Zakynthos

The island of Zakynthos, south of Kefalonia, is part of the Ionian Islands. It is a great tourist spot and is the third largest island in the Ionian Sea, after Corfu and Kefalonia. It is a verdant island with fertile valleys and a temperate climate. The Venetians who dominated the island from 1484 to 1797 called it "Fiore di Levante" due to the presence of over 7,000 species of flowers on the island.
It has beautiful sandy beaches, with crystal clear waters that attract hundreds of tourists every year. The island is famous for the Caretta-Caretta sea turtles, an endangered species, which arrive on the island during the breeding season to lay their eggs on its soft golden sand.
Zakynthos is also known for its olive groves and wines. The mountain villages of the island are particularly traditional and have splendid old villas, which survived the earthquakes of 1953.
Characteristic fishing villages embellish the coast of the island and are located near beautiful beaches.
The island of Zakynthos, as demonstrated by various archaeological finds, has been inhabited since the Neolithic Period. The famous and ancient Greek poet and writer Homer mentions it in his two masterpieces, the Iliad and the Odyssey, stating that the first inhabitants of the island were the son of King Dardanus of Troy and his men, around 1500 - 1600 BC. The island belonged first to Athens then to Sparta and later passed to Macedonia. The Romans occupied it at the beginning of the 2nd century BC. Then followed the long Byzantine period. After the fall of Constantinople, Zakynthos fell under the domination of the Orsini family until 1485 when it was occupied by the Venetians who dominated it for over 300 years. The Venetians imposed their laws and divided the islanders into three categories: the nobles, registered in the Golden Book, the citizens, and the common people. The terrible oppression of the common people by the nobles led to their revolt, in 1630, which ended in bloodshed. In 1797 the French republicans expelled the Venetians from the island. It was then that the common people, in celebrating their liberation from the Venetians, burned the famous Golden Book. The presence of the French on the island was brief. In 1798 the island came under Russian-Turkish domination until the Republic of the Ionian Islands in 1800. In 1809 the island was taken by the British who placed the capital of the Ionian State in Zakynthos. Zante then became part of Greece, with the other Ionian islands, in 1864.
Zante then became part of Greece, with the other Ionian islands, in 1864.
The architecture of the island is greatly affected by the influence of the culture of Western Europe, of the Venetians, French and English who conquered the island. That is why the architecture of Zakynthos combines both Baroque and Renaissance styles. The architecture of the churches is very interesting and characterized by bell towers, generally built next to the church and which look like small towers.
They are different churches from the Byzantine ones: the central building is long and low and has a single nave, similar to the churches of Western Europe.
You can get around the island using public transport which runs on a network of good quality roads covering the whole island. Tickets are available on the bus. The Local Transport Organization runs tours around the island with stops at all major locations. Taxi service is available all over the island and there is a taxi stand in most places. The service charge for popular destinations is standard. Moving by boat is always a very pleasant way to discover the island of Zakynthos. The service of taxi-boat offers regular and daily connections from the main port of the island and other ports to places located all around the island, some of which are not accessible by other means of transport, such as Marathonisi island, the many beautiful caves of Zakynthos and the spectacular Shipwreck beach with its suggestive rock formations. In many places it is possible to rent small boats.

Zakynthos

The island of Zakynthos can be reached by plane or by ferry.

The "Dionysios Solomos" International Airport of Zakynthos is located in the area of ​​Laganas, 6 km from the capital. It receives domestic flights from Athens (the flight duration is about 45 minutes) and some charter flights from some European cities, especially during the summer period.
Buses and taxis operate to and from the airport. The cost of a taxi from the airport to the center of Zakynthos town is around 5-6 euros. Many hotels and rental apartments offer their customers mini buses or private cars for transport to and from the airport.
For more information:
Zakynthos Dionisios Solomos Airport
Tel.: + 30 26950 – 29500
E-mail: kazastl@hcaa.gr
Radio Taxi: + 30 26950 – 48400

The island is connected to the Peloponnese by ferries to Killini on the east coast. The journey is approximately 1 hour. There are no direct ferries to Piraeus. If you are in Athens and want to go to Zakynthos by ferry, you can go by bus to Killini (the journey is about 4 hours) and then take the ferry to Zakynthos. There are ferries that connect Zakynthos to Kefalonia. From Kefalonia ferries depart from Pessada, on the southern side of Kefalonia, while from Zakynthos ferries depart from Agios Nikolaos Schinari, on the northern side of the island. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Ferries between Kefalonia and Zakynthos are operated by:
Ionion P. Naftiliaki Company
Mr Mihalis Tel.: +30 26710 91280 – +30 6944 880 333

The Island of Zakynthos has interesting and suggestive places to visit.

