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Zakynthos
Zacinto, commonly called Zakynthos by
the past poets, is the southern and third
biggest island belonging to the Ionies
group of islands.
It covers an area of 405 squared kilometres where a bit more than
35.000 inhabitants live and is located 300 km west from Athens and
9,5 marine miles from the Peloponneso coast from where it is
reachable by a regular ferry service.
Zakynthos, island of big contrasts for the presence of golden
beaches and massive rocky coasts, benefits from a Mediterranean
temperate climate with mild winters and cool summers; the
generous winter rains favour the growth of thick vegetation and
assure a remarkable water reserve.
That is why the island is very green and in the past both Homer
and the Venetian rulers used to call it wooded and Levant
flower.
The very warm waters that wash the coast favour a particularly
long tourist season (from May till the end of October) made
Zakynthos an object of international interest especially because in
the southern part of the island the CARETTA-CARETTA turtles
breed; they are a rare specimen protected by the Greek legislation
with a new marine park.
Along the rocky, western coasts the seals Monachus Monachus
breed too and they are also protected by the local administrative
authorities.
In addition to the wonderful natural landscape, Zakynthos offers the
possibility to visit numerous deserted small islands that surround it
like Pelouzo and Marathonissi in the Lagana's Bay, St. John in front
of Porto Vromi and the Strofades.
The latter are two small islands 27 nautical miles south from
Zakynthos which are part of the marine park due to their beauty.
In the last years the island has undergone a progressive
development to offer tourists modern infrastructures keeping its
traditional aspect still visible both in the restaurants along the
seashore and the small villages in the outback; this traditional
aspect of the past together with the joy of life and hospitality of its
inhabitants will touch you from the very first day.
When to come
May: summer season starts with hot days and fresh evenings.
The island of Zante is still empty with few tourists and its the ideal
time to find lonely and relaxing beaches. The sea is mostly flat as
there aren't strong winds and Zakynthos has a gorgeous nature full
of flowers.
June: it starts to be very hot and beaches become the perfect place
where to stay all day long. Also the temperature of the sea starts to
be perfect and the beaches begin to be filled with tourists. This is
the best month to sleep in the night!
July: its very hot... but a fresh wind will save you every afternoon.
The tourism start to be massive and people from all the Europe
come to Zante island to spend their holidays.
In order to sleep well in the night it would be better to have the air
condition.
August: the same hot weather as in July but with more humidity.
In this month youll see Zakynthos full of tourists, especially from
Italy, who fill beaches during the day and night clubs during the
night.
This is the ideal month for those who love crowd of people and night
life!
September: the weather temperature starts to be nice and the
beaches which are less crowded are perfect in the midday. There
are few rainy days that change into a blue sky with a hot sun. This
is a perfect month to relax in contact with nature without mass
tourism.
Useful telephones
Zakynthos telephone code
+30 26950
Police
Tourist Police
22100 /
48266 /
Hospital
Emergency
Harbour Office
Fire Bridge
Airport
Bus Station
Radio taxi
Telecommunications
Post Office
Post Code
24470
24482 /
24484
59100
22166
28117 /
28118
22199
28322
42656 /
22255
48400
42499
42418
29100
Climate
During the Summer season, from May to October, rain is very rare
and the temperatures are between 30 and 40C.
A fresh breeze is very often blowing and the wind, the Mistral,
typical of this island raises in the early afternoon from North to
South.
Below are presented some temperatures (in C) which are usually
felt during Summer period.
26
36
38
40
30
25
Nightly
Temperatures
14
25
22
20
16
13
Possible rains
60
58
56
60
62
64
Relative humidity in
%
Health: in Zakynthos town you can find the hospital where you can
ask for help showing your sanitary card. There are few private
clinics and doctors who speak English in the city and almost every
village has a pharmacy.
Clothing: only in churches and monasteries proper clothes are
required (trousers or long skirts and t-shirts with sleeves).
Some churches supply shawls to the visitor who is not properly
dressed just before the visit.
Clock: time in Greece is two hours ahead the Greenwichs meridian.
Like everywhere in Europe also in Greece, in the Summer season
(March September) the daylight saving time is effective.
Something curious ... Time in Greece is conceived in a very
particular way: here time is not running, there is no such concept of
"being on time" and the clock is just something to wear.
The Greeks themselves are aware of taking it easy under every
respect (but not in serving the tourist!) up to the point that G.M.T. is
not considered as the Greenwich Meridian Time, but as the Greek
Maybe Time!
Electricity: outlets in Greece are double and not triple; therefore we
suggest travelling with an adaptor.
Roads: the island has an efficient road network, with main roads,
secondary and no-asphalted ones leading to the most unthinkable
places.
The roads on Zante island are not always in a good condition, so be
careful and dont forget your security belt!
Telephone: there are many public telephone boxes from which it is
possible to make telephone calls with pre-paid telephone cards that
you can buy in every local shop.
It is possible to make national and international telephone calls also
from the OTEs office (Greek Organization of Telecommunications)
open from Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 14:00. In the office there
are also some positions for public use.
Money: being as well member of the European Community, the
currency in Greece is Euro. The most famous credit cards can be
used in Zante to pay accommodation, restaurants, rentals etc...
Also the traveler cheques can be changed in every bank or
exchange office.
Tips in restaurants are not obligatory, its up to you.
From the lighthouse leaving behind you the car park and following
the small path on the right, after 250 metres, you can reach a small
natural terrace; we prefer not to describe the sight because
pictures are better than words.
Bochali it is a lovely
and small village at the
top of the promontory
rising at the back of the
city of Zakynthos.
Keeping the sea at your
right, once passed the
chief town, there is an
inner road going up and
once passed the
Nautical Museum you turn left going up till you reach Bochali.
Reaching the place is very easy, not so
easy to park, but we believe it is really
worth especially at sunset or at night when
the landscape of the enlighten city and the
harbour bay are really beautiful.
In spite of the small dimensions of the
village there are different restaurants
offering a romantic dinner under the stars.
