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THE Zante is one of their islands Ionian Islands. It is the eleventh in extent Greek island and the second most populous island in the Ionian Islands. Its area is 406 sq. Km and the population amounts to 40,650 inhabitants. It is also known internationally as "Jante", or Flower of Levante (Flower of the East). It is far from Peloponnese 9.5 naut. miles (from Kyllini of the Prefecture of Ilia) and 8.5 nautical miles. miles from the nearest north to this island, the Kefalonia.
At a glance
Languages
Areas
Clean beaches, rich history, nightlife and friendly atmosphere are just some of the features of Zakynthos.
Zakynthos is the third largest Ionian island. The Shipwreck, the Blue Caves, the traditional villages and the nightlife are some of the things you should see when you come to the island.
On the beaches of Kalamaki, Lagana and Vasiliko, the loggerhead sea turtle comes every summer and lays its eggs on the beach, enchanting young and old.
Zakynthos Tourist Areas:
Agios Leon Agios Sostis AlykanasAlykes AmoudiArgasiKalamaki Keri Lake LaganasPorto Fisherman Ampoula TsiliviVasilikos VolimesAgios Nikolaos Zakynthos Town
Tourist sites
Beaches
In Zakynthos you can find beaches of all tastes and desires. Famous or quiet, accessible or not, shallow or deep, with pebbles, sand or rocks, with tourist shops or not. The southern beaches of Zakynthos are abundant, shallow, mainly with sand and belong to the Marine Park for the protection of the Caretta Caretta turtle. The northeastern beaches of Zakynthos have pebbles or sand, deeper and smaller in area. The western beaches are the most impressive, rocky with difficult access (some only by sea), very deep and usually cold.
How to get there
By air: Zakynthos airport is 7 km from the city. There are annual flights to and from Athens (flight duration 45 minutes) and in the summer season there are flights from many European countries but also from other Greek airports.
Ferry: The connection with the port of Kyllini serves almost exclusively Zakynthos with itineraries throughout the day (cruising time 75 minutes). In the northern part, there is the port of Ag. Nikolaou that during the summer season connects Zakynthos directly with Cephalonia.
KTEL: The KTEL of Zakynthos connects Zakynthos daily with Athens and Patras and weekly with Thessaloniki, Larissawww.ktel-zakynthos.gr / el /
How to move
By bus
The KTEL on the island of Zakynthos is located near the port and is very well organized. Abroad, there are departure times and ticket prices. Tickets are very cheap and can be picked up either at the station offices or on the bus. The areas that you can go by bus from the island's capital are: Argassi, Vasilikos, Porto-Roma, Lake Keri, Alykes, Volimes, Agios Nikolaos, Laganas, Tsilivi, Alikanas, Kypseli and many more.
By car
The road network of Zakynthos is very well constructed and that is why it is absolutely safe to travel by private vehicle. If you do not wish to transport your car by car ferry-boat, you can simply, quickly and cheaply rent a car, using the online car rental service of pamediakopes.gr and pick it up at the port or airport. It is a very practical and relaxing way to browse and admire the beautiful locations of the island.
There are several car rental companies in Zakynthos such as Hertz, Budget,Imperial Zakynthos, Europcar, Cosmos Car Rental.
By taxi
However, if you do not want to drive you can use taxis. It is easy to find a taxi in Zakynthos because there are several stations and a radio taxi service that serves you directly. For the most popular tourist destinations the charge is predetermined. For any other location there is a taximeter that starts with a minimum charge.
By boat
Finally, as in all the islands of Greece, so in Zakynthos there is the possibility of traveling by boat. You can either rent one or use the taxi boats to visit the beautiful steep areas of the island, such as the beach at Navagio, Spilies or Marathonisi. It is a very pleasant way to visit areas that are not accessible by other means of transport. From the main port of the island it is a lot to find a taxi-boat or to rent from a company.
What to see
ΤΣΙΛΙΒΙ
A breath away from the city -about 6 km- the large, organized beach in Tsilivi with the golden sand and the crystal clear, shallow waters is one of the stops you have to make. "Leave" in its cool embrace - it is exposed to the north winds - and returning, do not forget to visit the cultural treasure of the village, the Milan Maritime Museum, where you will admire its rich collection of all kinds of marine objects (Opening hours: 10: 00-14: 00, 19: 00-21: 00, Tel. 26950 42436, mob. 6974 065776, www.milaniomaritimemuseum.gr). Write the end of your walk with a visit to the neighboring picturesque village of Planos, following the signs to Gerakari.
CHURCH OF PANAGIAS SPILIOULAS
On the south side of the hill of Tragaki, after a tour of the beautiful village, make a stop at the church of Panagia Spilioula which, as its name suggests, is located inside a cave. It is a top secret of the island, since few people know that behind the big church of the same name is hidden a small ... treasure! Lilliputio, cool and with a wonderful view, delivers lessons of calm and contemplation.