Zakynthos

Macherado
Located 10 km west of the capital, it is the second largest village on the island. Its main attraction is the 14th century Church of Santa Maria with its splendid Venetian bell tower and a collection of icons and frescoes.
The church is famous because inside there is the icon of Santa Maria surrounded by some offerings including the beautiful jewel of Queen Olga.

Keri
It is located 20 km southwest of the island's capital, on a verdant hill. It is a quiet and charming village made up of traditional stone houses and narrow alleys. The central square of the village is really very charming and offers a magnificent view of the Ionian Sea. Panagia Keriotissa is the village church which houses an icon said to have miraculous properties.

Volimes
Located on the northern side of the island, at an altitude of 480 m asl, this agricultural village is located 33 km northwest of Zakynthos Town.

Blue Caves
Created by wave erosion, they are located on the northernmost part of the island. Boat excursions are organised.

Marathonisi Island
It is an immaculate island in the bay of Laganas, just in front of Limni Keriou beach. There are boat excursions to Marathonisi, known for the beauty of its beaches and green landscape. On its soft sand sea turtles go to lay their eggs.

Askos Stone Park
It is located in the north of the island, in the locality of Volimes. It has many trees and many species of animals. The park is crossed by very narrow stone paths.

Church of Santa Maria
It is located in Maherado village. It was built during the 14th century and is considered one of the most important and most famous churches of Zakynthos. It has a Venetian-style bell tower built in such a way that every toll can be heard throughout Zakynthos. Built as a simple and ordinary basilica, the church houses a renowned collection of icons and frescoes painted by famous Greek artists. Among these, the icon of Santa Maria which is said to be miraculous.

Church of St. George Filikon
It is located on a hill in the Bohali area and is one of the most famous churches in Zakynthos. Its fame is due to the icon it houses: in front of it the members of the secret revolutionary organization called "Filiki Eteria" (Association of Friends) took their vows to follow the cause of the Revolution and fight against the Turks. Near the icon was placed a list with the names of the members including the names of famous Greek revolutionaries such as Kolokotronis, Fotomaras, Nikitaras.

Anafonitria monastery
It is located in the Plemonariou area, near the village of the same name, northwest of Zakynthos. San Dionysos, the patron saint of the island, lived his last years in this monastery.

The capital of the island of Zakynthos
Zante Town
It is the capital and main port of the island, with a population of about ten thousand inhabitants. The city is located in the eastern part of the island, with a rather particular architecture, influenced by the Venetians, the French and the English who colonized it. The strong earthquake of 1953 destroyed most of the elegant villas and neoclassical buildings that graced the capital. Only a few traditional palaces and churches have survived to this day. The new city was built on the remains of the old one with the intention of preserving the traditional architecture, which was only possible for a few areas, such as the spacious Solomos Square, due to the great poverty that the damage and disasters of the earthquake brought on the population.

To be seen
Shoreline
The long coastline that stretches between Solomos Square and the Church of San Dionysios, is the most popular and crowded place in Zakynthos, with many restaurants, tourist shops, various agencies. All the commercial and cultural activity of the island is concentrated in the third road parallel to the coast.

Solomos square
Solomos Square is a large square surrounded by some elegant buildings and their arcades. The square bears the name of the famous Greek poet Dionysios Solomos who wrote the Greek National Anthem. In honor of the life and work of the poet, a museum was founded, located near Piazza San Marco.

Venetian fortress
A Venetian fortress rises above the city: today it is only possible to see the entrance and the external walls.

Church of St. Dionysios
The imposing church is located on the left side of the coast, near the port, and is dedicated to the patron saint of Zakynthos whose body is preserved there, in a sculpted silver reliquary. It has an imposing bell tower, the tallest in the city. The church also houses some beautiful and precious paintings.