Bochali is worth visiting even by day to
take pictures of the small church of
Zoodos Pigi with its Byzantine icons, or of
the huge pinewood with ancient Venetian
castle.
The castle, partly destroyed by the earthquake that in 1953
devastated the island, must be visited during your holidays even
because from there the 360 view allows the visitor to see in one
time both coasts of the Island
The natural environment of the island with its massive cliffs and huge and green flat lan
In Zakynthos you can visit bays with very fine sand, accessible only by sea, where you c
In this section together with the assistance of the map you can view the beaches of the
Beaches are ordered from the Northern to the Southern ones of the island.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Agios Nikolaos
Not to be confused with the Southern beach of the island that has the same
name.
The beach of this village consists of small pebbles and it is rather deep.
This is the only village from where the ferry boats form Zakynthos to Kefalonia
leave and for this reason it has one of the most equipped harbours of the island.
In front of the harbour there is an unoccupied small island reachable with a nice
swim.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Makris Gialos
A real postcard beach, a must during a holiday.
The coast road leading to the beach offers from the very first moment a
breathtaking landscape.
This wide beach consists of a mixture of sand and pebbles and the sea is so
beautiful that it seems to be stolen from a Caribbean beach.
The waters are deep and beaches consist of rocks and sand; the sea in this part
of the island is wonderful both for the waters clearness and the abundance of
ichthyic flora and fauna.
The snorkeling lovers should spend there at least two days: one to visit the coast
that from the beach proceeds to the left and one for the right promontory. The
coast around Makris Gialos consists of a series of underwater colourful caves and
concretions; with an underwater torch you can enjoy the internal part of caves
and tunnels and discover a world of corals and starfish.
In the future the beach will be able to offer some tourist facilities; at the moment
there are some refreshment areas nearby.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Xigia
This is the starting point of the northern part of the island which consists
mainly of a rocky and fiords coast and a great sea, heaven of snorkelling.
The beach is small but scarcely frequented, main characteristic is a marine cave
with a sulphur spring extremely good for the skin.
The only problem is the strong smell of sulphur coming from the cave.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Alykes
In front of the homonymic village, Alykes beach embraces a wide gulf and
consists of a long tongue of fine sand.
The bay is good for sunbathing in complete relax and also for enjoyments being
equipped with water sports and snack bars.
This beach is also good to stop for those who, leaving from the main town, intend
to visit the northern part of the island.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Alikanas
Alikanas is the continuation of Alykes beach; it's the sandy tongue more to
south of the gulf that ends with a small port for the fishing boats.
The beach is very spacious, equipped with deckchair and umbrellas and other
facilities for the tourists like taverns near the sea, tour by boat in order to visit
the Blue Caves and water sports.
Alikanas is also the name of the old beach of the town that is not inside the gulf
of Alykes but is a long the coast towards south. Smaller and less spacious than
the most famous Alikanas, this beach offers more privacy, crystalline water and
fine sand.
It is not easy to find parking here because the final part of the road is noasphalted and narrow and does not facilitate the maneuvers.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Psarou
Psarou beach is a splendid long tongue of sand in front of a crystalline sea.
Its not very wide but it is situated in a quite area.
Its the ideal place for those who are fond of relaxation because it is one of the
less crowded beaches of the island.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Donkey
From Zakynthos going north, one km after the village of Tsiliv, it is possible to
take a road on the right reaching this beach that owes its name to the past
presence of many donkeys.
The beach consists of a small sand amphitheatre with a small harbour, very
active in the past, nowadays only small fishing boats or private boats use it.
There you can also play beach-volley and, except July and August, it is a quiet
place.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ampoula
Ampoula beach is located along the coastal road between Alykes and Tsiliv.
It is a sand and pebbles beach sliding down mildly into the sea.
There is an elevated and grassy level with deckchairs and sunshades for rent
from where it is easy to reach the restaurants and the bar.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Tsilivi
Tsilivs beach is one of the most tourist ones.
It is a long tongue of sand and the sea has a sandy depth for the first 30/40
metres and from there rocks.
Everywhere there are tourist and sport facilities with water games, the possibility
to rent water scooter and pedalo
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Krioneri
Passing Zakynthos port pointing north, the beach coasting the sea is very long
but narrow; it isnt one of the best but there you can find different facilities like
tennis courts, children fun parks and yacht clubs.
In the week end the island inhabitants populate this beach.
We suggest walking along the seashore passing Zakynthos' beach till Krioneri
(where the road goes up). Here it is possible to park the car or motorbike in an
area on the right and swim in a heavenly rocky sea.
The sea depth is here crowded with octopuses.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Argasi
The gulf where Argasi beach is located is very beautiful to be admired at night
coming back from Vassilikos towards Zakynthos.
You can see both the small village of Argasi and the main town.
The small sandy beach has an ancient bridge partly based in the sand and partly
in the sea.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Porto
Kaminia
Located soon after Xirokastelo it is the first of many beaches of this tongue of
land.
It is a sandy beach, long but narrow and at its back there is a lovely grass hosting
sunshades and deckchairs for the tourist.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Porto Zoro
It is one of the beaches in the southern part of the island completely sandy and
without tourist facilities.
Not far from the seashore peculiar rocks, assuming the shape of mushrooms, are
the main characteristic of this beach.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Banana
It is the longest beach of the island.
Apparently never ending, this tongue of sand is also very deep and even if
equipped for the tourist, it is far from villages and buildings.
To get to the beach you have to reach and cross the surrounding pinewood along
the largest road.
Along the beach there are small refreshment areas.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Agios Nikolaos
Once passed the pinewood you can find instructions about how to reach the
beaches of Plaka, Ionio and Agios Nikolaos.
They are all very similar, sandy and equipped to satisfy the tourist with taverns
and bars where to rest in the warmest hours of the day.
It is also possible to have fun with water sports like the parasailing: the thrill of
being suspended in the air with a parachute pulled by a fast speedboat.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Plaka
Very close to the beach of Nikolaos, Plaka is a small and quiet beach; there are
no facilities for water sports but it is possible to rent sunshades and deckchairs.
