About Zakynthos

About Zakynthos (also known as Zante)

Zakynthos (Zante) is the southernmost island and it is third in size and population of all the Ionian Islands. It is located 8,5 nautical miles south of Kefallonia, 9,5 miles west of the Peloponnese and approximately 300 kilometres west of the capital of Greece, Athens. Its geographical location allows the traveller easy access to the other Ionian islands as well as to the facing coast of the Peloponnese where among others the ancient gate of Olympia is located, which in ancient times was the site of the Olympic Games. Additionally, travelling to the other large cities of Greece is easy, due to the direct lines from Zakynthos. Flights are frequent from the UK from May to October.

Shopping

Zante has plenty to offer keen shoppers looking for souvenirs or bargains to take home. Zante town has boutiques crammed with designer labels and beautiful jewellery, and stores selling fine antiques and quality leather goods. All over the island visitors are tempted with an array of folk art and crafts, including hand-woven fabrics, olive woodcarvings, intricate embroidered goods, silverware and jewellery. The local specialities are the delicious island nougat called ‘mandolato’, as well as cheese, wine and cologne. In tourist areas shops open until 10pm at night seven days a week.

Restaurants & Leisure

Eating out in Greece is regarded as a pleasurable pastime, and certainly this is nowhere more true than on the island of Zante where the options range from top-rated tourist restaurants to cosy local tavernas. Activities

Zante is a typical holiday island, sporting dozens of beaches where visitors can laze the days away, or indulge in a variety of water sports. Attractive and historic Zante town offers some opportunities for those interested in discovering local culture and the island’s intriguing history through the medium of two museums. Most visitors enjoy heading for the inland villages on pine-covered mountain slopes to explore the traditional lifestyle and sample local wine, cheeses and speciality dishes.

Zante Climate

During the Summer season, from May to October, rain is very rare and the temperatures are between 30° and 40°C.
A fresh breeze is very often blowing and the wind typical of this island raises in the early afternoon from North to South.