Zante
is situated 12 kilometres off the western coast of mainland Greece
and is the most southerly of the seven Ionion
islands. It lies beneath the neighbouring island of Kefalonia.
The island is also known by the name of Zakynthos. It was named
Zante by the Venetians who ruled the island for over 300 years.
Zante has three distinctive geographical areas, The Vassilikos peninsula
in the South East, a central plain which produces wine, currants
and olive oil and the mountainous and wild/undeveloped North and
West. All main holiday resorts are situated along the South and
East coasts of the island. The island is very green due to its generous
rainfall in the winter and early spring, and is very picturesque
with dramatic mountain ranges and turquoise seas.
Loggerhead
turtles or ‘Caretta-Caretta’ as they are otherwise known,
have their nesting grounds on the soft sands of the island and in
particular in the Bay of Laganas, where the National Marine Centre
is situated. These turtles are an endangered species and Zante has
the largest concentrated nesting area in the whole of the Mediterranean.
The
island is approximately 44 kilometres long by 20 kilometres wide.
It is small enough for holidaymakers to fully explore during their
stay, but large enough to provide contrasting and diverse resorts.
The airport is situated 2 kilometres south west of the capital Zante
town where the main ferry port to the Greek mainland port of
Kyllini is also situated. There is another ferry port on the island,
Agios Nikolaos on the north east coast, which runs a ferry service
to the neighbouring island of Kefalonia.
Zante
is a diverse island and caters for holidaymakers of all ages and
interests. If you seek traditional Greek villages with stunning
scenery, then head for Vassilikos
or Keri, looking for a family orientated
lively resort, then head for Tsilivi
or Kalamaki, quiet and relaxed
break, go to Alykes, Alykanas
or Argassi, or wish to party
until dawn, Laganas is the place
for you! Whatever your tastes, Zante has it all!
