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Useful information |
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< Please take time to view the videos here to give you some insight into the island. Including its colourful past |
Getting around the islandCar: Probably the best way to get around the island and reach some of the most remote spots and unique views either in the mountainous villages or by the sea. It is often cheaper to book online or as part of your holiday package. The road system in Zakynthos is often in poor condition and tarmac can get very slippery in the heat. Also beware of low visibility bends, pot holes and irresponsible drivers. Ensure you have a good road map with you and keep to the speed limits at all times. Ensure you always have enough petrol as there are not a lot of petrol stations in the small villages - however, there are plenty on the main busy roads from and to the bigger villages. Bus: There is a local bus system that is however, not the most reliable means to get around the island. In addition some services do not run over the weekends. Some of the destinations covered by buses departing from Zakynthos Town are: Agalas, Agios Leon, Agios Nikolaos, Alykes, Anafonitria, Argasi, Katastari, Keri, Laganas, Volimes and Vasilikos among others. Taxi: Taxis are always available everywhere on the island. Your taxi fare will either be fixed (usually for tourist rides to different resorts) or, if you board a meter taxi, ensure the driver switches the day-time meter on when you board (night fares are more or less double the normal charge). Boat: You should definitely attempt to tour the island from the sea. Various tour operators offer different packages. You can also hire boats privately but restrictions apply as to where you can use them. Marathonissi islet, the famous Navagio (shipwreck), Blue Caves and Keri Caves can only be reached by sea. Motorbikes and Quad-bikes: There are plenty of outlets hiring out all sorts of mopeds and bikes. These are widely used during the summer months and unfortunately not in the most safest or sensible of ways. Try to choose alternative means of transport where possible as quality controls and safety measures are not always up to the required standards for these vehicles. Bicycle: You can hire bicycles from a number of outlets around the island. Be extra cautious when cycling on busy roads as the local motor system is not designed with cyclists in mind. There is one bicycle path on the island found between Volimes and Anafonitria. Another picturesque location for cycling is the salt flat in Alykes Zante facts and stats! Is situated 18 km from Kyllini port in mainland Peloponnisos Is the Southern most and 3rd largest island of the Ionion Covers an area of 406 square km and its coastline is roughly 123 km Is approximately 300 km west of Athens, capital of Greece Vrahion is the tallest mount of the island, 758 m in height. Skopos, second mountain comes up to 492 m Inhabited from the Neolithic age according to findings Zakynthos was named after the son of Dardanus Homer the first to mention Zakynthos in his Odyssey and Iliad masterpieces Escaped Ottoman domination but was subject of the Republic of Venice for centuries Has 35,000 permanent residents Is one of the regions with highest population growth in Greece Deepest point of the Meditteranean found some 4004 m in the south-east of the island Zakynthos and Rhodes share top place as having the longest annual sun exposure in Greece 4 islets: Marathonissi and Pelouzo (Laganas Bay) and the two Strofadia (40 miles away) There is only 1 town (Zakynthos) and 44 villages on the island Local produce includes grapes, olive oil, raisins, wine, melons and strawberries The touristic developent begun in 1965 In 1622 a strong earthquake split Agios Sostis peninsula. Other recorded earthquakes causing great damage to the island include those of 1742, 1791, 1809, 1820, 1893 and 1912. The greatest earthquake was recorded on the 12th of August 1953 (7,3 R) which flattened the old town, killed many residents and destroyed a big chunk of the island's cultural and historical heritage 2 National poets were born on the island: Dionisios Solomos (Greece) and Ugo Foskolo (Italy) In May 1823 Dionisios Solomos wrote the National Anthem on the hill of Strani gazing across the sea to the fight at mainland Mesologi. 4 types of traditional Zakynthian music: church music, folk songs, arekies (four-voice a capella structure) and kantades (or serenades, melodic four-voice songs accompanied by madolines and guitars) 1 airport (Dionisios Solomos Airport) Caretta Caretta is the endangered loggerhead turtle nesting on the island. 55 days approximately is the incubation period for the nest, 1 in 1000 baby turtles that enter the sea will make it into adulthood, 100-120 eggs per nest, 20-30 years later female turtles return to lay their eggs on their place of birth
Getting here
By air – Zakynthos' airport 'Dionysios Solomos' serves both national and international flights all year around. It is located 4km from the town centre and only 2km from Laganas. Between May and October there are direct charter flights from various European countries including the UK, Ireland, Italy, Germany, France and Holland among others. If you are flying from outside the European Union you would need to fly into Zakynthos via Athens. From November through to April there are no charter flights, therefore one has to travel to Athens and take a connecting flight into the island. Daily domestic flights between Athens and Zakynthos operate throughout the year. Other connections from Zante include Kerkyra, Kefalonia and Thessaloniki.
By ferry – You can catch a ferry from Kyllini, on the Peloponnisos side of mainland Greece. There are regular departures during the summer months. If you are travelling from Europe you can catch a ferry to Patra from Venice, Ancona, Bari or Brindizi and then, from there, another into Zakynthos.
By car – From mainland Greece drive to Kyllini and then catch a ferry as above. Driving into Zakynthos from Europe is feasible but could take up to five days.
By coach – Coaches depart daily from both Athens and Patra. From Athens International airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) take the E93 bus service which takes you directly to Kiffisos KTEL station. From there you can catch a coach to Zakynthos (journey time up to 5 hours). |
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view of Skinari |
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Marathonisi from above Keri beach |
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Exo Chora |
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Island guide |
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A long established family business totally professional and dedicated to customer service from car and bike rentals cruises and trips, accommodation and even weddings in Zante |
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Tourist shop for all your gifts, sunglasses, beach goods and much more... Visit us on the main strip Laganas opposite the fruit and vegetable shop open morning till late 7 days a week! |
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In the heart of Laganas ideal for beach, shops and restaurants Book now for 2010 |
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Ammos Square Zakynthos town |
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Highlights Great Views: There are many fantastic views in Zakynthos, a fabulous view can bee seen from the ruins of Sarakina Mansion, just outside Laganas. Take a trip to Bokali, Agia Marina and Ano Gerakari for other spectacular views. Memorable moments: Swimming with turtles and a lovely dinner in a local taverna with the locals singing cantades. Destination treasures: Marathonisi Island and Smugglers wreck Travel Tips: Take an island tour by coach or car, sit back and enjoy the scenery or take a boat trip around the south of the island. Eating and Drinking Various local wines are available, some of which are very good and reasonably priced. Local Interest and Culture Zakynthos is also home to the Byzantium Museum in Solomos Square, which houses a number of religious artefacts. Beaches Gerakas Beach in Vasilikos is beautiful and sandy, set in a gently sloping bay its protected as a turtle nesting area. Water sports enthusiasts should head for Alykes Beach, this soft and sandy beach has an abundance of water based activities and lovely views. Motorised water sports are not permitted in Laganas, Argassi and Kalamaki due to them being turtle protection areas. Pedaloes and boats are however usually available for hire. Blue Flag beaches are recognised as having high environmental, sanitary and safety standards. 2 beaches in Zakynthos received the Blue Flag award |