If you are looking for a stunning destination for your next holiday, you might want to consider Zakynthos, one of the most exotic Greek islands in the Ionian Sea. Zakynthos, also known as Zante or Zacinto, is famous for its natural beauty, its amazing beaches and its rich culture. In this blog post, we will give you some information about what and where Zakynthos is, what activities you can do and what cultural trips you can take on this wonderful island.
Zakynthos is the third largest island of the Ionian Sea, which lies between Greece and South Italy, directly west of Peloponnese and the Greek mainland. It has an area of 405.55 km2 and a population of about 40,000 people. The capital and main port of the island is Zakynthos Town, which is located on the east coast. The island has a mild Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and rainy winters.
Zakynthos has a long and rich history, dating back to ancient times. According to Greek mythology, the island was named after Zakynthos, the son of King Dardanus of Arcadia, who settled there with his men. The island was mentioned by Homer in the Iliad and the Odyssey, as it participated in the Trojan War and was one of the suitors of Penelope. Zakynthos was later conquered by various powers, such as the Spartans, the Athenians, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Venetians, the Ottomans, the French, the British and finally the Greeks.
The island has a distinctive culture, influenced by its various conquerors and its proximity to Italy. The local dialect is a mixture of Greek and Italian words, and the local cuisine is based on olive oil, cheese, honey, wine and seafood. Zakynthos is also known for its musical tradition, as it is the birthplace of many famous composers and poets, such as Dionysios Solomos, who wrote the Greek national anthem.
Zakynthos is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The island offers a variety of activities for all tastes and ages, such as hiking, cycling, horse riding, diving, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking and more. You can explore the stunning landscapes of Zakynthos, from its green hills and valleys to its rocky cliffs and caves. You can also enjoy the crystal clear waters of the Ionian Sea, which are home to many marine species, including the endangered loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), which nest on some of the beaches every year.
One of the most popular activities on Zakynthos is taking a boat trip to see the famous Navagio (Shipwreck) beach, which is located on the northwest coast of the island. This beach is considered one of the most beautiful in the world, as it has white sand, turquoise water and a dramatic backdrop of steep cliffs. The beach got its name from a shipwreck that occurred there in 1980, when a smuggler boat carrying cigarettes ran aground on the shore. The boat still lies on the sand today, creating a unique sight.
Another activity that you should not miss on Zakynthos is visiting the Blue Caves, which are located on the northeast coast of the island. These caves are natural formations that have been carved by the sea over thousands of years. They have a striking blue color that reflects on the water and creates a magical atmosphere. You can enter some of the caves by boat or by swimming and admire their beauty from inside.
Zakynthos has many cultural attractions that will enrich your holiday experience. You can visit some of the historical monuments and museums that showcase the island’s heritage and art. You can also discover some of the traditional villages and monasteries that preserve the authentic way of life and spirituality of Zakynthos.
One of the places that you should visit on Zakynthos is Zakynthos Town, which is also known as Chora. This is where you will find most of the cultural landmarks of the island, such as:
This is a medieval fortress that was built by the Venetians in 1480 on top of a hill overlooking Zakynthos Town. It was used to protect the island from pirate attacks and foreign invasions. It was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1953 but it still retains some of its original features, such as walls, gates and towers.
This is a museum that houses a collection of religious icons and paintings from different periods of Byzantine art. It also displays some artifacts from ancient times and some models of old buildings that were destroyed by earthquakes.
This is the main square of Zakynthos Town, which is named after Dionysios Solomos, the national poet of Greece. It is surrounded by elegant buildings, such as the Town Hall, the Public Library and the Church of Saint Nicholas. It is also a lively place where you can find many cafes, restaurants and shops.
This is the most important church on Zakynthos, which is dedicated to the patron saint of the island. It was built in 1948 in a neoclassical style and it has a beautiful bell tower. Inside, you can see the silver coffin that contains the relics of Saint Dionysios, who was a bishop and a miracle worker on Zakynthos.
Another place that you should visit on Zakynthos is Bochali, which is a picturesque village that lies on a hill above Zakynthos Town. It offers a panoramic view of the town and the sea and it has a charming atmosphere. You can stroll along its narrow streets and admire its traditional houses and gardens. You can also visit the Monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa, which is the oldest monastery on Zakynthos. It was founded in the 15th century by a Venetian nobleman and it has a beautiful church with frescoes and icons.
Zakynthos is an island that will captivate you with its natural beauty, its cultural heritage and its friendly people. It is a perfect destination for a relaxing and memorable holiday. If you want to book your trip to Zakynthos, you can contact us and we will help you find the best deals and services for your needs.
