Category: Greek Island

    Zakynthos-Greece

    Zakynthos (Zante) Island

    The island of Zakynthos, a beautiful green island in Greece, surrounded by the clear blue water of the the Ionian Sea.

    Have a swim at the wide sandy beaches in the company of sea turtles, go snorkeling or scuba diving between rocks and in underwater caves.

    Take a sailboat out or go surfing. Make a trekking-tour in the mountain-areas.

    Enjoy the great weather on the sunniest island in the Mediterranean, and let yourself be swept away by the rhythms of Zakynthian life, joining the hospitable people of this island.

    But that’s not all. Zakynthos (its total size is 406 square km) has much more to offer, so use the special links on the navigation board to see the aspects of this island of sea turtles, in which you may have an interest.

    The Island is almost triangular in shape, with two green mountainous promontories extending into the sea to form the huge bay of Laganas.

    There are more pine-covered mountains and hills in the north, but the centre is gentle and lush, richly planted with currant vines, olive trees, almonds and seasonal vegetables. There are dozens of beaches to choose from, sandy and sheltered with invitingly sparkling water. Flowers of every kind fill every available space, filling the air with the scent that so enraptured visitors of old.

    With a sunny climate most of the year and good roads to facilitate exploring, Zakynthos lends itself to holiday – making in spring and fall as well as summer. Some of the best known summer resorts are Kalamaki, Argassi, Alykes, Tsilivi, Vassilikos, Keri and Volimes, while Laganas is the most famous of all. Its long beach and wide range of facilities attract thousands of tourists from May through October.

    Greece

    Visit Greece

    Being one of the earliest civilizations known to human kind Greece is a country with rich history, heritage and culture. It is the place where Byzantine Empire once ruled and also great Ottoman Empire. It is also considered to be as the birth place of Democracy. Athens is the capital city of Greece. The Olympic games originated in Greece. Not only that, it was the world center for western philosophy, political science, astronomy, mathematics, major scientific studies and what not. It is also known as a Mediterranean country as it has Mediterranean Sea in the south. It is a popular destination for world tourists in that region known for its beautiful beaches, reach history and charming villages. The Greek islands are one of the most wonderful places to be explored by Cruise or Yacht. The trip of Greece will definitely be one of the most memorable to remember in one’s life.

    Population & Languages

    The population of Greece is around 11 million and the official language being spoken is Greek. The other popular languages are English and French.

    Electricity

    The voltage is 220 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The types of plug used are round pin with attachment, round pin with ground, Round pin plug and receptacle with male grounding pin and “Schuko” plug and receptacle with side grounding contacts.

    Geographic Location

    It is located in Southern Europe bordering the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea between Albania and Turkey. It is situated in the southern side of Balkan Peninsula. It is also bordered by Bulgaria and Macedonia in the southeast.

    Climate

    It has three distinct climates namely Alpine, Mediterranean and temperate climate with mild and wet winters and also hot and dry summers due to Mediterranean affect. Alpine system is seen in mountainous regions. The temperate climate is seen near border along Macedonia. Athens has both temperate and Mediterranean weather.

    Customs

    The Greece is a place with strong historic and cultural background. There are different traditions and customs in different parts of the Greece. The throwing back of a hand is considered to be a negative gesture here in Greece. Casual dress can be worn most of the times. Smoking is prohibited in public transport services and public buildings. Tipping 12 to 1 percent is customary in restaurants, hotels and taxis.

    Attractions

    * The Olympic Games in Athens (the spot of the historic 2004 Olympic Games)
    * Mardi Grass Celebrations in February
    * The Parthenon in Athens
    * Skiing in Arahova Mountains between October and March
    * Easter Celebrations
    * Thessaloniki’s White Tower and country’s rich Byzantine culture
    * The south of Corinth
    * The beaches in Lesvos
    * The wine vineyards in the countryside
    * The islands near the Aegean Sea
    * The wildlife preserve in Alonissos (Sporades Marine Park)
    * The famous, Moni Panagia Chozoviotissa, a Byzantine monastery in Amorgos

    Travel

    By Air – The national airline of Greece is Olympic Airlines. Many popular airlines like British Airways and Delta Airlines operate daily flight from Athens. The biggest airport is newly constructed Athens International Airport which is located like 17 miles northeast of the city. The other international airports of Greece are Heraklion (Crete), Thessaloniki (Macedonia) and Corfu (Kerkira).

    By Sea – The popular Greek ports include Corfu, Heraklion, Igoumenitsa, Patras, Piraeus (Athens), Rhodes, Thessaloniki and Volos. Shipping vessels and ferryboat lines link these ports with Italy, Croatia, Cyprus, Russia and Turkey. Some of the popular cruises operating in Greece are Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Festival Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Silversea and Swan Hellenic.

    By Rail – If one is coming from UK, the best way is to take Eurostar train to Brussels or Paris and from there take connecting train to Greece.

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