You
can take brilliant day trips while on holiday in Zante at really
affordable prices. There are a number of organized boat trips, to
spectacular locations such as the the Keri caves, the Blue Caves,
Shipwreck Beach and Marathonisi Island. You will be amazed by the
natural beauty here in Zante and the crystal clear waters of the
Ionian Sea.
Coach tours, jeep safaris, and a number of other excursions
operate daily around Zakynthos island so you can make the most of
all the island has to offer. Alternatively, you can also hire a car
or bike in Zante and explore Zakynthos at your own pace!
Zante Town Squares
Solomos Square and San Marco Square are the two focal points in Zante
Town – where the locals tend to meet for coffee and chatting,
particularly on warm summer evenings. The most popular cafes can be
found around the edge of San Marco Square, which is alive with people
during the summer.
During your holiday in Zakynthos, the Greek Islands, you are bound to
spend some time, or at least pass through Zante Town; the largest town
on the island, and the real core of life here. The population of the
town is estimated to be around 10,000 settled residents – nearly one
quarter of the whole island population.
We really encourage you to spend some time in Zante Town
to enjoy the
services on offer here and soak up a bit of the Greek Island life that
takes place here. The evenings are particularly charming in Zante Town
with fantastic local restaurants, great shopping, a beautiful sparkling
harbour, and a lovely summer-time ambience.
The capital of Zakynthos, which has the same name as the island, is the
town of Zakynthos. Apart from the official name, it is also known as
Chora, meaning Town in Greek.
The town is located on the eastern coast of the island, looking out to
Kilini and the Peloponnese. Daily ferry boats maintain the link between
the Zante Town harbour and the mainland.
The architecture of Zante Town has been strongly influenced by the
Venetians, the French and the English who have all colonised the island
at some point in recent history. The strong earthquake of 1953 destroyed
most of the elegant mansions and fine neoclassical buildings that used
to embellish the capital. There are just a handful or original buildings
left in the Town, much of which was rebuilt after the earthquake.
The Zakynthians have tried to rebuild the town as close to the original
design as possible, and subsequently it retains a very sweet Greek
ambience.
Alexander Roma is the main high street in Zante town – filled with
glamorous shops and business offices. Around this commercial hub there
are shops for everyone and everything!
There are a number of museums in Zante Town for those who enjoy a touch of
the past. The Museum of Post Byzantine art is located in Solomos Square,
and just up the road is the Museum of Solomos and Eminent Zakynthians.
The Roma Mansion in Zante Town is also a charming museum experience.
The Orthodox Churches in Zante Town range from spectacular and grand to
charming and quaint. The Church of Saint Dionisius, at the bottom of
Zante Town is one of the largest churches on the island. Dedicated to
the Patron Saint of the island, the art work inside is beautiful, and
the bell tower is one of the iconic images on Zante Town. In the
evenings the impressive bell tower is lit up and casts a stunning
reflection in the harbour waters. The smaller church of Saint Nicholas,
located in Solomos Square, is far quainter. It is one of the only
buildings in town that survived the earthquake of 1953 and you really
get a feeling for the old town.
On your way out of town, up to Bochali, you will spot the Zante Town
Amphitheatre. Built on the site of the old English graveyard, this
impressive amphitheatre has been built in the style of the ancient
Greeks – so that someone right at the back of the theatre can hear just
as clearly as someone seated at the front. This offers a real Greek
Island experience and is well worth a look during your time in Zante
Town.
After all the sightseeing and shopping in Zante Town, you will be ready
to enjoy a delicious Greek meal here in the heart of Zakynthos. We think
that the food available in Zakynthos town is among the best on the
island. Check out our section on Eating in Zante Town for some good tips
on where to try. And, if you are lucky enough, you may find one of those
traditional taverns, where the waiters leave their work to break into
local song. This is always a fantastic Greek Islands experience – truly
unforgettable.
We are filming a variety of Zante web videos this summer in Zakynthos
which will bring you a wide selection of our favorite accommodations,
sight-seeing, trips in Zante and our selected options of the best
activities and things to do while on holiday in Zante. If you have any
suggestions please email us.
