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                                                 (photo:Sunset at Dafni beach of Zakynthos)
Zakynthos, or Zante, had the misfortune of being hit by a series of earthquakes measuring around 7 on the Richter scale in 1953, right when Greece was really beginning its efforts to rebuild its economy and civil society after 10 years of war, occupation, famine, almost total destruction of its infrastructure and, finally, 4 years of bloody civil war. In those 10 years, 2.5 million people died of war and famine and the country was in ruins. The UN relief organizations were still here doing their work and the government had just devalued the drachma.

That was when the Ionian seismic fault line awoke, and, in 3 consecutive massive earthquakes, over 4 days, it left Zakynthos and Cefalonia a pile of burned ruins, never to recover their former grace and beauty. It is almost certain that, had those 3 tremors occurred today, massive amounts of reconstruction funds would have flowed from the Greek budget, the European Union, and the Greek immigrant communities worldwide to rebuild the stricken islands as they were before the earthquake.

In 1953, though, when the country was not even able to feed itself, there was hardly any thought of rebuilding Zakynthos to its pre-earthquake splendor; the primary concern was providing shelter not preserving architectural grace, and the main economic strategy was jump-starting commerce and agriculture, not rebuilding a traditional tourist attraction. Tourism was not even a glint in anybody's eye in 1953.

So, Zakynthos, the favorite island of the Venetians, the "Fiore di Levante" (the Flower of the East) of the Serene Republic, was lost forever, not only as far as architecture and grace but also in social terms, as a large number of the surviving members of the island's aristocracy fled it. The social effect of the tremors was to put an end to what was, until then, one of the few pockets of a western European-style bourgeois society on Greek soil, one that developed uninterrupted by Ottoman rule.

Zakynthos was a place of charm and grace, of arts and culture. Dionysios Solomos, the poet who wrote the Hymn to Freedom, whose first two stanzas became the Greek national anthem, and Andreas Kalvos, the poet of Odes, a very important Greek poem, were born here. These two are credited with playing a major role in helping evolve the Greek language to its present form (the Dante Aligheris of Greece, so to speak) and are considered as two of the greatest Greek poets of modern times.

Solomos composed his 152-stanza poem during the Egyptian Army's 1827 siege of Messolonghi, the town where Lord Byron died a few years before, across the straights, on the mainland shore. Greece's national poet, sitting at his hilltop estate, on Strani Hill above Zakynthos Town, is said to have written his magnum opus with tearful eyes, moved by the sound of the great Egyptian cannons pounding the walls of the heroic town of Messolonghi.

One of the island's homegrown attractions and lasting influences on the rest of the country is its music, the "cantades". Although influenced by the Italian tradition of bel canto, Zakynthian cantades have a distinctive sound, and they celebrate love for women and love for Zakynthos. To this day they are sung in the street, by bands of wandering singers accompanied by guitars, sometimes under the window of someone's object of desire. This is the Zakynthos way of expressing love and admiration in an agreeable manner.

Today cantades can also be heard in various restaurants around Bohali, the hilltop suburb of Zakynthos town, and, most recommended, in Arekia, a small, friendly little outdoor tavern, on the coastal road, about 500 meters north of Solomos Square.

Like every Ionian Island, Zakynthos has a Patron Saint. In this case, Agios (Saint) Dionysios, whose preserved body is displayed in his Cathedral, on the harbor. The legend says that the saint, a monk, gave shelter to the assassin of his brother who was being chased by the Turks. Zakynthians are very protective of their Patron Saint: in typical Greek fashion they swear by and at him, alternatively, hundreds of times a day.

In his honor, most Zakynthians are named Dionysios (which, affectionately, becomes Nionios) and Dionysia (ditto, Soula). Some Zakynthians will state, with a straight face, that they don't really believe in God at all, BUT they believe in Agios Dionysios. Go figure, but this is part of the charm of the place.

The eastern part of the island is very accessible, with nice beaches along the coast and the town of Zakynthos in the middle. The western part ends in cliffs that plunge into the deep blue waters of the southern Adriatic and provide some spectacular swimming spots, like the famous Navagio ("Shipwreck") and the lagoon at Limnionas.

In recent years Zakynthos has been associated with the worldwide effort to save the caretta-caretta loggerhead sea turtle from extinction. The unplanned and, for many, grotesque building boom at the Laganas and Kalamaki beaches, geared toward attracting as much of the British �100-a-week-including-airfare crowd as possible, has destroyed the turtles' breeding grounds on those beaches raising serious doubts about their future.

The Gerakas beach is the only remaining refuge for the giant beasts, although the locals have started being more conscious lately and there is some active involvement on their part in saving one of the island's natural attractions. The save-the-turtles movement maintains an information center on Solomos Square as well as at various beaches around the island.

The Highlights

The beaches at Gerakas, Navagio, Banana, and Dafni, and the lagoon at Limnionas. The blue caves, in the northern part of the island, north of Agios Nikolaos harbor. The ancient church of Agia Mavra, in Maherado, about 12 km west of Zakynthos Town, one of the few buildings to not collapse during the 1953 earthquakes

We Recommend

Take a bus or drive to Agios Nikolaos, and take a tour of the blue caves, including swimming in the irradescent waters. From Agios Nikolaos, take the caique to the Shipwreck for an once-in-a-lifetime swim in one of the most photographed and breathtaking spots on the planet. Take a walk around Strani hill and the Acrotiri area. Go to the Arekies tavern, for delicious local dishes, strong local wine, and a-cappella cantades. Try the local sweet delicacies pasteli, made from sesame and honey, and mantolato, made from egg whites, honey, and almonds. Be in Zakynthos on August 24, during the celebration of Agios Dionysios day, participate in the festivities, and watch the procession of the Saint's relics around Zakynthos town with a crowd of thousands, descending on the island from all over.

