The capital, which has the same name as the prefecture, is the town of Zakynthos. It lies on the eastern part of the northern coast. Apart from the official name, it is also called Chora (i.e. "the Town"). The port of Zakynthos has a ferry connecting to the port of Kyllini on the mainland. Another ferry connects the village of Agios Nikolaos to Argostoli on Kefalonia.
Bochali hill above the Zakynthos town contains a small venetian castle, and offers panoramic views onto the town. Strani's hill, located on the other side of Bochali, is the place where Dionysios Solomos, called "Our National Poet" by the Greeks, wrote Greece's national anthem.
The most famous landmark of the island is the Navagio beach. It is a cove on the southwest shore, isolated by high cliffs and accessible only by boats. The beach and sea floor are made of white pebbles, and surrounded by turquoise waters. It is named after a shipwreck (MV Panagiotis) which sunk on the shore around 1980. The ridge area from Anafonitria has a small observation deck which overlooks the shipwreck and there is a monastery nearby.
Numerous "Blue Caves", are cut into cliffs around Cape Skinari, and accessible only by small boats. Sunrays reflect through blue sea water from white stones of cave bottoms and walls, creating interesting effects. Northern and eastern shores contain numerous wide sandy beaches, many of which are packed with tourists in summer months. The largest resort is Laganas, whose beach stretches around 10 km.
This post is part of the Our World Tuesday meme,
and also part of the Water World Wednesday meme,
and also part of the Nature Footsteps Waters meme,
and also part of the Outdoor Wednesday meme.
The capital of Zakynthos - Zakynthos or "Chora" |
View of the city from Bochali Hill |
The Venetian Castle |
One of the buildings inside the castle |
View to the Northwest from the Castle |
The church of St Dionysios in the City |
Fishing is a major industry on the island and delicious fresh fish are available in all of the local taverns and restaurants |
Statue of Dionysios Solomos, Greece's "National Poet" and composer of the lyrics of Greece's national Anthem, "Ode to Liberty" |
Evening view of the bay from the city |
Navagio ("Shipwreck") Cove |
The shipwreck can be seen on the white sands of Navagio Cove. It is only accessible by boat |
Water sports, swimming and sailing are popular activities on the island |
The Blue Caves region offers a coastline where numerous sea caves can be seen by boat |
Blue Caves region |
Interior of one of the blue caves |
One of the small fishing villages that dot the coastline |
Wow, wonderful series of beautiful shots!
ReplyDeleteLove to see photos from Greek Islands, although I've never visited Zakynthos.
Thanks for sharing.
Mette
The water looks so clean, do the households have water treatment plants before releasing them to the sea? Thanks for the tour Nick!
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ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos of a beautiful place, wish I could visit Greece some day. I love that second one the most.
ReplyDeletewow, these are breathtaking photos! the Navagio Cove is amazing---love your vantage point. thanks for taking me here.:p
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tour Nick, I really enjoyed the aerial feel of the views! Those caves are awesome!
ReplyDeleteAh, such romantic photos! It looks prosperous, one wonders why Greece is broke...
ReplyDeleteThese are fantastic and makes me want to go on a trip to Greece! The water looks amazing! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place, such stunning pictures. I can't get over how blue the sea is.
ReplyDeleteHerding Cats
http://seathreepeeo.blogspot.co.uk
What a beautiful island and so beautifully photographed, Nick.
ReplyDeleteWow these view are fantastic. How I wish I could visit this place and enjoy the wonder of nature. Love it! Thanks for joining Water World Wednesday I do appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteWow, wow, wow. Amazing views of an island! Thanks for the tour :)
ReplyDeletewww.1sthappyfamily.com
Fabulous photos of a beautiful place!
ReplyDeleteAwesome....wish I could visit this place for real.
ReplyDeleteJoyce M
What a gorgeous place to live, and oh, how I would love to visit there. The waters are beautiful and the caves are out of this world. I had never heard of a water cave until I read your post. They are so interesting. The views of the city from above are so romantic. This is such a grand post. genie
ReplyDeleteI think you must have been to all the beautiful places on this earth!
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