Zakynthos

Museums
Museum of Post-Byzantine Art
It is based in the large building on Solomos Square in the capital, the largest square in the city. It exhibits icons of great value, ecclesiastical clothing, frescoes from the 16th to the 19th century and documents and photos of Zakynthos before the 1953 earthquake.
The museum is open every day except Mondays from 08.30 to 15.00.
Ticket price: €3 (full price) €2 (reduced)
For more information:
Tel.: +30 26950 42714

Solomos Museum
It is located in Piazza San Marco, in the capital, and is dedicated to the poet Dionysios Solomos. It exhibits a collection of manuscripts, portraits, personal garments and busts of famous personalities of the island as well as the mausoleums of two important Greek poets: Solomos and Kalvos.
The museum is open every day from 09:00 to 14:00.
For more information:
Tel.: +30 26950 28982

Xenopoulos Museum
It is dedicated to Gregorios Xenopoulos, a famous playwright born in Zakynthos. It is housed in the writer's birthplace and exhibits his manuscripts, photos and personal items.
The museum is open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 13:00.
For more information:
Tel.: +30 26950 23780

Vertzagio Folklore Museum
It is located in the village of Pigadakia, 2 km from Alykes. The museum is a reconstruction of a traditional house: a dining room, a kitchen, a traditionally furnished bedroom and daily utensils. An old millstone is also on display which was used to squeeze grapes and olives to make wine and oil.
The museum is open every day except Mondays from 08.30 to 15.00.
Ticket price: €3 (full price) €2 (reduced)
For more information:
tel.: +30 26950 42714

Naval Museum
There are two Naval Museums in Zakynthos with historical documents and artefacts dating back to the Byzantine period.

natural History Museum
It is located in the mountainous area of ​​Santa Marina, in the center of the island. It was founded in 2000 through a private initiative and aims to represent the flora, fauna and marine life of the island.
The museum is open from November to April from 09:00 to 14:00 and from May to October from 09:00 to 18:00.
For more information:
Tel.: 26950 65040 / 62282
E-mail: info@museumhelmis.gr

Beaches
The beautiful beaches of the island of Zakynthos are famous throughout Greece for their pristine beauty and transparent emerald waters.

Navagio or Shipwreck beach
Located in the northwestern part of the island, it is the most famous beach in Zakynthos. It is always crowded due to the excursion boats that come there throughout the day. The exotic waters and rocks that surround it attract many people.

Gerakas beach
It is located 18 km south of Zakynthos Town and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches. It has a long sandy beach and wonderful crystalline waters.

St. Nicholas beach
It is located 32km northwest of Zakynthos Town and is a very popular beach. It gets very busy for its water sports activities. The area is also perfect for diving.

Kalamaki beach
It is located 6 km south of Zakynthos Town and is the closest beach to the airport. It becomes very popular and is full of tourist facilities and services.

Porto Zoro
17km southeast of Zakynthos Town, is a long sandy beach between Argassi and Vassilikos. Due to its location and natural beauty, it becomes very popular during the summer.

Spanzia beach
It is a beautiful beach near Vassilikos, in the southern part of the island, 16 km southwest of Zakynthos Town. Part of the beach has pebbles, other sand.

Fun
Zakynthos nightlife is very exciting and has a lot to offer. Many bars and clubs located on the island offer various types of music and attract many people with their drinks and dances that last all night. Entertainment is concentrated in the famous beaches of Argasi, Laganas, Alykes and Tsilivi. Zante city, the capital of the island, does not have many bars and clubs but restaurants, taverns and cafes.
There is also an Aqua Park on the island located in Sarakinado, between Tragaki and Zakynthos Town. It offers a huge range of water games. It also has a large swimming pool for swimming in a more peaceful atmosphere. And, for golf enthusiasts, it organizes mini-golf courses. It has a large parking area for over 600 cars. The park is open from May to October.
For more information:
Tel.: +30 26950 65150
E-mail: info@zantewatervillage.gr
In the capital of the island, in the last days of August and the first days of September, the Wine Festival takes place, during which the excellent wines produced on the island can be tasted; while in June the Poker Festival takes place in which players of all levels can participate.