Zakynthos

Zakynthos is the third largest island among the Ionian Islands, after Corfu and Kefalonia, occupying an area of 406 square km. The coastline is 123 km in length and the shape of the island resembles an irregular triangle with base the Laganas Bay, and top the cape Skinari at north. According to the census of 2001 Zakynthos is the third in population island in the Ionian Sea having 38,680 inhabitants. The 1 / 3 of the population is concentrated around the capital of the island while the rest reside in the many villages in the central and the east part of the island. According to the latest local government organization, the island is divided into six municipalities: Zakynthos, Elatiwn, Artemisiwn, Alykes (established in Katastari), Arcadia and Lagana (seated in Pantokratora).

The 3/4 of the territory is mountainous and the highest peak is the Mount Vrachionas in the center of the island, while the morphology is characterized by a strong asymmetry, as the eastern part is smooth and calm, gathering and agricultural production, while the west is wild with many bays and rocky coastlines. The island has a rich vegetation, forests with coniferous trees, wild plants and olive trees, pine forests and aquatic plants along the coastal shores. The rainfalls during the last days of autumn, live up the cyclamens, the sages and the nine types of orchid, growing on the island. The aroma of the sea iris, which thrives in August in the Gulf of Laganas, is possibly due to the name 'Fioro Levante'.

The fauna is rich with Caretta Caretta being the protagonist while a lot of migratory birds make a stop on the island of Zakynthos. The island has a remarkable musical tradition and unique local religious ceremonies.The most famous products of Zakynthos are the wine Verntea, the great cheese with oil, the nougats and the perfumes. During the days of the festivals, the inhabitants of Zakynthos do not omit to be supplied with nougats with honey from the picturesque tradesmen, outside from the temples.