ZAKYNTHOS

General Information

Second only to Corfu in tourism circulation and development, the infrastructure and the affability of the residents of Zakynthos ensure a pleasant stay. Zakynthos is an island with many natural beauties, where extended olive groves and vineyards, forested hillsides, outstanding palisades and magnificent beaches, ensnare the visitor and ensure a fascinating stay. There are also remarkable historical monuments, abbeys, churches with dashing belfries, and traditional hamlets. Zakynthos is also widely known as the island of the famous Caretta Caretta turtle. Its population is about 32.500 residents, while its extent covers 120 sq.km.  

History - Culture

As tradition has it, Zakynthos was named after Arkadios Zakynthos, who arrived on the island sometime around 1500 BC. In the 5th century BC, the island flourished, and its people established many colonies. In the beginning of the 2nd century BC the island fell under Roman rule. During the Byzantine period, pirate raids frequently plagued the island. In the 15th century, Zante was conquered by the Venetians, and in this era literature, trade and agriculture developed significantly. In 1797 French troops invaded the island, while later on, the Russians, the Turks and the English successively gained control of it. Zante eventually reunited with Greece in 1864. However, the island was a major base of operations during the Greek War of Independence (1821-1826), and it is the birthplace of two leading figures of literature. These are famed author Andreas Kalvos, and Dionysios Solomos, the celebrated poet and writer of the Greek National Anthem.

Sights

Numerous natural landscapes and human constructs adorn this beautiful island. In the capital town of Zakynthos, there is the Venetian castle and the Monastery of Aghios Dionysios ?the patron saint of the island- where his relics are kept. Zakynthos is the favourite island of the caretta-caretta turtle, a marine species that prefers to lay its eggs in the same site of the island every year. Apart from that, it is the favourite island of many tourists who choose to spend their holidays here, combining sightseeing and pleasure. There is also the Strani hill, the place where Solomos was inspired of the poem "Hymnos Eis Tin Eleftheria" (the Greek National Anthem) and another celebrated poem of his, the one called "Free Though Besieged" (Eleftheroi Poliorkimenoi). In the Byzantine museum, which is also situated in the capital, significant Byzantine works of art of Ionian and Zakynthian style are exhibited. In Argassi, the traveller can visit the ruins of a castle dating back to the Middle Ages, while in Keri, the stone-built tomb is a significant sight worth visiting. One of the most remarkable sights is in the village of Volimes, with its famed blue caves (discovered in 1897); they are said to be amongst the most beautiful caves in Greece. There is also the Venetian tower, built in the 14th century. In Laganas, there is the vast bay where caretta-caretta, the rare turtle species, lives and reproduces and thus, the area is protected. Moreover, there are significant churches and monasteries scattered all over the island, mostly in the areas of Anafonitria, Katastari, Machairado and Orthonies. Zakynthos also holds in store the most amazing beaches in the world, and the famed Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach is one of the five best beaches in the world. All things considered, Zante is a unique island that has never let anyone down.

Entertainment-Sports-Shopping

There is no way that visitors should miss out on anything while staying in Zante. As far as the capital is concerned, there are first class restaurants, taverns, bars, coffee-houses, clubs, music halls with live Greek music, and shopping centres. The hotel units available are fully equipped and of top quality. In the rest of the island, such as Volimes, Katastari, Laganas, Plano, Kalamaki and elsewhere, there are also many fully equipped hotels, well-supplied shopping and entertainment facilities. The road and transportation network of Zante is satisfactory while there is a wide range of sporting activities available. Thus, visitors can enjoy wind-surfing, water-skiing and sailing within the premises of large hotel units in the town of Zakynthos and in the area of Laganas. Water sports facilities can also be found in Plano, Alykes, Argassi, Limni Keriou and on most of the beaches on the island. The National Stadium of Zakynthos is at the disposal of every sportsman; in Plano, Laganas and the capital, there are tennis courts. Horse-riding facilities are available in Limni Keriou. As for local festivities, there are quite a few held on the island, which are representative of the island"s tradition. Some of the celebrated local products are oiled cheese, sweet onions, wine, nougat (kind of sweet), almonds, figs and perfumes made in Zante. Last but not least, visitors should not fail to try some of the local specialties such as casserole rabbit, chicken and fish with garlic sauce.

Access

There is a flight service from Athens all year round as well as bus service from Athens to Kylini in the Peloponnese from where ferries sail to Zante (more dense service during summer). In the summer there is an additional railway service from Piraeus-Athens to Kavasila from where there is a local train to Kylini.

Connections

All year round, there is a ferryboat connection with Pesada in Cephalonia.

Museums

In Zante, one can find a Byzantine Museum with significant icon screens and religious icons, the National Resistance Museum, the Museum of Dionysios Solomos, the Nautical Museum, the Folk Art Museum, and finally, a public library. Another folk art collection can be seen in the village of Pigadakia.

Alternative Tourism

Spiritual, ecotourism, water sports, caving, archaeology, historical, trekking.

USEFULL TELEPHONES:

Zakynthos Area Code:  26950-

Police Station:   26950-24450, 24480

Tourist Police:   26950-24483-4

Port authority:   26950-28117

Telephone Company:    26950-42499

Post Office:      26950-42418

Municipality Office:       26950-22315

Taxi Station:     26950-22280

Hospital:           26950-59100

Airport of Zakynthos:    28322