| Zakynthos | |
 | |
Location  | |
| State | Greece |
|---|---|
| Region | Ionian Islands |
| Surface | 406 km² |
| Inhabitants | 41.472 (2005) |
| Tourism site | |
| [link not working]Institutional website | |
Zakynthos or also "Zacinto" in Italian, it is an island Greek in Ionian Sea.
To know
Territories and tourist destinations
Zakynthos: full screen map.Urban centers
- Volimes - A village in the northwest near which the famous is located Navayo beach (shipwreck beach) so-called because there is the rusty wreck of a boat.
- Zakynthos (Zakynthos) - The picturesque capital, destroyed by a terrible earthquake in 1953 and rebuilt in the following years. It has an extensive and pleasant promenade which extends south of the center towards Argasi, where there are numerous clubs, especially restaurants.
Other destinations
- Seaside centers - There is no shortage of other seaside resorts in Zakynthos but they are mostly modest in appearance and none can compete with the Laganà-Kalamaki agglomeration. Limni Kerì, located in the large southern gulf a short distance from Laganà, is characterized by a beautiful landscape due to the islet of Marathonissi that stands out in front of it.
- Lagana - Main tourist area of Zakynthos, Laganà is nothing more than a large beach housed in the wide bay that opens on the southern side of the island. It forms a single whole with the area of Kalamaki further east and much quieter. Overall, the Laganà-Kalamaki beach is 5 km long and is now completely hidden by hotels. Those who go to Zakynthos have almost no alternatives and will inevitably end up catapulted there, also because elsewhere they risk dying of boredom.
How to get
By plane
In the summer months, Easy Jet operates direct flights from Milan Malpensa to Zakynthos. In addition, Ryanair operates fairly cheap flights from Bergamo to Araxos (Patras airport).
There are numerous summer flights, including charter flights from / to Northern Europe. Below is a list of airlines operating in Zakynthos with flights from European cities, almost all seasonal:
Domestic flights from Athens are insured byOlympic Airlines but the ticket price is high especially in the summer.
Reach Zakynthos by ship fromItaly, moreover without a car in tow, it is nothing short of tiring especially if you decide to travel in high season and, in the personal opinion of the writer, it is not worth it.
Just the company HML (Hellenic Mediterranean Lines) operates a link Toast-Zante however not very frequent.
If you do not find a place you could, alternatively, embark from an Italian port (Ancona, Bari, Toast) and get off at new port of Patras. From there you will have to reach by bus (KTEL) the port of Kyllini where local ferries leave for Zakynthos. Tickets can be purchased at the KTEL agency in Patras in via Othonos Amalias nº 58 (or 47) or at the ticket office of the Killini pier where you cannot pay by card, only cash. The ferry trip takes about an hour and a half. The telephone numbers of the Patras ticket office should be 30 2610 220129, 30 2610 220129, 30 2610 272246, 30 2610 277854.
Zakynthos can also be reached from the neighboring island of Kefalonia. Ferries depart from the dock of Pessada.
How to get around
By public transport
There are buses that connect the main centers of the island. Ask around and you will have no difficulty in finding any. However, keep in mind that the service is not always reliable. Taxis are not expensive.
By car
The best way to get around the island and there are many car rental agencies besides the most famous ones. Better a 4WD car as some of the attractions are off the main roads. And pay attention to the condition of the roads: they are often in bad shape with potholes and so on. And pay attention to the other cars too. Given the size of the island it is difficult to get lost and in any case almost all roads lead either to Zakynthos or to Volimes in the north. Road signs are few and bilingual in English and Greek, some only in Greek. Be very careful with scooters too.
Scooters, on the other hand, can be rented anywhere, but riding a scooter can be a problem: the island is hilly and at some point it would be better to have more power.
By bike
The bicycle is a very suitable way to visit the central and southern part of the island, while in the north the situation is more difficult. They rent bikes in almost all major resorts, even with discounts for several rental days (typically 4-8 euros per day). They typically also include a lock and a helmet, but not all of them do and so you'll need to bring your own or buy one.
What see
Zakynthos, due to the light winter rains, is a very green island so much so that the Venetians when they conquered it nicknamed it the flower of the Levant. The period from March to May is particularly suitable for a visit: there are few tourists, the Easter parade is held and the island is covered in spring flowering with thousands of colorful flowers and green hills, truly spectacular.