Walking along the beach it is possible to see small gods statues on the rocks a
few metres from the sea.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Porto Roma
The last of the beaches of the western coasts, not including Gerakas that is
facing the turtles gulf, it consists of sand too.
Not really deep if compared to the other beaches, it offers the possibility to land
with a small boat in the tiny harbour.
The name of the beach is dedicated to an important inhabitant of Zakynthos:
Alessandro Roma that in this very place had his abode.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------The western coast of the island offers the most beautiful sea but with beaches
very difficult to reach from the mainland.
The ones listed here below, a part from the relict beach, are the only fiords easily
reachable.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Plakaki
To have a swim in this amazing place you have first to reach Agalas mountain
village.
As you'll be in Agalas you just have to follow the sign and new road will take you
down to a large parking.
Here you have a great view over the sea and a small path through the rocks will
permit you to go down to the sea where flat stones are ideal for relax.
As you come down just follow your left hand as from here is more easy to dive
into this marvelous sea.
We suggest you not to take a lot of things with you along the path and to watch
out children as the path is safe but very steep.
As you'll go back you will notice a sign on the road for Andronios' wells. We
suggest visiting them as they're ancient and still used by local people.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Porto Roxa
Porto Roxa, easily reachable by car from the village of Agios Leon, and from
Porto Limnionas, is located half way from the western coast of the island.
It is a small fiord that offers the possibility to swim in a wonderful sea.
From this bay, a landing-place only for small fishing boat, getting down a few
steps carved in the rock, you reach a real fiord stupefying the visitor for the
clearness and colours of the waters.
It is possible to reach the water faster diving from a spring board four metres
above the sea.
Of course here there are no tourist facilities so we suggest carrying a sunshade.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Porto Limnionas
Located half way from the western coast of the island, it is easily reachable by
car from the village of Agios Leon. More than a beach it is a fiord that for its
amazing beauty deserves a special place in our top 10 list, where it has been
described in detail.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Porto Stenitis
Porto Stenitis is a big fiord with clear water and caves along the coast.
It's possible to reach it from Maries town with an asphalted road that became a
dirt road in the last stretch.
You will not find a beach or tourist facilities, it's a calm bay with the best water of
the island.
It's a fiord just to go for a swim and not to stay for all day along.
Porto Stenitis is a docking only for small fishing boat and a place where you have
to use your mask and fins.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Porto Vromi
It is a beautiful fiord, north of the island, with two bays reachable by a road.
From both bays ferry boats leave to visit the beach of Navagio and the cliff rich of
caves and small beaches.
The beach, in the southern bay, is small and sandy without facilities like
sunshades.
It is also possible to rent pedalo to visit the near caves. Typical of Porto Vromi is
the small front deserted island.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Shipwreck
The beach with the relict lying on the white sand is the most popular and
photographed of entire Greece.
This beach is enchanting both arriving by caique and watching it from the top; for
this reason it is the first of the top 10 most beautiful places of Zakynthos' island.
Beaches are ordered from the Western to the Eastern ones of the bay.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Cape
Marathia
Marathia Cape is a lovely promontory at the far end of the marine park; it is
located in the area of Limni Ker from where you can take a road going up to the
right coasting the entire promontory.
The road is in good condition, traversable both by car and motorbike and allows
reaching the small beaches scarcely crowded even in August.
These beaches, even though with polish rocks, are very good for sunbathing and
snorkeling since the sea here is clear and full of fish.
Nearby it is possible to find a couple of refreshment areas without having to drive
back to Limni Ker.
On the biggest beach is possible to rent sunshades and deckchairs and there is a
taxi-boat service from the beach to Marathonissi island.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Limni Keri
It is a small but lovely beach developing along the village seashore with
restaurants and tourist shops.
The beach is of pebbles but the sea depth is sandy; this beach is a strategic point
to visit Marathonissi and for a lovely trip to the caves of Marathia Cape; it is also
possible to hire motorboats for daily trips.
There is also a small harbour and two diving center for wonderful experiences
under the sea.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kaminia
Kaminia is a small beach of white pebbles.
It is narrow but with a wonderful water and it is difficult to reach by land.
There are only steps not comfortable to come down.
Kaminia is the continuation of Porto Koukla so it is advisable to go for a walk
along the beach to reach it.
Sure this is the ideal beach in order to be alone or nearly.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Porto Koukla
Porto Koukla is a sandy narrow beach.
Situated in the middle of the gulf, it allows to have a panoramic view from
Marathonissi island to Ag. Sostis.
This beach is constituted from two different parts.
First can be reached by sea continuing along the beach of Agios Sostis.
In this part of beach there arent tourist features and it continues until to a small
cape.
After the cape there is the second part of the beach that consists of a mixture of
sand and pebbles.
This part can be reached by land.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Agios Sostis
Small island in front of Laganas harbour, it is connected to the mainland with a
wooden bridge enlightened at night.
In the past it was connected to Zakynthos island then, because of an earthquake,
it became a peculiar small island, final destination of many tourists.
At night it turns into a real disco with paying entrance, whereas during the day it
is a wonderful place where you can take a bath among thousands of fish.
Next to the small island, not to the side of port, there is also a sandy beach that
takes its name.
Beach is long but little large and you can find deckchair and umbrellas. Along the
beach there are bars and taverns.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Laganas
It is the youngest and most commercial beach of the island.
It is a long tract of sand incorporating the as long beach of Kalamaki full of
deckchairs and sunshades, restaurants and snack bars open from the morning till
late night.
This beach together with Tsiliv and Alykes ones is the main meeting point for the
people who enjoy night life, it is always crowded with people from May to October
and it has every sort of tourist facilities: volleyball, boat trips to see the turtles
the sea water, even if less attractive than other parts of the island, is always very
warm and always clear, sliding slowly down because of the short depth even at a
certain distance from the shore.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Kalamaki
It is a beach of fine sand very crowded in the first tract, the one close to the
hotels, but it is worth, at least once, to go for a walk towards the final part of this
beach where the mountains dive directly into the sea.