ANO GERAKARI
It will take you about 15 minutes to reach Gerakaria from Polis. To be precise, you will pass through Kato and Meso Gerakari and you will ... put a "bow" for Ano, following the signs for "Fiore tou Levante", a tavern overlooking Alykes that will surprise you with its decoration. Handmade embroidery adorns everything, while it will take you a while until you can tell if you are at home or in a shop. One thing is for sure ... Martha will make you the most delicious rabbit! Leaving, he lit a candle in Agios Nikolaos and from his yard he stared at the whole plain!
ALIKANAS AND ALYKES
On the road to Tsilivi, about 25 km from the city, the beach of Alikanas invites you for long swims. The homonymous settlement is located at the southern end of the bay of Alykes and is very touristy, while the beach bar Ammos is an ideal location to relax ... Next stop is Alykes! Their beach is large and touristic, has a marina and water sports for adventure lovers. For food head to the traditional tavern "Potamaki" (on the road to Chortata), which has not even been discovered by some locals.
PIGADAKIA
You will meet Pigadakia just 1.5 km south of Katastari - the largest village on the island. A visit to the Vertzagio Folklore Museum (entrance? 3, tel. 26950 83580, mob. 6979 498528) is imperative. Spyros Vertzagias has been collecting objects for years and houses them in a very special place! After your tour in ... time, enjoy traditional food in the tavern of "Kakia Rachi". Spyros also has a tourist train that guides visitors. He is the key man and you will understand it from the first moment!
VOLIMES
Your compass is pointing north and he definitely knows something! Volimes may be 32 km away from the city, but you can be sure that they will compensate you. You will be impressed by the green route to Kato Volimes - followed by Meses and Ano, but in fact the separation is purely formal. We really liked the renovated mill, which at the moment does not have any usability, the stone houses and the special bell tower of Ag. Friday, while we were surprised by the restaurant "Stou Dionas" (Volimes, tel. 26950 31230, mob. 6977 039383). It is a three-storey building of exceptional aesthetics and artistic mood - the basement functions as a cellar, the ground floor as a grocery store and the upper floor as a restaurant! - that will amaze you with its original flavors.
WOVEN - UPPER VOLIMES
If you are a fan of weavers, you should head to Ano Volimes and ask for Ms. Vasso Spinou. Known for her miraculous "hands", she is now the only woman who continues to weave on a loom. You can buy tablecloths, curtains, rugs, carpets, etc. with? 20-500. (tel. 26950 31376, mob. 6978 062705)
SKOPIOTISSA
At the top of Skopos mountain, SE of the city and at an altitude of 450 meters. There is exactly the monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa which is famous for its miraculous image. The architecture of the monastery is amazing, it goes back to Byzantine times, the view of the city is dreamy and the air is clean and all yours! We do not know exactly when it was built, but it is known from reports that it was famous for its rich library and important works of art.
ΛΑΓΑΝΑΣ
You can stay away from the nightlife of the specific area, but this does not mean that you will give up the largest - with a length of 9 km! - beach of the island and one of the largest in the country. Shallow crystal clear waters, organized and especially the first among all the beaches of the Mediterranean that the Caretta Caretta turtle chose to lay its eggs. In the bay of Laganas is the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, as well as the two islands, Pelouzos in the east and Marathonisi in the west.
AGIOS SOSTIS
It is located in the bay of Laganas and will surely win you over! This is the island of Agios Sostis at the western end of the homonymous beach. A bridge connects the port with the island, which is now private, where the all day club Cameo operates. Admission costs? 10 / day and? 4 / night and is really worth a visit. The landscape is wild and green, the music is uplifting and the environment is super summery! If you want to eat somewhere beautiful on the way back, Aperitto (tel. 26950 55358, www.aperitto.net) is one of the best choices.
CANDLE
A visit to Keri is a must! About 20 km from the city, in the southern part of the island, and after crossing a verdant landscape, you will see the village of Keri with its picturesque houses and kind inhabitants. Drink an orange juice in the main cafe and surely the stories you will hear there will make you not want to leave. Climb to Lake Keri -perhaps the last wetland in the area-, visit the "drowned" in the green Panagia Keriotissa and do not miss the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful view from above in Myzithres!
ANAFONITRI
Is the village a monastery? Both! A few kilometers after Volimes, returning to the city, make a stop at the Monastery of Anafonitria. It is the oldest on the island -dating to the beginning of the 15th century-, and in its precinct there is still the cell of Agios Dionysios, where his vestments and personal belongings are kept, as well as the chapel of Agia Anastasia. If you are here on the 24th of August, you will enjoy the big festival that follows the feast of Agios Dionysios.
ΒΕΡΓΑΚΙΑ
It is an ephemeral architectural form that was discovered to meet the needs of the fields, since Zakynthos was a purely agricultural island. Commonly, the Zakynthian huts - which you will see rising between the vineyards and you will wonder what they are about -, are nothing more than the "rods" that were originally used to monitor the fields, while offering rest to their occupants.
