History
The Venetians, who ruled Zakynthos from 1484 to 1797, called the island "Fioro di Levante" (flower of the East) as there are over 7,000 species of flowers on Zakynthos. The third largest island of the Ionian Sea, after Corfu and Kefalonia, is internationally known as "Zante".In the 5th century, during the Persian Wars, Zakynthos remained neutral and during the Peloponnesian War it took part in the Athenian Alliance.
Top Destinations
Zakynthos Town
The capital and main harbor of Zakynthos is called Zakynthos Town or Zante and has a population of about 10,000. The town on the eastern part of the island used to have a unique architecture, influenced by the Venetians, the French and the English who colonized the island. However, the major earthquake of 1452 destroyed a large part of the elegant mansions and fine neoclassical buildings that embellished the capital.
Keri Zakynthos
The traditional village of Keri is located 21 km southwest of Zakynthos Town, on the top of a green hill. It has 700 inhabitants, most of whom are involved in agriculture and agriculture. It is a quiet and charming village that retains a strong traditional character, with many stone houses and narrow streets. The most charming part of the village is the central square from which you can enjoy superb views of the Ionian Sea. The village has largely escaped the growth of tourism, and there are only a few cafes here.
Maherado Zakynthos
The village of Maherado is the second largest village in Zakynthos with a population of approximately 1,000 people, most of whom are engaged in agriculture and agriculture.
Volimes Zakynthos
The village of Volimes is located 33 km northwest of Zakynthos City. It consists of two villages: Ano (Up) Volimes and Kato (Down) Volimes, both found around an agricultural area. Volimes is a large scenic mountain village, which still retains its traditional character and layout. It is still a very rural area, and many of the village have been untouched by tourism. To the east you will find a lot of cafes.
Maries Zakynthos
The traditional village of Maries is located 31 km west of Zakynthos Town, on the top of a green hill. It is a quiet and charming mountain village full of traditional stone houses and narrow streets. It has a population of 400 people, most of whom are engaged in agriculture and agriculture.
Top Beaches
In Laganas Bay There is the vast beach of Laganas with the sand dunes and the shallow waters, one of the busiest of the island, while in the bay there are three uninhabited islands with deserted beaches, the islet of Peluso, Agios Sostis, where access is possible by the bridge built there, and Marathonissi, which is reached by boat. On the west side, one meets the deserted beach of Roxa, the bay of Steniti and
Zakynthos shipwreck or Navagio BayThe beach of Navagio or Shipwreck is the most famous beach of Zakynthos, located on the west side of the Ionian island, near the village of Anafotiria. Shipwreck is one of Greece's most photographed landscapes. It is considered one of the best beaches in Greece. Initially called Agios Georgios, it owes its new name to the shipwreck of a boat carrying illegal cigarettes in 1983.
Gerakas Zakynthos
Gerakas is considered one of the most attractive beaches of Zakynthos for its turquoise waters and unique untouched features. It is located 18 km south of the capital and offers a shelter for the endangered sea turtle Caretta- Caretta.
Kalamaki ZakynthosKalamaki is located 6 km south of the town of Zakynthos, on the eastern side of Laganas Bay. Kalamaki is a small and crowded resort with many families and water sports enthusiasts.
Banana Zakynthos
Banana is the largest beach of Zakynthos island, located 14 km from Zakynthos Town. It is famous for the exotic waters that shine under the sun light. Banana is fully organized with umbrellas and sundecks available for rent. There are a few beach bars offering cold drinks and light snacks.