Zakynthos

Zakynthos, Greece

Called "the Flower of the East" by the Venetians, Zakynthos is still one of the lushest and most-loved Greek islands, with green hillsides covered with flowers in spring and early summer, cliffs dropping to dazzling turquoise waters, and some of the country´s best beaches.

Population:

40,000

Currency:

Euro, €1 = 100 cents

Emergency Numbers:

100 General Emergencies
199 Fire
166 Health emergencies

Opening Hours:

In summer, normally 8.00-12.00 and 16.00-20.00. Government offices and businesses: 8.00-12.00 and 16.00-20.00 Monday-Friday.

Newspapers:

Athens News (in English)
Athens News Agency (in Greek and English)
Ekathimerini (in English)

The Island

Zakynthos lost much of its centuries-old Venetian architecture to an earthquake in 1953, but Zakynthos Town retains a distinctly Italian feel, with porticoed streets, a spacious central piazza and a scattering of elegant old buildings. Perched on a hill above the town, a ruined and still forbidding Venetian castle dominates the mainland and overlooks the Gulf of Corinth.

Zakynthos’s hilly hinterland can be explored on a rented car, the perfect solution for a tour of the major resorts that certainly doesn´t fail to entertain the traveller.

Like most Greek holiday resorts, Zakynthos really comes to life between May, when the first charter flights arrive, and October, when the last bunch of holidaymakers takes off. From October until April, almost every hotel and nightspot on the island closes, and the resorts hibernate.

Make the most of your summer in Zakynthos with the easy going, laid back beach life by day and party by night.

Beach Life

Considering that the island is relatively small, Zakynthos features a surprisingly large amount of stunning beaches, which makes it easy to understand why thousands of holidaymakers flock every year to this corner of paradise.

The island is bathed by emerald crystal water that gently laps onto its shore, boasting an array of golden sandy beaches, secluded bays or picturesque coves.

The most-coveted beach resorts are located on the north-eastern and southern part of the island, down Laganas gulf, one of the most cosmopolitan and tourist developed area of Zakynthos.

On the west side, an abundance of dramatic cliffs and marine grottoes creates a breathtaking backdrop of unspoiled nature and hillside walks.

Do & See

The great majority of Zakynthos´visitors are attracted by the vast selection of dazzling beaches that the island has to offer - but don't forget to explore the island's museums, architectural masterpieces, and ancient ruins. Covered by lush Mediterranean vegetation, the area that stretches along the southern coast from the promontory of Marathia’s Cape to the beach of Gerakas, has been designated as a National Marine Park, housing many endangered species and several walking trails.

Dining

Greeks understand good food and they truly take their time to appreciate it. You could say eating is a national pastime in Greece, boasting a hearty array of traditional dishes made of the healthiest ingredients. On a Greek table you will easily find some tzatziki, fresh catch seafood, meat, and of course, olive and cheese.

Zakynthos is certainly not short of cheerful, affordable and family-run dining options, especially in the most-coveted holiday resorts such as Zakynthos Town, Laganas or Tsivili, where you will be able to sample traditional delicacies or opt for an international eatery.

Just like night spots, restaurants and tavernas in the island’s resorts may be open for a couple of seasons, then vanish when the lease runs out or when they fail to make a profit.