In this part of sea there are crystal clear and warm waters, and it is possible to
be alone even in August.
Instead walking in the opposite direction you can reach Lagana beach, really this
two beaches are only one longest sandy tongue.
Halfway between the two tourist towns the beach is usually desert and behind
there is a big pinewood.
Even for this beach the admittance hours are limited due to the presence of
turtles.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dafni
It is one of the most beautiful sandy beaches of the island.
The sea here is the warmest of the entire island (temperatures between 27 and
30C); being a protected beach it doesnt offer any sports facilities but there are a
couple of family taverns.
At the two extremities there are rocky areas and in the front at one or two km
distance there is the lovely small island of Pelouzo; this island is not reachable
being from May to October in a non navigable part of see according to the rules of
the Marine Park.
There are two different roads that bring at the two extremities of Dafni beach.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Gerakas
The most southern beach of the island, it is long and sandy, one of the most
beautiful and for this reason it belongs to the top 10 list (where it is very well
described).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The monastery is a fortress that in the centuries survived nature and buccaneers that a
In the past many monks used to live there and among them there was Saint Dionisios th
symbol of the Byzantine Empire.
Mythology
Artemis, goddess of hunting, used to wander around the green woods of Zakynthos whe
The cult and devotion, in archaic era, to Artemis and Apollo resulted in the organisation
News about the island founder are from Homer and concern Zakynthos, son of Dardanu
Zakynthos, as island founder, is represented in various coins and symbol of the entire is
There is also another theory according to which the Arcades, in the first millennium bef
the goddess Artemis typical of Arcadia. The Arcades also founded, along the Spanish co
Arkisios, king of Kefalonia, and was under the power of Ulysses, king of Itaca.
Together with the other lands ruled by Ulysses, Zakynthos took place to the war of Troy
After the war of Troy with Ulysses come back to Itaca, there was the legendary slaught
This mythological event, told by Homer in the Odyssey, seems to refer to a rebellion in t
Roman Period
Before the Romans domination, Zakynthos remained neutral to the Persians Wars and w
Zakynthos a strategic place for the development of the trades and the expansions of th
The islanders didnt accept the Roman hegemony and tried numerous rebellions ending
cohabitation accepting reciprocal obligations and concessions up to the point that joini
Byzantine Period
After the Roman Empire fall, Zakynthos, the Ionian islands and the colonies along the w
a new historical period, characterized by stability and social rebirth, started.
During the Byzantine domain, in addition to the Christian Era, the islanders were classif
The most important class was the landowners one, tradesmen and workers belonged to
Venetian Period
In 1185 with the progressive decline of the Byzantine empire, Zakynthos island faced an
Under the latter dynasty Zakynthos managed to enlarge the borders of its county conqu
Zakynthos to their provinces.
From 1492 the Venetian Government started a campaign to transfer many Venetians cit
The harmonic cohabitation between the two populations in that period was exemplary m
In less than three centuries the Venetian domination allowed the island to flourish from
The French liberal ideas in the XVIII centuries, spread in the whole Europe and reached
After the fall of the Venetian Republic Zakynthos island was subjected to the democrati
The freedom and innovation brought by the French collided very soon with the nostalgia
On march 22, 1800 in Costantinopolis Russia and Turkey agreed to found the State of th
British Domination
In 1809 the British settled in Zakynthos with a big army and made it the capital of the Io
All those benefits vanquished with the arrival of T. Maitland, the new governor of Zakyn
He was an authoritative tyrant up to the extent that the population, after some protests
The society was behind the Greek national insurrection and in Zakynthos there is a stel
Annexation to Greece
Greece independence from Turkey was the reason of the birth of a radical movement in
Zante and the Ionian Islands joined Greece in 1864 year in which the Greek flag was rai
Modern Era
As the rest of Greece even Zakynthos was subdued to the Italian and German occupatio
After the war the island had another big shock in 1953: an earthquake destroyed the en
Thanks to the help of the government and the goodwill of the citizens the city was slow
Some ancient ruins, wall paintings in the churches of the Byzantine period and ancient
Art and literature started from the 15th Century under the Venetians domination that pe
Literature
Literature origins dated back to the 15th Century when the island poets were popular fo
In the following Century Zakynthos strongly contributed to the Greek literature and art
the modern Greek theatre.
Among the most popular poets of the XIX centuries there are Foscolo, Italian language,
dedicated.
Solomos studied in Italy and wrote poems in Italian, then came back to Zakynthos, his h
literature.
Kalvos and Solomos' mortal remains are at the museum that has been dedicated to them
Painting
The first affects in painting came from Byzantine art.
The first painters dedicate themselves to religious themes representing holy icons in ch
In the 17th Century thanks to Doxaras the painting technique changed into the oil on ca
Another important painter was Koundounis belonging to the Filik Eteria and he painted
Tsakos too is to be remembered for his pictorial quality and precision in the portraits de
In the 19th Century painting partly changed its connotation; it is not only a holy form of
internationally acclaimed painter for his landscapes, portraits and icons that have been
Sculpture
In the 18th Century the art of the silver engraving and of the wooden sculpture develop
G. Bafas was a well known silver engravers and a sample of his works can be admired i
Among the wooden engraver there were the brothers Vlachos who decorated many chu
Architecture
In the city of Zakynthos before the earthquake there were elegant buildings, bourgeois
The Venetian influence favoured the construction of public buildings, roads and bridges
This neo-classic style emerges in the design of some churches too.
With the earthquake and the following fire in 1953 the largest part of the city was destr
The reconstruction is not always close to the original destroyed buildings and it was no
Music and theatre
The use of musical instruments, at the beginning to accompany the military parades, m
At the beginning the representations were held in the nobles parlors and were consider
The two genders that developed with more success were the opera and the so called o
In those works the most common theme was the contrast between the rich and the poo
Folk feasts
During the stormy history of the island and after the numerous invasions that the inhabi
religious folk feasts whose tradition is still alive, were a moment of community and amu
Nowadays there are many folk feasts and tens of towns, small and large, get animated w
Among the most important feasts there are the San Dionisio, the Carnival and the Easte
Saint Dionisios: it is the religious feast for the Saint protector of the island.
