The city

Old buildings and mazelike streets, domed bell-towers and historic churches, the cosmopolitan Marina Strata and the beautiful, open, squares, the hill of Strani and Bohali, the old Venetian Castle, are the main attractions of Zakynthos town. The town's harbor, opposite the Peloponese, is the main harbor of the island and is built next to the site of the ancient acropolis of the island, the Psofida. Zakynthos was hit by two major earthquakes in 1948 and 1953 with much of the city being levelled. The city has been re-constructed in traditional style however some parts were left permanently scarred as though the style is traditional the building methods were not and there is only so much you can do to hide concrete. However, the city is still beautiful and retains much of its original charm with many open-air squares, old churches, statues and monuments dotting the town reminding visitors of Zante's long, and tumultuous, history.

From the end of 16th century this was the meeting place of the town's nobility. In this square during the French occupation of 1797 the popolaroi, the peasant class, burned the infamous libro d'oro, the golden book, which contained the names of the nobility. The 'tree of freedom' was also symbolically planted here. The catholic church of St. Mark was established here in 1518.

Containing more than 60,000 works it has many rare books concerning Zante's history and culture. On the ground floor there's a museum of the Resistance dedicated to Second World War fighters. The museum mainly has World War II paraphernalia but items from older eras are also on view. 

An old suburb of Zante town today is a tourist place with tavern and cafes. Bochali was the aristocrat's quarter. At the top of the hill lie the ruins of the Venetian castle with remains of dungeons, armouries, fortifications and impressive views of the island. Passing through the three gates we can still view St. Mark's Lion - coat of arms of the Republic of Venice. 

On the hill of Bochali you can also find the Martime museum with a good collection of naval items and paintings showing the naval history of Greece.

The church of the patron saint of the island. St Dionysios left his final breath on 17th December 1624. His remains were moved here on the 24th August, 1716. Zante celebrates on both these dates the memory of its patron saint with massive litanies. The relic of the saint is inside the church in a silver reliquary. Next to the church is the monastery of St. Dionysios with a small ecclesiastical museum.

A good collection of byzantine, ionian and cretan works. This is a small museum but it's worth a quick visit to see the distinctive culture that arose in the Ionian.

Founded in 1561 by the maritime guild this is the only Venetian building that survived the earthquake and great fires of 1953. Its exterior has been recently renovated. 

The most popular resort town in Zante about 11 kilometers from Zante town. The beach is 9 kilometers long and is the favoured breeding ground of the loggerhead (Caretta-Caretta) turtle. The turtles now tend to avoid the main beach and lay their eggs on more quiet areas like Marathonisi and Vasiliko.

Marathonisi, with the islands of Pelouzo and St. Sostis form a natural circle around the Bay of Laganas. St. Sostis was part of the main island until 1633 when a strong earthquake separated it - you can still cross to Marathonisi by a wooden bridge. In the summer the island doubles as night club.

Laganas is the place to be in Zante if you are interested in the night life as there are numerous cafes, restaurants and cafeterias.

A large village of about 1,000 inhabitants and quite possibly the oldest settlement on the island. The traditional, picturesque, village of St. Leontas is close by. The village is located about 16km from Zante town.

The pride of Machairado is the church of St. Mayras and St. Timotheos built in the 14th century B.C. with its imposing, tower-like Venetian bell-tower. It is built as a simple basilica without external ornaments. The interior however is most impressive. The gold-plated, wooden carvings  and the central dome are truly unique.

A smaller, less imposing church in Machairado, is the church of Ypapantis also built in the 14th century. Beautiful wooden carvings adorn the inside of the temple while of interest is the old bell-tower.

The unique church of St. Leontas built in a fusion of Greek style and Western architecture in the village of the same name.

The small 'floating islands' are located 37 nautical miles south of Zante. Daily excursions from Laganas or from Zante proper.

Strofades are made up of two islands, Arpina and Stamvranio, and their height from sea-level does not surpass 10 meters - hence their name.

On Arpina, the largest of the two, Irene, wife of Byzantine Emperor Lascaris, built a tower monastery dedicated to the Transfiguration of Christ and the Virgin Mary Bringer of All Joys on the 13th century. The church has a marble temple and numerous religious icons of the era. The monastery was home to numerous saints such as Zante patron saint St. Dionysios. In 1440 the monastery was enlarged and fortified by Emperor Palaiologos as the island was fair prey to pirate raiders. St. Dionysios was originally interred here but his body was moved to Zante town in 1717. His cenotaph can still be viewed today in the church of St. George. A 26 meter high guard tower guards the monastery.

Stamvranio is uninhabited and offers great, unspoiled natural beauty. 

The beach owes its name to the boat that was wrecked and was then washed ashore in 1983 while illegally carrying cigarettes. Its shell lies there until nowadays.The landscape is really spectacular, as vast rocks surround the large white sandy beach and the crystal blue waters.

The Shipwreck is located near the village of Anafonitria.The beach can be reached only by sea wih the Kaiki (small boats ) that will take you there from the Port of St.Nikolaos in Volimes or from Porto Vromi You may also visit the Shipwreck if you arrange a tour around the island with the Cruise Boats that depart mainly on a daliy basis from Zante Town and some from Laganas Beach.

The beach can get excessively busy during midday when numerous tour boats arrive so try to arrive early or late to avoid the crowds.

In reality two mountain villages Ano Volimes and Kato Volimes. Both settlements still preserve their traditional character as they were relatively untouched by the great earthquake. Volimes is well known for its textile industry and you can still buy today well-made rugs and carpets. 

The monastery of St. George founded in 1540. The patron saint of Kefallonia, St. Gerasimos, lived here. It is only 3 kilometers from Volimes, a pleasant walk with impressive views.

The famous Blue Cave (Galazia Spilia) at the edge of cape Skinari. The cave has 2 great rooms and was discovered in 1897. The endless game of sun and water offer an impressive show of light and colour the the visitor.