Zante or what is also known as Zakynthos is the third largest and most southern island of the Ionians. This island has long been known for its sandy beaches and beautiful crystal clear waters. One of the most famous beaches is the shipwreck beach which is named so because of the ruins of boats settled in the middle of the white sandy beach. This 406 square kilometers island is located about 300 km west of the Greece capitol of Athens. With a population of roughly 35,000 it is the fastest growing regions in all of Greece. The island only has 1 town but it does hold around 45 villages.

Zante's culture is filled with tradition and history. The locals of this island have long been proud of the music that has been passed from generation to generation. This music includes Folk songs, church music, arekies, and kantades which is a serenade with mandolins and guitars. The island was named after the son of Dardanus which of course had the name Zakynthos. Unfortunately, on August 12th, 1953 a massive earthquake hit the island and killed many of the residents along with many of its historical buildings and cultural heritage (more info on History of Zante).

The islands geography consists of mountains to the north, ridged shore lines to the west, and the east and south are filled with dazzling beaches. The highest point of Zante is mount Vrahion at about 758 meters tall and mount Skopos stands at the second highest height at 492 meters. This island also has very fertile farming because of the underground springs and is famous for its grapes, olive oil, melon, strawberries, and raisins. The wildlife of this beautiful island includes the endangered Caretta Caretta, a turtle that nests on the island. These precious turtles lay their eggs on the beach and after hatching only about 1 out of 1000 baby turtles make it back to the sea (more info on Places to See in Zante).

Villas Cavo Marathia - holiday resort, Zakynthos Island, Zakinthos, Zante, Greece, Griechenland

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Villas Cavo Marathia - holiday resort, Zakynthos Island, Zakinthos, Zante, Greece, Griechenland

zante zakynthos island holiday greece greek islands

Freemasons (Russell Small) Live At Rescue Club Zante, Greece, September 2011

The tourism in Zante began in about 1965, and now is the number one industry on the island. Most of the tourist that visit this beautiful island come from Germany, The United Kingdom, Holland, and Scandinavia. The amazing thing about Zante's tourism is that with a population of only 35,000, it has an annual tourist population of an astounding 300,000. One thing that added to the tourism is the building of the islands first airport, Dionisios Solomos airport. One of the facts and figures that can only be seen to be understood is the beauty that everyone that explores this island gets to experience.

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Package Details	Original	Deal	Saving
7 Nights All Incl. 5* Corfu - Sept '11 booked 7 days before departure.	£1310	£484.70	63%
Flight, Transfers, Villa, Kos - June '11 booked 60 days in advance, online.	£995	£547.25	47%
10 days 4* Hotel, hire car - Feb '11 early booking (5 months in adv online)	£886	£540.46	39%

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Written by Anna James in General

Originally Creted 06 November 2011

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