“The Flower of the Orient” is how the Venetians described Zakynthos, a description that fits this beautiful island. With its natural beauty, outstanding beaches and clear emerald green waters. The best time to visit the island is out of season, due to package tourists that come here in the summer months.This rapid growth in tourism is having an affect on the local marine life, “loggerhead turtles” that are on the list of endangered species.

Zakynthos Town, suffered from the affects of the 1953 earthquake. The town’s fathers had the town restored according to the original street plans, broad streets, large squares and grand buildings. In the evening, the tourists wander down the Strata Marina, lined with shops, cafes and bars. All overlooked by the ruins of an old Ventian fort upon the hill.

Kalamaki and Laganas are major tourist resorts with good beaches and a host of tavernas and bars.

There are numerous summer resorts with superb beaches, and with the possibilities of water sports, nightlife make the island very popular. Access to some of beaches is restricted from dusk to dawn, during the breeding season of the Loggerhead Turtles.