|
Zante: The
most southern of the Ionian Greek Islands, well known Holiday
Destination for its clean sandy beaches, lively resorts like Laganas
and Argassi and family resorts like Tsilivi, Alykes/Alikanas,
Kalamaki and less known Keri Lake. A very green beautiful island
with lovely scenery and long sandy clean beaches. Known to holiday
makers by different names, Zante or Zakynthos or Tzante.
Full of history
from ancient times. Occupied through the centuries by several old
empires who all left their mark on this island. The most well known
of all was the Venetian empire (The Venetians called the island
“Fiore di Levante” (“Flower of the East”) and how right they were;
The British Empire was the last to occupy the island before the
seven islands were reunited with mainland Greece on the 21-5-1864.
Zante is the birth place of some of the most famous modern Greek
writers, artists, poets, composers and song writers. Zante Town is
the main town on the island. Not one of the prettiest of towns as
the old town was totally destroyed in 1953’s big earthquake. Zante
town was reconstructed with the help of the Europeans and the Greek
Army, but the old and beautiful town very sadly is gone, mostly
destroyed by fire after the earthquake. A few old buildings have
been reconstructed and can be seen in the main Solomos square like
the Museum, the cinema, the Red Rock Café and a few more. A spacious
not very large town with some interesting shopping areas.
In the harbour, the bell tower of St Dennis, the patron saint of the
island, is a land mark and the big church is worth a visit.
Bohali, the hill behind the town with the ruins of the medieval
castle on top of the hill offers some spectacular views of the town
and the very large harbour.
The island of Zante has very good and frequent connections by ferry
with mainland Greece (Italy in the summer only). There is a daily
service by Air to Athens and charter flights are available from most
European countries throughout the summer season.
The excellent sight seeing on the island and of course the wonderful
mild climate make Zante one of the most popular holiday
destinations. On the island you will find some of the cleanest
Beaches in the whole of Greece. The Bay of Laganas is the nesting
ground of the endangered species of sea turtles known as
caretta-caretta. A European National Park Protected Area (For
information at the National Marine Park of Zante e-mail: info@nmp-zak.org).
Zante is The Ideal Holiday Place For All Tastes.
(More information on Zante Island you can find at Just Zante Web
www.justzante.co.uk and the local governments web pages:
www.zante.gr or if you ask our office we will send you more
information about the island resorts and facilities). |
