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The Greek Island
of Zakynthos is one of the Ionian Islands just off mainland Greece.
Despite tourism being its main industry, it is a largely unspoilt
and quiet island, except for the main tourist resort of Laganas.
The town
of Laganas consists of one main street down to the coast along which
is littered with assorted bars, restaurants and hotels.
It is the only real resort on the island with a wide choice of entertainment
that carries on throughout the night. Many of the bar workers are
British or Australians who are just there for the summer.
Between May
and August Loggerhead turtles comes to the shore to lay eggs. The
number of turtles on the island is diminishing, so steps are being
made to protect them.
The beaches are closed after sunset to encourage egg laying, and
water sports are strictly monitored. During the day glass bottomed
boats from the beach of Laganas travel guarantee seeing a turtle
or promise your money back.
Streets apart in Zante Town |
Zante town is
the capital of the island.
It is where the vast majority of the locals live and they far outnumber
the number of tourists.
It was rebuilt in 1953 after being largely destroyed in an earthquake.
It now has a harbour and plenty of quaint street and tavernas.
Like much of the Mediterranean, the summers in Zante are hot with
loads of sunshine.
Being an island, the heat is kept bearable by daytime breezes. If
you come here at the beginning of the season, the start of May,
remember your jumpers for the evening, as it can get really quite
chilly.
It is best not to visit Zante in winter as it tends to be rather
unsettled. The Ionian Islands are the wettest part of Greece, but
it is still less than you can expect at home!
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