It is on August 24 but in the city of Zakynthos the ferment starts a couple of days in adv
Zakynthoscarnival is now very famous all over Greece for being magnificent and very m
The beauty of the carnival goes back to the Venetian time whose habits and importance
The carnival period is now a moment of collective feast of two weeks during which the
Marco with a ritual from the past: the mask funeral.
Easter in Zakynthos, like everywhere else in Greece is a very spiritual moment whose a
the pope with a candle gives life to a chain of candles light that multiply to enlighten th
The two most important moments of Easter in Zakynthos are the lamb roasted in the sq
Modern life
Thanks to tourism a strong local handcraft has been developed concerning handy crafte
stopped.
The museum that for the first time was open to the
frescos of the 15th, 16th and 17th Century.
Two more rooms are dedicated to paintings of the 18th Century and oils on canvas of ar
The special importance of this museum is eventually due to the opportunity that the tou
Greek art.
The museum is open everyday except Monday from 8.30 to 15.00.
For further info it is possible to contact the following telephone number: +30 26950 427
The large and decorated rooms of the building, the libraries consisting of old and rare e
the way of living of the old zakynthian aristocracy.
The mansion is located in Louka Karer street at number 19 not far from Solomos Square
For more information please call: +30 26950 28381.
There you can admire rare works dated back to the 16th C
The construction of the Thematic Exhibition Center has been funded by the European R
There are many monuments to remember distinguished personalities of the past born o
The past has to be remembered and the people of Zakynthos display, especially in the b
both sides by two cannons and the stele that remembers the writ
VENETIAN CASTLE
KABI CROSS
The cross strikes for its dimensions but it represents and remem
hundred and fifty metres from the sea level.
VENETIAN TOWER
After the tower the road carries on but we suggest not to drive down it since in very bad
ARGASI BRIDGE
SARAKINA HOUSE
VRYSAKIA AQUEDUCT
The by night extreme activity takes place in the far north part of
the island and precisely at Skinari Cape.
Drive by night following the road that from Agios Nikolaos goes
north, once passed the lighthouse follow the road till you reach an
area near the ruins of an old construction.
You can live the car here and start descending the steps taking
directly to the sea; youll notice that before the steps will end youll
find yourself at the top of a cave dome from
previous one and takes you to a beach that is very easily reachable.
If you are not very good drivers you have better avoid this kind of adventures, you could
How do you think to ski in Zakynthos where there are 40C in the shades in Augus
Korakonissi is a fiord
on the western coast
of the island and gives
its name to the
presence of a small
island with a long
shape, connected to
the mainland by a
huge natural rock
arch.
Located in the south
part of the Porto
Limnionas it is
reachable only by a
jeep driving along a
rough road that leaves
from the town of
Kiliomeno, the best
suggestion we can
give you is
to take a supply of water since there
are no abodes, petrol stations etc.
from there to the next inhabited area.
The small island creates together with
the mainland a tiny natural fiord rich of
starfish and sea urchins where the
waters have wonderful colours.
If from the part of the island facing the
open sea you swim for 10/15 minutes
to the left you reach a cave wonderful
for its colours and the concretions on
the walls; there you can walk since the
water isnt more than 30 cm deep.
The adventure doesnt consist in
visiting the small cave; your task is to
go up to the top of the natural bridge
and try to dive.
The water there is very deep and there
are no risks of emerging rocks, the
difficult part is that the bridge is 20
metres tall so it is advisable not to
suffer of giddiness and to wear a diving
suit to soften the impact with water
During a holiday in Zakynthos, tasting the typical dishes of Greece and tra
At mid-day, and in particular, at dinner, the thousands of smells invading th
you for the authenticity of their tastes. The local products such as honey, olive oil, chee
Here below you can read about some of the most popular typical dishes and to aspiring
Starters
The Greek cuisine is so rich in taste and choices to risk finishing a meal with the starte
the last one the most popular of yogurt, cucumbers and garlic.
You can taste meatballs of different kinds with potatoes, zucchini, fish, oregano; fried v
grapevine leaves stuffed with rice.
We suggest also to try the tyropitakia: puffed pastry filled with feta, the Gr
Salads
As a starter or together with the main course you can have a tasty salad.
The Greek salad (horiatiki) consists in wedges of tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers,
There are also the potatoes salad, the lettuce salad or the beans salad.
Meat
Even if we are on an island meat is the locals favourite dish and the recipe with meat ar
characteristic dish of the island.Definitely to try there are also the souvlaki (skewers),
the stifado (calf with onions and tomatoes sauce) and the youvetsi (lamb with pasta).
With minced meat there are the bifteki (a big meatball with onion, parsley, and garlic), t
Fish
The recipes with fish are for sure less than the ones with meat.
In spite of this during your holidays youll have the opportunity to taste dif
Vegetables
Thanks to the favourable climate, vegetables are used as garnish and as m
zucchini and small tomatoes) and stuffed tomatoes and peppers (the filling consists of r
Cheeses
The Greeks produce a lot of locals cheeses and they also import foreign che
The most common in the restaurants and in the taverns are for sure feta (with
the island: tirokafteri (peppered soft cheese to spread so spicy to be served a
Snacks
If you dont feel like eating in a tavern, you can taste puff pastry or focacce ty
The most common is the tyropita a puff pastry served warm and stuffed with f
Gyros
Cakes
In the pastry shops here in Zakynthos you can find cakes for everyone with creams, cho
The ones typical of the place easily recognizable because they have nuts, almonds and
There is also an excellent puff pastry stuffed with cream and covered with icing sugar a
Coffee
To well complete every meal we suggest to order a Greek coffee.
This drink whose preparation is almost a ceremony as to be slowly sipped to allow the c
You can have the coffee without sugar (pikr), with sugar (mtrio) or sweet (glik).
In Zakynthos the taverns are almost always open and the owners very friendly and nice
In many taverns it is possible to assist to local dances accompanied by Greek music su
Wash the tomatoes and peppers very well and cut a calotte out o
paying attention not to make holes and throw away the seeds.
