The island’s nickname is “the Flower of the Levant”, bestowed upon it by the Venetians who ruled Zakynthos from 1484 to 1797.
It is one of the greenest islands in Greece. Even in the hot summer months the green of the olive trees and big areas of wine yards keep the fresh green color alive.

 

In our capital Zakynthos life almost 1/3 of the population of the island, which is in total 40.000. It is a harbor town, where the ferry boats connect us with the mainland and provide everything that the island needs. Many restaurants and bars invite you to linger, all year around. Shopping is fun in the many boutiques and the summer theater will surprise you with its program.

 

The coastline of Zakynthos is approximately 60 sea miles long, it will take you a good day to go fully around it with a ship. 2/3 of the land is flat, called “Kambo” and is very important for the agriculture. Most families still have their olive trees to make their oil and wine yards for their local wine. Around the Kambo all the beach accesses are lovely sandy, with a slow descent, ideal for families with children. In these areas the tourist areas have started in the late 1980 in Laganas, Kalamaki, Tsilivi, Argassi and Alikes to just name a view.

 

The other 1/3 of the island, we call proud our mountains. More likely are hills, as the highest point is not quite touching the 800 meters. But it is always about 4 degrees colder up there and they even get snow every couple of years. The vegetation is wilder, rockier and the houses in the villages remind you of Tuscany, which does not surprise as the venetians stayed 3 centuries. Not many roads, basically just one road that connects all the villages, there are beautiful holiday houses but no big hotels. So it tends to get very quiet at night. Where the mountains meet the sea, you will find mostly cliffs, some beautiful fiords and caves and a couple of small beaches with white pebble stones.

 

Summers tend to get quite hot, some days can be close to 40 degrees but compared with other parts of Greece, we have a mild climate and only get a little roasted in the summer. May-June and September-October are the relaxed months, concerning general tourist but also the temperatures. In July and August, it rocks…. Lots of happenings, is it concerts, parties, theater or beach parties and more.
As a tourist destination with its international airport, you will find a wide span of charter flights from all over Europe. Or you drive with your own car from Italy and take the ferry boat to Patras.

 

Winter in Zante is like spring in the northern countries, average temperature of 15 degrees and no mittens or scarfs are ever needed. The winter days are very clear and you can see as far as the mountain tops on the Peloponnese. Winter is ideal for walking and enjoying the nature at its best, with the traditional tavernas open of course and be among the locals, who enjoy a quiet winter after a busy season, recharging their batteries.