Like its neighbor Kefalonia also Zakynthos / Zakynthos was heavily affected by the earthquake of 1953 and unfortunately a large part of the Venetian architecture has been lost and even today some of the ruins of the ancient buildings can be seen here and there along the island. The main city has been completely rebuilt and still has some resemblance to St. Mark's Square Venice, deserves to be visited.
The beautiful cliffs overlooking the blue sea near Keri ' are one of those points not to be missed.
Churches
- Museum (of poets) Solomos & Calvos (Μουσείο Σολωμού & Κάλβου), Piazza San Marco 15 (Platìa Aghiou Markou).
The Blue Caves
To the east of Capo Skinari, on the northern side of the island, there are Blue Caves. A series of geological formations formed with the erosion of the sea which here has a characteristic deep blue color, even more suggestive when visited at dawn. Kianoun Cave is the largest. To reach them you have to rent a boat and you cannot help but see the advertisements of the various tour operators throughout the island that offer the possibility of making excursions to the caves and other areas.
There are actually 3 Blue Caves on the island:
- At Capo Skinari - the most spectacular. You will find several boats offering trips from the port of Agios Nikolaos and also from Makris Gialos Alikes and Alykanas. You can rent a speedboat for the day in Alykanas to visit the blue caves and the entire northeastern side of the coast on the way back. These are also visited during longer tours (all over the island) which often depart from the island's capital.
- Keri - very beautiful
- Porto Vromi - Not as spectacular, they can be visited during the tour that leads to the wreck.
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Originally a smuggler ship, it lost its engine in 1981 and was washed ashore in a magnificent bay. It is found in many tourist advertisements in Greece and is best visited starting from Porto Vromi. Better in the morning or in the afternoon after 3pm, because at other times there are bigger ships than the other tours, the beach is crowded and it is not uncommon for there to be more than 20 boats anchored in front. At other times, however, you will have the beach almost only for you. Beware that the wreck is sharp and you could even get hurt! For the best photographs follow the sign of the monastery of Agios Gergio Kremnao - once there, use the road on your right to reach a small observation platform almost 200 meters above the wreck , almost all postcard images are made from here. From here it is much nicer and you can also see the bungee jumping area Shipwreck beach from the Navagio cliffs.
Chief Skinari
The northern end of Zakynthos, with calm waters to the east and windswept ones to the west. Ruins of the 1953 earthquake are also found here.
Beaches
- Agios Nikolaos - The best beach on the island, in the southern part near Vassilikos. It can also be reached by free shuttles from Laganas, Kalamaki and Argasi - but remember that to get the ticket to go back you have to rent a deckchair (€ 4). You can do water sports, there are also bars (run by English). Not to be confused with the homonymous village to the north which has nothing to do with the beach.
- Alikes / Alykanas - A long beach in front of 2 resorts. To the west of the mouth of the Skourtis River lies Alikes, to the east Alykanas. Alikes is narrower and more pebbly, with several bars and clubs that have nothing of the typical Greek look. The beach with the best sand is the one near the village of Agios Kyriaki, where the Taverna is located Neraida offering local dishes and traditional music in the evening. A 1km walk from Alykanas through the old village of Alykanas leads you to the peaceful beach of Xehoriati. From here you can admire beautiful views towards Kefalonia and the Peloponnese, great for swimming but also snorkelling along the rocky walls. Xehoriati has 2 restaurants with unlikely names: Redskins run by an Italian couple, e Shoestring typical for tourists but offers good food and great views. There is also a mini-market about 150 meters from the beach.
- Daphnis - to get there you have to take a steep road between Argassi and Vassilikos. It is a small but beautiful beach in a natural reserve where access to cars is prohibited. Few bars, taverns and very few sun beds / deck chairs.
- Gerakas - South of the Vassilikos peninsula, in the marine excursion area, is the place where turtles nest Caretta Caretta. Wide beach with excellent services, but with areas where access is prohibited due to the presence of turtles (for the same reason the beach closes at sunset.
- Kalamaki to Laganas - Kalamaki resort shares a long sandy beach which reaches Laganas a few kilometers away. In some areas it is very crowded but there are also areas where it is much quieter. .
