Zakynthos Island

Location: Greece

Zakynthos, also often known as Zante, is the most southerly of the Ionian Islands and one of the most popular Greek islands. Triangular in shape Zante island has three distinct geographical areas: the north west is mountainous with quaint traditional mountain villages, the central region is a fertile plain rich with olive groves and vineyards and the south east is characterised by beautiful beaches. There is something for everyone on this floating island of paradise with numerous sandy beaches, mountain villages preserving the traditional Greek way of life, beautiful natural scenery, watersports and good quality restaurants, bars and nightclubs to more than cater for all your entertainment needs. The locals welcome tourists with open arms and offer them the hospitality which Greece is famous for.

The Venetians, who ruled Zákynthos from 1484 to 1797, called the island “Fioro di Levante” (flower of the East) as there are over 7,000 species of flowers on Zákynthos. The third largest island of the Ionian Sea, after Corfu and Kefaloniá, is internationally known as “Zante”. Zákynthos is said to have been the island’s first inhabitant and the ancient acropolis is attributed to him. He was the son of Dardanos who ruled the ancient kingdom of Frigia. A Venetian fort was built at later times on the site.

The Venetian architectural influence has left its stamp on Zante despite the damage sustained due to the seismic activity in the area. After the ravaging 1953 earthquake and the ensuing fire, a number of historical buildings and churches burned to the ground. Consequently, the significant treasures these buildings were housing perished. The town was rebuilt according to a plan where strict anti-seismic specifications applied and, to a large extent, respecting the town’s former architectural structure.