Zakynthos

On the border / visa
Zakynthos is one of the Ionian Islands and is located west of the Peloponnese. The island is a popular tourist destination. You can charter flights there by purchasing one of a wide range of tourist offers. If you're planning a trip on your own, we can get there by plane from Athens. Flights by Olympic Air usually go at least once a day. Another way to get to the island is by ferry with regular connections to port Killini. Ionian Ferries operate from one harbour, and the journey takes about 1h 15min. From the bus station, which is located in the island's capital, buses depart regularly to Patra in the Peloponnese, to Athens, and even to Thessaloniki.

Vaccinations
There are no vaccination requirements.

Climate / When to go?
The island lies within the Mediterranean climate zone and is characterized by rainy, mild winters and hot, dry summers. The most popular tourist months are July and August. Then the days are sunny and dry. During this time are the highest recorded air and water temperatures, and therefore are recommended for those who want to spend time sunbathing and relaxing in the water, and fans of entertainment in clubs and discos. During the off season, most of these places are closed. Because of the many tourists, you should be prepared to wait in lines outside the major tourist attractions. Off season, there are much fewer tourists, and prices are lower. Some of the best months to travel are April, May and September. It's much cooler and calmer. The downside is a smaller number of bus and ferry services. Coldest period falls from December to March. Sunny days are much less and be prepared for rain.

Currency
Euro

Language
Modern Greek

History / Customs
The first inhabitants of the island were likely to come from Peloponnese ancestry. Then the control was taken over by Athens, then to Sparta and Macedonia. In 1485 came the Venetians, who held power here for almost 300 years and so effect, architecture and art on the island evolved under the influence of Italian style. After that the Venetians in their short term in the islands, intertwined with France and Britain. In 1864 Zakynthos with the entire archipelago of the Ionian Islands became part of Greece. In modern history, a dramatic event was the earthquake that struck the island in 1959 and ruined the historic architecture.

Mentality / Tradition
Life on Zakynthos, outside of the tourist regions, flows to its own rhythm. Residents are friendly and open. They like to meet in the local taverns and cafes for a cup of coffee or a glass of ouzo. No hurry, and don not count on punctuality. Better be careful on the roads, there is a fairly free interpretation of traffic laws.

Airports / Car Rental
The airport is located approximately 6 km south-west of the island's capital. At least once a day, a plane goes to Athens. During the main season, the airport handles all charter flights. Renting a car is no problem. The island has a lot of cars, especially in places such as Laganas, including known companies such as Europcar.

Public Transport
Public transport mostly includes bus routes. Most routes begin in the capital. You can get from here to other parts of the island to Tsilivi, or Laganas. Most go during the main season and on working days. Much less on Sundays and on holidays.

Taxis / Infrastructure
From the city and tourist destinations you can easily catch a taxi on the street or it can be ordered by phone. Prices compared with other Western European countries are quite affordable. The roads are in fairly good condition, narrow in places. You have to watch out for a fairly laid-back interpretation of the rules of the road by the locals.

Events
Public holidays are: New Year's Day, the Baptism of Christ (6 January), Lenten Friday, Independence Day (25 March), Easter, Labour Day (1 May), Pentecost, the Feast of the Assumption (15 August), Ochi Day (25 October), Christmas (25 and 26 December).

Culinary Specialities
You have to try the Greek mezedes or appetizers like grape leaves, tzatziki or seafood. You can not skip the skewers with onions, tomatoes and peppers that is called souvles. Vegetables are an essential component of fresh salads, including Greek choriatiki. In Greece they eat a lot of meat as grilled, boiled and stewed with vegetables.
To top dishes include Moussaka casserole with eggplant, potato and meat or meat pasta and bechamel sauce called pastítsio. For the specialties is yogurt, which often serves as a dessert with honey. Coffee and sweets is undoubtedly a Turkish influence. These include halva, baklava and other sweet sugar syrup poured generously. Must tries are Greek coffee or Elliniko. The aniseed-flavored spirits dominate ouzo and of course delicious local wines.


Sights
Island tours can start from the capital. It should go to Agios Dionisios, Solomou Square, which houses the Byzantine Museum. Path of the city should go to a hill situated on the ruins of the castle and enjoy a very beautiful panorama of the capital and parts of the island. Must be selected on the Vassilikos peninsula, where you can find pretty much the most beautiful beaches on the island - Gerakas. The beach is large, sandy, and surrounded by stunning rock formations. The biggest tourist resort with lots of discos, clubs and bars is in Laganas. You can choose from here to go by boat to the island Marathoníssi - called "Turtle Island". Especially recommendable is a trip to the village of Keri and Limniónas, offering breathtaking views of cliffs and sparkling colors of the sea. In the village of Kampi can enjoy beautiful sunsets. The picturesque cove can Grom boat trip to the Gulf of wreckage and the Blue Caves, the most famous tourist attractions of the island. From Cape Skinari views of the neighboring, the largest island of the archipelago - Kefallonia, and the port of Agios Nikolaos, you can go to it by ferry. An exceptional place for swimming on a beach on the island is Ksygía, where the air is filled with the smell of sulfur. In localities Macherado, Kiliómenos inside the island, you can see elements of traditional architecture and to stay in one of the taverns on the homemade cakes and a glass of local wine.