Wednesday, November 29, 2006

ZANTE


ABOUT ZANTE


The flower of the east
The island of Zante is for many centuries famous for its exceptional beauty in all the Mediterranean. The main characteristic of this western Greece island is its noble attitude and hospitality which is enshrined by every aspect. The Venetians called it “Fior di levante” that means “flower of the east” not only for its natural beauty but also for the cultural evolution that Zante met during the Renaissance times. Culturally important and of aristocratic and noble spirit, Zante charms its guests ever since.
The capital town called Zante too on the east coast of the island is the most important place in the island. Here you can swim in exceptional picturesque beaches such as the world famous “Navagio Ship”, an excursion in Gerakas for seeing the endangered species of kareta-kareta, roaming to the very beautiful town of Zante, or get in the cosmopolitan region of Laganas.

The Venetian Rule!
Many imposing buildings and monuments of ages are saved in Zante town. The influence of the Venetian occupation is noticed everywhere;
• Venetian arcades
• the Strada Marina in the beach
• the famous Rouga in the centre
• the square of Aghios Markos
• The Metropolitic Church of Aghios Dionisios, with the body of the saint
• The cruises from the town until Gerakas, Navagio and Livadi
• Bohalis region of the town, with panoramic view and the Venetian castle

Museums of poets!
Some of the museum and galleries of the town are of great interest. The two most important are;
• The Byzantine Museum in Solomou square with a great collection of the local paint manouvre called Eptanisiaki
• The Solomou Museum in Saint Marcus square where you can find personal artifacts of important Zante’s people, as those of the poet Dionisios Solomos who is the writer of the Greek National Anthem

Dreamy beaches
The Zante beaches will inspire you; the deep blue or blue green waters of the island are combined with the rich germination. Some of our suggestions are;
• Laganas beach, the most famous and vivid beach of the island with an immense sandy beach of 9 km
• Navagio, a world famous beach with crystalline waters and an exceptional ship mid sunk in the sands!
• Porto Zoro, a charming beach in the full germinated region of Vasiliko,
• Alykes, of exceptional beauty

Other dreamy beaches are Tsivili, Vasilikos and Arhasi.

Water-sports in the frontline
Zante Island offers a lot to those who love water sports. Most important beaches such as Alikes, Tsilivi and Laganas are organized and are gathering a large variety of water-sports facilities. You can also tour with a 4x4 vehicles at the wonderful Mesogeia region. Scuba diving equipment is also easily accessible and the bottoms of the west coast are said to be tremendous.

Tasty specialties
In Zante you can find great local and Greek recipes. Many restaurants cover those who love international taste too. Don’t miss the local sweets mantolato and pastelia, and accompany your plates with the fabulous local wine called verdea. Some of the best restaurants are;
• Latas Cafe & Bistro, beside the Bohali church in the town, with panoramic view, tel: 26950 48230
• Popolaro tavern, great traditional Greek tavern in Laganas, tel. 2695045461
• Piero’s, in Tsilivi beach, with great Greek and Mexican recipes, tel.: 2695027046
La Bruscetta in Kipous and Malanos at Keri are also great quality restaurants.

In Laganas vertigo
If you’re looking for crazy nights, Laganas is the ideal place for you. Dozens of clubs and bars are waiting you. Zante town has also intensive nightlife at summer months. Some of the best places to live great nights are;
• La Bamba, cafĂ© bar outside and a famous club inside, in the center of Zante town, tel. 26950 - 52640
• Zeros Club, one of the top clubs of the island in Laganas beach, tel. 26950 – 52518
• Biblos, a great club, with both Greek and international music club with 3 different bars, in Argasi, tel. 26950 – 43624.

Other great choices are also Barrage Club and Artemis.

Constant summer
The climate in Zante is exceptional. There’s never cold. The only thing that depicts winter is the high humidity. From May to October the weather conditions are hot and very pleasant. In the winters rainfalls are often.

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
oC Min 10 10 12 15 18 22 27 27 26 22 18 14
oC Max 13 13 16 20 24 28 32 34 30 27 23 17

Statistics
Population; 38,000
Area; 410 sq. klm.
Island length: 40 km
Island width: 20 km
Highest point: Vrachionas, 758 m

LONG HOLIDAYS
Joy your vacations in Zante island by swimming in the beaches it hosts, visiting the wonderful germinated hinterland, and having excursions in the traditional villages. A big variety of waters and beaches, excursion opportunities and intense nightlife promise unforgettable memories from the island of Zante.

WEEKEND/CITY BREAKS
A cruise in beaches Navagio and Gerakas and a roam in the aristocratic town will cover those who would like visiting Zante for a little time. You may also relax to a wonderful beach and get a taste of the things Zante has to offer you at the nightlife places of Lagana and of the town.

NIGHTLIFE
If your target during summer vacations is intense and funny nightlife Zante is the perfect destination. It hosts many bars, clubs, stages and beach bars with a huge variety of music, especially in the Laganas region. Fun is guaranteed.

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