- Tsilivi - a family resort with a long and wide sandy beach, great for water sports, there are deck chairs, sun beds and ample parking.
Events and parties
- Patronal feast of San Dionisio. The patron saint of Zakynthos is San Dionisio and is celebrated on 23 August. Saint Dionysius is revered throughout Greece and the festivities last three days, drawing all devoted pilgrims to the island. In those days you can watch the procession of the patron saint's mummy through the streets of the city. The whole city is celebrating and to conclude the celebrations it is customary on the island to perform fireworks near the sea.
- Italian Party. Every summer on the islet of Cameo (reachable on foot through a small bridge) and located in the bay of Laganas, all Italian evenings are organized 1 or 2 times a week, mainly dedicated to tourists who arrive in large numbers from Italy in August. Cheerful evenings with Italian DJs.
What to do
Shopping
Surely the center of the city of Zakynthos offers the greatest offer for shopping and buying souvenirs. On the main street (Via Alessandro Roma) it is also possible to find some of the big names in international fashion. There are also numerous small bazaars that offer the most interesting objects, including Greek crafts.
How to have fun
The nightlife takes place almost exclusively at the southern end of the Gulf of Laganas where there is no shortage of pubs, discos and various clubs. The atmosphere is still a village festival if only for the small colored lights with which the Greeks love to decorate their rooms that still feel temporary. Numerous young people, especially from Northern Europe. Laganas was nicknamed "Las Vegas", not without a good dose of nerve.
Among the beers available are the Greek Mythos, Alfa and Fix, with the Amstel just behind. Those looking for more characteristic experiences should take a tour of the city center of Zakynthos. We also serve a typical wine made in the various villages (attention: it is strong!), The brandy together with the more traditional Ouzo. Laganas bars serve just about anything and are mostly popular with younger tourists
Where to eat
Zakynthos offers tourists a wide range of places to eat traditional Greek and international cuisine. Among these, there is no lack of made in Italy, such as artisan ice cream "Piero's Italian Gelateria"located in the city, or the Italian pizzeria trattoria"From Camillo"in Vassilikos, with a wood-burning oven. Among the typical Greek places in evidence" Il Porto "located at the Marina in the city where you can enjoy fried fish, the restaurant" Malanos "known for its simplicity of traditional peasant cuisine .
Where stay
The island of Zakynthos is quite large and you will not be bored. Choosing the place to stay is fundamental, as each place has its own characteristic. Laganas is more suitable for young people who want a holiday dedicated to disco, pubs and nightlife. Tzilivi, Alikanas and Alikes are located on the east coast and are mostly the destination of families and young people looking for a more peaceful holiday.Vassilikos is undoubtedly the area of the island that offers the most a variety of very beautiful beaches, including Gerakas famous for the Caretta-Caretta turtles.
Moderate prices
- Tria Pigadia. It is managed by Gianni and Arianna and is located 250 meters from Porto Kukla. Equipped with swimming pool and air conditioning, it is a quiet place where you can spend relaxing days.
High prices
- Village Inn - 400, Eparchiaki Odos Laganas Tel: 30 26950 51033, 30 26950 52959. Fax: 30 26950 52387 [1]. Category A hotel with 66 studios and 32 villas
- Best Western Zante Park - 290 00 Laganas. Tel .: 30 26950 52310, 30 26950 52311-4. FAX: 30 26950 51949. [2]. 4-star hotel with 130 rooms and 5 suites.
- Galaxy 290 92 Laganas. Tel: 30 26950 51171, 51172, 51173. FAX: 30 26950 51177 [3]. 3-star hotel with 80 rooms and 40 suites
Safety
If you are not in a large enough group, avoid lingering on beaches and in isolated places and leave at least 2 hours before sunset, as all Greeks do. For your information in Bolimes, near the famous "Navagio" beach, a couple who had gone into seclusion in the evening were killed and the killer was never found. The fact happened between 1985 and 1990. In general, the country is very quiet and cases of violence, robbery or theft are very rare.
In case of emergency, you can call the following numbers:
- emergency number: 100
How to keep in touch
Around
The most interesting excursions are those towards Keri Caves and to the island of Marathonissi, both departing from the port of Keri.
