Did You Know?... Zakynthos town was devastated by an earthquake in 1953 but rebuilt to something near its former glory.

Relax: In Town you may stroll at the historic St. Mark's Square and visit the Solomos & Kalvos Museum which is also their Mausoleum.

The Blue Caves: There are a number of caves on the northern coast of the island. The blue caves are a series of geological formations in the cliffs below Cape Skinari. Its name derives from the incredible blue colour of the water, which is due to the refraction of the light. The best time of day to see the caves is around midday with calm seas which allow the tiny sand particles to tint the sea and its contents. The caves are only accessible by sea, either from Zakynthos Town or by boat from the nearby Skinari lighthouse.

Did You Know?... Zante is a great island for Scuba diving and facilities are available in a number of locations.

Zante Town: The capital of Zante, this is the only place on the island where local residents out number tourists. Most of the island's population of 35,000 live here. It's an interesting mix of houses, shops, bars and tavernas surrounding a large harbour. Most of the town was destroyed by an earthquake in 1953 and the buildings have been rebuilt in the traditional Venetian style. Although it is never listed in the main holiday brochures, it would make a good alternative destination for the independent traveller. There are a good variety of hotels along the main road surrounding the harbour. There is local beach, but it is small and rocky.

Monasteries: The Monasteries is another point of interest that should not be forgotten. There history and worship along with the special Zakynthian way of chanting will lift you to another dimension. Frescoes, old icons make the simplicity of the Nuns & the Monks regal.

Porto Roma: An idyllic part of Zakynthos. Located at the southeastern tip of the island, this small fishing port is unspoilt and is perfect for getting away from it all. There is the best of both worlds here; an unspoilt bay within a peaceful locale and yet it is very close to the livelier areas of Laganas and Argasi. Porto Roma has five tavernas and a couple of small shops.

The Mountain Villages: Keri, Lithakia, Maherado and Koiliomeno are famous for their true Zakynthian hospitality and you will surely enjoy the local gastronomy and unsurpassed wine tradition. Local dishes, cheeses, cold meat cuts and the special sweets but most of all the semi-dry wine (mastelado) of the area will stay with you for a long time. Sgantzeto, pantseta, ladotyri, chiromeri, mantolato & pasteli are some of their names you must remember when coming.

Sarakina Mansion: The site of Sarakina (10 kms northeast of Laganas) known from the Middle Ages, took its name from the Saracen pirates, who used the area as a hideout. The old Mansion Sarakina, which belongs to the Loutzis' family, dominates the region and adjacent to the old mansion is the 'Agios Ioannis Prodromos Chapel' where the family vault is located.

Beaches: If you want a beach to yourself, Porto Roma in the morning is ideal! A short walk through the olive groves takes you to Gerakas beach and Zakynthos Town is a twenty minute drive away. Porto Roma is a useful starting point for one of the many island cruises and you can also take a glass-bottomed boat to Gerakas in the hope of sighting Caretta Caretta.

Sea Turtles: In between the sharp edged rocks, the white sand and the turquoise water bays the Caretta sea-turtles find refuge to reproduce. The beaches of Lagana (8km) and Geraka (17km) are welcoming them every year when they come out at night to lay their eggs.