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Zakynthos – also known as Zante, is the third largest and most southerly of the Greek Ionian Islands. The island is a well-known holiday destination, attracting holidaymakers to its long sandy beaches, unique wildlife, stunning sea-caves and plummeting cliffs and beautiful green interior. The island, despite its relatively small size – nowhere is more than an hour’s drive from the airport, offers a great variety both in landscape and resort destinations. From the beautiful beaches of the sweeping Laganas Bay to the sheer cliffs and stunning views of Keri and from the lively nightlife of Tsilivi to the laid-back tavernas of Aghios Sostis – an island for all tastes and interests. Zakynthos is an ancient island, renowned for countless centuries for its stunning beauty and fascinating traditions. The island is the birth place of some of the most famous modern Greek writers, artists, poets, composers and song writers. Empires have come and gone, all leaving their unique mark. From the Venetians who called the island Fiore di Levante - Flower of the East to the British and finally reunification with Greece on the 21st May 1864 – Zakynthos is a true melting pots of influences and culture. Despite the fact that Zakynthos is predominately a summer sun and sand destination, tourists here can get great tans without damaging the nesting grounds on the south of the island of the endangered Loggerhead sea turtle –Caretta-Caretta. A true instance of eco-tourism in the very heart of holiday territory, the National Marine Park of Zakynthos - http://www.nmp-zak.org, which covers the nesting area of the turtles is right in the middle of the island’s most busy beaches in Laganas Bay. Other local eco-tourism projects also help to protect the turtles. Gerakas Beach, at the very epicentre of turtle territory, is a haven for both sun-seeker and egg-layers. For the former its one of the cleanest and safest beaches in Europe (it won last year’s Times award for best international beach for kids). For the later, the nesting areas are clearly marked amongst the deckchairs and sandcastles. The island’s capital, the port of Zakynthos Town was totally destroyed by a devastating earthquake and fire in 1953. The town was reconstructed with international help and the Greek Army, and whilst much of the charm of the Old Town was lost for good, the area around the central piazzas was largely reconstructed in its original Venetian style. In the harbour, the high bell tower and church of St Dennis - the patron saint of the island, are definitely worth a visit. The town, whilst small for a capital, has a lively piazza al-fresco lifestyle and some top quality shopping. Towering over Zakynthos Town are the picturesque Bochali Hill – famous for its flowers and crafts, the picturesque ruins of a Venetian castle and Strani Hill, for great views of the island and mainland. The island has very good and frequent connections by ferry with mainland Greece (Italy in the summer only). There is also a daily service by air to Athens and charter flights are available from most European countries throughout the summer season. And to top it all off, Zakynthos has statistically the most sun of all the Greek islands. Zakynthos is truly an island for everyone (turtles included!) Zante is the Ideal Holiday Place for all Tastes. (For more information on Zante Island please take a look at the Just Zante website www.justzante.co.uk and the local governments web pages: www.zante.com or if you ask our office we will send you more information about the island resorts and facilities). |
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