Zakynthos (Greece) is the legendary island of romantic dreams, sung by more than one generation of poets. Enthusiastic admirers call this place a luxurious flower of the Mediterranean. Colorful views, kilometers of sunny beaches, the beauty of untouched nature - all this you will find on the island of Zakynthos. Here you can feel the persistent aroma of fragrant coniferous forests, flowering plants, grapes and citrus fruits everywhere. This fabulous island will be discussed in this article.
Zakynthos in Greek culture
According to ancient legend, with its incredible charm conquered the island of Zakynthos (Greece) the great Olympic gods - Apollo and Artemis. It is not surprising that mere mortals instantly fall under the spell of this wonderful land. In the works of the great Homer, Zakynthos is mentioned as an island "immersed in emerald forests." The islanders in antiquity especially revered Apollo as the patron of various arts and were famous among the Greeks for their special love for music and poetry. The culture of Zakynthos reached its peak under the rule of the Venetians. However, the Greeks revere this island not only for its extraordinary beauty. Turns out,this land is the birthplace of one of the greatest poets of Greece - the great Solomos Dionysius, the author of the "Hymn to Liberty". A monument in honor of this famous person was erected on the central square of Zakynthos.
Landscapes
The island of Zakynthos (Greece), whose photographs 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. Centuries-old pine trees, emerald greenery, sunny dunes, ridges of outlandish beauty, orange groves, vineyards, picturesque settlements with neat streets - all this invites pleasant thoughts and creative exploits. No wonder the artists of the whole world tried to depict on their canvases the magnificent splendor of Zakynthos, and the poets - to sing of its beauties 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 up. 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 Isle almost all year round. If you are looking for a place where the climate is conducive to a perfect holiday at any time of the year - go to the island of Zakynthos. Greece, whose photographic images are amazingimagination, hospitably welcomes everyone who wants to spend their leisure time on its shores. But nowhere will you be as comfortable and cozy as on this blessed island, sung by Homer himself. Summers here are dry and hot, but the heat of the sun is softened by a refreshing breeze from the sea. Rainfall is rare here. It only rains during the warm winter months. In the cold season, there is practically no snow and frost. The holiday season lasts here 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 soft golden sand, picturesque grottoes, beautiful plants and incredible panoramic views. Natural treasures, generously scattered throughout the island, are carefully guarded by the locals. Most of the ancient monuments have not survived to this day, but the magnificence of nature has remained unchanged. In the north of the island there is the Blue Caves - a real miraculous miracle that captivates 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 Reserve
The Askos Stone Reserve is another visiting card of the island of Zakynthos. Greece, whose sights are not limited to architectural and historical monuments, is famous for its naturalsplendor. And Askos is another proof of that. In the reserve you can find rare species of plants and animals from all over the world. The untouched majesty of Zakynthos nature is harmoniously combined with large stone structures, water tanks and man-made wooden compositions. The territory of the reserve occupies 500 thousand km. It has created conditions for the habitat of about 1500 birds and animals, including deer, raccoons, llamas, ponies, chinchillas, etc. The tour can be continued in the famous museums of the island. There are several of them in Zakynthos: the museum of Byzantine art, the house-museum of the family of Roma Alexander, the museum of the famous poets of Greek origin Andreas and Dionysius Solomos.
Architectural landmarks
Several ancient architectural monuments have survived 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 water. The real pride of Zakynthos are Byzantine temples and churches. Especially interesting for travelers will be visiting the ancient temple 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 there is a convent built in honor of the Virgin Eleftherotria. The oldest temple of the goddess Artemis became the place where the Church of the Virgin of Skopietissa was built of white stone.
Navagio Bay
And yetThe most attractive places on the island of Zakynthos (Greece) have been and remain countless, incredibly beautiful, sunny beaches covered with golden sand. 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 the rock towering above it, framed by emerald greenery, is literally mesmerizing. The best way to get to the Shipwreck Beach is from the port of Volimes by boat. Only the island of Zakynthos (Greece) can offer such an attraction. Hotels near Navagio Bay, such as The Peligoni Club, Lithies Studios Apartments, Panos Studios, are always popular with tourists.
Gerakas Beach
Gerakas beach is a great place to relax. 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 a habitat for the rarest animals - Caretta Caretta sea turtles, which lay their eggs in the coastal sand. Since out of 1000 estimated individuals only one or two turtles survive, their minks are carefully guarded. Gerakas is part of the territory of the National Marine Park. The locals take great care of the outlandish turtles and strictly guard their peace, so all water sports are prohibited on the beach. On the preservation of identitylocal nature is taken care of by the people inhabiting the island of Zakynthos (Greece). Hotels located in the Gerakas Bay area (Hotel Gerakas Belvedere Luxury Suites, Villa Katerina, Louis Palazzo di Zante Hotel, Zante Royal Resort, etc.) provide all conditions for comfortable living and recreation.
Laganas Resort
This is the most famous resort on the island, and maybe in the whole sunny country, which is Greece. Always positive and enthusiastic, Zakynthos offers a full range of entertainment in this stunning location. 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 their eggs. The resort is full of fun. A unique festive atmosphere reigns here: loud music, bars, nightclubs… In Laganas, countless entertainment events are held, parties are organized with the involvement of world-famous musicians and DJs. During the day, you can visit the Turtle Island and watch the marine life through the transparent bottom of a special boat or take a promenade through the olive groves and vineyards that grow in abundance in the vicinity of Laganas. You can also take a trip on a mountain bike or on horseback.
Kitchen and restaurants
Kitchen on the island of Zakynthos is truly Mediterranean. The favorite and main ingredient added to almost any dish is olive oil, which is made onisland and is considered the most delicious in all of Greece. Tomatoes, garlic, lemons and fragrant herbs are used in huge quantities for cooking. The signature national dish is "sartsa" - beef meat seasoned with garlic, tomatoes and sheep's cheese. Another popular local dish - "skordostubi" - is made from tomatoes, eggplant and olive oil with garlic. In Zakynthos, they offer locally made cheese - myzithra. It is usually eaten with sugar or honey. Very tasty homemade bread. Sweets on the island, such as "mandolato" and "pasteli", are often made with almonds and honey.
Tours to the island
Tours to the island of Zakynthos (Greece) with accommodation in a three-star hotel (for example, Planos Beach Hotel or Letsos), in a standard room, with meals on the "breakfast only" system for seven days and nights, will cost travelers about € 1000. This price includes flight, transfer, meals, hotel stay and medical insurance. The cost of fuel surcharge and visa is not included in the amount. A week of stay in a five-star hotel (Eleon Grand Resort & Spa) with all-inclusive meals will cost beach lovers much more - about €2,000. This amount also does not include the cost of visa and fuel surcharge.
Getting to Zakynthos will not be a big deal. It is possible to travel from Killena and Kefallonia by ferry (tel. (+30) 26950 239-84). Ferries connect the island withItaly. You can also get to Zakynthos by air, by taking 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 departs from Athens several times a day.
