As the earthquake of 1953 was more destructive in the old town, the buildings with the characteristic large semi-outdoor spaces, balconies and porticoes were destroyed. Each mansion was built like a palace with auxiliary rooms and spaces so that all together it resembled a tiny neighborhood which was named after the owner of the house. The poorer houses were less impressive; however their architecture was influenced by the mansions, and were painted in ochre, brick red and scarlet. Walking down the central Roma Street and reaching Agios Markos Square, one can get a glimpse of what the old town looked like thanks to the arched porticoes and buildings such as the Museum of Solomos and Kalvos. One can also see or enjoy a ride on the horse-drawn carriages which go along the seaside Marina Strata or Lomvardou Street as called today, from Agios Dionysios to Solomos Square.
Besides the town of Zakynthos, Argasi, Vasilikos, Tsilivi, Alikes, Laganas and the mountain village of Volimes are also important tourist destinations.