Put the tomatoes and the peppers in a baking tin.
Put the onion and a olive oil cup in a pan.
Before the onion starts browning add the rice and fry it slightly; i
sauce.
Add to the rice the minced tomatoes and the sauce.
Add salt, pepper and the minced parsley.
Add half cup of water and let it boil with all the ingredients till the liquid dries up.
In every tomato and pepper add half tea spoon sugar, stuff them with rice but not to the
Add a spoon of water, another tea spoon of sugar and cover them with their lids.
Pour into the baking tin a cup of tomato juice and half cup of olive oil, add salt, pepper a
MOUSAKA
Clean, wash and slightly cut the aubergines; salt them and leave
Brawn the minced meat with the oil, onions and a little wine. Add
sauce thicken.
In a pan fry the aubergines.
In order to slice the flan put at the bottom of the backing tin a lay
Put the aubergines over the potatoes and cover them with the gra
After the first layer of aubergines, pour the minced meat and over
Add grated cheese and cover everything with abundant bchamel to form a thick layer.
Cover with grated cheese and put in the oven.
BAKLAVAS
For those who love sporty holidays, Zakynthos offers a lot of sporty acti
there are a lot of tours by boat or by bus to let the tourist discover the bea
For those who would like to try unusual emotions, there are many choices
For those who love diving, there are many diving centres to admire the isla
snorkel.
Tour to Shipwreck /
Navagio
Our boat will arrive very close to the sand and a professional ladder
will permit to everybody an easy and safe access to the beach. You
will have time for relax, for visiting the shipwreck and for a nice
swim. After that Dimitri and Spiros will invite you again on the boat
as it's time to visit the stunning Blue Caves.
The Blue Caves became so amazing for the particular blue colour of
their water and with Dimitri and Spiros you will have the unique
opportunity to admire this phenomenon directly inside the caves.
We recommend you this boat trip as maybe the best in Zakynthos to
visit together the Blue caves and Navagio bay and we also suggest
you to buy some refreshments and snacks at the tavern near the
petrol station as in Navagio beach and during the tour there will not
be snack bar or tourist shops!
Dimitri and his family are waiting for all who wish to try an
unforgettable experience in the wildest area of Zakynthos island.
We promise you a great memory of your holidays in Zante to bring
back home!
NAVAGIO BOAT TRIPS
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Send us now a request information to book a car for your holiday in Zakynthos!
Prices:
Car type
Hyundai Atos or similar
Kia Picanto or similar
Hyundai Getz or similar
Hyundai Accent or similar
Suzuki Jeep 4WD or similar
Opel Zafira or similar
You just have to make your choice! There are a lot of possibility to taste traditional dish
In addition to the Greek cuisine, especially in the most tourist towns, there are many re
In this section youll come to know the best restaurant of the island, for quality of food,
The tavern is built using a traditional style and natural materials from Zakynthos island
Coming here you will find both an indoor and an outdoor dining area.
The environment combined with a family welcome will permit you to have a relaxing eve
We strongly recommend you to taste our Skordostoubi that is mainly based on garlic an
Sunset tavern is really the best place for who loves grille
Here you can taste an unforgettable pork on a spit, the b
As a great alternative to meat is the daily fresh prepared
garden.
This restaurant will give you the opportunity to taste a large varie
with potatoes and many others dishes.
The large choice of food can satisfy every kind of costumer and w
In fact every morning Spartakos buys the fish directly from the lo
You can choose different combinations of seafood as for example
you into the kitchen to decide which fresh fish you want to eat gr
At Spartakos they speak english and also the list is in english to h
In August we suggest you to book a table not to wait too much!
The chicken and the lamb that you will taste here are bred direc
The Diacroniko tavern offers a lot of appetizers like: feta in the o
Among the main plates there are: zakynthian rabbit in white sau
only on demand, grilled lamb.
If you love the meat come to visit us, we wait for you at Diacroni
Diacroniko has also received an award for the quality of the food
The friendly Greek atmosphere and the stunning view over Lagan
Zakynthos.
This local restaurant in Limni Keri offers a large menu that can sa
Taverna Keri specialities include lobster with spaghetti, rabbit Za
casserole). Together with this local specialities you can also tast
Pastitsio.
We have also a person that prepares pita gyros (like a sandwich w
Keri Taverna is open all the summer for breakfast, lunch and dinn
At Keri Taverna on request we organize also parties, birthdays, b
"KERI" Taverna
Telephone: +30 26950 43756
Web: www.keritaverna.com
E-mail: bourbas@gmail.com
Limni Ker
The largest concentration of pubs and night clubs takes place in the south a
Those are the most commercial and tourist towns of the island where from
Here night life offers amusements and attractions and is affordable for ever
Here youll get acquainted with the most appreciated pubs and night clubs o
CATACOMVES .......................................................................
LATAS Caf ..........................................................................
PORTOFINO Cocktail Bar ......................................................
PLANET .................................................................................
B Caf Bar .................................................................
TROPIC'S Beach Bar .............................................................
Caf Bar is placed on Laganas beach but far away from the
chaotic centre of the most tourist town of Zakynthos island.
You can find (in latin letters Vrakos) exactly in the middle
between the centre of Laganas and Aghio Sostis islet.
Our caf bar has a great position because it's on the beach but it
was built some meters above the sea level to offer our customers a
wonderful view all over Laganas bay and A. Sostis small island.
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This part of the coast is famous in all Zakynthos for the Blue Caves, that are particular
the sea assumes impressive blue glares.
There are a lot of boat trips that will take you to discover the Blue Caves of Zante, but w
interesting experience.
It's more beautiful to go down towards the sea and to dive in the water in order to disco
and snorkel!
For all those who own their private boat we suggest a trip in this part of coast, from Xig
as one of most evocative areas of Zakynthos island.
For the evening our suggestion is to stop in the tourist town of Alykes, as it is the only o
different solutions both for the dinner and for the night.
Not far from Xigia beach you can find oneof the best traditional restaurants
the name? Xigia Tavern of course!
