Zakynthos

Zakynthos, an island in the Ionian Sea, with a population of around 40,759 inhabitants. This Greek island, referred to as Zante, is the third biggest of the Ionian Islands, with an area of 405.55 square kilometers and has a coastline of 123 kilometers. The island’s designation, akin to other others concluding with -nthos, possesses pre-Mycenaean or Pelasgian roots. In Greek mythology, Zakynthos derives its name from Zacynthus, the offspring of the famed Arcadian leader Dardanus.

Zakynthos is a prominent tourist location, especially favored by British travelers. An international airport on the island facilitates charter flights from Northern Europe. The Venetians, who governed Zakynthos from 1484 until 1797, endearingly referred to it as “the Flower of the Levant.” Zakynthos is located in the eastern Ionian Sea, some 20 kilometers west of the Greek peninsula. Kefalonia is situated 15 kilometers to the north, rendering Zakynthos the southernmost of the principal Ionian Islands, excluding the remote Kythira. The island spans around 40 kilometers in length and 20 kilometers in breadth.

The island features varied geography, with the western section marked by a hilly plateau and sharp cliffs along the southwestern coastline. Conversely, the eastern region is a rich plain, heavily inhabited and embellished with extensive sandy beaches. This area contains numerous solitary hills, notably Bochali, which provides a sweeping vista over the city and the Vasilikos peninsula to the northeast. The Vassilikos peninsula to the north and the Marathia peninsula to the south delineate the expansive and shallow Laganas bay on the island’s southeastern shore.

The capital of Zakynthos, which bears the same name as the island, is situated on the eastern section of the northern coastline. Locally, it is known as Chora, a prevalent phrase in Greece where the main town bears the same name as the island. The port of Zakynthos offers ferry services to the mainland port of Kyllini. Furthermore, an additional ferry route connects the hamlet of Agios Nikolaos to Argostoli on the adjacent island of Kefalonia. The municipality and regional unit of Zakynthos include many tiny deserted islands, such as Marathonisi, Pelouzo, and Agios Sostis in Laganas Bay, along with Agios Nikolaos at the harbor of the same name at the northern point and Agios Ioannis near Porto Vromi on the western coast.

Zakynthos possesses a unique arrowhead configuration, with Cape Skinari being the “tip” directed northwest. The island’s apex is Vrachionas, ascending to 758 meters. The island’s extensive past is seen in its varied cultural legacy, shaped by several civilizations throughout the millennia. The Venetians, who governed the island for more than three centuries, significantly influenced its architecture, culture, and traditions.

The island’s economy is predominantly fueled by tourism, agriculture, and fishing. The arable plains of Zakynthos yield a diverse array of crops, such as olives, grapes, and citrus fruits. The island is renowned for its currant production, which is shipped globally. The regional cuisine combines traditional Greek and Venetian influences, providing a distinctive culinary experience for visitors.

Zakynthos boasts several natural and historical attractions. The Blue Caves, situated on the northern coastline, are renowned for their breathtaking azure waters and distinctive geological structures. Navagio Beach, also referred to as Shipwreck Beach, is among the most photographed beaches in Greece, characterized by a scenic cove with transparent seas and a stranded vessel on its sandy coast. The island features several monasteries and churches, notably the Monastery of St. Dionysios, the patron saint of Zakynthos.

The island’s dynamic nightlife, especially in Laganas and Alykanas, draws a youthful demographic, enhancing its status as a spirited vacation locale. Notwithstanding its tourist appeal, Zakynthos has successfully maintained its natural beauty and cultural legacy, providing an ideal combination of leisure and adventure for visitors.

The temperate Mediterranean climate and abundant winter precipitation provide the island with lush flora. The primary agricultural products include olive oil, currants, grapes, and citrus fruits. The Zante currant, a little delicious seedless grape, originates from the island. Zakynthos has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate characterized by arid, sweltering summers and temperate to chilly, precipitation-laden winters. Similar to the majority of the Ionian Islands, it has considerable rainfall in winter, although summers are primarily bright and sunny. The mean annual temperature is around 18.5°C, accompanied by consistently elevated humidity levels year-round.

The Bay of Laganas is distinguished as the location of the inaugural National Marine Park and functions as the principal breeding habitat for loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) in the Mediterranean. Notable sites including Navagio Beach, a cove situated on the northwest coast, encircled by steep cliffs and reachable just by boat. Several natural “blue caves” are carved into the cliffs surrounding Cape Skinari, accessible alone by small boats, which are favored by visitors. Keri, a mountain settlement located in the southern region of the island, is distinguished by its lighthouse and renowned for its rock formations, including arches, along the western coastline extending from Keri to Skinari.

The northern and eastern coasts of Zakynthos boast several expansive sandy beaches, drawing holidaymakers throughout the summer season. Laganas is the largest resort. Marathonissi islet, referred also as “Turtle Island,” located near Limni Keriou, features tropical flora, turquoise seas, beaches, and marine caverns. Bochali Hill, overlooking Zakynthos Town, features a tiny Venetian castle.

The island features an extensive network of roadways, especially in the level eastern region, with primary highways connecting the capital to Volimes in the north, Keri in the south, and the Vassiliki peninsula in the west. The thoroughfare linking Volimes and Lithakia traverses the western portion of the island. Zakynthos possesses a single airport, Zakynthos International Airport, which provides connecting flights to other Greek airports and other tourist charters. Established in 1972, it is situated 4.3 kilometers from Zakynthos town.

Zakynthos possesses two ports: the primary port situated in the city and another in the settlement of Agios Nikolaos. The primary port provides a link to the port of Kyllini, which is the customary maritime entry point to the island from the mainland. The port of Agios Nikolaos provides a link to the island of Kefalonia.

The Museum of Solomos and Eminent Zakynthians, situated in St. Mark’s Plaza, features local art from the 18th and 19th centuries, among sculptures, musical instruments associated with notable Zakynthians, and ceramics. It prominently includes Dionysios Solomos and Andreas Kalvos.

Since the mid-1980s, Zakynthos has emerged as a destination for visitors aged 18 to 30, transforming Alykanas and Laganas from tranquil villages into vibrant centers of nightlife, with hotels, nightclubs, pubs, and restaurants. Notwithstanding the flood of youthful tourists, the island has preserved its allure and continues to provide a diverse array of activities for guests of all ages.