The town and harbour of Zákynthos, from E
Zakynthos, or Zante as it is often called, is one of the most enchanting islands of the Ionian Sea. Blessed with deep green hills, turquoise waters, and a famously gentle spirit, the island’s history is as rich and layered as its landscapes. Over the centuries, Zakynthos has been a crossroads of civilizations — Greek, Roman, Venetian, French, and British — each leaving their mark on its people, culture, and architecture.
According to mythology, Zakynthos took its name from Zakynthos, the son of the Arcadian chief Dardanos, who was said to be the island’s first settler. Homer mentions Zakynthos in both the Iliad and the Odyssey, describing it as part of Odysseus’ kingdom of Ithaca. Homer named the island “Ylíessa”, i.e. “forested”, as the island’s mountains were verdant. The islanders joined the campaign against Troy under the command of Odysséas, as Zákynthos belonged to his kingdom. Archaeological findings confirm that the island was inhabited since the Neolithic period and flourished during Mycenaean times, when small fortified settlements and early sanctuaries were built.
By the 5th century BC, Zakynthos was an independent democratic city-state, with its own coins and navy. It gained power and founded colonies, such as Zákantha in Spain. It later came under Athenian influence and, eventually, Roman rule in 189 BC. During the Roman and early Christian periods, the island enjoyed relative peace and prosperity, with the construction of villas, temples, and early churches.
After the fall of the Byzantine Empire, Zakynthos came under a series of foreign powers — Normans, Angevins, and, most enduringly, the Venetians, who ruled from 1484 until 1797. Under Venetian administration, the island thrived economically and culturally. The Venetians protected it from Ottoman invasion, developed agriculture (notably olive oil and raisins), and transformed Zakynthos town into a lively port and artistic center.
It was during this era that the island earned its romantic nickname, “Fior di Levante” — the Flower of the East — for its beauty and refinement. Venetian-style mansions, elegant churches, and music schools flourished, giving birth to a unique cultural blend of Italian and Greek influences. The local dialect, songs (kantades), and choral traditions that survive today all trace back to this period.
In 1797, Napoleon’s forces dissolved the Venetian Republic, and Zakynthos briefly came under French control. The local population welcomed the French ideals of liberty and equality, though this period was short-lived. By 1809, the British had taken over and ruled the Ionian Islands as a protectorate. Under British administration, roads, schools, and infrastructure improved, but local demands for freedom grew stronger.
Zakynthos played a quiet yet meaningful role in the Greek War of Independence (1821–1829). Many islanders supported the revolutionaries on the mainland, offering refuge and supplies. Eventually, the Ionian Islands were united with Greece in 1864 — a moment of great pride that fulfilled a long-standing dream.
The 20th century brought both tragedy and resilience. During World War II, Zakynthos was occupied by Axis forces, first Italian, then German. The island’s people, however, are remembered for an extraordinary act of courage: when the Nazis demanded a list of local Jews, the mayor Loukas Karrer and Bishop Chrysostomos handed over only their own names. Thanks to their bravery, all 275 Jews of Zakynthos survived the Holocaust — a story that remains a source of inspiration worldwide.
Then, in 1953, a devastating earthquake struck the Ionian Islands, destroying most of Zakynthos Town and many villages. Only three buildings in the capital survived. With immense effort and solidarity, the islanders rebuilt their homes, churches, and squares, preserving the Venetian-style layout and atmosphere that visitors still enjoy today.
A Special Marine Park
The island is home to the National Marine Park of Zakynthos (NMPZ), the first marine-protected area in Greece, established in December 1999. It covers about 135 km² of sea and land around Laganas Bay and the southern coast of the island.
1. The Famous Sea Turtle — “The Flower’s Guest”
The marine park protects the endangered loggerhead sea turtle (scientific name Caretta caretta). Zakynthos is one of the most important nesting places in the Mediterranean for this species.
On the southern beaches (Laganas, Kalamaki, Gerakas etc) hundreds to thousands of nests are laid every season. Females come ashore at night, between around May–August, to deposit eggs. The hatchlings then make their way to the sea under the moonlight and starlight. At that stage they need as little disturbance as possible, because lights or noise can confuse them.
2. The Monk Seal and Other Rich Life Below the Waves
The endangered Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) also finds sanctuary around Zakynthos, particularly on the west coast and in cave systems. Over 30 protected or endangered species of fish, invertebrates and mammals are recognised in the marine park area, like groupers, parrot-fish, sea-urchins, noble pen shell etc.
3. What Tourists Should Respect & Know
When visiting nesting beaches (especially south coast) respect the protection zones: don’t stay on the beach after dark, avoid flashlights or bright lights, keep noise low, and never disturb the nests.
- Boat excursions in the marine park must follow regulated routes and speed limits in certain zones so as not to harm seagrass beds or disturb marine animals.
If you take a dive or snorkel trip, follow local guide instructions: stay within marked zones, avoid touching coral or plants, don’t anchor on sensitive habitats. This helps preserve the beauty for future generations.
Navagio Bay – The Shipwreck of Zakynthos
Hidden among the towering white cliffs of Zakynthos’ northwest coast lies the island’s most famous landmark — Navagio Bay, also known as Shipwreck Beach or Smugglers’ Cove. Its dazzling turquoise waters, soft white sand, and dramatic limestone backdrop make it one of the most photographed beaches in all of Greece.
The wreck resting on the sand is the MV Panagiotis, a small cargo ship built in Scotland in 1937. In October 1980, the vessel ran aground here during stormy weather while reportedly carrying a load of smuggled cigarettes bound for Italy. Pursued by the coast guard and trapped by the rough seas, the crew abandoned ship, leaving it to rust slowly into legend. Whether fact or folklore, the story gave Navagio its romantic nickname — the cove of the smugglers.
Today, the rust-coloured skeleton of the Panagiotis lies half-buried in sand, surrounded by an almost unreal palette of sea-blues. The bay can be reached only by boat from Porto Vromi, Agios Nikolaos, or Zakynthos Town, and the most stunning panoramic view comes from the cliff top viewpoint above, reached by car from the village of Anafonitria. Visitors should check local advisories, as access to the beach itself may be restricted during periods of rockfall risk.
