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For the Zakynthians olive oil plays an important role. Almost every dish is seasoned with a dash. The waiver of oil during the Holy Week means to Zakynthians a real hardship, as some even use olive oil as a medicine. They say that if you want to reach old age, one should take every morning [...]

Wine- κρασί In addition to olive oil, wine is another important produce of Zakynthos. Traditionally, the cultivation of grapes is one of the main concerns of the Zakynthians. This comes from ancient times. Even then, Zakynthos was famous for its wines. The Venetians took care of it at the time of their rule to the [...]

The patron of the island of Zakynthos: Agios Dionysios The Island feast (24.8.) Backgrounds The Holy Dionysios was born in 1547 in Zakynthos, son of Nutzios Sigouros and Pavlina Valvi. He was baptized in the name of Draganigos and is of aristocratic descent (one of the leading families of the island). Since his youth he [...]

Currants – κορινθιακή σταφίδα In August, sometimes even into September, we see the currants spread all over the island infront of the houses. In former times they were put on square wooden frames. Today they use great awnings or meshed networks. They originally come from the region of Achaia on the Peloponnese, but mid-16 Jh [...]

The “Caretta Caretta” (loggerhead turtle) is still one of the most common turtles in existence. It is found in all tropical and subtropical seas and also in the Mediterranean. Zakynthos, and especially the Bay of Laganas are among the most important breeding grounds in the Mediterranean. The turtles back is reinforced up to 120 cm [...]

The mild Mediterranean climate and humidity help Zakynthos to a green landscape. Even the most barren places on the Island bloom in the spring. The greenery made the Venetians name the Island „Flower of the Orient“ – in their language „Fior di Levante“. In August the average temperature is 27 ° C in January around [...]

25 km north of the capital of Zakynthos is the village of Alykes which was a former fishing village. It has now become one of the biggest holiday resorts on the island. The old fishing port of Katastari has become a popular seaside resort. It lies in a wide sweeping bay. Fortunately it is not [...]

In the olive press that was built in 1903 by Farandos farmers took their olive harvest and pressed the oil in the glow of oil lamps, hence the name of the tavern. It means “The oil lantern of Farandos. After the war, grapes were pressed in this building and in the late 60’s it was [...]