Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is the most southern of the Ionian
Islands and is situated to the west of the Peloponnese (
map). The island has about 43.000 inhabitants, of
whom about 14.000 live in the
capital
of the same name. The largest length is about 40 km (25 mile) the
largest width 20 km (12.5 mile) and the surface area is about 400
km2 (155 sq mile). For many years Zakynthos has been dominated by
the Italians and did not become a part of Greece until 1864.
Especially in the architecture the Italian influence is still well
recognisable. The diverse landscape of Zakynthos makes this island
to a popular holiday destination, also for the Greeks
themselves.
The
south west coast is dominated by high
limestone cliffs with caves and beautiful bays, including Navagio.
This bay with the shipwreck on the beach, that can only be reached
by ship, is one of the most photographed sites of the
Mediterranean. All the way to the south Keri Lighthouse (Faros
Keriou) is located. From here the view on the lime rocks,
vertically rising from the sea, is magnificent, especially when you
walk down. Seeing the sunset from this spot is an experience one
never forgets.
The
north east coast is much more sloping with
many sand and pebble beaches. Here you will find important
touristic destinations like Tsilivi en Planos. The northern part is
rough and quiet, the south green, a little more lively and worldly.
Here are also extensive water sports facilities. In the farthest
north the Galazies Spilies (blue caves) are located. Their name
comes from the fact that, through a combination of the white
limestone, the blue water and the angle of the sunlight everything
under the water looks blue. Very special to swim in! The arches,
formed by erosion, are also famous.
The eastern part of the
inland is relatively flat
and fertile. Most of the agriculture of the island takes place
here.Especially the many olive orchards are characteristic for this
area, but grapes, lemon and orange trees are also cultivated here.
The western part of the inland is much more mountainous. In this
rough landscape with extensive pine tree forests lay scenic
villages like Loucha en Gyri where time seems to stand still. The
highest mountain top is Vrachionas (758 meter/2487 ft).
Ella Holiday Houses overlook
Laganas
Bay, a big horse shoe shaped bay in the south east
with the small islands of Marathonisi ('Turtle Island') and
Pelouzo. The main village on the bay is Laganas. It is the largest
touristic centre of Zakynthos. Burger King, PizzaHut, McDonalds,
drunk tourists, scuffles, traffic accidents: the contrast with the
neighbourhood of our houses could hardly be bigger. More
interesting than Laganas are the sandy beaches at the bay and on
Marathonisi. They are an important breeding place for see turtles
(
caretta caretta). From June until August they come ashore
to lay their eggs. Despite the status of the bay as a National Sea
Park and the efforts of numerous volunteers of Archelon, the Greek
foundation that works hard to protect the turtles, this special
animal is severely threatened by tourism.