The resorts of zakynthos (zante)

The resorts of zakynthos (zante). Most important zakynthos resorts

ZAKYNTHOS TOWN

  Zakynthos town is the capital of the island of Zakynthos and home to the main port with ferries departing daily to the mainland, and where most of the round the island boat trips depart from in the summer season. The town was rebuilt after a major earthquake in 1953 which destroyed many of the buildings therefore most of the architecture is relativly modern. There are, however old buildings still dotted around the town, the most prominent being the church of St Dionysios, on the harbour front, named after the patron saint of the island. Only a short distance above the town is the hill of Bochali, where one can visit the old Venetian fortress and also Strani, where Greek poet Dionysios Solomos was inspired to write the "Ode to Liberty" which became the Greek national anthem. From Bochali the views of the town and surrounding areas are unsurpassed. In the town, places of interest include the Solomos museum and also the museum of Byzantine art. A walk along the promenade brings you to the two main squares of Zakynthos town, Solomos square and St.Marcos square where the pedestrian only areas provide many outdoor restaurants and coffee shops, an enjoyable place to relax and watch the world go by. The main shopping street is the Alexandra Roma where you can find everything you need, from bakeries, shoe shops, gift shops, clothes, jewellery, icons, traditional Greek products and more. The main banks are located in an around the squares for money transfer or money exchange. The British consulate is in Zakynthos town on the road running parallel to the Alexandra Roma, at 5 Foskolos Street, should you need their assistance.

LAGANAS

  Laganas is the largest tourist resort of Zante. It is a resort which caters for all walks of life and particularly attracts the 18 to 30 market due to the vast array of nightclubs and bars. Partying in Laganas begins early and continues into the early hours of the morning, with karaoke, top club DJ's and organised party nights on the agenda. If clubs are not your scene however, there are plenty of smaller cocktail bars and pubs, along with many restaurants with food ranging from traditional Greek cuisine to Chinese, Italian, Indian and fast food take out snacks. The main road, commonly known as the 'strip' runs towards the beach, which is perfect for families with children, with shallow waters and almost 9 kilometres of golden sand stretching along the coast to the next resort of Kalamaki. There are many choices available for accommodation, from hotels, studios and apartments to camping. Laganas has a host of shops, from clothes, leather goods and souvenirs to supermarkets, bakeries, jewellery shops and vehicle hire. Laganas is the main breeding and nesting site for the endangered loggerhead turtle and the waters are therefore a protected area. For this reason speedboats and jet skiis are banned because of the danger to the loggerhead turtles, however small boats and pedalos are available for hire in the bay and boat trips are available daily to see the turtles in their natural habitat.

KALAMAKI

  Kalamaki is located a short distance along the coast from the largest island resort of Laganas. A smaller resort and not quite as lively as it's neighbour, Kalamaki attracts a wide range of tourists. The main road offers the usual array of gift shops, souvenirs, clothes shops, leather goods, vehicle hire and mini markets and there is a large variety of restaurants and snack bars to choose from offering Greek and international cuisine, including English, Chinese, Indian and Italian. The long stretch of sandy beach and warm clear waters are the main attraction of Kalamaki, however the main resort area has grown over recent years, the nightlife and partying continuing into the early hours of the morning with clubs, karaoke, quiz nights and party nights all available for those who want it. The loggerhead turtles also nest and breed in this area, pedalo and canoe hire are available for you to go out and see the the turtles in their natural habitat. Kalamaki has a wide selection of hotels, studios and apartments for you to choose from, most only a short walk from the beach and from the centre of the resort, although taxis are readily available and there are numerous places to hire transport at very reasonable rates.

ARGASSI

  Argassi was one of the first spots in Zakynthos to be developed for the tourism market and over the years has become a popular resort for people of all ages. It is close to Zakynthos town, the capital of the island, a distance of around four kilometres. Gift shops, souvenir shops, beachwear, clothes and jewellery make up only a part of what is on offer in Argassi. There is a large variety of accommodation for you to choose from, with many hotels, studios and apartments. The resort also has a thriving nightlife, with many bars, clubs and pubs, offering quiz nights and karaoke, to quiet relaxing evenings, to top DJ's and partying until the early hours of the morning. As you wander around Argassi you will find many restaurants, tavernas and fast food outlets offering a choice of traditional Greek cuisine to the good old English fry up. Although quite narrow, the beach is long and watersports are allowed, such as paragliding, jetskiis and ringos. The hills behind the resort offer plenty of pleasant walks through the lush green landscape. The close proximity to Zakynthos town and the beautiful Vassilikos peninsula make the resort a favourite for those who like to get out and about during their stay but enjoy the amenities that the tourist resort has to offer. There are bus and taxi services to these areas and plenty of options if you prefer to hire your own vehicle.

ALYKES

  A small village to the north east of the island, sharing the stretch of golden sandy beach with neighbouring Alikanas, Alykes caters for tourism well but offers a more relaxed and quieter side than some of the livlier resorts on Zakynthos. With beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere, Alykes has grown to be a popular resort for a relaxing break away. From this area walking or cycling in the surrounding countryside is a popular pastime for visitors, or exploring the smaller villages inland. There is plenty of accommodation available in the resort, including hotels, studios and apartments and also a camping ground situated only a few metres from the beach. There are watersports on offer along this stretch of coast and numerous shops, restaurants and bars available although Alykes has kept an air of tradition, being a small resort, and is not too commercialised. From the hills above Alykes and Alikanas, spectacular views of the salt flats and surrounding countryside offer superb photograph opportunities. Boat trips to the Blue caves and famous smugglers cove are also available from Alykes.