ΚΑΜΠΙ
During your tour of the northern part of the island, make sure to be in Kambi (30 km from the city) at sunset. Although the village itself does not have to show anything remarkable, you followed the signs for the "Papa's Tavern" (tel. 26950 48481) and get ready to enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets! Worth!
CLOTHES
Another northern village that you will love for its picturesque alleys, stone bell towers and houses, but also its rich flora is Louha. You will relax crossing the village on foot, while, before you leave, you can sunbathe in Babi's cafe which is located right in the forest! (Tel. 2695048325, mob. 6973 509518)
ΓΥΡΙ
The reason for one of the most beautiful villages of the island! It is located in the northern part, 2 km from Luha, and is gaining interest with its stunning architecture. The village does not have more than 50 houses in total, which seem to have come out of a fairy tale, with the stone playing a leading role everywhere! Do not forget to stop at "Kefalokolona" (tel. 26950 26578) for homemade breakfast, village food and guitar with arekes.
SHIPWRECK
Zakynthos can feel proud of the most photographed beach in our country and perhaps the whole world. It is located in the northwestern part of the island and its trademark is the trunk of the ship "Panagiotis" that sank in this bay in 1982, when it was smuggling cigarettes from Turkey. The view from above, as it is half-buried on the white sand, is breathtaking. But the spectacle is just as impressive from below, with the vertical limestone cliff that "embraces" it to awe. Choose one of the organized cruises to see it up close and dive into its famous turquoise waters. It would be good to avoid peak hours!
Entertainment
"34" City of ZakynthosBar
Online InformationZakynthos TownEntertainment
Banana Baya Beach BarVasilBeach Bars
Pure "Beach Club" LaganasClub
Buca Lounge BarAlykesBeach Bars
Cameo Island ClubLaganasClub
Casa PlayaRoyalBeach Bars
So ... I live Cafe-BarCity of ZakynthosCafe
Avant Garde cafe ZakynthosCity of ZakynthosCafe
Base Cafe Zakynthos Cafe
Cinema CineNegas ZakynthosCity of ZakynthosCinema
Cine Foskolos ZakynthosCity of ZakynthosCinema
Fishbowl BarLaganasBar
Zeros Club ZanteLaganasClub
Rescue Club ZanteLaganasClub
Local cuisine
Appetizers Greek cuisine is so rich in flavors and options that you risk starting and ending your meal with only appetizers.
Among the typical appetizers are the eggplant salad, the taramosalata and the tzatziki, creamy sauces that are spread on the bread, respectively from eggplants, fish eggs, etc.
Can you taste meatballs of all kinds from potatoes, zucchini, fish, oregano? fried vegetables such as eggplants, peppers and zucchini or for more special flavors, dishes such as octopus wine and dolmadas, rice wrapped in vine leaves.
Finally, do we advise you to try the cheesecakes? dough sheets stuffed with feta, which is considered the national cheese of the Greeks.
Meat Although on an island, the locals prefer meat and there are many relevant recipes.
In Zakynthos, lamb, pork, chicken and beef are cooked and served in a thousand different ways, but perhaps the most typical dish of the island is the stuffed rabbit wine or saute.
You should definitely try the souvlaki, the stew (beef cooked with onions and tomato juice) and the juvette (lamb with barley).
Always based on meat, but in minced meat, there is the burger (large meatballs with onion, parsley and garlic), the moussaka made with aubergines, meat, onions, tomatoes and béchamel as in lasagna and shoes (aubergines stuffed with meat ).
Fish There are definitely fewer fish-based recipes than meat-based ones.
Nevertheless, during your vacation you will have the opportunity to try different types of fish, always fresh, from small puddles to swordfish, which are delicious either fried or grilled.
Vegetables Thanks to the climate that favors an effortless pure vegetation, vegetables are used not only as an accompaniment but also as a main dish.
Typical dishes include imam aubergines (stuffed with onions, tomatoes and parsley and baked in the oven), briam (baked potatoes, carrots, zucchini and tomatoes) and stuffed tomatoes and peppers (stuffed with rice) and .
Cheeses In restaurants and taverns the most common are definitely feta, manouri (white and salted and produced from sheep's milk) or hot cheese (soft cheese, typical of Zakynthos, with pepper that is spread, so spicy that it is served as an appetizer) Famous cheese of Zakynthos Ladotyri (spicy cheese that is eaten plain or in food).
Sweets In the confectioneries of Zakynthos you can find sweets for every palate, with creams, chocolate, fruit etc.
But you easily know the typical sweets of the place because the main ingredients are walnuts, almonds and cinnamon? between them baklava and kataifi.
There is also a wonderful pie made of puff pastry filled with cream and sprinkled with icing sugar and cinnamon called bougatsa.
