Zakinthos

Zakynthos (or Zante) is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea. It is the third largest of the Ionian Islands.

There are two museums in Zakynthos Town - The Byzantine Museum of Zakynthos and the Museum of Solomos and Eminent People of Zakynthos.

Panoramic views of Zakynthos Town can be seen from a small venetian castle located on Bochali hill above the town. On the other side of Bochali, is Strani's hill, the place where Dionysios Solomos wrote Greece's national anthem.

St Nicholas of the Mole church, located in Solomos Square is the only building in Venetian style that survived the earthquake in 1953 and has been restored keeping its original characteristics.

St Dionysios church is the biggest in the city and is dedicated to the protector of the island. It is located along the seashore of Zakynthos, was built in 1948 and also survived the 1953 earthquake. It's bell tower is very high and can be seen as soon as you enter the port.

Navagio Beach (also known as Shipwreck beach or Smugglers Cove) is an exposed cove and is the location of the wreck of the alleged smuggler ship Panagiotis, it is one of the most popular day trips for visitors coming to Zakynthos.

Numerous 'Blue Caves', are cut into cliffs around Cape Skinari, and accessible only by small boats. The sun reflects through the blue sea water from white stones of cave bottoms and walls, creating interesting effects.

Keri, in the far south of the island is a mountain village where you have a panorama of the southern part of the Ionian Sea. The whole western shore, from Keri to Skinari, contains numerous interesting rock formations, particularly arches.

Marathonissi (Turtle Island) is a small islet with tropical beaches and sea caves located just outside Keri Beach (Limni Keri) inside the bay of Laganas.

There are lots of wide, sandy beaches in the northern and eastern parts of the island, many are very popular with tourists, especially Laganas beach, which is around 10km long.

The long sandy beach of Gerakas is located on the south eastern arm of Laganas Bay at Cape Geraki, about 17km from Zakynthos Town. The protected careta careta turtles nest here so watersports are not allowed and development of the area has been minimal.

The island offers excellent sites for scuba divers, a wide range of marine life can be found including monk seals, octopus and loggerhead turtles.

Tsilivi Waterpark is a popular choice for families.

The island of Kefalonia is accessible from the port at Agios Nikolaos.

The main shopping area in Zakynthos Town is Alexandrou Roma, with many fashion, jewellery and gift shops. There are also many other stores in the surrounding streets. Popular souvenirs include local wine and honey, pottery and leather items.

Local dishes include stuffed rabbit and 'spetsofai' (sausage and peppers), moussaka, 'stifado' (hare, onions and tomatoes), stuffed tomatoes with rice and fish dishes with mullet and swordfish.

Most cruise ships anchor and tender passengers ashore. Zakinthos Town is around 4km away.

Taxis are available.