Bochali is a beautiful, small village that is situated right above the capital of Zakynthos. During the Venetian occupation and the years that followed, it served as the aristocratic quarter of the town, and of the island in general. On the highest point of the village, in the middle of a pine forest, there is also a castle, which was completed around 1646. The building is known as the Venetian Castle or the Bochali Castle, but is most often referred to as the Bochali Fortress.

Unfortunately, little of the Venetian fortress of Bochali has survived to the present day. The building was damaged several times during the numerous weak earthquakes that are typical of this area of the Ionian Sea. However, extensive damage was caused to the fortress, especially by the very strong earthquake of 1953, which destroyed a large part of the island of Zakynthos. Today, only the remains of the perimeter walls and the entrance gate can be seen from the castle, which are open to the public at designated times. The ancient Venetian castle also serves as a popular lookout point, as from the top of the hill you can see far and wide in all directions of the island and the Ionian Sea.

The village of Bochali Castle lies about 2 km northwest of the centre of the capital of Zakynthos. A rather narrow and steep road leads to the village of Bochali. From the main town you need to drive out in the direction to have the sea on your right hand, and then at the crossroads after the maritime museum you turn left and climb up to the resort of Bochali. Bochali Castle can also be reached on foot from Zante town, and the journey takes you through beautiful countryside with panoramic views of Zakynthos and the azure sea, and shouldn't take more than half an hour. The pedestrian route starts at the church of Panagia Pikridiotissa in Zakynthos Town and passes through the old quarters of the town and then through the forest.

If you visit Bochali during the day, you can see the remains of Bochali Castle or the interior of the beautiful Agios Georgios Church, near which there is a pleasant cafe with outdoor seating, where you will also have a beautiful view of the town below and its surroundings. Especially in the morning you can observe the different shades of blue of the sea down by the Zakynthos harbour. Beautiful views are also offered by the place at sunset or at night, when the town of Zakynthos and the harbour shine into the surrounding darkness.

More touristic destinations of Zakynthos

Most favourite sights of Zakynthos: Monastery of Anafonitria, Monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa, Church of Saint Dionysius, Church of Saint Nicholas (Zante), Skinari Windmill, Ruins of Bochali Castle

Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Zakynthos.