Zakynthos Settlements and Destinations
Askos Stone Park: In the north of Zante, there is the Stone Park of Askos, 1km from the port of Aghios Nikolaos of Volimes, in an area of 500 square kilometers. It includes almost all flora and fauna of Zante; 200,000 different plant species and hundreds of animals, such as falcons, various mammals etc which live in freedom under their natural conditions.
Blue Caves: Blue Caves (in Greek “Galazies spilies”) is the most photographed natural attraction of Zante, after the Shipwreck beach (Navagio). They were discovered in 1897 and each year attract thousands of visitors. They are located at the northernmost point of the island, namely the north coast of Cape Skinari. They consist of successive chambers leading to Great and the Little Cave. Their name is thanks to the intense blue of the water. The largest of the caves is called “Kyanoun” (“Cyan”) cave.
The tour in the caves is by boats that tour around the island, starting from the port of the city or from the port of Aghios Nikolaos Volimon.
The best time to visit the caves is in the morning. Then, the reflections generated in the walls of caves from the sun create different shades in the water.
Bohali: The famous area of Bohali is the highest point of the town of Zante, and from there the view is breathtaking and you can see from above not only the city, but other areas of Zante, too.
The area of Bohali was among the first areas developed since the former centuries as the capital of the island was a little above, in the castle. Most houses have been destroyed, but the locals try to keep the traditional colours with traditional structures.
In excavations of the 19th century, findings were discovered that testify the existence of sanctuaries in the region dedicated to Apollo and Aphrodite.
In the square of Bohali dominates the church of Panaghia Chrysopigi or Zoodohos Pigi with its tall bell tower that is distinguished from all parts of the city.
Garden of orchidaceae: Garden of orchidaceae is located between the villages Kiliomeno and Lagopodo and thus characterized by botanists for comprising 42 species oforchidaceae.
Keri: It is located 20 km southwest of Zante town. It is named after the, dried now, lake of the area. It is a place rich in history and tradition, as the historian Herodotus lived here. In the small port in the area, you can run your vessel aground or get one of the boats that make frequent trips to Marathonisi and nearby sea caves.
Louha: It is a picturesque mountain village of 45 residents, promoted for the creation of an Open Museum. Situated in a beautiful place, it has so far remained unaffected by tourism development. Louha, like most villages, has been destroyed by the earthquakes in 1953 and rebuilt by its inhabitants.
National Marine Park: The National Marine Park of Zante (NMP-Z) is the first of its kind established in Greece in order to preserve important natural and cultural heritage of the region, together with the socio-economic development.
It is located in the southern part of Zante. Most of the marine park includes the sea and the land around the Gulf of Laganas, where are the most important spawning beaches for the rare sea turtle Caretta - caretta and a land, protected area, including the surrounding wetland of Keri Lake, Strofades islands and islets Marathonisi, Pezoulo and Aghios Sostis, which, along with the northern beaches (Gerakas, Dafni, Kalamaki and Sekania), are sites of special ecological importance.
Strani Hill (Lofos Strani): The hill of Strani is very close to Bohali, just 2 kilometers from the town of Zante. At this point, our national poet, Dionysios Solomos, was inspired and wrote the Greek national anthem, listening to the canons of Mesolonghi (Etoloakarnania, Western Greece, where the Turks had the Greeks under siege, 1826). In place of the tree that Solomos touched, while writing the “Hymn to Freedom” stands his bust today. In a short distance is also the mansion of the poet, which is maintained in good condition.