ALIKANAS

  Sharing the stretch of golden sandy beach with neighbouring resort of Alykes, Alikanas is a small resort, popular with families and couples who are looking for a relaxing break. Although catering well for the tourist market with various shops, restaurants, tavernas and bars available, Alikanas has kept a traditional feel and slower pace of life than some of the larger resorts on the island. Alikanas is slightly smaller than neighbouring Alykes and with its little fishing harbour has a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. Watersports and wind surfing are available on this stretch of coastline and from the beach there are clear views of Kefalonia island, just north of Zante. The area is relatively flat which gives rise to opportunities for cycling and exploring the surrounding countryside and small villages on foot and also the salt flats of Zakynthos in the Alykes area. It is commonly thought that the ancient city of Arkadia was in this area as remains of Mycenean vases were found here. Although a quiet area, Alikanas is only a short walk from the slightly more lively resort of Alykes, and around twenty minutes drive from busy Zakynthos town, easily accessible by local bus route along the coastline or by hired transport.

LIMNI KERIOU

  Limni Keriou is the name given to the port and bay just below the village of Keri where views from the Keri lighthouse are spectacular, and especially popular at sunset for photographers. Around twenty minutes drive south of Laganas, as you come over the hilltops, Limni Keriou can be seen, a picturesque sight as you drive down through the lush green landscape. Most of the narrow beach at Keri is made up of pebbles, however as you walk into the shallow waters, soft sand is under foot after only a couple of metres. Marathonisi island, also known as turtle island, is only a short distance from Limni Keriou and a fifteen minute motor boat ride will take you there. Boats can be hired at reasonable rates and taxi boats are available for the less adventurous. Just around the coastline are the Keri Caves and boat trips are available daily from the small port to see these naturally eroded arches with deep clear blue waters. There is also a scuba diving centre here, although high powered watersports are not available because of the danger to the loggerhead sea turtles in the area. The quiet nature of the resort of Limni Keriou and stunning surrounding scenery attract mainly visitors who are after a peaceful holiday. There are hotels, studios and apartments spread around the resort and a few shops, bars and restaurants mainly around port and seafront areas, where a relaxing evening listening to the gentle waves lapping at the shore is hard to resist.

TSILIVI

  Tsilivi is a friendly resort in a rural setting, situated on the east coast of Zante just north of Zakynthos town. There are many choices available for accommodation, with a wide range of hotels, studios and apartments. Many of the hotels are situated on the mile long sandy beach, with others slightly further inland in the main town of Tsilivi. The shallow waters are ideal for swimmers and children and Tsilivi has gained a reputation for catering well for families, with plenty of activities such as kid's clubs, waterskiing, windsurfing, paragliding and evening entertainment. There is a wide variety of restaurants in the main resort and also along the waterfront, offering a choice of traditional Zakynthian and Greek cuisine, international and fast food. There are many bars in the resort and holiday entertainment is popular, from live bands to quiz nights and karaoke. Tsilivi offers the usual array of gift and souvenir shops, jewellery, clothes and beach gear and there are plenty of mini markets available for your everyday needs. The neighbouring village of Tragaki is worth a visit with it's traditional tavernas and quaint village charm.

AGIOS NIKOLAOS

  Agios Nikolaos is a small village situated on the north eastern coast of the the island. A popular sightseeing trip from the port of Agios Nikolaos is to the Blue Caves, situated east of Cape Skinari. Named from the deep clear blue colour of the water inside the caves, the naturally eroded arches are a must see for most visitors to the island. Day trips to Kefalonia, the island north of Zakynthos also depart from Agios Nikolaos. Not so much a resort but a small port with a beautiful bay for swimming, Agios Nikolaos has a few restaurants and cafe's along the seafront offering traditional Greek and international cuisine, mini markets and a few gift shops with local products. Agios Nikolaos generally appeals to visitors who are looking for an area of stunning natural beauty, panoramic sea views and a relaxing, peaceful holiday. It is an ideal area for keen scuba divers, snorkellors and fishermen and the surrounding countryside offers pleasant walks.

ZAKYNTHOS GENERAL INFORMATIONS

Zakynthos   , also Zante, the other form often used in English and in Italian (Greek: Ζάκυνθος; Venetian: Zacinto), is the third largest of the Ionian Islands. It covers an area of 410 km² (158 sq mi) and its coastline is roughly 123 km (76 mi) in length. The island is named after Zakynthos, the son of a legendary Arcadian chief Dardanus. The name, like all similar names ending in -nthos, is pre-Mycenaean or Pelasgian in origin. Zakynthos has a thriving tourism industry.

History

Flag of Zakynthos, depicting an ancient depiction of the founding hero Zákynthos. The quote underneath reads: "Freedom requires virtue and bravery", a famous verse by 19th century Zakynthian poet Andreas Kalvos.

