Map of Zakynthos (© Road Publications)

The city of Zakynthos and the hill of Mpochalis, where upon lies the castle from which the Venetians determined the fate of the island for 313 years (1485-1797)

Zakynthos, the southernmost of the Ionian Islands, 17 nautical miles from the coast of Peloponnese, has both beautiful beaches and mountains. Its eastern side is flat, as opposed to its western one that is mountainous; the highest mountain peak is Vrachiona (756 m.).

The big gulf of Lagana lies at the southern side of the Island. Zakynthos had a lot of rich forests that today have been decreased but its flora remains rich.  It is said that the name “Fioro tou levante” (“Flower of the East”) stems from the sea lilies that blossom at the end of the summer in the gulf of Lagana. Its rich fauna diversity is distinguished for the marine turtle Caretta-Caretta, that is bred on the Laganas beach; the National Marine Park aiming to protect this natural process is headquartered here.

Zakynthos has a population of 39.000 residents (2001 census), covers an area of 406 sqm. and constitutes a Prefecture consisting of six municipalities. It is the homeland of towering Greek literary figures such as Grigorios Xenopoulos, the national poet Dionysios Solomos and the influential poet Andreas Kalvos. It is an island that charms the visitor with both its natural beauties and its rich literary and musical tradition.

The harbour of Zakynthos viewed from the castle	The castle’s gate

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