Zakynthos

Map of Zakynthos

Zakynthos belongs to the Ionian islands. It also called Zante. The island is green and unspoilt and because of rich vegetation the Venetian had given to the island the name "Fioro di Levante". The capital of the island is the Zakynthos Town.The island has three distinct zones: the barren, mountainous northwest, the fertile central plain and the eastern and southern resort-filled coasts. The biggest resort is Laganas, on Laganas bay in the South. There are also smaller and quieter resorts North and South to the capital, and the Southerly Vassilikos peninsula has some of the best countryside and beaches, including exquisite Yerakas.

The island produces fine wines, such as the white Popolaro, olives, vineyards and citrus.

Due to unspoiled environment Zakynthos is the best home for endangered species like sea turtle, Caretta-Caretta and the seal Monachus-Monachus.

Zakynthos with 404km² and 40.000 poppulation is the 3rd bigger island of the Ionian islands and the 11th in Greece.

Beaches

Navagio or Shipwreck

Is the most popular beach in Zakynthos. It's located on the Northwestern side of the island and is always crowded. The blue crystal water and the rocky surroundings makes this beach magnificent. Access only by boat from Porto Vromi.

Navagio or Shipwreck

Laganas

Another young  people's favorite beach is Laganas. A long beach suitable for watersports with many beach bars. It's located 10 km South of Zakynthos Town.

Kalamaki

A golden sandy beach with shallow waters. Many hotels and restaurants are located there.

Agios Nikolaos

On the North side of the island there is another popular and busy beach. Agios Nikolaos is the appropriate beach for watersports and scuba diving. It's located 30 km approximately North from Zakynthos Town.

Gerakas

One of the most beautiful beaches in Zakynthos is Gerakas. A long sandy beach with shallow crystal waters makes this beach first choice of visitors. It's located 20km approximately South of Zakynthos Town.

 

Gerakas

Other beaches

Tsivili, Agios Sostis, Spanzia, Porto Zoro, Argassi, Dafni, Koukla, Banana, Alykes, Drosia, Limnionas, Marathia, Makris Gialos, Porto Vromi.

Sights

The most remarkable sight is Navagio(Shipwreck).However nearby Navagio there are Blue Caves, around cape Skinari, and they are accessible only by boat. Marathonisi, a small island near Limni Keriou, is graphical destination with rich vegetation and turquoise water. 

Other sights

Agios Sostis isle, Bohali hill, Pelouzo isle, Agios Dionysios Church, Solomos Square, Agios Markos Square, Strofades Islands, Venetian Castle, National Marine Park.

Transportation

Zakynthos Town

By plane: Zakynthos's airport is 4km Southwest of the capital. It receives mostly European chapters and year-round domestic flights from Athens(1-2 daily, 50min)

By bus: Buses from Zakynthos Town to the following mainland destinations are timed to connect with fairy sailings.

Athens(4-6 daily, 5hrs 30 min), Patra(3-4 daily, 3hrs), Thessaloniki(2 weekly, 11-12hrs).

By ferry: The island is well-connected year-round with Kyllini on the Peloponnesian coast and has a seasonal ferry link with Kefalonia from the northern Agios Nikolaos(Skinari).

Zakynthos Town to Kyllini(5-7 daily, 1hr 30min).

Agios Nikolaos to Pessadha(Kefalonia, 2 daily, 1hr 30min).

Getting around

By bus: The local KTEL network radiates out from Zakynthos Town with frequent summer services to the busiest tourist resorts, especially Argasi, Kalamaki and Laganas.

By taxi: Taxis are widely available and can be called on 26950 48400

Useful Phone Numbers 

Police Department: 26950 22100

First Aid Center: 26950 23166

Post Office: 26950 44875

Airport: 26950 28322

Fire Department: 26950 22161

Bus Station (KTEL):  26950 42656

Port Authority: 26950 28117

Customs:  26950 26119