Zante or Zakynthos is one of the most exotic Greek islands. Sitting in the heart of the mesmerizing Ionian Sea, it boasts a wonderful natural landscape and magical beaches. The trademark of Zante, as the island is known in Italian, the scenic Navagio (Shipwreck) beach.
Apart from Shipwreck beach there are many wonderful beaches you can visit, such as Laganas, Gerakas, Vasilikos and Spiantza. Some of these beaches are where the endangered Caretta-caretta sea turtles lay their eggs every spring and summer.
Strongly influenced by the Venetians, who had also named the island "Fiore di Levante" (flower of the east), the main Town has many hidden gems to explore. Saint Mark Square, the Venetian Castle, Solomos Square and the Post-Byzantine Museum are some of the best places to visit.
Climate
Rain is very rare, and the temperatures are between 30° and 40°C during the Summer season, from May to October. A fresh breeze is very often blowing and the wind, the Mistral, typical of this island raises in the early afternoon from North to South.
Currency
The currency used in Zakynthos is the Euro. The island also has cash points and bank cards are also accepted in many locations too.
Cuisine
Fresh Mediterranean cuisine, local ingredients, and the warmth of the island’s people are just a few things that make food in Zakynthos delicious.
Kolokithokeftedes (Zucchini balls)
A traditional veggie starter, these fried balls are made of zucchini, feta cheese, onions, and fresh mint. Usually served with a yogurt dip or Tzatziki. a great option for vegetarians.
Tzatziki
This classic dip is a staple part of Greek cuisine, it goes with almost everything, and it’s a must on every breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Tzatziki is made of thick creamy yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, dill, and a dash of extra virgin olive oil. You can order it as a side dish in a restaurant or ask to add it to your sandwich or gyros on the street food stalls.
Greek salad
One of a favourite dish in Zakynotos, the Greek salad is super simple containing tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, peppers, feta cheese, and olive oil. The quality of the local ingredients takes it to another level.
Moussaka
A classic Greek dish, that can be found everywhere on the island. Each taverna will have its version of Moussaka, but in most cases, it will include layers of eggplants, potatoes, and minced meat cooked in tomatoes and creamy béchamel sauce.
Halloumi cheese
This amazing cheese is usually made from goat milk and has a hard texture, making it great for grilling or frying. You can find it in the local supermarkets, order it in a salad in the restaurants, or have it in pita bread on the fast-food gyros stalls.
Gyros
The most popular street food in Zakynthos and probably in all of Greece. The dish is basically a wrapped sandwich assembled with Greek flatbread pita, meat, tomatoes, raw onions, and tzatziki sauce. Vegetarians can also enjoy the dish, and in some places, they will offer grilled veggies or a meat substitute.
Dolmades
Dolmades is stuffed vine leaves, filled with rice and fresh herbs. It’s a great option for snacking something delicious and light in the middle of the day along with cold beer or to order it as an appetizer for your fancy dinner.
Sardines and seafood
All over Zakynthos, you will find tavernas that offer their fresh-caught fish and seafood of the day. Especially their fried sardines and all kinds of octopus and calamari dishes.
Ouzo
Ouzo is the national drink of Greece and undeniably one of the most famous Greek drinks. Distinctively tasting of liquorice, you will be offered an ‘ouzaki’ which is its affectionate name, similar to a ‘wee dram’ of whisky!
Tsikoudia
Greeks usually drink Tsikoudia ‘on the rocks’ or directly from the freezer. Tsikoudia often comes as a complimentary digestif along with fruits.
Tsipouro
This Greek drink is a strong spirit and isn’t very well-known outside Greece, but it is one of the most traditional drinks in Greece. related to the more famous Ouzo. The strong greek liquor is distilled from grape skins.
Vinsanto Wine
Vinsanto, Vin di Santorini- wine of Santorini or “the ambrosia of the Gods” is made by a rare and exclusive sun-dried grape that can only grow in the particular island’s lands and is considered one of the best Greek wines.
Retsina Wine
Retsina has been a firm favourite amongst Greeks since ancient times, and many make their own.
Beer
There are more than 70 different beers made in Greece and on many Greek islands. The best-known labels are Fix and Mythos.
Greek-style Frappe
A foam-covered iced coffee drink made in a shaker from instant coffee, sugar, ice cubes, and water. Milk can be added if required.
Visinada.
This soft drink is traditionally made from cherry juice or cherry pulp. it refreshes and invigorates due to its vitamin C content.
What to do in Zakynthos
* Take a day trip to Navagio Beach or Shipwreck Beach, an exposed cove, sometimes referred to as "Smugglers Cove". The most famous attraction of the island and the most photographed in all of Greece.
* Discover some of Zakynthos’ loveliest scenery on a Keri Caves, Marathonisi and Cameo Island Tour.
* Travel to Marathonisi (Turtle Island) aboard a glass-bottom boat. Here you can swim, snorkel, and enjoy the scenery.
* Discover the popular landmarks and hidden gems of Cephalonia with a small-group Jeep tour which includes beaches, caves, historic landmarks, and more.
* Visit Helmi's Natural History Museum where you can become familiar with the natural heritage of Zakynthos.
* Take a hike up to Bohali Castle, a Venetian castle located in Bohali, just 2 km from the city. It is built on the top of a green hill where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the sea.
* Have fun at Zante Water Village, one of the biggest Water Parks in Greece is situated on the southeast part of the island.
* Or just lay back on one of many Zakynthos’s beautiful beaches, book in one hand and a cocktail in the other.
Fun Facts of Zakynthos
Here’s some facts on this stunning Island
* Zakynthos is the third largest of the Ionian Islands.
* In Greek mythology the island was said to be named after Zakynthos, the son of the legendary Arcadian chief Dardanus.
* The island’s nickname is “the Flower of the Levant”.
* Zakynthos was hit by a 7.3-magnitude earthquake in 1953 which destroyed most of the buildings on the island. All buildings have now been fortified to protect against further tremors.
* Numerous natural “blue caves” are cut into cliffs around Cape Skinari and are only accessible by small boats.
* The famous Renaissance surgeon and anatomist Andreas Vesalius died on Zakynthos.
After being shipwrecked while making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. His body is thought to have been buried on the island, but the site has been lost.
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