Zakynthos

Zakynthos (Ζάκυνθος), also known by its Italian name Zante, lies in the Ionian Sea off the western Peloponnese, south of Kefalonia. The Venetians called it the Flower of the Levant. Its west and north fall away in high limestone cliffs, while the south and east have long sandy beaches. The island has an airport and ferry links with Kyllini on the Peloponnese.

Navagio, a shipwreck cove framed by tall cliffs, is the island's emblem. Boat trips from the north visit the Blue Caves, and in the southwest lie the Keri Caves and Marathonisi islet. Laganas Bay in the south is part of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos. Its beaches are nesting sites of the loggerhead turtle, so parts of them are protected. Gerakas, Porto Limnionas and Cameo Island are favourite places to swim. Show more

Zakynthos Town was rebuilt after a severe earthquake in the 20th century. Its streets lead to Solomos Square and the church of Saint Dionysios, the island's patron saint. Above the town, the Venetian castle and the Bochali viewpoint look out over the sea. The island is the birthplace of the poet Dionysios Solomos, who wrote the Greek national anthem. Kantades songs, local wine and seafood tavernas shape its culture. Resorts such as Laganas and Tsilivi are busy in summer, while inland villages among olive groves and vineyards stay calm.