
Zante - Information
Zakynthos or Zante as its know, is one of the most mesmerizing and exotic Greek islands. Located in the heart of the Ionian sea, Zante enjoys the most sunshine along with beautiful natural landscapes and magnificent beaches.
Home to the worldwide famous shipwreck beach 'Navagio', tropical beaches, turquoise waters ideal for swimming and the buzz nightlife are just some of the reasons why this island is hugely popular throughout the world. Aside from the nature of the island one will discover the traditional monasteries and historic storys this island holds.
Apart from the Shipwreck beach one should definitely visit Laganas Zante, Gerkas beach and Spintza beach in which the endangered Caretta-Caretta sea turtles come to hide their eggs every spring. If you are lucky enough you may get to see them emerging from the sea to hide their eggs under the warm sands.
The main town of the island is influenced from its Italian ancestors and is regularly referred to as 'The Venice of the South'. Apart from the endless beaches one will automatically fall in love with - the main town has hundreds of historical secrets and impressive architecture to reveal such as the Saint Mark Square, the Venetian Castle and Post-Byzantine Museum of Zante as well as numerous ancient monastery's.
Although not as typically Greek as some of its neighboring islands, Zante is rich in nature and tradition, both historical and cultural, and it is this combined with the outstanding hospitality, that tourists want to keep returning year after year!
Things to see and do in Zante
Smugglers Cove
Located on the northwestern coast of Zakynthos is the famous Shipwreck beach or Smugglers cove also known as Navagio beach which is considered to be the most famous beach in the whole of Greece and can only be accessed via boat but it is well worth the trip!
This picturesque beach has been features in several holiday magazines, postcards and television adverts. It is believed that the boat was shipwrecked back in 1980 after smashing against rocks in bad weather while being persued by the Greek Navy who suspected it was transporting contraband cigarettes through the Greek waters.
Regular boat-taxis run to and from the nearby port 'Porto Vromi' or the 'Harbor of Saint Nikolas' in Volimes. Alternatively you can also take a boat from the capital of Zakynthos. Tourists are advised to be well prepared bringing any necessities for their day trip as there are no facilities available in this secluded beach.
Scuba Diving
Zakynthos island enjoys the ideal conditions for scuba diving due to its crystal clear turquoise waters, scuba diving has become a very popular activity among the locals and tourists. Numerous of diving centers can be found throughout the island in several of the seaside resorts especially resorts such as Laganas, Tsilivi and Vassilikos. As the endangered Caretta-Caretta turtle comes to breed on the beaches of Zakynthos, divers are highly likely to see such turtles throughout their drive. The diving centers throughout the island offer courses for people of all ages and trips to many popular sites and underwater shipwrecks! If you are a sea lover then this activity is a must!
Marathonisi Island
Located opposite the beach of Keri is the island of Marathonisi also known as 'Turtle Island'. This pretty turtle shaped islet has a perimeter of approximately one mile and is reached via boat from Keri Beach or Laganas bay. The main beach of the island is really something spectacular with glistening white sands and turquoise waters - this is the natural beauty to its best! On the other side of the island you will find another beach yet smaller in size with intriguing sea caves to explore. Both beaches offer great conditions for snorkeling.
The island of Marathonisi does not house any inhabitants and keeps its characteristic pine, olive and rich oak forests in great condition. As the island is completely unspoiled one is advised to ensure they have enough supplies or alternatively there is a quaint little boat which sails around the island offering light snacks and refreshments in which you can buy something.
Gerakas Beach
Located approximately 18 km from the capital is Gerakas beach. The beach consists of a long stretch of golden sand, shiny blue waters and even a shelter for the endangered sea turtle known as the 'Caretta-Caretta'. The promontory at Gerakas beach is very famous since it is made completely out of clay and in the past was used by many tourists to get a regenerating 'clay therapy'.
However, nowadays the final stretch of the beach is closed off as too many people pulled off the clay, making the ridge unsafe. Gerakas is much favored for its dreamy swimming and sunbathing conditions. There is free parking located slightly elevated from the beach, before you follow the signed path down to this mesmerizing beach!
Blue Grotto Caves
Almost at the tip of the Zante peninsula lies the well-known 'Blue Grotto Caves' which is considered to be one of the most popular touristic attraction on the island drawing in hundreds of tourists each year. Throughout thousands of years of natural weather conditions these gorgeous 'wonders' were formed, with magnificent white limestone arches and deep caves carved out by the sea.
The blue caves can only be reached via boat either a private motor boat rental or on an organized excursion. The prime time to visit the caves is in the early hours of the morning, when the caves tend to be more quiet and tranquil. Organized excursions are departing from Laganas, Makris Gialos Beach, Cape Skinari or Agios Nikolaos Port. There is also an option to jump on board of a glass bottom boat which allows you to watch the marine life such as octopus, seals and turtles. The caves are also a very popular place for snorkeling and diving.
Popular Resorts of Zante
Zante Town

