Whether you're travelling to Zante
in the Greek Islands, also known as Zakynthos, for a relaxing
holiday, or seeking a holiday with a difference in Zante, I am
developing my 'Explore Zakynthos' Youtube video channel will help
you plan for the highlights of Zante island.
During your
holiday in Zante, you might choose to spend a morning or
evening in Zante Town, the islands charming capital. Zakynthos Town is
located on the middle of the
Eastern coast of Zakynthos, just five
kilometres from the popular resort of Tsilivi.
The
architecture and style of Zante Town has been influenced in part by
the Venetians, the French and the English who have all, at some time in
history, occupied Zakynthos.
Subsequently, the main town of Zakynthos has a very Venetian feel, but
with some typical Greek Island sites added into the mix. The quaint
harbour,
beautiful Orthodox churches, buzzing shopping streets, and
fantastic cafe bars all make this an ideal Greek island town – don’t
miss visiting here while you stay in Zante.
Layout of the town
At the top end of Zakynthos town
Solomos Square
marks the main
entrance into Zante town. From here you can walk up towards
San Marco
square and onto the main shopping street of Alexander Roma. At the
bottom end of town the
church of St. Dionysios stands over the road from
the ferry port.
Connecting the two ends of Zante Town is the main road and promenade,
Strada Marina. You can casually stroll along Strada Marina, from the top
to the bottom of town, in about fifteen minutes. The Strada Marina
promenade extends along the entire waterfront of Zante Town.
About three streets inland from the Strada Marina, the main shopping
street Alexander Roma runs parallel to the port road. You will find it
hard to get lost in this charming little town. Pick up a map at the
airport, or from your hotel, and enjoy discovering Zante town at your
own pace.
Museums and Monuments
There are a number of
museums and monuments
to admire in Zante Town.
In Solomos Square you will see the Statue of Liberty and the Statue of
Solomos.
Dionysios Solomos, was a famous Greek poet and a key figure in
the Greek War of Independence against the Turks. His Ode to Liberty is
today the Greek National Anthem.
You can also visit the Museum of Post Byzantine Art in
Solomos
Square. This Zakynthian museum is filled with amazing art works and
icons. You can wander around the museum at your leisure and get a real
feel for Greek art.
A short walk away, situated in St Marcos square is the
Museum of Solomos and Kalvos, two of the most Prominent Zakynthians. The
mausoleums of both poets can be viewed here in the little museum
situated beside St Marcos Catholic Church. The museum of Solomos and
Kalvos, also known as the Museum of Prominent Zakynthians, is
fascinating and informative - well worth a visit while you are in
Zakynthos Town.
Orthodox Churches
There are a number of impressive
Orthodox churches in the main town of Zakynthos. The largest, the church of St Dennis, is well worth a visit
during a holiday in Zante. It features an extraordinary gold interior
and numerous frescoes and art works.
This impressive church stands facing the waterfront at the bottom of
the harbour. The church is devoted to the Patron Saint of the island of
Zakynthos,
St Dionisios, whose corpse is kept there, in a silver carved
reliquary.
The
Church of St Nicholas, located at the top of town, is one of the
oldest buildings on the island, having withstood the devastating
earthquake of 1953. This church is particularly important to the Zakynthians because the Patron Saint actually served here, and one of
his robes is preserved there still.
Shopping in Zante Town
An evening of
shopping in Zante Town will definitely be a holiday
highlight for all the ladies. There is something for everyone in
Island’s many town – with everything from classy jewellery stores, to
toy shops, to fashion boutiques, to Italian shoe shops, to men’s
clothing stores. There are also lots of opportunities for buying
souvenirs in some of the more quaint traditional shops selling island
ceramics and pottery.
We recommend shopping in the evening when the temperature cools a
little. Spend your days at the beach and your evenings at the shops –
the best of both worlds.
Eating and Drinking in Zante Town
There are plenty of
places to eat and drink in Zante town. For the
best cafe bars head to San Marco square where you will find Base, San
Marco and Casio – three of the most popular spots with the locals. Here
you can enjoy a gorgeous iced coffee or cocktail and enjoy the bustling
ambience of the two main town squares.
For main meals in Zante town you are spoilt for choice. Either head
to
San Marco square for a selection of restaurants in a charming
environment. If you fancy eating along the waterfront, the Strada Marina
promenade is dotted with restaurants and tavernas from where you can
watch the boats sail in. There are a few of the best fish taverns on the
island along the Strada Marina – you really can’t go wrong.
Heading out of town towards Tsilivi, the coastal road of Krioneri
boast even more fantastic tavernas. Areklia and Nautakia are two of our
favorites. Areklia even has live local singers serenading you while you
eat. Real, authentic Greek Island charm!
Horse and Carriage Rides
After dinner you can either stroll along the bustling Strada Marina
port road, or choose to take a traditional Greek horse and carriage ride
along the waterfront and through the town. This is the perfect way to
end an evening in Zakynthos town – especially for the children who
always love this fun experience.
