26 | WINTER SUN: ZANTE
www.nitravelnews.com
November/December 2023
ZAKYNTHO (aka Zante) is a
verdant island endowed with fertile valleys and a temperate climate. Its landscape diversity has resulted in different types of beaches: there are sandy beaches in secluded coves where the tranquil waters are deep blue on the island’s southeastern part; yet, if rugged cliffs and an
interesting underwater world are to your liking, try the western part of the island.
The Venetians, who ruled
Zákynthos from 1484 to 1797, called the island “Fioro di Levante” (flower of the East) as there are over 7,000 species of flowers on Zákynthos. The third largest island of the Ionian Sea, after Corfu and Kefalonia, is
internationally known as “Zante”. Zakynthos is said to have been the island’s first inhabitant and the ancient acropolis is attributed to him. He was the son of
Dardanos who ruled the ancient kingdom of Frigia. A Venetian fort was built at later times on the site.
TAKE A TOUR AROUND THE CITY AND VISIT:
• The Solomos Square surrounded by buildings with characteristic traditional architectural features of the island, arch-shaped windows and arcades. The bust of D. Solomos national poet of Greece dominates in the centre. Here you can also find the Public Library (with 55.000 volumes), the Post-Byzantine Museum of Zante exhibiting treasures such as statues trimmed with gold, icons and art woodcuts. • The Post- Byzantine Museum of Zante in Solomos square, exhibits treasures such as statues trimmed with gold, icons and art woodcuts. • The coastal road known as Strata Marina (K. Lomvardou street), which is one of the most frequented part of the city, with cafes, bars and restaurants, from the Solomos Square up to the church of the patron- saint Aghios Dionysios. • The Aghios Markos square. Here, in 1797, the revolutionaries (popolaroi) burnt the Libro d’ Oro and planted the tree of freedom. This paved square is the main meeting point for locals and visitors. Here, you will find the Museum of Solomos, Kalvos and Eminent Zakynthians which also hosts the bust of the Greek national poet, created by Georgios Broutos in 1902. • Rouga: Its name is Alexandros Romas street, starting at Aghios Markos Square crossing almost the whole town. This street with the impressive arcades has been the main commercial center of the city for centuries. • The Venetian Castle situated on a hill overhanging the town in the place of the old acropolis named Psofis. • The Stranis hill, 2 km away from the town, offering a great view. Here,
the poet Dionysios Solomos
inspired the ‘Hymn to Liberty’ (later the Greek national anthem) and the “Free Besieged” attending the siege of the city of Messolonghi.
Visit also the remarkable churches of Zakynthos
• Aghios Nikolaos tou Molou (Solomou Square): a church of Renaissance order (17th century) with a belfry dating back to the Byzantine period. Aghios Dionysios lived here in 1853. • Aghios Dionysios (at the new pier of the port): where the relic of the patron-saint of the island is kept in a silver larnax. • Aghios Markos (1516): The belfry of this catholic church situated at the Aghiou Markou Square is a copy of the one of Saint Mark’s basilica in Venice. • Aghios
Georgios:
The Venetian architectural influence has left its stamp on Zante despite the damage sustained due to the seismic activity in the area. After the ravaging 1953 earthquake and the ensuing fire, a number of historical buildings and
churches burned to the ground. Consequently, the significant
treasures these buildings were housing perished. The town was
rebuilt according to a plan where strict anti-seismic specifications applied and, to a large extent, respecting the town’s former architectural structure.
RESTAURANT ASTERIA-ALIVIZOS RESTAURANT PIRUNAKI
On Zante, great care is taken to protect two endangered animal species, namely the
caretta aretta sea turtle and the monachus monachus seal. The city of Zakynthos is the capital of the island and at the same time the island’s port.
from the sea and can be reached on foot from the main square of Zakynthos’ town. It mainly attracts locals, who come here to enjoy fresh fish and some glasses of Ouzo.
RESTAURANT VARKAROLA
Highlights: Fresh fish, sea views. This tavern is located just steps
Feature: fixed menu and lots of food. This characteristic Greek tavern is located in Lagkadakia, inland. With only € 15 per person you will be entitled to 8 local side dishes, a mix of meat, drinks and wine. Many of the raw materials come from the owner’s garden!
RESTAURANT LADOLEMONO
The army commanders
Kolokotronis, Nikitaras, Fotomaras as well as other fighters of the 1821 Revolution took their vows on the icon which is kept in this church. • Panaghia Pikardiotissa at the outskirts of the castle.
Highlights: traditional local dishes, live music. Located on the seafront of Zakynthos, this tavern offers traditional local dishes made with high quality ingredients and fish caught fresh daily, accompanied in the evening by popular Zakynthos songs (Kantades).
Feature: the best pita in Zakynthos and meat cooked on a spit. In this small tavern located on the side of the road, you will find the best pita in Zakynthos.
Here both pita and meat are still cooked on the grill and on the spit.
“
One could say that Zante is synonym to superb beaches, great
nightlife, beautiful scenery and ideal watersports destination. What
more can you ask when on holiday?
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