Zakynthos

Zakynthos, also better known as Zante. It was first called Zante, the flower of the east, by the Venetians. They occupied the island for 300 years from 1489. Most of all, the Island was important for them, to protect their trade routes, to the east. Rebuilt since 1953 when an earthquake demolished all but a few buildings. The Eastern coast is flat with many sandy beaches. The Western side is mountainous with a rocky coast which descends into the sea. There is nowhere,  like Zakynthos, visit now, with Deep Blue Yachting.

 

Zakynthos Town

Zakynthos town is on the east side of the island. It is the capital and has the islands, only harbour. As you arrive by boat, the first thing you will see from far out, is the lofty bell tower, Ayios Dhionisos. Next to this is a large church built in 1948, which is one of the few buildings that survived the earthquake of 1953. After the earth quake, the city elders tried to rebuild the old city as it was. Which was rich in Venetian architecture and considered, one of the most beautiful cities in the Ionian?

 

Beaches

First of all, there are far too many beaches on Zakynthos to mention them all, in this post. I could write several blog posts just on the beaches, there. So here are a few of the best ones. Shipwreck beach is one of the most famous beaches in Zakynthos and Greece even.  It got its name in 1982 when a ship called the Panagiotis ran aground on it. The ship was carrying contraband cigarettes from Turkey. Bad weather and engine failure caused the grounding and gave the beach its unique name. Furthermore, this famous beach is only accessible by sea. So if you visit the island while on a charter with Deep Blue Yachting, we can take you there.

 

Vasilikos Beaches

St. Nicolas is a popular beach in the Vasilikos area, with an excellent range of water sports. Here you can find some of the best scuba diving on the island. The beach is beautiful and has a bar and restaurant.

Banana beach, is one of the longest beaches, in this area. The water here is shallow and crystal clear. It has several bars offering refreshments and snacks.

Many people say Gerakas beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Zakynthos. It is also in the Vasilikos area and is the nesting place of the Caretta caretta sea turtles.

 

Swimming at Xsigia Natural spa

The water at Xsigia contains sulphur which has healing properties. The smell of the sulphur may be off putting at first, but the sandy beach and crystal clear waters will enchant you.

 

Zakynthos Caves

When visiting Zakynthos, you must not miss a visit to the Blue caves. They are a popular natural attraction. On the North East coast near Cape Skinari, just below the light house. They comprise of adjoining chambers, which lead to the Great and Little cave, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The colour of the water in the caves, give them their name. Objects below the water appear to have a blue hue.

 

The Sea Caves of Keri are on the Southwestern coast of Zakynthos. Which has a mountainous landscape, with steep cliffs? Along this coast you will find beautiful coves with heavenly beaches and caves. The Kamares of Keri are two huge natural stone bridges, called Mikri and Megali Karmara. The waters here are deep but crystal clear. Allowing you to see the sea bed way below.

 

West Coast

The west side of the island has spectacular scenery and small villages. Founded in 1675, there was an English Cemetery built near Agia Triada. The cemetery has impressive funerary monuments and tombs all built by local stonemasons. British merchants, nobles and soldiers rest there.

 

 

Zakynthos National Marine Park

Zakynthos has a Nation Marine Park on its South-eastern tip, in Laganas bay. Founded in 1999, the aim is to protect and conserve the most important nesting beaches of the Caretta caretta loggerhead sea turtles.

The habitat and population of the Mediterranean Monk Seal, (Monachus monachus).

Also protected are species of migratory birds and endemic flora. Police control this area helping the turtles to breed. See the Zakynthos National Marine Park website to learn more about visiting the park.

 

Captain Cliff

Last of all, I will answer questions you may have. I would also like to hear any of your comments, so please leave them.

 

 

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