Zakynthos (Greece) is a legendary island of romantic dreams, praised by more than one generation of poets. Enthusiastic admirers call this place the magnificent flower of the Mediterranean. Colorful views, kilometers of sunny beaches, the beauty of unspoiled nature - all this you will find on the island of Zakynthos. Everywhere there is a persistent aroma of fragrant coniferous forests, flowering plants, grapes and citrus fruits. This fabulous island will be discussed in this article.
Zakynthos Island in Greek Culture
According to ancient legend, the island of Zakynthos (Greece) conquered the great Olympic gods Apollo and Artemis with its incredible charm. It is not surprising that mere mortals instantly fall under the charm of this wonderful land. In the works of the great Homer, Zakynthos is mentioned as an island "drowning in emerald forests." The islanders in ancient times especially revered Apollo as the patron saint of various arts and were famous among the Greeks for their special love of music and poetry. The culture of Zakynthos reached its peak under the control of the Venetians. However, the Greeks revere this island not only for its extraordinary beauty. It turns out that this land is the birthplace of one of the greatest poets of Greece - the great Solomos Dionysius, the author of the "Anthem of Freedom." On the central square of Zakynthos, a monument is erected in honor of this famous person.
Landscapes
Zakynthos Island (Greece), photos of which can be found on postcards and posters around the world, is two rocky ridges of mountain ranges, framed by a valley covered with luxurious vegetation. Due to the special composition of the local soil, there are many artesian springs with clean and cool water. Century-old pines, emerald greenery, sunny dunes, ridges of outlandish beauty, orange groves, vineyards, picturesque villages with neat streets - all this has a pleasant reflection and creative exploits. No wonder artists around the world tried to depict the magnificent splendor of Zakynthos on their canvases, and poets - to sing its beauty in the most elegant terms. The island is so rich in wonderful panoramas that even from the most remote corner, fantastic and unforgettable views of the sea, rocks, golden shores and flowering vegetation open. Particularly popular is the image of Navajo Bay with the skeleton of an old ship.
Climate
The hot rays of the sun penetrate the emerald island almost all year round. If you are looking for a place where the climate offers the perfect holiday at any time of the year, head to Zakynthos Island. Greece, the photographic images of which amaze the imagination, hospitably welcomes everyone who wants to spend leisure time on its shores. But nowhere will you be so comfortable and cozy as on this blessed island, sung by Homer himself. Summer is dry and hot, but the sunny heat is softened by the refreshing breeze from the sea. Precipitation here is rare. It rains only in the warm winter months. In the cold season, there is practically no snow and frost. The holiday season lasts from May to October.
Blue caves
The most interesting places on the island of Zakynthos (Greece) are of natural origin. These are magnificent beaches with delicate golden sand, picturesque grottoes, beautiful plants and incredible panoramic views. Natural treasures, generously scattered throughout the island, are carefully guarded by local residents. Most of the monuments of ancient times have not survived, but the splendor of nature has remained unchanged. In the north of the island there are Blue Caves - a real miracle that conquers at first sight. Stone arches, countless grottoes rise above the sea surface, blue water fascinates with its beauty. The most famous cave is located on Cape Skinari. You can only get to its mysterious grottoes by swimming. The waters in the blue caves are considered healing due to the large amount of minerals and calcium.
Askos Nature Reserve
Askos Stone Reserve is another highlight of Zakynthos Island. Greece, whose attractions are not limited to architectural and historical monuments, is famous for its natural splendor. And Askos is another proof of this. In the reserve you can find rare species of plants and animals from around the world. The untouched grandeur of the nature of Zakynthos here harmoniously combines with large stone structures, water tanks and wood compositions created by man. The territory of the reserve is 500 thousand km. It created the conditions for the habitation of approximately 1,500 birds and animals, including deer, raccoons, llamas, ponies, chinchillas, etc. The excursion can be continued in the famous museums of the island. There are several of them in Zakynthos: a museum of Byzantine art, a house-museum of the Roma Alexander family, a museum of famous poets of Greek origin Andreas and Dionysius Solomos.
