Zakynthos - Greece



ZAKYNTHOS

The name of this third when it comes about the size island comes from the name of one of the kings of Arcadia – son of Darandanus – Zakynthos. In the eastern part of the island there are hills, in the centre plains and on the west wonderful beaches and marine caves. On Zakynthos there is a Mediterranean climate so in winter there is a lot of rain and in summer the sun is shining on the clear sky. Thanks to that climate vegetation on Zakynthos is very bushy and that is why Venetians call it “The flower of east”
The island is inhabited with over 41 thousand people which work mainly in tourist business, fishing, cultivation of cereal and fruit trees.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Fauna and flora of the island arouse the international interest because there are many species of plants and animals which are endangered by extinction. It is caused by constantly developing touristic in this place. Society of Turtle Prevention enabled turtle free living while creating Marine National Park Zakunthos.
Main port and at the same time the capital city of Zakynthos is a city with the same name.
It is modern town when it comes about architecture and it was built on the ashes of old one which was destroyed during the Earth quake in 1953. In the capital city worth visiting are: Agios Dionysus monastery in which saints’ mementos are being stored, seaside promenade, Kon Lombardou street also calles The Loss of Marin, Agios Markos and Dionysus Solomos square. Very interesting might be also a trip through the Starni hills which inspired Dionysus Saloms to create ‘Hymn to liberty’, which became the national anthem of Greece.
The west coast of the island is full of villages which are passed over by time, there are among other things Orthodox churches remained. To this villages belong: Keri, Kiliomeno, Kambi, Ekso Chora, Maries.

ENTERTAINMENT

In the eastern part of the coastline there are many well developed holiday resorts, for example: Laganas, Yerakas, Argasi, Porto Zoro, Vassilikos, Tsilivi, Alykes, Keri.
Peninsula Vassilikos offers at least 2 picturesque beaches: Agios Nicolaos i Geracas. In the north of Zakynthos there is a village Alykes which offers the most possibilities to do water sports. In surrounding of this village there were found the remains after Mycenaean and it was claimed that this place was main point of reference to Arcadia.

Cape Schinar is the northernmost point of Zakynthos, on its eastern side situated are Blue Caves. There are beautiful marine landscapes which contains of natural sculpted by erosion arches and other rock forms. On the western part of cape we can admire the most photographed beach on the island which is Navagio – Shipwreck Beach. On it there is a half-dug in sand freighter.

40% of the island is covered with mountainous ground, villages where a real Zakynthos climate can be experienced, on a trip far from mass touristic you can go with bike, scooter or car which you can rent for a whole day.
Specials served on Zakynthos are classic Greek meals but local cuisine is very diversified so even the most choosy client will find something for her/himself.
Furthermore in every village you can find shops with souvenirs but the most interesting solution is to find handmade things from olive wood.