Close to the shipwreck are the beautiful Blue Caves that can only be visited by boat but are certainly worth the trip. They are distinctive in the fact that there are only three Blue Caves in the whole of Greece.
The capital town is the cultural centre of the island and has many sights of interest to visit. Solomos square is the main square in Zante town and is named after the one of the most famous Zakynthians, Dionysios Solomos, a poet whose words later formed the lyrics for the Greek National Anthem. Also in this square you will find the Byzantine museum with its rich collection of ecclesiastical works, hagiographies from the Byzantine age, wooden carvings from the 16th Century as well and wall paintings ranging from the 12th Century through to the 18th Century . The museum of Solomos and Kalvos is located in Markos square next to Solomos Square and is where the tomb of Dionysos Solomos is contained along with many of his personal belongings.
There are numerous churches on the island but St Dionysios Church is the most important as it is dedicated to Saint Dionysios the patron saint of Zakynthos. The body of the saint is held inside the church in a silver casket and the Zakynthians have a huge festival in August to celebrate the saints’ name day
The Wildlife Information Centre at Gerakas, Vassilikos is located on one of the most beautiful beaches on the island and is a hive of information about the endangered loggerhead turtles, Caretta-Caretta. If you are lucky it is possible to glimpse one of these magnificent creatures swimming in the waters of the Ionian Sea.
Why not also visit the famous Kambi Cross, Venetian castle ruins in Bohali, Xigia Beach, Marathonisi (Turtle Island), Naval museum, Vertzagio Folk museum, Askos Stone Park, Skinari Lighthouse and Volimes market. |
