Zakynthos / Zante
Zakynthos, the Fiore of Levante, (the Flower of the East) according the Venetians, is located South of Kefalonia and West of the Peloponnese, constituting the third largest and second most popular of the Ionian Islands.It is the hometown of Dionysios Solomos, the national poet of Greece, as well as poet Andreas Kalvos, and it is characterized as the island of serenades and operettas.
In Zakynthos you can find some of the most famous beaches in Greece, with crystal blue waters, such as Navagio (Shipwreck), which is the hallmark of global tourism (accessed only by sea) and number one attraction of the island.
Other well-known and easily accessible beaches are located in the eastern part of the island (Tsilivi Tragaki, Alikes, Alikanas), to North and South of the city and on the famous Bay of Laganas (Kalamaki, Laganas, Daphni, Keri), that adjoins the National Marine Park, which was established for the protection of the endangered sea turtle Caretta-caretta and the Mediterranean seal Monachus-Monachus.
The beaches in the western part of the island (Porto Limnionas, Porto Vromi, Porto Roxa) are rugged, with difficult access, short length and cool water;however they reward their visitors with their wild beauty which is integrated into unique landscapes.
In the area of Volimes, with the magnificent Blue Caves, Xygia Beach is the only one on the island with water of thermal qualities, as brimstone (sulphur) is secreted from the caves which are located within walking distance. The smell is distinctive in the region, as sulfur is in great proportion in relation to water. The beach is ideal for those who suffer from pains in the legs and arthritis.
The island is primarily recommended for relaxing recreation, offering remarkable tourist accommodation - rooms for rent and luxury villas, without lacking high standard hotels.Walking in the town of Zakynthos, the visitor can visit and admire tourist shops for all tastes, but also local products shops from the island’s local manufacturers.
It is really worth visiting the islet Strofadia,where one can observe rare birds of the world faunaIn Zakynthos you will find churches and steeples of Venetian architecture (the Church of St. George of Filikoi, the Church of Aghia Mavra and Agia Marina), as well as remarkable museums (Museum of Dionysios Solomos, Museum of post-Byzantine art). Some of the greatest attractions are the cultural center, St. Mark's square, the Temple of Agios Dionissios – the protector of the island- the Venetian fortress, the Hill of Strani where Dionysios Solomos was inspired to write the national anthem of Greece, the castle of Zakynthos and the region of Bochali with a panoramic view in the city of Zakynthos (chora). With regard to the island’s local cuisine, it is worth tasting traditional Zakynthian dishes, such as the sgatzeto and the roast with macaroni.
In Easter in Zakynthos, the procession of the epitaph takes place at dawn on Easter Saturday and not on the afternoon of Good Friday, in continuity with Kommati (Piece), the well-known breaking of pitchers, at about 6 am, with the first Resurrection. Every year, a special Venetian Carnival, with 16th century costumes takes place; during visits to the island, a particular outdoor theatrical performance often takes place, which is called "talks”, in which local residents participate with improvisations as “parlates”.
