Zakynthos where  the magic of Centuries old traditions still exist

Over the centuries, through myths and legends, Greece has always held a magical fascination for the traveller. 

For the true lover of Greece and its way of life, who eagerly awaits the chance to join in with local fiesta's.  Who embraces, the chance to sit in a Taverna and hear the kantades (Greek folk songs), whilst sipping home made wine and eating succulent mezes, the many choices are dwindling.

Essential Greece and its 'hand picked destinations' will aim to give you the chance to capture and absorb the essence of Greek life.

Zakynthos or to the Venetians Zante

Flower of the Levant , the third largest and southern-most of the Ionian Islands,  is roughly 125 kilometres in length, and covers an area of 410 square Kilometres.  Green and fertile, with a varied terrain ranging from dramatic mountains, fertile plains, to some of the Ionian's most picturesque beaches and an inland rural lifestyle unchanged for centuries. You will discover pretty villages, rustic houses, and lush gardens, all still maintaining a genuine traditional character.

Underground streams, fed by a number of wells and springs ensure a generous water supply, resulting in fertile soil, producing ample supplies of olives, citrus fruits and the famous Zakynthos grape.

Inland, much of the island is forested with pinewoods, almond trees, citrus orchards, cypresses and vineyards,  even some of the beaches have trees growing on the water's edge.  There is a prevailing tranquillity, which adds  to the overall magic of this island.

That local feeling

The first ting you will notice upon your arrival in Zakynthos is the relaxed pace of life, people tend to take things a lot easier here.

Visitors are attracted to the Island of Zakynthos, not only by its natural beauty, but by the warmth of its people, they are open-minded with modern ideas, and are noted for their effortless courtesy, particularly towards guests.

The locals are extremely attached to their native island home, and enter wholeheartedly into the merry-making on feast days and other celebrations.

Facts about Zakynthos

Zakynthos is 400 sq km in size and has a population of 45,000.

September 1809 the British flag was hoisted over Zakynthos castle and Zakynthos became a British protectorate until 1863 when the British agreed to a treaty to unite the Ionian Islands to a free Greece.

One of the natural wonders of the Island are the loggerhead sea turtles. These peaceful creatures have long been endangered in the Mediterranean waters, and have adapted Zakynthos as their most important nesting area, where conservation is taken very seriously.

One of the most popular sights on the Island of Zakynthos is the shipwreck on the beach of smugglers bay.

According to local folklore, it was on Zakynthos that Mary Magdalene first preached the Word of God: She visited the Island whilst traveling from Jerusalem and Rome. The village where she taught is called Maries, and a celebration in her memory is carried out there every year.

St Dionysios Church is the most important on the Island, as it is dedicated to St. Dionysios Protector  and patron saint  of  Zakynthos. His body is held in the church in a magnificent silver casket. The church, founded in 1708 has a lovely location, looking over the waterfront. It has a Venetian appearance and the bell tower is a direct copy of St. Marco's in Venice.

The islands largest festival is held in Zakynthos town for three days starting on the 24th August St. Dionysios's name day, and the saints body is paraded through the town centre, followed by marching bands, it's a time of celebration, and is popular not only with the locals, but with tourists.