Vegetation

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 11 ° C. The rainfall in winter on the island is very high (average annual rainfall 984.5 mm). The image of a snow-covered island is rare. The winters are mild and the summers are warm, a compound that promotes the growth of sensitive crops like grape vines, fruit trees, especially citrus trees, and vegetables.

Zakynthos is blessed with numerous wild flowers that show their blooms between March and into June all over the Island. Wild orchids and lavender bushes are one of the richest landscapes in Europe. Only in a small part of the Island will you find forests. In the fertile flat and hilly country the culture of vegetation has dominated for centuries: olives, grapes, currants, orange, lemon, fig, almond, walnut, cherry, apricot, pear and pomegranate trees on the roadside. There are also the occasional sycamores, poplars, tamarisk and mulberry trees.
Characteristic of the highlands is the maquis. Evergreen sclerophylls or stunted trees which vary up to 3m high. In addition to spurge plants and rare roses herbs such as sage, thyme and oregano grow. They all give a very special smell in the summer.

Herbs, spices and wild greens – you can find them everywhere: anise, basil, cardamom, dill, fennel, capers, mint, wild leek, bay leaf, dandelion, oregano, rosemary, sage and thyme. Also, the aromatic mountain tea can be found here.