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Zante the third in size of the islands of the Ionian Sea, the green island of poetry, of song and love, the native land of D. Solomos, the writer of the Greek National Anthem but also that of St. Dennis, the Patron Saint. Rich in beauty and tradition, both historical and cultural, Zante is the "ideal" of any traveller with an exploring mind. Arriving at the port, especially at dusk, it feels as though you enter the port of Venice. On the one side you will see the lit church bells of the St. Dennis Cathedral and on the other side the picturesque Main Town with the snake like road to the hill of Bohali (2km) and the Venetian Fortress(3km). The view of the port and the town from above is simply breathtaking and even more enjoyable when you are seated at one of the many open air cafes or local taverns. This is the reason why the islands is a famous stop of any Ionian islands sailing cruise. The mountain villages (Keri, Lithakia, Maherado, Koiliomeno) are famous for their true Zakynthian hospitality and you will surely enjoy the local gastronomy and unsurpassed wine tradition.
Local dishes, cheases, cold meat cuts and the special sweets but most of all the semi-dry wine (mastelado) of the area will stay with you for a long time. Sgantzeto, pantseta, ladotyri, chiromeri, mantolato & pasteli are some of their names you must remember when coming. The Monasteries is another point of interest that should not be forgotten. There history and worship along with the special Zakynthian way of chanting will lift you to another dimension. Frescoes, old icons make the simplicity of the Nuns & the Monks regal. On this island everything is different, the musical stories sang at the taverns, the historic wineries, the stalactite & the blue caves, the sight of the "ship wreck" sunk in the sand now, the cave of St. Damian and so much more you must explore for yourself. Discovered in 1897 the blue caves can be found on the northern tip of Zante not far from Cape Skinari. Famous for their stunning shade of blue seas and rock formations it is definitely the location for a pleasant sailing holiday among some of the most beautiful sites in the greek islands.
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