Zakynthos, also called Zante, is definitely a place to visit as it will enchant you with its rich past, hospitable culture, lush landscape, and wonderful sandy beaches and protected marine life. |
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Beaches
Beaches in Zakynthos are famous for their unspoilt beauty and crystal clear waters. The most famous beach is the shipwreck bay Navagio Bay. Other popular beaches include Vassilikos, Agios Nikolaos and Tsilivi. Most beaches are lively and lined with sports facilities, restaurants and cafes but others, such as Laganas are protected areas for the Caretta-Caretta Turtle as they hatch their eggs there every season.
Entertainment
Zakynthos nightlife is focused in the several beach resorts around the island including Argasi, Laganas, Alykes and Tsilivis. Here, one can spend the whole night dancing in the large range of clubs and bars. There are also a vast selection of cafes and restaurants in these towns as well as in the capital, Zakynthos town. Cultural events and concerts are also constantly organized throughout the summer months helping the visitors get a taste of the islands culture and traditions.
Local Specialties
Zakynthos is a very fertile land famed for its agricultural goods. The local food is characteristic of the Ionaian region, with specialities including olives, wines and a dish made of stuffed chicken and aubergines in garlic sauce called skordostoumbi melitzana. Additionally, the island is also rich in sea food and cheeses with the local cheese speciality called myzithra. For people with a sweet tooth, nougat and pasteli(sesame seeds caramelised with honey) are two of the sweet delicacies that can be tasted on the island.
Places of Interest
There are abundant monuments, churches and museums to see in Zante. These include the church of Ayios Dionysos, where the Saint�s tabernacle is kept and the Monastery of Panayia Spiriotissa, which is known for its interesting architecture and design. Museums found on the island include the Zakynthos Byzantine Museum and the Vertzagio Agricultural Museum, where cultural and historical artifacts can be found to demonstrate the traditional Greek village life. Zakynthos town is also a nice place to visit as the Venetian Castle stands tall against the neighboring Bohali, a quaint part of the town with charming little lanes and authentic coffee shops. And of course, the one spot you must definitely not miss is the Navagio, the most beautiful cove occupied with a wrecked ship lying across the beach. Another marvel of the island is the Garden of Orchids, filled which more than 40 different species of Orchids, all found on the island.
Villages around
Forty four picturesque and traditional villages scatter the island. These include the charming mountain villages, such as Loucha and Gyri, where interesting old mansions, which had survived the 1953 earthquakes, can be found. Additionally, it is fascinating to explore the delightful fishing villages around the coastline, filled with quaint little harbors and traditional coffee shops.
Weather
Destination: | Greece - Zakynthos | |||||||||||
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Weather: | Average Temperature | |||||||||||
Celsius | Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
high | 15 | 15 | 17 | 19 | 23 | 28 | 30 | 30 | 27 | 23 | 20 | 17 |
average | 13 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 21 | 26 | 28 | 28 | 26 | 21 | 18 | 15 |
low | 11 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 19 | 24 | 26 | 26 | 23 | 19 | 16 | 13 |
Fahrenheit | Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
high | 59 | 59 | 62.6 | 66.2 | 73.4 | 82.4 | 86 | 86 | 80.6 | 73 | 68 | 62.6 |
average | 55.4 | 55.4 | 59 | 62.6 | 69.8 | 78.8 | 82 | 82.4 | 78.8 | 70 | 64.4 | 59 |
low | 51.8 | 51.8 | 55.4 | 59 | 66.2 | 75.2 | 79 | 78.8 | 73.4 | 66 | 60.8 | 55.4 |