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Zakynthos
( Zante ) Greece
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 Zakynthos
is the largest of all the Greek Ionian Islands. It’s land area is approximately
410 square kilometers and the coastline is 123 kilometers long. It is also
the southern most of the Ionian Islands. According to legend, Zakynthos
derives its name from the son of Dardanos, the King of Troy. Dardanos’
son, Zacynthus, built the first city on Zakynthos. The beauty of the island
is unsurpassed, with its emerald green sea and mountains abundant with
pines. The hospitality of the island natives is also unsurpassed, as is
their music. The town of Zakinthos is the first thing that you will see
upon embarking on Zakynthos. Zakinthos features lovely arcaded streets
and spacious squares with buildings and unique and friendly houses. On
Solomos Square you will find the Museum of Post Byzantine Art. Here are
found treasures from Zakynthos’ historic churches. Churches to see while
on the island include Agios Dionysios, the Zakynthos’ patron saint, and
Agios Nikolas tou Molou, which features a beautiful 17th century Byzantine
belfry. A Venetian fortress sits high on a hillside guarding the town.
Only the gate, outer walls, and the battlements still stand, but from atop
the hillside, you can see a wonderful view of the harbour below, as well
as the landscape surrounding the town and beautiful beaches for miles.
On the nearby hillside of Lotus
Strani. This is where Solomos Dionysius, the father of modern Greek poetry,
composed the Hymn to Liberty, which became the Greek National Anthem. Other
destinations for sightseeing ventures include Shipwreck Bay, Cape Skinari,
and the Blue Caves. Keri, located on the far south end of the island, is
a mountain village and features a lighthouse that provides a panoramic
view of the southern area of the Ionian Sea.
While there are majestic and beautiful
pine covered mountains that extend to the sea to form the bay of Laganas,
there are also wonderful beaches that offer golden sand and a beautiful
view of the clear emerald sea.
There is one airport located on
Zakynthos, the Dionysos Solomos Airport, which connects flights with other
airports in Greece. Just southwest of here, you will find the National
Marine Park of Zakynthos, where loggerhead turtles are protected in the
Bay of Kalamaki. Loggerhead turtles, or Caretta Caretta, are an endangered
species. |
you
will find more information:
Hotels
:: Map :: Museums
:: Historic sites
:: Beaches
:: Shopping
:: Nightlife
:: Where to eat
:: Useful Telephones
Events.
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