Zakynthos
in Ionian
Information about villages, beaches, sightseeing, restaurants, activities and more...
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About Zakynthos
Zakynthos, or else Zante, belongs to the Ionian islands. The Venetians had given to the island the name
"Fioro di Levante", meaning the "Flower of the Orient" as the island has rich and dense vegetation, its
mountains are covered with pines and its plains are particularly fertile.
This rich vegetation of Zakynthos is due to the mild Mediterranean climate of the island, characterized by a
high level of rainfalls in winter and lot of sunshine in summer. Because of the many rainfalls, Zakynthos is a
very fertile island and its agricultural production is important.
The main products cultivated on the island are olives, vineyards and citrus. Except agriculture, the other
source of income for the inhabitants of the island comes from the increasing tourism.
Zakynthos is famous for its unspoiled natural environment, home to the endangered species of sea turtle
called Caretta-Caretta which goes there during the reproduction period. The sea turtle is protected by the
international agreements and the Greek legislation. The Monk seal Monachus Monachus also goes to
Zakynthos to give birth.
Zakynthos is also famous for its amazing wonderful golden sandy beaches. The most famous beaches are
as Vassilikos, Laganas, Tsilivi and Alykes. Many of the island's beaches have become lively beach resorts
proposing many hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars but other have been declared protected areas for the
reproduction of the Caretta-Caretta and have kept their natural beauty. This rare sea turtle usually goes to
sandy beaches or isolate islets, like Pelouzo or Marathonisi.
Apart from its beautiful natural environment, Zakynthos also has a long and rich culture, much influenced by
the Venetians. The island is known for its elegant musical tradition and for its special architecture, which is
more evident in Zakynthos Town.
Best Villages in Zakynthos
Town
Location: On the eastern side of the island
Description: Zakynthos Town is the capital and main port of the island. Its architecture distinguishes for the elegant
Venetian and Neoclassical style. This is a lovely town for an evening stroll along the narrow paths and the waterfront.
Sightseeing: Church of Agios Dionyssios, Church of Agios Markos, Church of Agios Nikolaos Molos, Post
Byzantine Art Museum, Solomos Museum, Venetian Castle, Xenopoulos Museum
Maherado
Location: 10 km south west of Zakynthos Town
Description: Maherado is the second largest village of the island. Located in the inland, it has escaped the tourism
growth of Zakynthos.
Sightseeing: Church of Agia Mavra, Monastery of Eleftherotria
Best Beaches in Zakynthos
Navagio or Shipwreck
Location: On the north western side of Zakynthos island
Description: Navagio is the most famous beach of Zakynthos. This beach is always crowded because excursion
boats go there all day long. The exotic water and the rocky surroundings attract a lot of people.
Gerakas
Location: 18 km south of Zakynthos Town
Description: Considered among the most beautiful beautiful beaches of Zakynthos, the long sandy beach of Gerakas
has wonderful crystalline waters.
Agios Nikolaos
Location: 32 km north west from Zakynthos Town
Description: Agios Nikolaos is a popular beach resort on the northern side of the island. It gets very busy for its
watersports activities and the area is great for scuba diving.
Sightseeing: Askos Stone Park, Blue Caves
Kalamaki
Location: 6 km south of Zakynthos Town
Description: Kalamaki is the closest beach to the airport and among the most developed resorts in Zakynthos Town. It
gets very popular and has plenty of tourist facilities.
Spanzia
Location: 16 km south west of Zakynthos Town
Description: Spiantza is a beautiful beach in the area of Vassilikos, southern Zakynthos. Some of its parts are pebbled and others are sandy.
Banana
Location: 14 km south east of Zakynthos Town
Description: This long, sandy beach is considered among the most beautiful in Zakynthos. It is organized and has
clean water.
Best Sightseeing in Zakynthos
Blue Caves
Location: Agios Nikolaos
Blue Caves are located on the northernmost side of the island. They were created by wave erosions and excursion
boats get through their arches.
Marathonisi Islet
Location: Limni Keriou
Marathonisi is a pristine island in the bay of Laganas, right opposite Limni Keriou beach. Excursion boats go to
Marathonisi, which is known for its sandy beaches and the green landscape. On the soft sand of Marathonisi, the
sea turtle caretta-caretta goes to lay its eggs.
Credits
Greeka.com would like to thank the following members for their valuable contribution, as some of the photos
included in this guide belong to them.
Olympias, adibm, andreipop, bbunjevac, boqueron96, carmelaa, deep666, designmama, djermanov,
dyanaluyza, evitta, fdumi, glljansen, jeffers, jondhaw, jopp, kontizas, krilis, lica, loz10d, mpantovic,
nicoletas, patras, tohme, toto51, twilight
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