Friday, April 3, 2009

Zante Islands in Greece - Beaches, Climate, Nature


Via: Jessica Nielson

Zakynthos, in the English term is known as Zante. It is the Ionian Islands' third largest which covers for an area of about 406 kilometers squared. The shape of this island is like an uneven triangle, which the base is formed by Laganas bay, and the peak is formed by the Schinari Cape at the north of the island. Zante, as sometimes called, is located in the southern part of the largest islands in the Ionian Sea. It is particularly washed by the Ionian Sea and is particularly located at the north west of the Peloponnese. As for the island's climate, it has far more better condition than the other Ionian Islands since its average temperature is about 115C in wintertime and 270C in summer.

The island's west coasts are rough and steep with many bays and rocky beaches while on the east side, you can usually find its agricultural production. Due its mild climate and plentiful rainfall in winter, Zakynthos has dense vegetation. The island has principal products like currants, grapes, olive oil and citrus fruit. You can also find wild plants, vines and coniferous trees in the island.

When summer arrives, the sea lily blooms in Zakynthos. The scent is so magnificent that it explains the reason why people have named the island Fioro of Levante meaning, Flower of the East. Moreover, the island is also very rich in fauna. That is why caretta-caretta turtle usually comes in the sandy beaches of Lagana's bay of Gerakas as well as the other beaches to reproduce and hatch its eggs.

Also, the beaches in the island are popular for its crystal clear waters which are shallow and have sandy coasts.That is why beaches here are usually swarmed by tourists.

One of the popular beaches is located near Vassilikos. The beaches here are famed for its crystal waters and golden sands. The place can be found approximately 15 kilometers from Chora, which is the island's capital. The good thing when visiting to Vassilikos is that you can choose the beach of your liking. You may either visit the beaches of Mavratzi, Porto zoro, Porto Roma, Banana, Gerakas (which is known to be the best beach on the island as well as the main reproduction area of the caretta-caretta turtle), and the Agios Nikolaos. Yet, if you want to go to a beach where it is still untouched by growing tourism, you can always visit the Sekania and Dafni. To visit the said two untouched islands, you can go to Xirokastelo which is shortly before Vassilikos and follow the road leading there.

Another yet impressive beach can be found for about two kilometers away from chora, is the Laganas Bay. It has an impressive stretch of 9 kilometers sandy beach, fine sand, sand dunes and shallow waters. This bay as well as the neighboring beaches of Kalamaki and Agios Sostis has invited a lot of tourists during the summer. Furthermore, tourists can also visit yet another beautiful beach of Porto Koukla, Arkadanos, Limni Keriou and Tartarouga, which are located at the base of Marathias Cape.

Also, if you are a lover of savage beauty, you can always visit the west side of the island which is the place for magnificent beaches for swimming. When you are in the village of Agios Leon and after walking through its impressive wild landscape, you will most likely see the rocky voes of Limnionas and Roxa. With its cool, deep waters, the natural beauty of the scenery itself is truly majestic.

Moreover, to visit the most beautiful beaches of Greece, go to the beach of Navagio or shipwreck. This beach is known to be the ornament of the island and can be reached by taking a little boat from Porto Vromi.

Zakynthos is really an island full of beautiful beaches. You can always visit the organized beaches of the National Tourism Organization or the EOT and the place called Tsilivi, which is known for its beautiful sandy beach. The island also houses the beaches of Amoudi, Amboula and Alykes.

And when you follow the road to Orthonies, you can find the Xygia and Makry Gialos, which is famous for its deep waters and wonderful pebbled beach. You can also find the popular Galazi Spilea of the Blue Cave when you take a short boat ride from here.

In addition to this, you can also visit the organized beaches of the National Tourism Organization or EOT.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/zante-islands-in-greece-beaches-climate-nature-848767.html

About the Author:
Holidays at Zante, Greece, is pocket friendly and exciting. Cheap holidays 24 also offers information on Paris, France.


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