Travelling north on the west side of the island 9km from Vathi, is the turn off for the village of Agios Yiannis (or Ag Yianni, as it is popularly known). A 3km road leads to this serene idyllic neighborhood (pictured right). The descent can also be made from the village of Lefki, using another road 3 km in length. This beautiful village is situated just above the sea, opposite the Cefallonian coast.
It is well worth visiting the church of Agios Dionisios to view the beautiful icon of the Saint of Zakinthos which is an exceptional example of Eptanesian craftsmanship.
Spread out just below the village is the coastline with crystal clear waters and many pebble-strewn beaches. The main beaches are Aspros Yialos, Mirtera, Phocotripa (with its little cave), Stafida, Kedros (the small port of Ag Yianni), Pirgia and Megaloni. There are also many inlets, which visitors to the island can explore at leisure. Above Aspros Yialos is a small plateau, 'To Stefani', where in the old days young couples from Ag Yianni would go for romantic walks.
Today Ai Yianni has only a handful of permanent inhabitants. However, it is visited regularly by former residents and their descendants, who are maintaining family properties and building new homes.
Kallinikos, Moraitis, Kandiliotis and Dellaportas are prominent family names of the village (although not exclusive to Ag Yianni).
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