It is placed just before the beach, above a small panoramic cape.
Xighia Tavern has only a Greek sign, but you can recognize it for the unpave
because it is the only small building in a panoramic position. In addition to the quality o
excellent, we suggest you to come here for lunch to appreciate the stunning view that y
of Alykes, the island of Kefalonia and the coasts of the Peloponnese.
PILARINOS TAVERN - MAKRIS GIALOS BEACH
Pilarinos tavern is placed in the northern part of Zakynthos island, exactly
Gialos beach and in a short distance from the famous Blue Caves of Skinari Cape.
Pilarinos tavern extends along a panoramic terrace that offers a wonderful
beach and the far coasts of Peloponnesus.
Amusements in the northern area of Zante
In the afternoon we take the coast road and we drive in direction of Tsilivi.
Tsilivi's beach is extremely long and well equipped for any tourist needs, but also betwe
Tsilivi and Alykanas you can find marvellous sandy bay like Amoudi, Psarou and Ampoul
smaller than Tsilivis one but without massive tourism.
In this part of Zakynthos island you will have a lot of possibilities: there are the crystall
bay of Tsilivi with thousand of tourist entertainment on its beach, the local night life, th
restaurants and you can make shopping!
If then you will decide to remain in Tsilivi area for the evening, there are a lot of
opportunities for your dinner and to enjoy the night.
Menir offers you traditional Greek and Zakynthian dishes as well as famous
international plates.
The nice and friendly environment, high quality and the excellent service w
make this place unforgettable.
PLANET - TSILIVI
At Planet Pub you can try one of the many kinds of draft beer or to drink one of the 120
cocktails made with fresh fruit and high quality ingredients, listening the last hit parade
the summer.
You can also see all the sport events live on our maxi screens and follow your football t
during your holiday or dance in our club!
Zante town
You will admire the view ordering an ice cream, a dessert or a drink.
All our sweets are home-made with fresh ingredients; you can find them onl
our place and you could choose between different kind of cakes, mousse,
souffl or creamy sweets.
ZAKCARS - ZANTE
"ZakCars" is a professional car rental situated in Zakynthos town.
Zakcars rent many types of cars/jeep and offers a delivery service for your car whereve
prefer: airport, port or your accommodation.
It's possible to journey outside Zakynthos with our cars, but you have to ask before our
authorization.
Next itinerary
Vassilikos area
After a swim in this splendid beach, we take back the coastal road and we continue our
towards south, offering you two different possibility... still relax or an amazing enjoying
afternoon!
If you decide for relax, you must follow the coast road until the marvellous beach of
Gerakas, ideal for those who love to lay under the Greek sun and all those who want to
the experience to make a natural mud bath with the clay.
If instead you are interested on an eventful afternoon, you cannot lose the St. Nicholas
beach, where the target is mostly young and its full of people ready to enjoy themselve
For nature lovers, we signal moreover, along the road that bring back to the city of
Zakynthos, the large pine forest, situated near Banana beach.
A beautiful place where to relax completely in contact with the Mediterranean nature.
For the evening we advise you to move towards Argassi where to have dinn
you will not have problem to choose and where you can pass the evening
drinking a cocktail or dancing.
Where to eat in Vassilikos area
This itinerary will bring you to the most tourist and young areas of Zante island and to
some splendid beaches of the National Marine Park.
Well let you to begin the day from the Porto Koukla area, close to the area of Lithaki,
Porto Koukla offers a narrow and long beach, located just in front of Marathonissi islet
here you can find privacy and calm also during the high season.
Kalamaki is more tourist, but also infinitely larger and longer than the previous one.
It is more equipped for tourists and if you walk till the end of the beach, under the moun
you can practice integral sun bathing without problems.
Instead the beach of Laganas is the paradise for those who are searching for chaotic
vacations and beautiful girls. This place is like a summer fun park open day and night. H
in Laganas the beach is full all the day of young people that play aquatic sports and bea
volley, while in the evening people move along the main road of the village.
After the dinner Porto Koukla is very calm, so you can choose between the chaotic and
crazy Laganas or a walk in the more elegant Kalamaki.
Where to eat along the southern gulf
If you choose to make a relaxing walk along the main road of Kalamaki, we
suggest you to visit "Levantino gift shop".
Its a two levels building, extremely big, where you can find really every kin
souvenir, original, funny, elegant or nice as a memory of your vacation in Za
Amusements in the southern gulf
F1 GO KART - KALAMAKI
Formula 1 Go Kart is the only professional racing track on Zakynthos island and it is pla
along the main road that goes from Kalamaki village to Laganas.
F1 Go Kart is open every day from the first hours in the afternoon till late in the night an
you are a large group of friends dont forget to call them for the free transfer!
The beach of Navagio is possible to be reached only by the sea from Porto Vromi, but of
the boats do not leave for the bad conditions of the sea.
For those who are interested, we suggest therefore to ask to the harbour-office and how
to arrive soon in the morning in Porto Vromi.
We suggest you also a great alternative choice to Navagio for a marvellous
sunset.
You just have to reach the mountain village of Kampi. Here straight above t
sea you will find a great cross that reminds all the people died during the w
The view over the monk seal bay is really stunning and you can admire the
mountain that goes down into the blue Ionian sea.
Where to eat along the west coast
English
Greek
Polite expressions
Ekfrasses ap evynia
Yes
No
O`khi
Thank you
Efharist
Don't mention it
Parakal
Sorry
Sighnmi
Good morning
Kalimra
Good afternoon
Kalispra
Good night
Kalinkta
Hello
Yi sas
Kro pol
Ti knis?
Ti knete?
Kal, es ?
