Zakynthos (Zante) is the southernmost and third largest
in both size and population of the Ionian
Islands. It is situated 8,5 nautical miles south of Zakynthos
and 9,5 nautical miles west of the Peloponese and approximately
300 kilometres west of the capital of Greece, Athens.
Its geographical position ensures easy travel to the other islands
and even the mainland of Greece.
A short journey across the Peloponese brings one to the ancient
city of Olympia, the birthplace and original venue of the Olympic
Games. Due to the islands location, it is an ideal base to link
up to the larger cities of Greece such as Patras, Athens
and Thessaloniki.
An island full of contrasts, Zakynthos consists of mainly woodland,
with an abundance of pine tree covered mountains and fertile plains.
In the north, east and south numerous picturesque beaches
can be found, whereas in the west the imposing, rocky landscape
has a number of sea caves such as the famous Blue Caves on the north-west
of the island.
The climate in Zakynthos is mild mediterranean with both heavy rainfall
during the winter monthw and brilliant sunshine in the summer. The
rich vegetation is probably due to this, and has resulted in the
nicknames of Fior di Levante (Flower of the East) and Iliessa (full
of woods) by the Venetians and Omiros respectively.
It is productive island agriculturally, supported mainly by the
cultivation of olives, raisins, citrus fruits. Apart from this,
the main source of local income is from the recently developed business
of tourism. The island has a wealth of history as for many centuries
it was the crossroads for numerous nations and cultures.
The rest of the Ionian
islands to the North are Kefalonia, Ithaki, Lefkada
and Corfu. |