Area Guides:

Zante

Zakynthos (Zante) is one of the Ionian Islands. It is reachable by air (The island is famous around the globe for the extraordinary beauty of the beach "Navagio" (meaning Shipwreck – named after the ship that grounded on the beach in the early 1980s) that combines sheer cliffs with white sand and turquoise waters. Despite its remoteness and the fact that it is accessible only via small boats, "Navagio" is one of the world's most photographed beaches.

Zakynthos (Zante) is one of the Ionian Islands. It is reachable by air (the flight duration is 50 minutes from The Athens International Airport) and by sea (ferryboats from Kyllini, Peloponnese – period of travel less than 2 hours). Kyllini is located 80 kilometres south of the port of Patra, which links the Peloponnese to Italy.

Due to its diverse underwater environment, Zakynthos and, especially, the region “Keri” are considered paradises for those who love scuba diving, as they offer the chance to explore caverns and tunnels. Furthermore, lovers of marine life are attracted to the island to see the beach of Laganas Gulf, where sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach. Laganas Beach is a protected area and belongs to the National Marine Park of Zakynthos.
Zakynthos is the birthplace of many intellectuals, among them Dionysios Solomos, the Greek poet who wrote the “Hymn to Liberty” that became the national anthem. Also, the island has a long musical tradition of serenade love songs sung by men, expressing their feelings under the moonlight.

In ancient times, Zakynthos was part of Odysseus’s Kingdom, while during contemporary history the island incurred many years of Venetian, French and British domination until 1864 when it was united with Greece. The island’s history interweaves with earthquakes, so the building regulations are stringent.

The island’s patron saint, Saint Dionysios, is considered a remarkable example of forgiveness as, according to tradition, he saved the murder of his beloved brother. His body remains intact and rests in the church of Saint Dionysios in the capital of the island.