Zakynthos information

Zakynthos, also known as Zante, the southern most of the lonian islands, owes its name to the son of Dardanos, the king of Troy, who according to myth built the first city here. References to Zakynthos date as far back as “The Iliad” and many theater artists and poets over time have fallen under the island’s spell. The Venetians baptized the holiday island to the name “Zante, the flower island of the Eastwind”, while Dionysios Solomos, the Greek National Poet, wrote the Greek National Anthem at the forest hill of Lofos Strani, above Zante town. This historical place is part of our VIP excursion Once upon a Time, where we get acquainted with the Zakynthian folk theater in the enchanting Amphitheater of folk storyteller Dimitris Avouries.

Today, the island of Zante, Zakynthos, remains a popular destination for people from all over the world. No one who has visited here can forget the blue and emerald green hues of the seas, the pine-studded mountains, or the beautiful local food, music, the locals and their Zakynthian hospitality.

Zakynthos is the third largest of the Ionian Islands and is popular with tourists in the summer months for its fantastic selection of sandy Zante beaches and rocky coves. There is a great selection of white sand beaches in Zante – the most famous of which being Shipwreck Bay. For your Zakynthos information, Shipwreck bay can be viewed from above during our Nefis Travel Zakynthos Back to the Roots island tour or you can actually swim at Shipwreck Beach during our VIP Shipwreck and Blue Caves trip. The Blue Caves are another of Zante’s most famous sites and definitely a Zakynthos holiday highlight.

The main town in Zakynthos, known as Zante Town, is made up of spacious squares to wander around, a charming harbour, and many little boutique shops and cheerful houses. There are a number of museums in Zante Town as well for those who would like to learn more about the history of this fascinating Greek island.

There are many smaller towns and authentic villages in Zakynthos to explore during your holiday in Zante. Many of the authentic villages you can find at the Riza villages at the foor of Mount Vrachionas. However, if you are keen to see some truly traditional Greek island villages, you can take part in a Nefis Travel Zakynthos Back to the Roots island tour which passes through a number of beautiful Zante authentic villages. We even get serenaded over lunch by local music at the most breathtaking panoramic view at Kampi. The Back to the Roots trip is the best way to see the real hidden treasures of Zakynthos island during your holiday in Zante.