ZAKYNTHOS
Zakinthos is almost triangular in shape, with two green mountainous promontories extending
into the sea to form the huge bay of Laganas. There are more pine-covered mountains and
hills in the north, but the centre is gentle and lush, richly planted with currant vines,
olive trees, almonds and seasonal vegetables. There are dozens of beaches to choose from,
sandy and sheltered with invitingly sparkling water. Flowers of every kind till every
available space, filling the air with the scent that so enraptured visitors of old.
 Apart from its beaches, Zakinthos
has many other wonderful places to get to know. For example, there's the village of
Anafonitria, with its fascinating 15th century monastery dedicated to the Virgin. And
Maherado, with its two 14th century churches, the half-ruined Ypapanti and the sumptuously
decorated Agia Mavra. Or the mountain village of Keri, where sooner or later everyone goes
to admire the sunset and the stupendous view of the seacaves below. Heading north, don't
miss Volimes or Skinari at the tip of the island. Volimes has a wonderful Venetian tower
and lovely old churches with frescoes dating to the 12th and 14th centuries, while Skinari
is where the famous Blue Caves are located. Inside the caves, the refraction of the sun's
rays on the water creates an unbelievable array of blue and silver tones of a dreamlike
beauty. Further south is the cave of Xingia, where there is a spring of sulphurous water
that bubbles up white, clouding the sea up to 500 metres from shore.
How to get there
Useful telephone numbers
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