Porto Vromi is a beautiful cove located on the west coast of Zante, about 13 kilometres from Zakynthos Town, and the nearest resort to the famous Zante tourist attraction of Navigos (Shipwreck Bay). Porto Vromi is set in a small, narrow bay with an attractive white sand beach. The bay is sheltered by limestone cliffs which have made a natural harbour for small boats.
There are two coves in the bay but most visit the main one at the head of the bay, well sheltered by the pine-carpeted limestone cliffs that cut out a natural harbour and by the the uninhabited islet of Agios Ioannis at the mouth of the bay.
Boats and pedaloes are available for hire and hourly trips leave here for Shipwreck Bay. The journey takes about 20 minutes. Boats from Porto Vromi also visit the famous Blue Caves.
There are sail-bys of notable cave and rock features along the coastline to the north that include the rocky cave outline of the sea god Poseidon.
Porto Vromi takes its name from the natural tar that oozes from local rocks but the beauty of both beach and bay makes this little more than a minor nuisance. Families with children should take care, though, as the beach dips very sharply into the water.
The village of Maries, about 7km south of Porto Vromi has a church dedicated to Mary Magdalene. Local tradition has it that Mary Magdalene and Mary of Clopas landed here.
The village name Maries (means two Marys) and locals still show visitors the alleged footprint of Mary Magdalene on a rock in the village.
Walkers can take marked trails to the summit of Mt Vrahionas from where they can see the whole island of Zante.
Further south from Maries are attractive villages of Exo Chora and Kampi. Exo Chora has many building that survived the 1953 earthquake and some beautiful stone wells. Both Exo Chora and Kampi are noted for fine sunset views.
