Laganas Bay is a popular holiday destination on Zakynthos, with the most popular tourist resorts of Laganas, Kalamaki and Agios Sostis, as well as the three small islands of Pelouzo (Kalonisi), Marathonisi and Cameo (Agios Sostis).

The island of Pelouzo, nowadays better known as Kalonisi, is a small uninhabited island located near the Vassilikos peninsula, within sight of the mainland of Zakynthos. It is best seen from the sandy beach of Dafni, which is about 1.7 km from Pelouzo. Pelouzo is a very rocky island and difficult to access.

The island of Pelouzo falls under the protection of the Zakynthos National Marine Park, an organisation dedicated to preserving the natural heritage of Zakynthos. In the case of Pelouzo Island, the protection focuses mainly on two species of highly endangered animals, namely the Caretta Caretta turtle and the Monachus Monachus seal. Caretta Caretta turtles (giant caretta) come to Laganas Bay from spring to autumn to mate in the sea and come ashore at night to lay their eggs in the soft, heated sand. On Pelouzo Island there is a beautiful beach with wonderfully fine sand and crystal clear sea, which is full of turtle nests during the summer. In addition to sea turtles, the island of Kalonisi is also popular with Monachus monachus (Mediterranean fur seal), which inhabit mainly the local caves and rocky shores.

Due to the high level of protection of the local nature and animals, Kalonisi Island is not allowed to be visited by motor boats and boats, but tourists can observe the island during sightseeing cruises from the sea. However, if you really want to see the island, the only way to get there is by your own means, i.e. by swimming, canoeing, etc. However, visitors must be very considerate and quiet on the island so as not to scare the turtles and seals away. It is forbidden to enter the island after dark.

The island of Pelouzo (Kalonisi) is privately owned and has belonged to the Komoutos family for several centuries. Pelouzo is an uninhabited and deserted island, the only reminder of human activity on this place are the ruins of the old Catholic monastery of St. Francis. It is said that the monastery was built in 1705 by the monk Angelos Salviatis. However, it was badly damaged by bombing during the Second World War and the destruction was completed by the earthquake of 1953.

More touristic destinations of Zakynthos

Tips for trips on Zakynthos: Zakynthos Capital City, Marathonisi (Turtle Island), Blue Caves, Aristeon Press and Museum, Olympia, Callinico Winery, Water park Zante Water Village (Sarakinado), Shipwreck (Navagio Beach)

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