Located on the eastern part of Zakynthos lies the capital better known as 'Zakyntos Town' Before the drastic earthquake in 1452 the capital was fully of beautiful, unique architecture all of which was influenced by the Venetians, the French and the English who colonized the island. However, today there are few which still remain along with numerous ancient churches which are still intact. The new morden town was constructed on the ruins of the ancient in an attempt to preserve the traditional architecture, this is easily seen in places such as Solomos Square.
One of the most popular areas of the capital is the long waterfront stretch between the Solomos Square and Agios Dionysios church as it is filled with shops, travel shops, bars, restaurants and traditional tavernas. The town of Zakynthos is also the home to several historic monuments such as the remains of the Venetian fortress and the Church of Agios Dionysios in which the corps of the saint is kept. There is also a Museum of Post Byzantine Art which is very popular!
Tsilivi

Located roughly 9 km north of the airport and 5 km from Zakynthos Town is the well-known resort of Tsilivi which has rapidly become one of the most popular touristic resorts of the island. Tsilivi is full of traditional family run tavernas, exquisite restaurants, lively bars and night clubs. Formerly a small resort, it has recently expanded and become the ideal resort to stay for those seeing a lively, exciting action packed holiday without loosing the authentic traditional Greek atmosphere.
Amoudi

Next to Alykes and Alykanas on the eastern region of the island is a village known as Amoudi. Amoudi is a pretty, tranquil village is an ideal holiday destination for families or couples wishing to spend their holiday in a more laid-back and tranquil manner. Amoudi enjoys a large beach made up of sand and shingle and offers numerous sun loungers and umbrellas for rent at a small fee. There are a few restaurants located along the beach all of which serve delicious traditional cuisine and daily fresh caught fish. The swimming conditions at Amoudi's beach are absolutely to die for! Shallow turquoise clear waters with golden sands - picture perfect!
Vassilikos

Vassilikos is an ideal resort for those seeking a relaxing holiday in style. Located on the southeastern coast of the island, surrounded by rich fertile landscapes that covers the hills of Mount Skopos before melting into a host of sandy beaches and turquoise waters. The area enjoys a quiet and laid-back atmosphere consisting of few houses and luxury villas as well as self-catering apartments. The village includes a variety of restaurants, traditional tavernas, a mini-market and some shops. The great thing about Vassilikos is that it has several different nearby beaches all of which offer something slightly different.
Whether you are searching for water sports, beach bars or complete tranquility each beach has something to fit each desire. Another amazing fact about these surrounding beaches is that during the months of June and August, loggerhead sea turtles all migrate to the sandy beaches around Vassilikos to lay their eggs. There are daily organized excursions which run regularly to take people around the island in search to catch a glimpse of these beautiful endangered species.
Bouka Bay

Within a short distance of 8 km from the capital of Zaknythos, near to the resort of Tsilivi lies the small Bouka otherwise known as Gaidaros Beach. Bouka is ideal for families with young childen due to the clear shallow waters which creates safe swimming condiitons. The beach features numerous sun loungers, umbrellas and water sport activites as well as several traditional tavernas and cafes. The beach is known to be extremely well-organized and clean - hence why it was awarded with a Blue Flag of Cleanliness.