The Venetians "Fiore di Levante" (flower of the East), Zakynthos or Zante, is famed worldwide not only for its natural beauty but also for the sea turtle Caretta caretta...
Myth has it that the island was named after the first founder-hero, the Arkadian Zakynthos. It enjoyed a great heyday during the Classical period, but because of its strategic position was attacked many times and captured successively by the Macedonians and the Romans. In the Byzantine Age it was plagued by pirates; afterwards came the Venetian Occupation; in later times its fortunes followed those of the other Ionian Islands, until their union with Greece in 1864. Zakynthos island covers an area of 406 sq. km. and its coastline is 123 km. in length. On the east side of the island the vegetation is luxuriant and there are tracts of plain, whereas the west part is mountainous. Correspondingly, the east coast is smooth and sandy, whereas the west is steep and rocky.

Zakynthos island villages
There are many traditional villages in the hinterland of Zakynthos island , most of them drowned in verdant vegetation, with attractive vernacular architecture, interesting churches, monasteries with distinctive belltowers, springs of cool fresh water and hospitable local people. In the south are the villages of Ambelokipi, Lithakia, Agalas, Pantokratoras, Mouzaki, Romiri, Lagopodo (a short distance from the Eleftherotria monastery).
At the southernmost edge of the island (west of Lagana Bay) is the picturesque village of Keri, built in a daunting setting near the homonymous headland with its precipitous cliffs and lighthouse offering a breathtaking vista of the open sea. The village church of the Virgin Keriotissa (1745), built in Renaissance style and with an elaborate iconostasis, merits a visit. Close by (northwest of Marathia) is Lake Keri, an area known since Antiquity because of its bitumen sources. In the heart of Zakynthos island are the villages of Mahairado with its notable church of St Maura, Melinado with the remnants of an ancient temple of Artemis, Vouyato, Lagadakia, Aghii Pantes, Fiolitis, Galaro, Aghia Marina with its three-naved basilica of St Marina that boasts an elaborate wood-carved iconostasis, Aghios Dimitrios, Aghios Kirykos, Sarakinada, Kalipado with a church of St John decorated with wall-paintings, Tragaki and Kypseli with brooks and streams.

Farther north is Katastari and not far from here is the monastery of St John of Lagada. Continuing our way to the northernmost point of the island, we pass through Orthonies, with the monastery of the Virgin Spiliotissa (16th c.), and a short distance from there is Volumes, an important village comprising two settlements. Of interest in Mese,, Volimies is the church of St Paraskevi, in Venetiar baroque order with a wood-carved and gilded iconostasis and a characteristic belltower, identical tc that of St Dionysios in the town of Zakynthos island.
Closer to the west coast of the island, some very pretty villages nestle in the foothills ofMt Vrahionas, with splendid countryside and spell-binding view: Aghios Leon, Kambi, Maries with a church dedicated to Mary Magdalene, and Anaphonitria with the notable monastery of the Virgin Anaphonitria, in which St Dionysios was a monk. At the entrance to the precinct is a medieval tower (15th c.) and the church has an exquisite wood-carved iconostasis gilded with gold leaf, wall-paintings and precious icons. In a pine forest farther north, with panoramic view of the island's western shores, is the monastery of St George Kremnon (16th C.)

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A uniquely designed resort-hotel, inspired by the Italian character of 'Zante', which offers stylish and comfortable accommodation, numerous facilities and services, all highlighted by the splendor of...… More

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Zante Beach Hotel
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