Ionian Islands - Zakynthos   General info Its name is after the first inhabitant Zakynthos, son of Dardanos, king of Fryghia It was conquered by the Romans, destroyed by bandals, pirates, Normands. It was under the occupation of Venetians and French. It took a great part in the Greek Revolution. It was integrated to Greece on the 21st of May 1864. The "fioro di Levante" impresses its visitors with the green full of trees hills and the immense beaches. Zakynthos is extended in an area of 402 sq.km. and is in a distance of 18 n.m. (1 hour) from Kyllini. The capital and harbour of the island, Zakynthos, has broad roads, imposing buildings, beautiful squares and is situated on the foot of the hill where it was founded the first acropole, while in the upper side there is the Venetian castle ruins of which are saved. From Bohali, in the hill of the castle, the view remains unforgettable. You can walk in the seaside, in the stone pavement extending from St. Dionyssios till the end of the harbour-arm, in the Strata Marina where the people of Zakynthos used to go for a walk in the evenings. In the north end of Strata Marina dominates the church of St. Dionyssios. In a distance of 2 km. from the city there is the Hill of Strani where as it is mentioned Dionyssios Solomos inspired the "Hymn to the Liberty" and the "Elefteri Poliorkimeni" (Free Besieged). The Byzantine Museum of the city includes works of the byzantine, eptanissian and zakynthian art, while in the Museum of Dionyssios Solomos and Emminent Zakynthians there is the Mausoleum of Dionyssios Solomos and Adreas Kalvos, the winged lion of Venice and heirlooms of Solomos, Kalvos, Xenopoulos and Romas. In the north-eastern part of the island and in a distance of 15 km. from the city of Zakynthos, in a quiet, grren landscape they are situated Alykes with a beach extending in 3 km. length. The region combines mountain-sea and gives access to all the sightseeings of the island. Along the south-eastern peninsula you will meet the by the sea village Vassilikos, in a distance of 16 km. from the city, with its houses spread in the green, with abudant waters and splendid beaches ideal for water sports. To the south of the city it is located the village Kalamaki, a calm by the sea place with marvellous sandy beach. Following the road, in a distance of 11 km. from the city, it is spread the bay of Laganas, one of the most enchanting of Zakynthos. It is the most developed touristically place of the island due to its spread away beach with the fine sand and it is located in the most fruitful valley of the island, between an olive grove and vineyards. In the beach of Laganas live and reproduce the sea turtles Caretta-Caretta. Keri, the most southern village of Zakynthos, has narrow small streets and enough stone buildings. In the sandy beach, named Limni Keriou, there is the so called "Pighi tou Herodotou" (Source of Herodotos). From the Limni Keriou you can visit Marathonissi and the light blue caverns of Marathia by boat. To the north-western side of the city you will see Akrotiri, the picturesque village Planos in a distance of 6 km. from Zakynthos with the famous beach Tsilivi. Also, in the same location there are the villages Ano and Kato Volimes, traditional settlements with old houses and picturesque narrow streets. Where to stay Hotels in the area Local festivals Wine festival in the end of August or the first days of September. The celebration of Saint Dionisos on the 24th of August and on the 17th of December with litany and artistic events. The festival of Virgin Mary on the 15th of August in Vasiliko. Beaches In the plage of EOT in Krioneri , in Kalamaki or in the beaches of Planos , Tsilivi. In the endless sand beach of Laganas and Saint Savior. In Vasiliko in the enchanting bay of Porto Romas. In Alikes, Alikana and in the beaches of Xechoriatis, Saint Kiriaki . In Makri Gialos, Saint Nikolaos, Lithari, Psili Vraxi, Liga Halikia. In the Lake Keri or Marathia, Marathonisi, Tragaki, Kipseli, Meso Gerakari, Drosia, the bay of Vromi, the Navagio.