Zakynthos is a Greek island that is located in the Ionian Sea of the Peloponnese region in the south of Greece, millions of years ago, the island of Zakynthos was a part of the Peloponnese region, however, over time it separated and became an island. The island is the third largest of the Ionian Islands, which are the islands to the west of Greece.
In this travel to the fabulous island of Zakynthos, Greece we are going to be telling you everything interesting about this island, so you know what is in store for you when you visit it.
Flora of Zakynthos Island.
The island of Zakynthos is also known as ‘The Flower of the Levant’ and rightly so as the island is well known for its large variety of vibrant flowers and plants.
Some of the most common flowers on the island are roses and also a flower that is known as bougainvillea which is a flower that has three triangular petals that usually either pink or white in color.
Bougainvillea flowers grow with a vine-like stem which is why they are so common on Zakynthos, as they can grow pretty much anywhere and are often used as decoration on homes and restaurants.
Moreover, a large variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs grow on the island such as grapes for wine and eating, watermelons and melons as well as rosemary, dill, and parsley.
This locally grown produce is eaten all around the island and tourists are welcome to enjoy it at the many local restaurants and food outlets.
Fauna of Zakynthos Island.
The majority of people are shocked at the diversity of wildlife on the island of Zakynthos.
For example, there are Mediterranean Monk Seals that live across the Mediterranean as well as small parts of the North Atlantic Ocean close to the western coast of North Africa.
They differ from most of the other seals found around the world as they do not have any visible ears which is an adaptation that allows them to move faster in the water to escape predators and catch prey. However, it is important to note that, the Monk Seals can only be observed from far away.
There are also reptiles such as the green frog which prefers to live in dry areas such as under rock formations or in buildings, there is also the Moorish gecko that is noted for its light yellow camouflage.
History of Zakynthos Island.
The name of the island comes from Greek mythology, with the island being named after a mythical figure called Zacynthus who is the son of Dardanus who is believed to be the son of Zeus.
The island has been inhabited by humans for thousands of years, from the Ancient Greek Mycenaeans and Pelasgians to the Ancient Greek King Philip of Macedon. Who took over the island in the 3rd century B.C. before it was conquered by the Romans and then retaken about the Ancient Greek Macedonians in the following decades.
Due to its strategic importance in the Ionian Sea, the island has been controlled by many nations and empires including the Venetians, the Romans, the British Empire, the French Empire, and the German Empire.
This rich history is represented in the architecture on the island as well as the proud Greek identity of the locals.
Best Places to Visit on the Island of Zakynthos.
If you want to travel to the island of Zakynthos, Greece then it is important to have an idea about the sights that you can visit. These include the Navagio Shipwreck, which is one of the world’s most famous shipwrecks.
In October 1980, what is believed to be an abandoned smugglers ship washed up on the shores of Navagio Beach, the beach is very small and is surrounded by tall cliffs on all sides except the one that is facing the Ionian Sea.
Since then, it has become a quirky tourist attraction with tourists taking a look at the shipwreck from the cliffs above.
Another interesting location is what is known as the Blue Cave which is a small arch in a cliff face that can be traversed by a small boat, due to the way the sun’s rays hit the water, the walls of the cave are illuminated blue hence the cave’s name.
Furthermore, there is the Anafonitria Monastery which is a 15th century Greek Orthodox monastery that was occupied by Saint Dionysios who is the saint of Zakynthos.
The Climate of Zakynthos Island.
Zakynthos has a mild Mediterranean climate that has an average yearly temperature of 18.4 degrees Celsius. The hottest months of the year are June, July, and August where the average temperature ranges from 24.1 to 26.7 degrees Celsius with July being the hottest month of the year.
While the coldest months are December, January, and February where the average temperature is between 11.3 and 12.8 degrees Celsius.
There are on average 78.5 days of the year when it rains, with the months of July and August on average getting no rain. Humidity is however, very high, with an average humidity of 69.4 throughout the year, with the three hottest months having the lowest humidity.
Turtle Nesting at Zakynthos Island.
One of Europe’s most important nesting spots for loggerhead sea turtles is located on Zakynthos.
Every year thousands of turtle eggs are buried mainly on the Eastern Laganas Beaches. However, it is estimated that only 1 in 1000 turtles that hatch will make it to adulthood, with females only being able to produce eggs when they reach between 20 and 30 years.
This event occurs during a period of around 55 days in the year usually between April and June, it is a popular tourist attraction with visitors being allowed to watch the turtles lay their eggs from afar.
Vrachionas Mountain.
If you are looking for an adventure, then it will be good to mention Vrachionas Mountain in this article about travel to the island of Zakynthos Island, Greece.
The mountain is the tallest peak on the entire island, standing at 756 meters. However, the mountain can easily be traversed by walking up the pre-designated paths that wrap around the mountain.
It is a great challenge to take up with your friends, family, or your other half that can easily be completed in less than a day, in fact, the walk up Vrachionas Mountain is popular with dog walkers so if you want to and can take your dog with you on this holiday then it will be making for an exciting bonding experience.
Also read the article: Fascinating Trip To The City Of Heraklion, Greece
