The Greek word "zakynthos" has long been attracting tourists. Even in his pronunciation there is something enticing. But he is so ambiguous, this Zakynthos. The island (reviews about it will be given below), then the reserve, as well as the city. They all bear the same name. The reserve is actually the first national marine park in Greece. It was created for the sake of a unique turtle, which is listed as an endangered species. After all, only on the local shores does she lay her eggs. In addition, there are still seals, endemic trees and grasses grow here.
What else is meant by the word "Zakynthos"? An island whose reviews are the envy of those who are forced to sit in their office, and the holidays are still so long away. It is practically the most southern of the Greek islands of the Ionian Sea. Tourists know that it is famous for its bays with breathtaking panoramic views (for example, Navajo). If mostly people go to Greece - except for a beach holiday - on trips to museums and shopping, then these places are visited for their beauty and meditation. Experienced travelers assure that everything here seems to be in abundance. The sea is incredibly blue, the beaches are huge and golden, the pine trees are emerald green. This is the island of Zakynthos. Greece, the photo of which is given to tourists by travel agencies, is completely different here. The Olympian gods liked this place of rest, and people have always admired it - from Homer to the medieval Venetians.
So, Zakynthos. The island - reviews, as well as descriptions of its nature are full of delight - not very big. The inhabitants here mainly grow olives and citrus fruits, in the north there are beautiful mountains and the world-famous "blue caves" - grottoes with stunning water color. There are also the most amazing bays, including the "Shipwreck". True, there are relatively few settlements here, which made it possible to preserve almost pristine nature. But the most “wild” beaches can only be reached by a rented boat, and it is advisable to do this early in the morning. There are forty-four villages in all. True, most of them have already turned from fishing resorts into first-class resorts. But such is this "beach" Greece (islands). Zakynthos, whose hotels are very different, can provide both budget "triples" - "fours" and high-class exclusive hotels. For Russian tourists, an all-inclusive system has even appeared. However, all these hotels are small, compact, no huge structures."a la palaces" is not provided.
Now the city of Zakynthos. The island (reviews, as we have already seen, are very commendable) has its own capital of the same name. It is also located on the beach. This city seems to be surrounded by a certain aura of the Venetian presence. Indeed, the famous Italian trading republic owned it for a long time, so all the local architecture bears this imprint. There is even St. Mark's Square and a cathedral dedicated to the same evangelist. Almost all ancient ruins were built up with Venetian fortifications and temples. The most beautiful fortress is located on Bokali Hill, next to which it is good to walk on a hot day and drink coffee in one of the authentic Greek establishments.
