Zakynthos(also known as Zante)

Accommodation Location National Marine Park Map Zante transport Zakynthos

Zante Energyia Holistic Fitness Activity Holiday Retreats™ are taking place this summer with leading fitness professional and presenter Michele Wilburn, on the Greek island of Zakynthos.

Please click here to view a mini introduction to the island of Zakynthos from the DVD I recently produced with my daughter for ZanteWeb.

An island of contrasts, Zakynthos is a very green island, consisting of mainly woodland, with an abundance of pine tree covered mountains and fertile plains.

In the north, east and south numerous picturesque beaches can be found, whereas in the west the imposing, rocky landscape has a number of sea caves such as the famous Blue Caves on the north-west of the island.

Zakynthos is the most southerly and the third largest of the Ionion Islands, near Corfu and located 8.5 nautical miles south of Kephallonia, 9.5 miles to the west of the Pelaponese, and about 300 kilometres to the West of Athens.

The geographical position of Zakynthos ensures easy travel to and from other islands, including the mainland of Greece. The journey to the ancient city of Olympia, the birthplace and original venue of the Olympic Games is available as a day trip to tourists in Zakynthos. Due to the islands location, it is an ideal base to link up to the larger cities of Greece such as Patras, Athens and Thesaloniki.

Click here for the five day forecast for Zakynthos

The climate in Zakynthos is mild Mediterranean with both heavy rainfall during the winter months and brilliant sunshine in the summer. The rich vegetation is due to this, and has resulted in the nicknames of Fior di Levante (Flower of the East) and Iliessa (full of woods) by the Venetians and Omiros respectively.

It is productive island agriculturally, supported mainly by the cultivation of olives, raisins, citrus fruits. Apart from this, the main source of local income is from the recently developed business of tourism.

The island has a wealth of history as for many centuries it was the crossroads for numerous nations and cultures.

Spring on Zakynthos is arguably the most beautiful time. Everywhere a profusion of flowers and blossom. The coastline around the cliffs and beaches is surrounded by fields of bright coloured wildflowers and red poppies.

The temperature is delightfully warm ranging form 21 degrees early in the season to 32 degrees by June.

Given the warmth and beauty it's no surprise that painting and walking tend to be favorite pastimes.If you simply want to paint then the ever changing light and dramatic colours of Zakynthos offer the artist a rare opportunity.

July through to August can be hot! At the beginning of July temperatures range from 36 degrees dropping to 21 at night and by mid August around 38 dropping to 27degrees at night.

This is not the season for walks or sitting in the sun painting. The focus is on the sea and the pool. After the heat of the summer the island steadily cools.

September and October signal the end of summer and the advent of autumn. The wild cyclamen emerge and cover the ground in a riot of colour, the sea retains it summer heat, the days shorten and towards the end of October the evenings cool.It's a time of peaceful contemplation, the olives are harvested, the restaurants are quiet. There's a vast range of fresh vegetables and fruit - melons and figs abound.

Zakynthos is particularly rich in terms of flora and fauna. The high rainfall haw created a verbant environment of trees and forests, with a wide range of rare flowers and plants. The Zakynthos environment haw become an object of international interest because the loggerhead turtle

Caretta-caretta, an endangered species protected by international conventions and by Greek legislation lays its eggs on the island's southern shores. Already, Greece is going ahead to create a National Marine Park in the Laganas Bay with the sole purpose of protecting this rare species. Also, on the steep western shores of the island the Mediterranean monk seal Monachus-monachus lives and breeds, a species also protected by Greek low.

Zakynthos is a land of contrasts with limestone peaks in the west, dense pine forests in the east, vibrant beach resorts in the south and a mysterious shipwreck in the north. Encircled by blue waters, its golden sandy beaches are just one reason to visit the Ionian's most natural beauty.

The Greek island of Zakynthos, also known as Zakinthos and Zante is an artists paradise. Whether relaxing on retreat holidays for yoga and fitness in Zante on one of the many glorious beaches, enjoying time in the charming Zante countryside, sipping a drink at one of the cafes, Zakynthos is full of charm, colour, aroma, fresh air, with among the most amazing beaches for holidays in the Greek islands

Zakynthos was homeland of the national Greek Poet Dionysis Solomos, author of the Greek National Anthem , 'Ode to Liberty', the Greek National poet Hugo Foscolo and Xenopoulos, among a number of other notable artists, The Greek  island of Zante, Zakynthos maintains a high level of cultural activity today. The local community in Zante Island, of around 35,000 residents is extremely talented and creative. The people of Zakynthos are marvellous hosts to their guests. There's plenty of things to do on holiday in Zakynthos, to add variety and optional excursions to your holistic holiday retreat activities.

Local Zakynthian Songs known as the Kandathas are a joy to listen to - full of harmony and a delight to the soul.

Zakynthos Town remains the central hub of the island of Zakynthos, bustling with tourists, with a fabulous atmosphere by day and night. The port in Zakynthos town is charming and picturesque by day and twinkling by night.

Twinkling by night and charming by day, the small town of Zakynthos provides a central location on the island, with immediate access to a wide range of excursions and day trips integrating Energyia fitness retreat activities.  The Strada Marina Hotel has lovely rooms with a large bar terrace and swimming pool at the top of the hotel. We have use of a lovely fitness studio for Energyia fitness sessions and tennis courts at the edge of the sea.

Museums, galleries, arty shops and cuisine, with a wonderful selection of bars and tavernas make for an enchanting stay.  A variety of day trips to different regions of the island of Zakynthos are all within 30 minutes drive. Previous Energyia guests located in the town have had a brilliant stay, and although this option may not seem 'retreaty' Zakynthos Town definitely provides a great base for a fantastic Energyia holistic retreat holiday. 

In Zakynthos Town the church of Saint Dionissios, the Patron Saint of the island is situated in the southern end of the main port road of Zakynthos town, called Strada Marina. Built in 1708, it was reconditioned in 1764.

The church contains  paintings, created by Koutouzis and Doxaras. A fabulous museum in Zakynthos, well worth a visit is set back behind the church, containing valuable icons and works of art. The Saint's memory is celebrated on 24 of August, and well worth attending if you are enjoying a retreat holiday in Zakynthos at that time.

The amphitheatre in Zakynthos Town is well worth a visit; during the summer months concerts and performances are staged there. built in the old Greek style, with glorious views over the Port and town. The amphitheatre is built in the old Greek style, ensuring that someone at the back of the theatre can hear and see as well as someone sitting at the front.

The Greek Government has created a National Marine Park of Zakynthos to protect the rare species of Loggerhead Turtles - the Caretta Caretta. In the Greek island of Zakynthos most summertime activity is concentrated in several specific resorts around Zante island. The region of Vasilikos is one of the most natural and relaxed of these resorts around Zante.

The area of Vasilikos in the South eastern Peninsular of Zakynthos provides an idyllic, 'back to nature' retreat holiday in Zante, ideal for revitalising mind, body and soul.

Whether travelling on flights to Zakynthos alone or with a group of friends, you'll find Zante island  provides a haven for transformation, inspiration and relaxation for Energyia holistic holiday retreats. A great place to retreat for yoga and holistic fitness to revitalize your energy.

Accommodation Location  National Marine Park Map Zante transport Zakynthos

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