Introduction

People that have been to Zante usually have very different opinions about the island. Some have found their paradise, others never want to return. Fortunately, most people think it is a lovely island.

It basically depends on where you stay. There is the very busy town Laganas with its many taverns, bars and clubs, that for obvious reasons can get very busy and very loud, and then there are quieter parts, better suited for families like Argassi.

In the ancient years, the island used to be protected by the god Dionisus, and a later person of the same name, Dionysios Solomos, was born here. This was the poet who wrote the Greek national anthem.

Zante is known as the island of songs, and indeed there are many local songs, usually sung by groups of men in different restaurants.

History

It is believed that the first settlers on Zakynthos came in the 16th century BC from the Peloponnese.

The island was to fall under both Athenian and Spartan rule during the Classic age, and when Philip II of Macedonia and his son Alexander the Great expanded the Macedonian borders, Zakynthos became a vassal.

The Romans came in the 2nd century BC and after them, the island became part of the Byzantine empire.

Zakynthos never fell under Turkish rule, but Venetian in stead. The most prominent leaders belonged to the Orsini family, and the Venetian rule was to last for 300 years. Because of the harsh treatment of the commonpeople and the high taxes, the people tried to revolt in 1630, with only more oppression as a result.

The Napolean army conquered the island in 1797, and Zakynthos was given more liberty than before. A year after this a two-year period of Russian-Turkish rule followed.

It was then taken over by the British and did not become part of Greece until 1864.

What to See

There is a museum dedicated to Dionysios Solomos in the town, as well as a museum of Byzantine art.

The church of St Dionysios (Ag Dionysios) holds the relics of Zante's patron saint.

At Mt. Bochali outside Zakynthos town there is a Venetian citadel.

You can go on excursions to visit the beaches where the turtles Caretta Caretta lay their eggs at night. If you are lucky, you might also catch a glimpse of the Monk Seal Monachus Monachus.

Another popular sight is the shipwreck on the beach of Smuggler's Bay.

What to Do

Many of the beaches offer watersports. Porto Zorros is an excellent place for snorkelling. There are also daytrips to Cephalonia, and some travel agencies offer trips to Ancient Olympia on the mainland.

Beaches

In general the beaches on the island are excellent for families with children. There is the very famous shipwreck beach which you can visit by boat. In the busy town Laganas there is a 9km beach. Argassi and Alikes can get extremely busy. At the Vasilikos peninsula the beaches are well suited for children. The only thing you have to look out for when you are out on your own trying to find a nice beach, as to make sure it doesn't have signs or fences there about the turtles. These places should be left alone.

Nightlife

Laganas gets extremely busy during the high season and its full of bars and clubs. Argassi is a bit quieter, but has quite a few bars and clubs. In Zakynthos town there are also a few bars, but it is generally quiet here.

Food

There is a wide variety of both local and international restaurants. The rule "eat where the Greeks are" apply here just as on any other island.

Shopping

The best shopping is in Zakynthos town, where you can get souvenirs, clothes and icons.

Getting Around

There are busconnections to many of the beaches and between the villages. You can also rent cars and bikes in many places, and there are also lots of taxis.

Getting There

Zakynthos has its own airport, and there are also daily flights to and from Athens, Greece. The island is connected with Kyllini and Patras on the mainland, and there are also boats going to and from Cephalonia.