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The Island
The guide was updated:
Zakynthos, or Zante, tells two distinct stories. The island’s southern and southeastern coasts are given over to the rhythms of package tourism, with busy resorts lining the shore. Yet, just a short journey inland or towards the west reveals a landscape of a completely different character — one of pine-forested hills, traditional villages and a dramatic coastline where limestone cliffs meet strikingly clear waters.
The island’s capital, Zakynthos Town, reflects its layered history. A devastating earthquake in 1953 destroyed much of its Venetian-era architecture, but an Italianate atmosphere lingers in its porticoed streets and spacious main square. Above the town, the shell of a Venetian castle stands sentinel, offering panoramic views across the water.
The island’s most famous landmark, Navagio or ‘Shipwreck Beach’, is found on the wild west coast. It is a cove of brilliant white sand and electric-blue water, accessible only by boat.
This contrast between the developed and the pristine defines the Zakynthos experience. While the summer months see a steady influx of visitors, the island’s quieter corners, especially in the north and west, offer a sense of escape and a connection to its natural beauty.
The island’s capital, Zakynthos Town, reflects its layered history. A devastating earthquake in 1953 destroyed much of its Venetian-era architecture, but an Italianate atmosphere lingers in its porticoed streets and spacious main square. Above the town, the shell of a Venetian castle stands sentinel, offering panoramic views across the water.
The island’s most famous landmark, Navagio or ‘Shipwreck Beach’, is found on the wild west coast. It is a cove of brilliant white sand and electric-blue water, accessible only by boat.
This contrast between the developed and the pristine defines the Zakynthos experience. While the summer months see a steady influx of visitors, the island’s quieter corners, especially in the north and west, offer a sense of escape and a connection to its natural beauty.