape surrounding Bochali is a compendium of Mediterranean flora. The hill is covered with dense vegetation where centuries-old olive trees reign supreme, alternating with Aleppo pine woods that offer coolness during the hot Greek summers. Descending towards the coast in the direction of Akrotiri, the terrain becomes steeper, revealing glimpses of hidden coves and crystal-clear waters. Bochali's hinterland invites exploration on foot along paths that cross small orchards and gardens abloom with bougainvillea and hibiscus. The distinctive feature of this ecosystem lies in the balance between human intervention, visible in the dry-stone walls and terraces, and the wild nature that bursts into vivid blooms every spring, making every excursion an unforgettable botanical and visual experience.
Experiences not to be missed in Bochali
- Watch the lights of the city of Zakynthos come on from the main viewpoint at dusk.
- Explore the inner paths of the Venetian Castle among the ruins of the old barracks.
- Taste the traditional Mandolato and Pasteli at one of the historic pastry shops on the square.
- Listen to the 'Kantades', the traditional serenades that often resound in the open-air taverns.
- Walk the scenic road linking Bochali to the lower town to enjoy every nuance of the view.
- Visit the village during the feast of the Madonna Zoodochos Pigi to experience authentic local folklore.
Traditions and flavours: the taste of rural aristocracy
The cuisine in Bochali reflects the elegance of the village, blending simple local ingredients with Venetian influences. One of the signature dishes is 'Sartsa', a beef stew with tomato, garlic, ladotyri cheese and spices, with an intense, enveloping flavour. But it is in its sweets that Bochali excels: Mandolato, a soft nougat with honey and toasted almonds, is a true institution, as is Pasteli, made with sesame. Sitting in one of the cafes on the main square means taking part in a social ritual that has lasted for centuries. Here, over a glass of local Verdea wine and a small plate of black olives, one can still capture the essence of Ionian conviviality, made of slow conversation and genuine hospitality, all seasoned with the music of serenades that often accompanies dinners under the stars.
When to go and how to experience the village
Bochali is a destination that changes character depending on the hour and the season. Spring is the ideal time for nature lovers, when the hill is in full bloom and temperatures are perfect for visiting the castle without excessive heat. Summer turns the village into the centre of the island's most refined nightlife: evenings are cool and breezy, ideal for a romantic dinner overlooking the harbour lights. Autumn, meanwhile, offers fiery sunsets and a golden light that enhances the colours of the ancient stones. To fully enjoy the atmosphere, the advice is to arrive in the late afternoon, visit the Kastro before closing time, and then wait for dusk seated in one of the square's cafes, when the sky turns purple and the city below begins to sparkle like a carpet of diamonds.
FAQ
È possibile raggiungere Bokhali a piedi dalla città di Zante?
Qual è l'orario migliore per visitare il castello?
Ci sono parcheggi disponibili nel borgo?
Il borgo è adatto alle famiglie con bambini?
Getting there
- Aeroporto Internazionale di Zante 'Dionysios Solomos' (ZTH) - 6 km
- Non presenti sull'isola
- Da Zante città seguire le indicazioni per Bokhali/Kastro percorrendo la strada collinare che sale dal quartiere di Akrotiri o dal centro.
- Se non avete l'auto, potete utilizzare i taxi locali o i bus turistici che fanno la spola tra il porto e il belvedere.
Perfect for
Perfetto per coppie grazie ai suoi tramonti mozzafiato e alle cene a lume di candela con vista sulla città.
Un concentrato di testimonianze veneziane e letterarie, ideale per chi ama approfondire le radici dei luoghi.
Uno dei punti più fotogenici della Grecia, con prospettive uniche sul porto e architetture tradizionali.
To see
