Zakynthos

• 30/12/2016 18:02
• Greece - Hellas, Ionian Islands

Zakynthos (zahk-in-thos), also known as Zante, has a split personality. Its geography is mountainous and rocky in the west, with a fertile plain in the east. While the island’s west remains largely unspoiled, its eastern coastal areas are the victim of the worst manifestations of package tourism. Tourism is also endangering the loggerhead turtle (see boxed text, p712 ). Yet the island has inspired many other descriptions.
The Venetians called it Flower of the Orient; the poet Dionysios Solomos wrote that ‘Zakynthos could make one forget the Elysian Fields’. Indeed, on the whole, Zakynthos has exceptional natural beauty, welcoming locals and great cuisine.
To enjoy a relaxing holiday here avoid high season, especially in resorts such as Laganas.