Added: 06/14/2006 |
Zante Island - a Great DestinationZakynthos, or as the Italians call it Zante Island is one of the islands of the Ionian chain. There are more pine-covered mountains and hills in the north, but the center of Zante Island is gentle and lush, richly planted with currant vines, olive trees, almonds and seasonal vegetables. There are dozens of beaches to choose from, sandy and sheltered with invitingly sparkling water. Flowers of every kind fill every available space, filling the air with the enrapturing scent.
The west coast of the Zante Island is dramatic and hard, plain and soft and few visitors make their way here. Those that do can see sheer cliffs, sometimes plunging 1,000 feet or more straight into the sea. But roads are winding and driving difficult so trips are only for the more hardy adventurers.
At the small but beautiful village of Porto Vromi the visitors find two steep limestone bluffs rising on each side of a narrow inlet. Here is a sheltered harbor for a few fishing boats and a narrow strip of white sand and shingle. The village is far enough off the beaten track to ensure visitors are few but there are boat trips from here to the nearby Blue Caves. Above the harbor is the 15th century monastery of Panagia Anafonitria, noted for its lovely frescos.
Most of the souths facing resorts of the Zante Island are in the huge bay of which Laganas is the center. The further around the bay you get the better the beaches and atmosphere is. The splendid peninsular at Vassilikos is characterized by superbly picturesque coves and rich, green vegetation.
Keri, on the southernmost tip of the island, boasts several picturesque pre-earthquake buildings. There was a lake here once, now drained, and the area is sometimes referred to as Limni Keriou. The narrow beach is more pebbled than sand but still very attractive with warm shallow waters that make it great for children. The view from the beach is impressive with high cliffs on the both sides and the turtle island at Marathonisi. There are many paths along he coast that lead to secluded coves and a rough track leads to a lighthouse above the cliffs.
The northern coast of the Zante Island is littered with caves and seas eroded cliffs. Most spectacular of all is the Kianoun cave, which bathes in a light of shimmering blues. There are boats from many resorts offering visits but it is usually better to drive to a northern port such as Agios Nikolaos then take a short boat trip.
Situated at the eastern part of the island, the Shipwreck is the island's most famous beach. The beach took it name from the ship that washed up on the beach. The ruins of the ship are on the middle of a beautiful white sandy beach with crystal waters. Vertical rock cliffs that that make up an impressive picture surround the beach.
With a sunny climate most of the year and good roads to facilitate exploring, Zante lends itself to holidaymaking in spring and fall as well as summer. Some of the best-known summer resorts here are Kalamaki, Argassi, Alykes, Tsilivi, Vassilikos, Keri and Volimes, while Laganas is the most famous of all.
Long island beaches as well as a wide range of Zante hotels and other facilities attract thousands of tourists from May through September.
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