Zakynthos was inhabited from the Neolithic Age, as some archaeological excavations have proved.
The famous ancient Greek poet and writer, Homer, first mentioned the island in his masterpieces, the Iliad and the Odyssey, stating that the first inhabitants of it were the son of King Dardanos of Troy called Zakynthos and his men and that they first came on the island around 1500-1600 BC^{[citation needed]}.
The island was then conquered by the Great Imperial King Arkeisios of Kefalonia. The famous Ulysses (Odysseus in Greek) from Ithaca was the next King to conquer the island.
Later on, a treaty was signed that made Zakynthos an independent democracy, the first established in the Hell area, and that lasted more than 650 years.
The Athenian military commander Tolmides concluded an alliance with Zacynthus during the First Peloponnesian War sometime between 459 and 446 B.C.^[1][2] The importance of this alliance for Athens was that it provided them with a source of tar. Tar is a more effective protector of ship planking than pitch (which is made from pine trees). The Athenian trireme fleet needed protection from rot, decay and the teredo so this new source of tar was valuable to them. The tar was dredged up from the bottom of a lake using leafy myrtle branches tied to the ends of poles. It was then collected in pots and could be carried to the beach and swabbed directly onto ship hulls.^[3] Alternatively, the tar could be shipped to the Athenian naval yard at the Piraeus for storage.^[4]

Venetian rule

Zakynthos, along with the rest of the Ionian islands, spent six centuries as a subject of the Republic of Venice (1194-1797). Venetian rule protected the island from Ottoman domination but in its place it put a feudal oligarchy. The cultural influence of Venice (and of Venetian on local dialect) was considerable. The wealthy made a habit of sending their sons to Italy to be educated. A good example is Dionysios Solomos, a native of Zakynthos and Greece's national poet. However, both the Greek language and Orthodox faith survived intact.
During the Napoleonic wars the islands were occupied at different times by France, as part of the département Mer-Égée (which induced the peasants to revolt), Russia, Turkey (Septinsular Republic) and finally Britain, which held on to them under the guise of the United States of the Ionian Islands until 1864, when they were ceded to Greece to stabilize the rule of the newly crowned Danish-born King of Greece, Georgios I.

During World War II

The Cathedral (Saint Dionysios) of the city of Zakynthos.

During the Nazi occupation of Greece, Mayor Karrer and Bishop Chrysostomos refused Nazi orders to turn in a list of the members of the town's Jewish community for deportation to the death camps. Instead they secreted the town's 275 Jews in rural villages. All survived the war. But as punishment the Nazis took all the children to work at camps but not to be killed. When they had loaded up the kids they drove away but the truck stopped because of sheep crossing the road. 1-2 jumped put and escaped the Nazis. Statues of the Bishop and the Mayor commemorate their heroism on the site of the town's historic synagogue, destroyed in the earthquake of 1953. After the war, all of the Jews of Zakynthos moved either to Israel or to Athens.^[5][6]

The Great Earthquake of 1953

Main article: 1953 Ionian Earthquake

This "paradise on earth" suffered a series of four severe earthquakes in August 1953, resulting in the total destruction of the island's infrastructure, including most of its state archives. The third and most destructive of those quakes, registering 7.3 on the Richter Scale, occurred at 09:24 UTC (11:24 am local time) on August 12, 1953. It had its epicentre directly on the southern tip of the nearby island of Kefalonia and caused widespread destruction there as well. In addition, the quake was felt throughout most of the country. Only three buildings on Zakynthos were left standing after the disaster: the St. Dionysios Cathedral, the National Bank building and the church of St. Nicholas "tou Molou" (of the Quay). A few other buildings in outlying areas managed to avoid complete collapse.
The rebuilding of the island was subject to a very rigid anti-seismic code, and has thus withstood several moderate and powerful earthquakes at a small amount of damage.

After the quake

Panorama of Zakynthos city.

Zakynthos city, Agios Dionysos Church.

After the enormous earthquake, the island's roads were expanded and paved along with the GR-35, one of the roads linking with the town and Porto Roma along with Laganas, Keri and Volimes and from Lachans to Keri. Its airport was opened in the 1960s. Its population partly emigrated but subsequently boomed in later years.
Mining is also common on the island. A small mountain located in Zakynthos' west side was mined during the 1990s, though it is no longer in use. Today, mining continues, but with two quarries on the mountain range on the western part of the island. Tourism continues to thrive and Zakynthos is currently one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece.
A few earthquakes rumbled later in the 2000s, one on Sunday June 8, 2008 at 6.4 R, felt without any damages or injuries. Another but less trembling four months later occurred on Saturday October 11 and measured at 4 R also nearly causing no damages.

The April 2006 earthquake swarm

Starting in the early morning hours of April 4, 2006, a series of moderate to strong earthquakes occurring on an almost daily basis began shaking almost the entire island. On April 11, however, the phenomenon intensified in both magnitude and rate of events. At 03:02 local time of that day, a powerful, magnitude 5.7 earthquake hit the area, only to be followed by an even stronger tremor, registering at 5.9 on the Richter Scale, at 8:30 p.m. (20:30) EET. On April 12, a committee of the nation's most prominent seismologists had an emergency meeting with the Greek Ministry of Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works, in order to assess the emerging situation. The meeting ended in a scientific consensus that this specific area of the Ionian Sea was simply not ready to produce an even stronger quake, advising the nervous citizens of the island to remain calm. However, at 19:52 and at 19:56 local time of that same evening, two more earthquakes shook the region sending scores of terrified people into the streets. The earthquakes had a preliminary moment magnitude of 5.8 and 5.4 respectively. Seismologists at the Athens Seismological Institute were once again taken by surprise by what turned into an unprecedented riddle concerning whether or not these were in fact foreshocks of a major event. The chances are, nonetheless, that this was just a phenomenon known as earthquake swarm, characterized by a pattern of a considerable amount of magnitude-wise similar tremors, all occurring within a limited number of days or weeks. As a result of the recurring jolts, moderate damage was reported to a total of sixty residencies and one library, while a small crack appeared on the eastern part of the capital's port. In addition, several rocks tumbled down onto one of the island's main roads, running through its mountainous areas.
The Ionian Islands are situated upon one of Europe's most notorious faults, capable of producing earthquakes potentially causing both widespread damage and considerable loss of life. However it should be stressed that, following the catastrophe of 1953, the authorities of Zakynthos have enforced a strict program of antiseismic standards to be applied in every building to be constructed. All buildings have been built on a swimming slab and enforced with steel, determined by the government to ensure safety. As a result, an earthquake similar to that of August 12, 1953, will almost certainly result in far less destruction.

