Zante (or Zakynthos) is renowned for its Greek hospitality and natural beauty, which is why it is one of the most popular holiday destinations from the UK. Zante, as it is referred to locally is also well known as one of the main nesting sites of the Mediterranean Loggerhead Turtle, the Caretta-Caretta.
Geographically Zante is the most southerly of the Ionian Islands located off western mainland Greece, to the south of Italy. It is 40km long and 18km wide with an area of around 400 km sq, smaller than both Corfu and Kefalonia, and has a local population of approximately 45000, of which around 3000 are from the UK.Zakynthos Town is the island's capital. After the earthquake and fire on August 9th 1953, the town was rebuilt preserving the Venetian and Byzantine style. Opinions are mixed as to whether this has been entirely successful. Modern buildings in Greece now have to comply with European standards and there are stringent regulations regarding earthquake protection.
Agriculture is still an important part of the local economy, and many of the locals who work in tourism during the summer, will spend the winter working on their farms. These days the local Greeks are relatively wealthy, and some of the lucky ones who own land within the popular tourist areas are now millionaires. Most of the hard work gets done by migrant workers from other eastern European countries who will work for lower wages than the locals, much like the situation currently developing in the UK and other countries.
Zante is renowned for its balmy Mediterranean climate, with short mild winters and long, hot, dry summers. However, January 2002 saw Zante's first snowfall for over 50 years, and following winter was exceptionally wet with widespread flooding and unusually high rainfall through the summer, although this was welcome from the people who live there. When looking for a house you need to take into account that in winter the temperature can drop below zero, and there may be sustained periods of rain which does not suit the typical concrete construction method.
The places to visit in Zakynthos are mainly Porto Vromi where the shipwreck lies on the beach on the north of the island (see central photo at the top of this page) - the story is that 20 years ago, a freighter was pursued by the Greek Navy. The crew were suspected of smuggling contraband and the Navy chased the ship through the Ionian sea. Allegedly there was 'wine, tabacco and women' on board and the chase came to an abrupt end when the ship ran aground in stormy weather. The locals are rumoured to have been smoking Marlboro cigarettes for a long time after...
The Blue Caves are situated at Aspros Vrahos of Krimnos, on the Skinari cape, which is the most northern part of the island, 35 km from the town of Zakynthos. The biggest of the caves is the famous Blue Grotto which entrance was discovered in 1897. In the deeper caverns, you have the feeling that everything under the waters - the rocks, the keel of the boat, the body of a swimmer - reflects a bright blue hue. It's utterly beautiful!
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The Greek islands Windsurfing in Paros Driving & cycling in Naxos One day cruise to Poros Relaxing holidays - Paxos Zakynthos and its turtles Chios, homeland of shipowners |