Useful adjectives
Eptheto chrssimo
Open
Anikts
Closed
Klists
Good
Kals
Bad
Kaks
Big
Meghlos
Small
Mikrs
Long
Makr
Short
Konts
Narrow
Stens
Heavy
Vars
Expensive
Akrivs
Useful nouns
Onoma chrssimo
Left
Arister
Right
Deksi
Straight
Katefthan
Husband
A`ndras
Wife
Yneka
Mother
Mitra
Father
Patras
Son
Yis
Brother
Aderfs
Sister
Aderf
Morning
Pro
Afternoon
Apyevma
Evening
Vrdhi
Night
Nkhta
Yesterday
Khths
Today
Smera
Tomorrow
A`vrio
Bank
Trpeza
Canoe
Kan
Holiday
Dhiakops
Nothing else
Tpote lo
Radio
Rdhio
Sailing boat
Vrka m pani
Shop
Magaz
Swimming pool
Pisna
Telephone
Tilfono
Television
Tilerasi
Too
Pol
Watch
Roli
With
Without
Khors
At restaurant
St estiatrio
Apple
Mlo
Aubergines
Melitznas
Baked
St frno
Banana
Banna
Beef
Moskri
Beer
Bra
Bitter
Pikrs
Boiled
T vrast
Bottle
Bukla
Bread
Psom
Breakfast
Pryevma
Butter
Votiro
Cheese
Tir
Chicken
Kotpulo
Coffee
Caf
Cold
Kro
Courgettes
Kolokithkia
Cucumber
Angri
Avgh m bikon
Fish
Psria
Fork
Pirni
Free
Elethero
Fried
T tighanit
Garlic
Skrdho
Grape
Staflia
Grilled
St skhra
Ham
Zambn
Honey
Mli
Hot
Zest
Ice cream
Pagot
Knife
Machri
Lamb
Arn
Lemon
Lemni
Lettuce
Marli
List
Katlogho
Lobster
Astaks
Lunch
Yvma
Meat
Kras
Melon
Pepni
Milk
Ghla
Mushrooms
Manitria
Napkins
Petzta
Octopus
Khtapdhi
Oil
Ldhi
Olives
Elis
Onion
Kremdhi
Orange
Portokli
Orange juice
Portokaldha
Peppers
Piperes
Pineapple
Anans
Plate
Pito
Pork
Kirins
Potatoes
Pattes
Rabbit
Kunli
Roasted
T psit
Salad
Saltes
Salt
Alti
Shrimps
Ghardhes
Spoon
Kutli
Squid
Kalamarkia
Starters
Orektik
Steak
Brizla
Strawberry
Frula
Stuffed
T yemist
Sugar
Zchari
Supper
Dhpno
Sweet
Glikh
Swordfish
Ksifas
Table
Trapzi
Tea
Tsi
Tomatoes
Domtes
Tuna fish
Tnos
Vinegar
Ksdhi
Waiter
Garsn
Water
Ner
Watermelon
Karpzi
Wine
Kras
In hotel
St ksenodhokho
Bathroom
Bnio
Bed
Krevti
Booking
Krtisi
Floor
O`rofos
Garden
Kpo
Key
Kldi
Kitchen
Kuzhna
Room
Dhomtio
Shower
Ds
Th thela na mono/dhipl
dhomtio m...
Airport
Aerodhrmio
Harbour
Limni
Luggage
Aposkves
Passport
Dhiavatiron
Seat
Kthisma
Station
Stsi / stathms
Ticket
Isitrio
T ra fvyi?
Pte fthni ?
In an emergency
Doctor
Yiatr
Fire
Foti
Help
Vothia
Hospital
Nosokomo
I get lost
Khthika
Police
Astinoma
Soon
Ghrghora
Stop
Stamatste
Thief
Klftis
Numbers
Arithm
E`na
Dho
Tra
Tssera
Pnte
E`ksi
Eft
Okt
Eni
10
Dhka
11
E`ndheka
12
Dhdheka
13
Dhekatra
14
Dhekatssera
15
Dhekapnte
16
Dhekaksi
17
Dhekaeft
18
Dhekaokt
19
Dhekaeni
20
I`kosi
21
I`kosi na
30
Trinta
40
Sarnta
50
Pennta
60
Eksnta
70
Evdhomnta
80
Oghdhnta
90
Enennta
100
Ekat
200
Dhiaksia
300
Triaksia
400
Tetraksia
500
Pentaksia
600
Eksaksia
700
Eptaksia
800
Oktaksia
900
Eniaksia
1000
Khlia
Colours
Chrma
Black
Mvro
Blue
Bl
Brown
Kaf
Green
Prsino
Orange
Portokhli
Red
Kkino
Rose
Roz
White
A`spro
Yellow
Ktrino
Body
Sma anthrpino
Ankle
Ktsi
Arm
Brtso
Back
Plti
Bone
Kkalo
Chest
Stthos
Ear
Aft
Elbow
Agnas
Eye
Mti
Foot
Pdhi
Heart
Kardhi
Mouth
Stma
Neck
Lems
Shoulder
O`mos
Skin
Dhrma
Stomach
Stomkhi
Tongue
Ghlsa
I need a doctor
I'm ill
Ime rostos
I'm cold
Ekho kriolyima
I' ve a stomachache
I' ve an headache
Ekho ponokfalo
A bee stings me
M tsmbise ma sfka
Sunstroke
Ilasi
Days
Imres
Monday
Dheftra
Tuesday
Trti
Wednesday
Tetrti
Thursday
Pmpti
Friday
Paraskev
Saturday
Svato
Sunday
Kiriak
Questions
Ertissi
Can...?
Bor...?
Where is...?
Pu ne...?
E`khete...?
Is there...?
Iprkhi...?
How much...?
Psso...?
When...?
Pte...?
How..?
Ps...?
Useful sentences
Frssi chrssimo
Bor na sa voithso?
E`khete tsigra?
This is my friend
Adh ne o filos mu
My name is...
M lene...
It doesn't matter
Dhn pirzi
Welcome to Zante
I like...
Mu arsi
Is broken
Ine spasmnos
Want, would
Thelo, ta ithela
Ti ra ne?
Dhn katalavno
Milte anglik?
I'm...
It's cold
Kni kro
P ne i tualta?
Wait a minute
Ps na po sto...
Aft ne yi ss
Ap p ste
I don't know
Dhn xro
So and so
Etsi k tsi
End
Tlos