After the quake and the Wildfires of 2006

On Thursday July 18, 2006, the western portion of the island was hit by a forest fire. The fire spread to the island's forest and ended up spreading by hectares. Firefighters along with helicopters and planes from the mainland arrived to fight the fire's expansion and further deforestation. The fire lasted for several days and on July 20, much of the area was contained; though it had become unpopular and unattractive scenery. One of the conflagrations appeared as a fiery line visible from as far away as the southern portion of the island and the Ionian Sea.

Geography

Navagio (shipwreck) bay.

Agios Sostis island.

Zakynthos has a varied terrain, with fertile plains in the southeastern part and mountainous terrain with steep cliffs along the coasts on the west. Zakynthos town coordinates are: Latitude 37.79139/37°47'29 N, Longitude: 20.89528/20°53'43 E.
The mild, Mediterranean climate and the plentiful winter rainfall endow the island with dense vegetation. The principal products are olive oil, currants, grapes and citrus fruit.
The capital, which has the same name as the prefecture, is the town of Zakynthos; apart from the official name, it is also called Chora (i.e. the Town, a common denomination in Greece when the name of the island itself is the same as the name of the principal town). According to the 2001 census, the island has a population of 38,957.
Among the most famous Zakynthians is the 19th century poet Dionysios Solomos, the principal modern Greek poet and author of the national anthem of Greece. His statue adorns the main town square. Also the explorer Juan de Fuca (Ioannis Focas) and the Italian poet Ugo Foscolo were born here.
The island has one airport, the Zakynthos International Airport, "Dionysios Solomos" (on former GR-35) in its southwest which connects flights with other Greek airports. Further southwest is the National Marine Park of Zakynthos where loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) are found in the Bay of Kalamaki. Caretta caretta is an endangered species - especially by the deck chairs laid out on their breeding grounds and the inevitable pollution. Every year at the beginning of June, the female turtles come to the southern beaches in order to bury their eggs in the sand. The incubation period for the nest is approximately fifty five days, after which time hatchlings emerge from the nest and make their way to the sea. The survival rate for hatchlings is very small, and it is estimated that only one in one thousand hatchlings that enter the sea live to adulthood. Each nest contains around one hundred to one hundred and twenty eggs, each of which are around the size and shape of a ping-pong ball. Female turtles begin to lay nests at around twenty to thirty years of age.
The port of Zakynthos has a ferry connecting to the port of Kyllini on the mainland. Another ferry connects the village of Skinari to Argostoli on the island of Kefalonia.
The Zante currant, a small sweet seedless grape is native to the island.

• Island length: 40 km
• Island width: 20 km
• Highest point: Vrachionas, 758 m

Sites of interest include Shipwreck Bay, Cape Skinari and the Blue Caves. The western part of the island is accessible and has a panoramic view of the sea. The ridge area from Anafontria has a small observation deck which overlooks the shipwreck and there is a monastery nearby.
Keri is located in the far south of the island. It is a mountain village and has a lighthouse in the south. It includes a panorama of the southern part of the Ionian Sea.
For tourist facilities, Zante has campsites and beaches including, a beautiful stretch near Keri, around 100 m in length and surrounded by cliffs. The island also offers a plethora of arches and cliffs which are widely known beyond the island ; one is underground. Several documentaries have been filmed around this area of Zakynthos/Zante. Beaches are to be found in Porto Limnionas, Porto Vromi and Porto Zoro.

Population

• 1900: 42,000
• 1981: 30,011
• 1991: 32,556 (island), 13,000 (city)
• 2001: 38,596

In 2006, there were 507 births and 407 deaths.^[7] Zakynthos is one of the regions with highest population growth in Greece. It is also one of the only 3 prefectures (Out of 54) in which rural population have a positive population growth rate. In fact rural population have higher growth rate than the urban population in Zakynthos. Out of the 507 births, 141 were in urban areas and 366 were in rural areas. Out of the 407 deaths, 124 were in urban areas and 283 were in rural areas.

See also: List of settlements in the Zakynthos prefecture

Culture

The island has a long musical tradition. It was a precursor of opera and operetta in Greece and on the island it constituted links between nobles and the rest of the people. In 1815 it saw the establishment of the first Music School in Greece. During the first Olympic Games, in Athens 1896, the Music Band of Zakynthos took part in the event. It was the period when composers of Zantiote origin, such as Domeneginis Kapnissis enjoyed some fame in Europe. Since 2009 Zakynthos has its own jazz festival (Zante Jazz Festival). Clubbing has become a huge part of the culture, bringing in a lot of money in the summer months.

Sport

See also: Zakynthos Football Clubs Association

The island offers exceptional attractions for SCUBA divers. Many of the dive sites are cave dives around the island; a wide range of marine life can be found, and common amongst it are moray eels, monk seals, octopus, and loggerhead turtles (caretta caretta).

Transportation

Greek National Road 35, a road linking Zante and Porto Roma; and another road linking Zante and Volimes. Zakynthos International Airport is 4.3 km from Zante.

Science

Zakynthos is a beautiful and green island in the Ionian Sea but the freshwater resources are limited.Therefore is a Greek-Norwegian educational collaboration being established on the island: The Science Park Zakynthos is collaboration between Technological Educational Institute of Ionian Islands (TEI), The Norwegian University of Life Sciences (UMB) and the Therianos Villas and Therianos Family Farm on Zakynthos.

