Zante island in Greece - Beaches, weather, nature

Zante or Zakynthos is the third largest island in the Ionian Sea, after Kefalonia and Corfu. It occupies an area of ​​406 square kilometers and its coastline is 123 km long. The shape of the island resembles an irregular triangle, the base of which is formed by the Bay of Laganas, while the Schinari layer in the north of the island forms its peak. It is the south of the largest islands in the Ionian Sea, located in the NW of the Peloponnese, and is bathed by the Ionian Sea. The climate in Zakynthos is much more pleasant than in other Ionian islands. The average temperature of the island is 11.50 ° C in winter and 270 ° C in summer. It rarely snows on the island.

The island's agricultural production is concentrated on its eastern side, while the western coasts are steep and steep, with many bays and rocky beaches. Zante had always been famous for its lush vegetation. Homer himself called it "Iliessa", which means forest. Coniferous trees, wild plants, vines and olive trees grow on the island. During the summer, especially in August, the famous sea lily blooms in Zakynthos. Its aroma is magnificent, and this may explain the reason why the island was named Fioro de Levante (Flor del Este). The fauna of the island is also very rich, as the well-known caretta tortoise comes here to reproduce and hatch its eggs on the sandy beaches of Lagana Bay, Gerakas and other beaches.

The island's beaches are known for their crystal clear and shallow waters, while its coasts are mainly sandy. There are many wonderful beaches on the island of Zakynthos that attract many tourists.

The beaches near Vassilikos are famous for their crystal clear waters and golden sands. Vassilikos is located approximately 15 km from the island's capital, which the locals call chora. Shortly before Vassilikos, in Xirokastelo, there is a path that leads to Sekania and Dafni, two wonderful beaches, which have not yet been touched by the increasing tourism. At Vassilikos, visitors are offered a variety of options to select the beach of their choice. Many of these beaches are: Porto zoro, Mavratzi, Banana, Porto Roma, Agios Nikolaos and Gerakas (this is considered by many to be the most beautiful beach on the island), which is the main breeding area for the caretta caretta turtle.

Just two kilometers from Chora, turning right towards Kalamaki, one of the largest tourist centers on the island, you reach Laganas Bay, with an impressive 9 km long sandy beach, fine sand dunes and shallow waters. Lagana Beach and the nearby beaches of Kalamaki and Agios Sostis attract thousands of tourists during the summer. We continue to Arkadianos, Porto Koukla, Tartarouga and Limni Keriou beaches, at the base of Cape Marathias.

Lovers of wild beauty will find magnificent swimming beaches on the west side of the island. In the town of Agios León, one will find the rocky voices of Limnionas and Roxa, after walking through stunning wild scenery. The waters are deep and cool, and the natural beauty of the landscape is majestic. Taking a small boat from Porto Vromi, you reach the beach of "Navagio" (shipwreck). This beach is literally the ornament of the island, and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece.

In the city of Zakynthos, you can visit the organized beach of the EOT (National Tourism Organization). Starting from the city, after passing Akrotiri, you will find Tsilivi and its beautiful sandy beach, after approximately 5 km. The beaches of Amboula, Amoudi and Alykes (named after the "alykes" - marshes in the area) are located on the coastal route to the northern part of the island.

On the way to Orthonies, one will find Xygia and 2 km later, Makry Gialos, a wonderful pebble beach with deep water. At the end of this route, after taking a short boat ride, is the well-known Galazia Spilea (Blue Caves).