Architectural Attractions
Several ancient architectural monuments have been preserved on the island of Zakynthos. Greece, the map of which is presented in this article, is rich in such sights. On the territory of the old city of Argasi there is an ancient bridge, one part of which is covered with sand, and the other is buried in the water. The real pride of Zakynthos are Byzantine temples and churches. It will be especially interesting for travelers to visit the ancient church of St. Dionysius and the medieval church of St. Nicholas. In the small settlement of Maherado there is the church of St. Martha, and in the tiny village of Lagopodo, a convent was built that was built in honor of the Virgin Mary Eleftheria. The oldest temple of the goddess Artemis became the place where the Church of Our Lady of Skopietissa was erected from white stone.
Navagio Bay
And yet, the most attractive places on the island of Zakynthos (Greece) were and remain countless, incredibly beautiful, golden sand-covered sunny beaches. The most famous of these is Navagio Bay, often also called Shipwreck Beach. The hallmark of this place is the ship of smugglers, thrown ashore by the sea during a powerful storm. You can get to the most fantastic beach on the planet only by sea. The colorful combination of clear blue water and a cliff towering above it framed by emerald greenery is literally mesmerizing. The shipwreck beach is best reached from the port of Volimes by boat. Such an attraction can only offer the island of Zakynthos (Greece). Hotels located near Navagio Bay, such as The Peligoni Club, Lithies Studios Apartments, Panos Studios, are always popular with tourists.
Gerakas Beach
A great place to relax is Gerakas Beach. It is located in the southern part of Zakynthos. The waters in these places are calm, the sand is impeccable, the places around are unusually beautiful. This beach is the habitat of the rarest animals - Caretta-Caretta sea turtles , laying their eggs in coastal sand. Since only one or two turtles survive out of the 1000 alleged individuals, their minks are carefully guarded. Gerakas is part of the National Marine Park. Locals take great care of outlandish turtles and strictly guard their peace, so all water sports are prohibited on the beach. The people of Zakynthos Island (Greece) take care of preserving the identity of local nature. Hotels located in the Gulf of Gerakas (Hotel Gerakas Belvedere Luxury Suites, Villa Katerina, Louis Palazzo di Zante Hotel, Zante Royal Resort, etc.) provide all the conditions for a comfortable stay and relaxation.
Laganas Resort
This is the most famous resort on the island, and maybe in the whole sunny country, which is Greece. Zakynthos, reviews of which is always positive and enthusiastic, offers a full range of entertainment in this amazing place. Laganas Beach stretches for nine kilometers and is considered one of the largest in the country. It consists of fine sand, in which local exotic turtles also like to lay eggs. The resort is constantly boiling fun. A unique festive atmosphere reigns here: loud music, bars, night clubs ... On Laganas, countless entertainment events are held, parties are organized with the participation of world famous musicians and DJs. During the day, you can visit Turtle Island and observe the marine life through the transparent bottom of a special boat or take a promenade along the olive groves and vineyards that grow in abundance in the vicinity of Laganas. You can also go mountain biking or horseback riding.
Cuisine and restaurants
The cuisine on Zakynthos is truly Mediterranean. Favorite and main ingredient added to almost any dish is olive oil, which is made on the island and is considered the most delicious in all of Greece. In huge quantities, tomatoes, garlic, lemons and aromatic herbs are used for cooking. The specialty of the national dish is "sarca" - beef meat seasoned with garlic, tomatoes and sheep’s cheese. Another popular local dish - “skorostubsti” - is made from tomatoes, eggplant and olive oil with garlic. In Zakynthos they offer locally made cheese - misitra. It is customary to eat with sugar or honey. Delicious homemade bread. Sweets on the island, for example, "mandolato" and "pastels", are often prepared on the basis of almonds and honey.
Island Tours
Tours to Zakynthos Island (Greece) with accommodation in a three-star hotel (for example, Planos Beach Hotel or Letsos), in a standard room, with breakfast-based meals for seven days and nights will cost travelers about € 1000. This price includes flights, transfers, meals, hotel stays and medical insurance. The cost of fuel surcharge and visa is not included. A week of stay in a five-star hotel (Eleon Grand Resort & Spa) with all-inclusive meals will cost beach lovers much more expensive - about € 2000. This amount also does not include the cost of a visa and fuel surcharge.
Getting to Zakynthos is not a big deal. You can travel from Killena and Kefallonia by ferry (tel. (+30) 26950 239-84). A ferry service connects the island with Italy. You can also get to Zakynthos by air, boarding a plane in Athens or on the island of Corfu. During low tourist activity, a flight can cost as little as € 50. Zakynthos can be reached in six hours by regular bus, which leaves from Athens several times a day.