Notable people

Ugo Foscolo.

• Saint Dionysios of Zakynthos (c. 16th century)
• Nikolaos Koutouzis (1741–1813), painter
• Ugo Foscolo (1778–1827), Italian writer
• Andreas Kalvos (1789–1869), poet
• Dionysios Solomos (1798–1857), poet and creator of the Greek national anthem
• Pavlos Carrer (1829–1896), composer
• Leonidas Zois (1865–1956), historian
• Gregorios Xenopoulos (1867–1951), writer-journalist
• George Costakis (1913–1990), art collector
• Kostas Dikefalos (born 1956), sculptor

ZAKYNTHOS NIGHTLIFE

    THE FAMOUS ZANTE ''NIGHTLIFE''

Do you like a quiet moonlit cocktail?… Or are you a disco diva?…Zakynthos has a vast choice of cocktail bars, pubs and nightclubs for you to enjoy a great day or night out. Look out for clubs with top international D.J.'s performing events throughout the summer. Many establishments have live bands or acts for your entertainment and most cover weekly or daily main sports events on T.V. …
The nightlife of Zakynthos (Zante) is exciting and has much to offer.
Numerous bars and night clubs can be found in the island proposing various kind of music and attracting many people looking for drinks and dances all night long.
Zakynthos nightlife is concentrated in the famous beach resorts of Argasi, Laganas, Alykes and Tsilivi. The capital of the island, Zakynthos Town, does not have a lot of bars and night clubs but mostly restaurants, taverns and cafes.

ZAKYNTHOS RADIO TAXI PRICES

THE PRICES SHOWN BELOW ARE SUGGESTED MAXIMUM PRICES FOR TOURIST TERRITORIES 2005 ALL PRICES SHOWN IN EUROS - (€)

FROM THE AIRPORT TO:
Resort	Price (€ - Euros)
ALYKES – ALYKANAS	21.50
ARGASSI	13.00
VASSILIKOS	22.00
ZAKYNTHOS TOWN	10.00
KALAMAKI	10.00
KERI	22.00
LAGANAS	13.00
LITHAKIA	16.00
TRAGAKI (PLAGOS)	17.50
TSILIVI	15.50
BELOUSI (ROGIA)	21.00
XIROKASTELO	17.00
PORTO KOUKLA	17.50

TO ZAKYNTHOS TOWN FROM:
Resort	Price (€ - Euros)
ALYKES – ALYKANAS	16.00
ARGASSI	6.00
VASSILIKOS	16.00
KALAMAKI	8.50
KERI	17.00
LAGANAS	9.50
LITHAKIA	13.00
TRAGAKI (PLAGOS)	11.50
TSILIVI	9.00
BELOUSI (ROGIA)	15.00
XIROKASTELO	13.00
PORTO KOUKLA	14.00

FROM LAGANAS TO:
Resort	Price (€ - Euros)
ALYKES – ALYKANAS	22.00
ARGASSI	14.00
VASSILIKOS	22.00
KALAMAKI	7.00
KERI	13.00
LITHAKIA	8.50
TSILIVI	15.50
PORTO KOUKLA	9.00

FROM ARGASSI TO:
Resort	Price (€ - Euros)
ALYKES – ALYKANAS	20.00
VASSILIKOS	13.00
KALAMAKI	9.50
LAGANAS	14.00
LITHAKIA	16.00
TSILIVI	15.00
XIROKASTELO	9.00
PORTO KOUKLA	17.00
KERI	21.00

FROM ALYKES TO:
Resort	Price (€ - Euros)
ARGASSI	20.00
VASSILIKOS	27.00
KALAMAKI	21.00
LAGANAS	22.00
TSILIVI	15.00

FROM TSILIVI TO:
Resort	Price (€ - Euros)
ALYKES	15.00
ARGASSI	15.00
VASSILIKOS	22.00
KERI	26.00
LAGANAS	15.50
ROGGIA	10.00

FROM KALAMAKI TO:
Resort	Price (€ - Euros)
ARGASSI	8.50
VASSILIKOS	19.50
KERI	21.00
LAGANAS	7.00
LITHAKIA	10.00
TSILIVI	15.50
PORTO KOUKLA	12.00

TO THE WATER PARK FROM:
Resort	Price (€ - Euros)
AG.SOSTIS	16.00
ALYKES – ALYKANAS	14.00
ARGASSI	13.00
VASSILIKOS	19.00
KALAMAKI	13.00
KIPELI	16.00
KERI	19.00
LAGANAS	13.00
TRAGAKI	14.00
TSILIVI	11.50
PORTO KOUKLA	16.50

ALL ROUTES WITHIN:
Resort	Price (€ - Euros)
ALYKES – ALYKANAS	6.00
ARGASSI	5.00
KALAMAKI	5.00
LAGANAS	6.00
TSILIVI	5.00
AMOUDI	9.50

