Zakynthos, or Zante as it’s sometimes called, seems to offer a blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and modern amenities. The island’s Venetian heritage is evident in its nickname, “The flower of the East,” and in the architecture and culture that have persisted through the centuries.
Zakynthos is located in the eastern part of the Ionian Sea, roughly 20km west of the Greek mainland. It ranks as the third largest among the Ionian Islands. Its coastline stretches for about 123km. The island’s population, as of the 2020 census, is around 39,500 people. Vrachionas stands as its highest point, reaching 758m above sea level.
The geographical description paints a vivid picture of Zakynthos’ diverse landscape, from its mountainous western half to the fertile plains and sandy beaches of the east. The presence of a bustling capital, Zakynthos Town, ensures that visitors have access to essential services and a taste of local life.
Tourism appears to be a significant industry on the island, supported by an international airport and ferry connections to the mainland and neighboring islands. This accessibility likely contributes to the island’s appeal as a holiday destination, drawing visitors from across Europe.
The inclusion of minor uninhabited islands within the municipality adds to the allure of Zakynthos, offering opportunities for exploration and adventure beyond the main island.
Zakynthos boasts a rich ancient history, steeped in myth and legend. Its name, believed to be of pre-Mycenaean or Pelasgian origin, is said to derive from Zakynthos, the son of the legendary Arcadian chief Dardanus. According to Greek mythology, Zakynthos and his men were the island’s first inhabitants.
The island’s significance is evident in ancient Greek literature, with mentions in both the Iliad and the Odyssey by Homer. Zakynthos is described as participating in the Trojan War and is listed among the nobles in Penelope’s court in the Odyssey.
Archaeological excavations indicate that Zakynthos was inhabited since the Neolithic Age, showcasing the island’s long-standing human presence.
During its ancient history, Zakynthos experienced conquests and shifts in power, including being conquered by King Arkesios of Kefalonia and later by Odysseus from Ithaca.
One notable aspect of Zakynthos’ ancient history is its transformation into an independent democracy, reportedly the first established in Greece. This democracy endured for more many years, reflecting the island’s significant role in the political landscape of ancient Greece.
Throughout the medieval era, Zakynthos endured a series of trials and shifts in governance. In 459, it suffered from Vandals led by Geiseric, who plundered the island and abducted 500 local aristocrats. Remarkably, Zakynthos managed to evade the Slavic invasions of the 6th–7th centuries.
Within the middle Byzantine period, Zakynthos was integrated into the Theme of Cephallenia, with its bishopric affiliating initially with Cephallenia and later with the Metropolis of Corinth. Despite facing a raid by the Aghlabids in 880, the island successfully repelled the attackers thanks to the Byzantine navy led by Nasar.
However, in 1099, Zakynthos fell prey to plunder by the Pisans, and in 1185, it was seized by Margaritus of Brindisi. Subsequently, it became part of the County palatine of Cephalonia and Zakynthos. This period also witnessed the establishment of a Latin bishopric alongside the Orthodox one, illustrating the evolving religious and political dynamics of Zakynthos during the medieval epoch.
During the Venetian period, Zakynthos underwent a series of changes in rulership, passing through the hands of the Orsini, Angevins, and finally the Toki. Under Toki rule, the island expanded its territory and improved its self-governance and economic organization. This attracted the attention of the Venetians, who incorporated Zakynthos into their provinces in 1485. Venetian rule brought about a period of prosperity and cultural flourishing, earning the island the nickname “Florence of Greece.” The Venetians fostered harmonious relations with the local population, promoting social and religious freedoms. By the 18th century, Zakynthos had embraced liberal ideas from the French Enlightenment, further contributing to its intellectual development.
In 1864, Zakynthos, alongside the other Ionian Islands, officially joined the Greek state, marking the end of its period under Venetian and later British control. This transfer of sovereignty was part of a broader initiative by Britain to stabilize the rule of the newly crowned Danish-born King of the Hellenes, George I. The inclusion of Zakynthos into the Greek state represented a significant moment in its history, reaffirming its cultural and historical ties to mainland Greece and solidifying its place within the modern Greek nation.
During the dark days of World War II and the German occupation of Greece, Zakynthos stood as a beacon of humanity and resistance against the atrocities of the Holocaust. Mayor Loukas Karrer and Bishop Chrysostomos displayed extraordinary courage and compassion by defying Nazi orders to betray the Jewish members of their community.
In a remarkable act of defiance and solidarity, Karrer and Chrysostomos refused to submit a list of the town’s Jewish residents for deportation to the death camps. Instead, they orchestrated a daring plan to hide the Jewish population in rural villages across Zakynthos.
Their courageous actions saved the lives of all, or most, of the island’s 275 Jews, making Zakynthos one of the few places in Europe where the entire Jewish community survived the Holocaust. Their selfless bravery and unwavering commitment to humanity have rightfully earned them recognition as Righteous among the Nations by Yad Vashem, the Holocaust remembrance center in Israel.
The contrasting fate of Greek Jews underscores the magnitude of their achievement. Despite the overwhelming tragedy that befell over 80% of Greek Jews who were deported and murdered in the Holocaust, the story of Zakynthos serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of compassion in the face of evil.
Zakynthos boasts a rich cultural heritage, with a notable tradition in music and literature. It played a pioneering role in introducing opera and operetta to Greece and established the country’s first Music School in 1815. During the first Olympic Games in Athens in 1896, the Music Band of Zakynthos participated, showcasing the island’s musical talent. Zakynthos has produced renowned composers such as Domeneginis Kapnissis, who gained fame across Europe.
In literature, Zakynthos has a long-standing tradition dating back to the 16th century with works like the romance Rimada. The island has been home to notable writers such as Tzanes Koroneos, Nikolaos Loukanis, and Markos Defaranas. The late 18th century saw the emergence of the Heptanese School of Literature, which contributed to modern Greek theatre and produced influential poets like Dionysios Solomos and Nikolaos Koutouzis. Georgios Tertsetis, known for his diverse contributions as a politician, poet, and historian, further enriched Zakynthian literature.
Museums
Zakynthos, also known as Zante, offers several museums that provide insights into the island’s rich history, culture, and natural heritage. Here are some notable museums on the island:
These museums offer visitors a diverse range of experiences, from exploring the island’s cultural and literary heritage to learning about its natural environment and maritime traditions.
Zakynthos is rich in biodiversity, contributing to its captivating natural beauty. The island’s landscape is characterized by olive groves, cypress and pine forests, and Mediterranean scrub vegetation. In spring, wildflowers like poppies and irises bloom across fields and meadows.
The island is renowned for its nesting beaches, where endangered loggerhead sea turtles lay their eggs. Zakynthos is also a haven for birdwatchers, with diverse avian species found in wetlands, coastal areas, and forests. Marine life thrives in the surrounding waters, offering opportunities for snorkeling and diving encounters with colorful fish and marine creatures.
While Zakynthos lacks large land mammals, smaller mammals like hedgehogs and rabbits inhabit its forests and rocky areas. Overall, the island’s flora and fauna contribute to its natural beauty and appeal to nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.
Zakynthos, or Zante, boasts a diverse range of sightseeing opportunities and points of interest for visitors:
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