Zakynthos is the third largest island in the Ionian Islands. It is a little over 400 km2 and has 42,000 inhabitants. Its highest point is 756 m. It is a fertile island, mainly covered with mountains and hills.
Zakynthos was first annexed to Greece in 1864 after having been under Venetian, French and British domination; it was first called Zante by the Italians, then ‘Fior di Levante’ (Levante’s flower) and ‘Isola d ‘oro’.
After the earthquake of 1953, the island was rebuilt, and the old Venetian buildings, neoclassical monuments and 19th century churches were restored.
The capital bears the same name. It is a pleasant city, respecting the architecture of its past. The Place Agiou Marcou is the most beautiful of the city. There are three beautiful churches that resisted the 1953 earthquake.
The island is one of the most beautiful and popular of the Ionian Sea. It is world famous for its sandy beaches, especially Laganas in the south of the island, where the sea-turtles “Caretta Caretta” are protected. The beaches of Zakynthos are the habitat and most important spawning places of the “Caretta Caretta” of all the Mediterranean area. Zante is also home to monk seals, another protected species.
The Zakynthos Marine National Park, established in 1999, is dedicated to the protection of the loggerhead turtle. The beaches of the island are the most important spawning places of this species in the Mediterranean. Each year, at the beginning of June, females arrive on the beaches of the south of the island to bury their eggs during the night. After about 55 days, the young turtles emerge from the eggs just before dawn and go to the sea.
Zakynthos is also known for its intense nightlife, making it a frequent destination for young people.
Navagio (Bay of Shipwreck), west of the island, is considered the jewel of Zakynthos and also as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The sand is gilded and the waters are of a dazzling turquoise. This creek owes its name to the ‘Panagiotis’, a boat that used to smuggle cigarettes and ran aground in 1983 at the foot of two cliffs a few dozen meters from the sea. It is a fascinating panorama due to its originality and natural sound.
On the eastern coast of Cape Skinari, in the northern part of the island, are the Blue Caves. A series of geological formations have created this marine landscape. Natural arcs have been excavated by erosion. These caves are famous for the deep blue color of the water lit by the sunlight, reflecting in the water.
The Venetian citadel, perched on the Bokali hill, offers a breathtaking view of the sea and the interior of the island.
The Agios Dionysos Church, founded in 1708 with its Byzantine and Western architecture, is worth a visit.
At the Post-Byzantine Arts Museum you can admire a collection of beautiful post-Byzantine icons, 16th-century wooden sculptures and 12th-century murals.
The museums of two writers of the city are also worthy of attention: the museum Grigorios Xenopoulos and the museum of Dionysos Solomos.
In the south of the island you will find the islets of Strofades. On one of them stands the impressive monastery of Agios Dionysos, built in the 13th century.
There are many beaches on the island, most of the beaches equipped, offer water sports.
Porto Zorro is an excellent place for diving; you will find a well-appointed beach. A little further on, Bananas beach that attract young people.
Not far from Lake Keri, there is a small beach facing the island of Marthonissos and close to Xirokastro: the beaches of Daphne and Sekania.
Kalamaki, Gerakas, Porto Roma, Agalas are other examples of beautiful beaches in Zakynthos.