TOUR AROUND THE ISLAND PER HOUR 35.00 €

ZANTE USEFUL TELEPHONES

Zante useful telephones Zakynthos
Below you can find useful telephone numbers in Zante Zakynthos
First aid phone numbers Police department in Zakynthos town +30 26950 - 27791/28341 Tourist police +30 26950 - 27367 Alikanas Police department +30 26950 - 83217 Alikanas Tourist Police +30 26950 - 83217 Laganas Police Department +30 26950 - 51251/52022 Port Authority +30 26950 - 28117-8 Hospital +30 26950 - 59100 First Aid Center (EKAB) +30 26950 - 23166 Firebrigade +30 26950 - 22199 Services Forestry +30 26950 - 41125 Court +30 26950 - 28347 Perfercture +30 26950 - 28690 Telephone Services (O.T.E) +30 26950 - 59300/42499 Post Office +30 26950 - 42418 Express Service (Auto road aid) +30 26950 - 26340 Transport phones Airport +30 26950 - 28688 Olympic Airways +30 26950 - 28611/42617/44433 Kyllini Port Authority +30 26230 - 92211 Bus Station (KTEL) +30 26950 - 22255 Radio Taxi Service +30 26950 - 48400 Taxi stands +30 26950 - 22280/28104/23788/28261 Banks Alpha Bank +30 26230 - 27835 Eurobank +30 26950 - 42883 Ionian Bank +30 26950 - 22336 National Bank of Greece +30 26950 - 26737/26671 Commercial Bank of Greece +30 26230 - 22338 Agricultural Bank of Greece +30 26950 - 42772 Cyprus Bank +30 26950 - 25010 Piraeus Bank +30 26950 - 43470 Marfin Egnatia Bank +30 26950 - 29999 Probank +30 26950 - 25116

ZAKYNTHOS TRANSPORTATION

Zante transportation Zakynthos

You can reach the island of Zakynthos by plane, by ferry or by bus. Find from the list below everything you need to know about the mean of transportation that better suits your needs. You can also find information about how to move around the island.

By plane Flying is foremost the safest way to travel as well as the fastest. There are a few low-cost carriers that will fly you to Zante for a good price if you don't value much service and seat space. Zakynthos is easily reachable from Athens (Eleftherios Venizelos Airport) with daily flights that long no more than 55 minutes. During the summer period the island is directly connected to many European cities with charter flights. Further more there are flights connecting Zante to Kefalonia, Corfu and Thessaloniki the duration of which is 30 minutes, 2 and 3.10 hours respectively. The airport of Zakynthos is 6 km from the town, while passengers are transferred by buses and by taxi. By ferry If you come from any European city and you are travelling to Zante, the island is reachable through Italy, while there are departures from the harbours of Trieste, Venice, Ancona, Bari and Brindisi to Patras by ferryboat. From Patras you have to proceed for 60 km along the New National Road via Pyrgos to the coast town of Killini. From Killini there are ferry boats leaving to Zakynthos with a trip duration of about 1 hour and a half. Zakynthos is also connected to Kefalonia by ferryboat (about 1 hour long) from the port of Agios Nikolaos in Volimes village. I n summer months Zante is also connected to other Ionian islands, like Lefkada with frequent boats. By bus If you are travelling by bus then you have to know that there are daily trips to Zante island from Athens (about 5.30 hours long), Thessaloniki (9 hours) and Patras(2.30 hours). Keep in mind that in the above estimated durations the boat trip is included.

How to move around Zante Zakynthos The best way to explore Zakynthos' beauties is to rent a motorbike, atv, car, jeep or even a bicycle. The island is full of car rental agencies that will be pleased to serve you. For the one that prefer to use the public means of transport there is a well organized bus service that connects the main island’s locations (Tsilivi, Laganas, Kalamaki, Argasi, Alykes, Keri, Agios Nikolaos, Porto Roma and is leaving from Zakynthos’ town). An alternative, but most expensive solution to the above is the taxi service. For the most adventurous it is possible to rent boats and discover the most cryptic sides of the island or benefit of the taxi boat service in the main interesting tourist areas. Finally don't miss the chance to take an organized excursion by boat. There are many travel agencies that organize this kind of activity and offer you the chance to take the tour of the island, go to the Blue Caves and enjoy the deep blue waters of the famous Shipwreck.

ZANTE SIGHTSEEING

Sightseeing in Zakynthos

Zakynthos or Zante is an island in the Ionian Sea that is well known for its natural beauties, picturesque beaches but also for its cultural traditions. Below there is a list of the most important Zakynthos (Zante) sightseeing like famous spots, monasteries, churches and places of incomparable natural beauty.

Argassi Bridge

In Argassi resort, next to Zakynthos town and the small harbour are the ruins of a small Roman bridge dating from 1885. The bridge lays half on the sand and half on the sea and used to carry the main coast road before the erosion of the coastline.

Anafonitria Monastery

This monastery is located in the traditional village of Anafonitria in the northwest of Zakynthos. The monastery was built in the 15th century and owes its name to the miraculous icon of the Virgin which was brought to the monastery from Constantinople in the time the town was captured by the Turks. Immediately at the entrance there is a medieval tower consisted of four arches and a cross which is used as a bell tower. The visitor can admire the many frescos on the walls of the monastery and feel the same harmony as St. Dionysios who lived here as a monk and gave forgiveness to the murderer of his brother.

Blue Caves

Situated on the West coast of the island the Blue Caves, or “Blue Caves of Volimes village”, as they are also called are a must attraction for every visitor. Consisted of particular geologic formations the Blue Caves owe their name to the vibrating and striking blue colour of the waters that is reflected on them, which at the same time capture and reflect the shine of the limpid sky. The area where the caves are located is quite wilder, rural and less transited than other of the island. It is possible to reach them by car from a small mill situated between Agios Nikolaos and Skinari cape coming down a hundred steps, reaching a spot perfect for the diving lovers. However if you want to completely admire this surreal environment and be part of the marvelous scenery you have to visit them with your own boat or with one of the many organized tours. No matter who the trip is shared with take a good digital camera with you and don’t miss the chance to live this unforgettable experience.

