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The real Zante |
Top 5 attractions1. Navagio (Shipwreck) and Blue Caves
Two of the most well-known destinations, not only in Zakynthos but the whole of Greece, can only be accessed by the sea. The famous Shipwreck, which is the most photographed beach in the country, is positioned on the west coast of the island under the famous and picturesque mountainous village of Volimes. In 1983 an illegal boat carrying cigarettes was washed off the shore of the Agios Georgios bay as it was then known. In the years that followed the sand ‘swallowed’ the boat exposing only parts of its rusty body thus creating a stunning picture in the surrounding white sand and the crystal clear blue waters of the beach. The Blue Caves on the other hand, are geological formations as a result of erosion found to the east of the Schinari Cape in the North of the island. The vivid azure waters reflect the colour of the sky which is then mirrored on to the walls of the naturally formed arches (caves) creating a magical and surreal effect. To best experience this unique phenomenon one has to visit the caves early in the morning or before sunset. The biggest cave is called Cyanoun Spilaio. To visit the Navagio catch a boat from the Porto Vromi port off Volimes in the West and for the Blue Caves hire a boat either form St. Nikolaos port or the Town Centre |
2. Sunset at Shiza
Visit the small picturesque village of Kampi to the west of the island and follow the steep drive up to the top of the hill where a big cross memorial stands in honour of those murdered during the civil war in Greece (literally thrown off the cliff and sent to their deaths). On the way up you will find the Mycenaean cemetery with original tombs of that era. Once at the top of the cliff you find yourself standing some 300 meters above sea level. Get there early before sunset to get a good observation spot and watch the sun’s magical slow descent into the transformative seascape and colour formations in the early evening sky. Family run tavernas are available both at the foot and the top of the hill with good vantage points for you to enjoy the sunset over a delicious traditional meal |
3. Mpohali
Just 2 km from Zakynthos Town, at the top of the hill is Mpohali. Overlooking the port, neighbourhoods and streets below (as well as Argasi to the right) one can take in the wonderful views of the town and port below, the sea and beyond. Visit Mpohali in the morning to enjoy a relaxed breakfast and coffee or by night to indulge in a moonlit dinner or cocktails at the many beautiful lounge bars and cafeterias. |
4. Strada Marina walk
Starting at Zakynthos Port on the Argasi side by the church and bell tower of Agios Dionysios take a slow walk on the sea front, also known as Strada Marina, and enjoy the beautiful scenes of fishermen and sailing boats, local shops, cafeterias and horse-drawn carriage tours. The walk will bring you to the big square of Dionysios Solomos (in front of the Byzantine Museum) which hosts the poet’s statue in honour of his ‘Hymn to Freedom’, which later became Greece’s national anthem. The square is surrounded by local sweet sellers and play activities for the young visitors. During the summer months there is also a local outdoor book exhibition. Whilst at the square you can also visit St Nicolas church and the cultural centre which hosts regular guest art exhibitions. |
5. Marathonissi
The small islet is situated in Laganas bay and provides one of the nesting homes for the loggerhead turtle Caretta Caretta. Its turtled-shape formation has evoked a number of myths over the years one of which is that it was carved by the ancients in honour of the visiting creature! Restrictions for visiting the islet are imposed by the National Marine Park in order to protect the nesting grounds in the area. The islet is surrounded by crystal clear deep waters and rich vegetation. You can catch a boat from either Keri or Laganas. |
National Marine Park at Gerakas |
When visiting protected beachesDo not leave rubbish behind. Do not throw rubbish and plastic bags in the sea as they are often the source of suffocation for the sea turtles who mistake plastic bags for jellyfish. Do not use torches or light fires on the beach. Do not remove sea shells and starfish from their environment. If you come across any type of violation towards the protected areas please report it to the National Marine Park authorities immediately. |
LocationGerakas is the most well-preserved natural treasure on the island which balances tourism and ecology efficiently. Earth Sea and Sky visitors can participate in conservation activities, enjoy a katamaran tour of the National Marine Park and have a fulfilling vacation that does not compromise the island's natural beauty and importance. Founded by conservationist Yiannis Vardakastanis in 1993 this non-governmental organisation is a leading initiative in the flora and fauna conservation on the island and the wider Ionion. Of great importance are the centre's volunteering and educational projects focusing on the endangered species of the loggerhead turtle Caretta Caretta as well as the alternative sustainable holiday packages on offer. |
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Nature World Travel Gerakas Beach, Zante 29100 #
yannis@natureworldtravel.com
37° 42' 25.3404" N, 20° 59' 12.372" E |
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More useful information can be sourced from the excellent website http://live-zakynthos.com |
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© 2010 welcometozante. All Rights Reserved. |
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Island guide |
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Sonnet - To Zante (1837) Fior di Levante by Edgar Allan Poe Fair isle, that from the fairest of all flowers, |
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For those who would like to try unusual activities, there are many choices among which you can choose jeep safaris or horse riding along the Turtles Bay. For those who love diving, there are many diving centres to admire the island deepness and to visit the many sites of the western coast and, for those who do not have a diving licence, there are many beaches where it is very nice to snorkel. Zakynthos' rich eco-structure offers visitors the opportunity to experience an alternative holiday option combining leisure and relaxation with ethical tourism. Zakynthos is formed by sandy and shallow beaches in the South and stony deep waters in the North West. There are two mountains on the island: Vrachionas (756 m) and Skopos (491m). You can also find a natural wetland, a salt flat, rivers and water sources, a drained lake, cliffs, caves (both on dry land and sea) as well as cypress, oak and pine forests, wild flowers and agricultural land (olive groves, wheat fields, vegetables etc). Of significant urgency and importance is the conservation of the loggerhead turtle Caretta Caretta and the monk seal Monachus Monachus. We recommend... Some of the activities you may enjoy on the island include guided walking tours, cycling and boat tours (cruises, day-trips, sailing and katamaran experiences to destinations such as The Smugglers Cove, Keri Lake, Marathonissi, Blue Caves and round-trip of the island among others). You can also board the Tourist Train (Trainaki) from either Alykes or Alikanas and enjoy a village tour of Katastari, Ag Panteleimonas and Pigadakia stopping at the Vertzagias Museum and local taverna of Kaki Rahi. |