Zakynthos is the southernmost of the large ones Ionian islands. It is known among biologists as "Turtle Island". Zákynthos with its bays is one of the most important breeding sites in the Mediterranean for the "loggerhead sea turtle" (prehistoric animals over one meter in length).
Zákynthos is not only popular with turtles, but also with tourists - and it is now almost as popular as it is Corfu. While Ios and Kos associated with parties and Rhodes and Crete with families, Zakynthos is something in between.
Regions
Most of the beaches, cities, etc. are on the south and east coasts, as the west and north coasts are extremely mountainous and cliffs often drop several hundred meters straight into the sea.
places
- 1 Zakynthos city (Ζάκυνθος (πόλη)).
A visit to Zákynthos town is a must for all holidaymakers. Almost 90% of the site was destroyed by a major earthquake and subsequent fire in 1953. After all, many art treasures could be saved. The reconstruction took place with the inclusion of historical building plans. The city was able to keep its old face. Today Zákynthos town is a mixture of adapted new buildings and reconstructed architecture. The main attractions of the city of Zakynthos include the monastery of Agios Dionisios, whose campanile, visible from afar, resembles the bell tower of San Marco in Venice, and the Byzantine Museum, which offers a unique opportunity to follow the development of Ionic painting.
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- 2 Tsilivi (Τσιλιβί)
- 3 Alykes (δημοτική ενότητα Αλυκών)
- 4 Alykanas (Αλυκανάς 1)
- 5 Agios Nikolaos.Although the small village has only a few inhabitants, it is the second most important port on Zakynthos, as the ferry to Kefalonia leaves there. The bay is fairly sheltered by the high mountains and the island within the bay and has plenty of seaside restaurants as well as a local coast guard. From here boats leave for excursions to the blue caves to the north. Although quiet, it can get very busy at certain times of the day when busloads of tourists arrive to get the ferry to and from Kefalonia.
- 6 Keri (Λίμνη Κερίου Ζακύνθου)
- 7 Laganas (Λαγανάς Ζακύνθου)
- 8 Kalamaki (Καλαμάκι Ζακύνθου).Although it is a busy resort, it is less of an "all-night party area" than Laganas and more suitable for families. Most of the buildings and shops are along the main street. Like Laganas, it has a very long sandy beach that stretches for many kilometers over the southern part of the island.
- 9 Vasillikos (Βασιλικός Ζακύνθου)
- 10 Argasi (Αργάσι)..Not a real beach and it consists of a couple of streets with hotels along the promenade and more on the main road that goes up the peninsula. There are a few bars and clubs but not much else to see.
Other goals
background
Zákynthos is not just about a beach vacation. "Fior di Levante", flower of the east, was the name given to the island by the Venetians, who ruled here for three centuries, because of its natural beauty.
Zákynthos is particularly "lush and green" to visitors. Wide plains as well as rather gentle hills and mountains invite you to hike. The vegetation is dense, in many places you come across olive groves and pretty vineyards. The idyllic picture is rounded off by quite picturesque mountain villages.
The landscape on Zákynthos in the north is harsher and more difficult to access. Tourists come here who are looking for silence and solitude, but who do not value beautiful beaches on their doorstep.
language
getting there
Ferries direct from Kefalonia run in summer until around mid-September.
mobility
Tourist Attractions
activities
beaches
Zákynthos is primarily known as a bathing destination in international tourism. The island's beaches are considered top notch.
With the Navagio beach ("shipwreck") Zákynthos even has one of the most famous beaches in Greece. White sand, turquoise blue sea, craggy rocks and a stranded ship are the hallmarks of the "Shipwreck Beach", which is considered the landmark of Zákynthos.
Its name "shipwreck" goes back to an incident in the early 80s. At that time, a ship with illegal cargo on board (cigarettes and alcohol) appeared on site and met the coast guard so laden. When the smugglers discover the coast guard, they set the ship on fire in their panic. It then ran aground where it still lies today. In the course of time the ship was completely surrounded by sand, so that one has the impression that it would "emerge" from it.
From the land side, the stranded ship can only be seen from a vantage point on one of the steep cliffs around the bay. The fact that millions of people know the sight of the Zakynthos shipwreck has a simple reason: it is one of the most famous Greek postcard motifs.
Laganas Beach is considered to be the most beautiful and popular beach on Zakynthos. The golden sandy beach is 11 km south of the island's capital (Zákynthos city) and has crystal clear water. Parasols, sun loungers and lots of water sports are offered to the inclined guest. However, the surrounding landscape, the plain of Laganas with its numerous olive groves, has suffered somewhat from the growing number of hotels in recent decades. In addition, the beach tends to be overcrowded in high season and is considered to be quite expensive in terms of food.
So it is a good thing that there are plenty of alternatives on Zákynthos. The best known other beaches include Alykes, Alykanas and Tsilivi.
Nudist beaches[2] and a Naturist hotel[3] is also available on Zakynthos
kitchen
The specialties on the island include fish roe paste (taramosalata), squid (calamari) or tzatziki. Popular dishes and ingredients are also eggplant casseroles, meat skewers, stuffed peppers, lamb chops, stuffed vine leaves (dolmades) and meatballs in tomato sauce. Retsína (white wine mixed with pine resin) or the world-famous aniseed schnapps Ouzo (usually "diluted" with water) are popular with dinner.
Guests will find numerous taverns and restaurants on Zákynthos. As an alternative to Greek food, there are also plenty of restaurants with international cuisine.
Incidentally, there is an interesting peculiarity in the preparation of Greek food: it is often grilled over charcoal and served extremely hot. This goes back to earlier times when the dishes were often prepared in communal kitchens and should still be warm in the dining room at home.
nightlife
security
climate
Zákynthos has a Mediterranean climate. The summers are hot and dry, the winters rather mild and rainy. The maximum values regularly exceed the 30 ° C limit in summer (sometimes danger of humid conditions). Water temperatures around 25 ° C. Maximum values in winter (air) at around 10 ° C. Temperatures below zero in January.
The average number of hours of sunshine during the day in summer is 10 hours.
literature
Web links
The text is in part with an article on another portal [4] identical. Jürgen "Zlatan" Wolff is the author of both articles.
Webcam with a view of the Marina Park and its turtle island. [5]
More information about Zakynthos [6]