Kabi Cross

Kabi Cross is situated in the village of Kabi on a mountain called Schiza. The cross is made of cement and due to its huge dimensions it can be spotted even at km of distance. The Kabi Cross is erected on a promontory more than three hundred and fifty metres of the sea level and is a live symbol to commemorate those who passed away during the civil war and Second World War. The sight worths a visit and offers an astonishing view to the Ionian Sea.

Monastery of Saint George at Gremna

This monastery surrounded by huge pinetrees is situated in the northwest of Zakynthos at Volimes village. The monastery of St. George at Gremna was built during the 16th century, but it was destroyed by pirates in 1553 and then rebuilt in Venetian Style. Nowadays the visitor can admire a small church on the right of the monastery’s courtyard and a tower in the middle more than 150 years old that was built to defend the monastery from assaults.

Saint Dionysios church

The church of Saint Dionysios (Agios Dionysios) is the biggest in the island and is located in the southern part of Zakynthos town, near the harbour. The church was built in 1708 and was one of the less buildings to resist the earthquake of 1953. As soon as you enter the port of the island you can recognize it from its imposing bell. The church is dedicated to Agios Dionysios, the protector of the island, whose corpse was transferred from the monastery of Strofades where he had been living as a monk to the church in 1717. Saint Dionysios was born in Zakynthos in 1564 and his family belonged to the high-class. Despite all the advantages his social position was offering him he refused them all and decided to live with kindness and charity offering everything he had to the poor. The church combines two architectures, Byzantine style mixed with occidental. The visitor will be impressed by the interior which is entirely gold-painted and the impressive icons crafted by the famous hagiographers Koutouzis and Doxaras. Two great celebrations take place in Zakynthos island every year to the honor of Saint Dionysios: one on the 17th of December which is held in memory of the Saint’s death and one on the 24th of August which is an imposing feast day dedicated to the transportation of the Holy Body from the monastery to the church.

Sarakina House

Sarakina house is located on a hill near Laganas resort and Mouzaki village. Surrounded by vast vegetation this country-house that survived the earthquake of 1953 is a unique sightseeing for its kind in Zakynthos island. Sarakina house is thought to be built in the early 19th century and is an English villa that belonged to Lountzi’s family. The house is a typical example of Zakynthos' houses before the earthquake built in neo-classic style. Sarakina worths a visit, although is only possible to look at it externally in this moment, because the inside is not accessible.

Shipwreck

The beach of Navagio or Shipwreck is the best known in Zante, one of the most famous in Greece and one of the most photographed sights in the world. A trademark of the island the beach of the Shipwreck which was initially called St. George is situated in the eastern part of the island, close to Volimes village. Accessible only by boat it’s a creation of human and nature that gives you the idea of hugeness and perfection and you have to see in order to believe it. The bay where the rusting hulk lies half-bured owes its name to a boat that was trying to illegally smuggle cigarettes and alcohol in Greece and due to the stormy weather ran aground on the coast where you can find it nowadays. To visit this paradise on earth it is possible to take a daily trip by boat from the close bay of Porto Vromi, the town’s port or the Agios Nikolaos in Volimes village. Don’t miss the chance though to enjoy the spectacular view that is offered from a platform half way between the villages of Volimes and Anafonitria.

Strani Hill

Two kilometers away from Zakynthos town at the district of Bohali there is a beautiful wooded green hill which is called Strani Hill. This is where Dionysios Solomos, Greece’s national poet, inspired from the cannonades in Messolonghi, which was under the siege of the Turks during the Greek War of Independence and wrote in 1823 the “Hymn to Freedom”, Greece’s National Anthem. At a short distance on top of the hill there is Solomo’s mansion, while at the small square in front of it one may see his bust. The beauty of the landscape and the captivating view help us understand the source of inspiration that leaded our National Poet to write his valuable poems.

Strofades islands

Strofades are two small islands that lie 22 nautical miles south of the island of Zakynthos. The smaller one is called Arpia while the bigger one Stamfani. The Strofades islands are popular for their beauty, their reach vegetation and the passage of more than thousands of migratory birds every year, while their coasts are rocky without sand. Upon the largest of them there is an impressive monastery that was founded on 13th century upon request of princess Irene, daughter of the Byzantine emperor Theodoros A’ Laskaris, who thanks to those islands survived a shipwreck. In the past many monks used to live there, but the one that marks out for was Saint Dionysios, the modern protector of Zante island. The islands do worth a visit and can be reached by boat with organized tours from the town’s port.

Venetian Castle

The Venetian Castle is situated at the top of Bohali hill, on the outskirts of Zante town. The monument proves the remarkable influence of the Venetians on Zakynthos island and was built on the ruins of Psofida, the ancient acropolis of Zante. The fortress that stands up to now was completed by the Venetians in 1646, despite all the damages from previous earthquakes. The main outer gate of the castle is decorated by the well-known Venetian regalia: the lions of Saint Mark. The castle used to be the administrative center of Zakynthos island throughout the Venetian period. In the past where the ruins stand nowadays was the Medieval city of Zakynthos and 12 churches none of which remains until today. Although only the walls remain of the ancient building, the castle worths a visit as it is set among pire trees and offers a splendid view to the surrounding area. Access is possible by bus, by taxi or by other private vehicle.

Vrysakia aqueduct

Following a non asphalted road hidden in the vegetation that goes from Argassi to the countryside one can discover the ruins of an aqueduct used in the past to supply water the entire area. Up the series of archways bearing the pipes which brought the water stands a magnificent bridge 15m high. The bridge was constructed during the period of British domination and a legend says that Theodoros Kolokotronis, who lived in Zakynthos island 15 years before the 1821 war of independence used to ride his horses over the bridge. Keep in mind that there are no signs informing where the bridge is located.