Zakynthos Island Greece
Zakynthos Island also known as 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 Kefalonia, 9,5 nautical miles west of the Peloponese and approximately 300 kilometres west of the capital of Greece, Athens.
It is the southernmost and third largest in both size and population of the Ionian Islands and 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 Thesaloniki.
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.
Besides the beauties of the island and because the inhabitants in winter live mostly from agriculture, you will find a great variety of local products such as:
- Olive oil
- Wine
- Currants and raisins
- Cheese
- Honey
- Mandolato and pasteli
- Fytoura
- Ceramics
Also Fishing and breeding represent a secondary step in the island economy.
Thanks to tourism a strong local handcraft has been developed concerning handy crafted products like carpets, clothes, embroidery that are sold to the tourist. It is possible to find those products in the northern part of the island villages where the time has stopped.
As long as you are on the island, you must definitely try the local gastronomy and wine tradition, for whom the Ionian Islands have gained a lot of fame and praise.