Zakinthos (Zante)
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Zakynthos is the birth place of the poet [http://www.fhw.gr/chronos/12/en/1833_1897/civilization/people/index.html Dionysios Solomos] (1798-1857) who wrote the [http://smyrni.s5.com/dionysios_solomos_national_anthem_in_english.htm Hymn to Liberty], the Greek national anthem. | Zakynthos is the birth place of the poet [http://www.fhw.gr/chronos/12/en/1833_1897/civilization/people/index.html Dionysios Solomos] (1798-1857) who wrote the [http://smyrni.s5.com/dionysios_solomos_national_anthem_in_english.htm Hymn to Liberty], the Greek national anthem. | ||
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==Charts== | ==Charts== | ||
[[Image:Zakynthos_m.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Map of Zakynthos<br/>''Click for larger view'']] | [[Image:Zakynthos_m.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Map of Zakynthos<br/>''Click for larger view'']] | ||
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Revision as of 17:47, 28 September 2010
Zakinthos or Zante (Port of Entry)
(Click links for more information) | |
| 37°47′N, 20°54.13′E |
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| Photo gallery |
| Local chartlet |
Zakinthos (Ζάκυνθος) or Zakynthos or Zante is the southernmost of the Ionian Islands or Eptanesa (7 islands). Zakinthos, along the rest of the Ionian island, has been ravaged by frequent earthquakes.
The island has a long history. It takes its name from Zakynthus the son of the king of Phrygia Dardanus. Zakynthus came from the city of Psophis in Arcadia, where his brothers reigned, to colonize the island. He built an acropolis, probably at the location where the Venetian castle is today, which he named Psophida. According to Pausanias and Thucydides this happened around 1500 BC. It is believed that Zakinthos was part of the Odysseus kingdom of Ithaka. The islanders worshiped Apollo and Artemis. During the Peloponnesian War Zakinthos was a member of the Athenian alliance until it was conquered by the Spartans.
During Roman times Zakinthos had some autonomy and prospered but in the late Roman period it was frequently raided by pirates, Goths, Vandals and Arabs and its fortunes declined. Later it became part of the Byzantine Empire. During the Crusades it was overtaken by the Franks and in 1185 the Palatine County of Cephalonia and Zante was found, which survived for three centuries under the Orsini Family. In 1479 it was occupied by the Ottomans who held it until 1485 when they were replaced by the Venetians.
The Venetians dominated the island until 1797 when the post revolution French took over the island and proclaimed it republic. This state of affairs did not last more then 15 months. In 1800 the two powers decided to establish an independent state under the name "The Septinsular Republic" under the supervision of Russia and Turkey, the first modern Greek state. In 1807 France reconquered the island to be succeeded two years later by the British who held the island ("The United States of the Ionian Islands") until 1864 then it became part of Modern Greece.
During WW II the island was occupied by the Italians and later by the Germans who held it until 1945. In 1953 a terrible earthquake shook the Ionian islands and cause massive destructions in Zakinthos. Since then it has been rebuilt but many charming old buildings have perished.
Zakynthos is the birth place of the poet Dionysios Solomos (1798-1857) who wrote the Hymn to Liberty, the Greek national anthem.
Charts
- BA
- 203 Nisos Zakinthos to Nisos Paxoi
- Imray-Tetra
- G12 Nísos Levkas to Nísos Zákinthos
- NIMA
- 54280 Corfu Channel to Nisis Proti
- Greek
- 2 Ionio Pelagos
- 22 Ionio Sea - Southern Part
Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
- Coast Guard - VHF channel 12 & Tel. +30 26950 28117
- Olympia Radio - VHF channels 03 & 86
Weather
- See Ionian Sea Weather
- Also see Ionian Sea Currents & Tides
Approaches to Zakinthos are straightforward.
Check-in facilities
In Port Zakinthos.
Ports and Popular Stops
There is only one harbor in the island, Port Zakinthos, but there are several good anchorages.
Ports and Popular Stops
Ports
Port Zakinthos
37°47′N, 20°54.13′E
Port Zakinthos is the main harbor of Zakinthos. It provides good shelter from the prevailing NW wind but with strong S winds there is a bad swell. Anchor in 6-7 m and go stern-to the N mole (inside the jetty). The bottom is mud, good holding. On the S side of the port a yacht marina is being built but as usual after 12 years it still not finished. Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
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Anchorages
Ayios Nikolaos
37°54.36′N, 20°42.6′E Ayios Nikolaos is nice cove near the NE tip of the island. From here you can go with your dinghy or take a local caïque to the famous Blue Grotto. Anchor off in 5-10 m near the small island. Reasonable holding. Or moor stern-too W quay where there is room for about 12 yachts. Danger: While entering the cove avoid the reef on the N of the small island. Warning: Around 1 PM a strong gusty wind blows. Water, fuel and electricity available from helpful restaurant (Dimitri) in middle of quay. If you only want to visit the Blue Grotto and the weather permits you can temporarily anchor near the last cave. Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
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Lagana
37°43.58′N, 20°53.73′E - Chartlet
You may be able to anchor here but most likely it is now restricted because it is the breeding area of the endangered loggerhead sea turtles Caretta Carreta. At any rate, in 1989 the beach too developed. Keri was a better option. |
Keri
37°41′N, 20°50.47′E
Keri is a fairly attractive anchorage to the W of Lagana. It is an excellent shelter form the prevailing NW-W winds but exposed to the S and E. Inland are the pitch wells described by Herodotus but are not too impressive.
Anchor in 2-4 m on either side of the stone mole. The bottom has some boulders and holding is not everywhere reliable. Best snorkel to check your anchor.
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- 1989 --Istioploos
Vromi
37°49.08′N, 20°37.91′E
Vromi is deep narrow inlet on the NW side of the island. It is an attractive anchorage that provides reasonable shelter from the the prevailing NW-W winds although it is subjected to strong katabatic gusts. The anchorage is not tenable with S winds. The bottom is slate with bad holding. It is better to go deep into the inlet and take two lines ashore, a bow and a stern line.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
None (see Port Zakinthos above).
Yacht Services and Repairs
Marine Stores
In the town there are some modest stores.
Yacht Services/Repairs/Yards
Only Minor.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
- Fuel
- On the quay of Port Zakinthos
- Water
- On the quay of Port Zakinthos
- Electricity
- N/A (Not Available)
Offshore Islands
None.
Tourism and Things to do Ashore
Tourism
The Venetian Fortress Click for larger view |
The Blue Grotto Click for larger view |
Town of Zakinthos
It is worth visiting the restored Venetian Fortress of Zakinthos. Also in town there are two worthwhile museums: the Byzantine Museum which houses many icons and paintings and the Dionysios Solomos Museum dedicated to the poets Dionysios Solomos and Andreas Kalvos as well as other noteworthy Zakinthians.
Monasteries
There two monasteries in the island of some interest: the post-Byzantine Monastery of Aghios Ioannes Prodromos (St. John the Baptist) about 20 km from the town, and the 15 th century Monastery of Theotokos about 25 km from the town.
Blue Grotto
The Blue Grotto, near Ayios Nikolaos, is maybe the most famous site in the island. In my opinion this rather overrated. Nevertheless if you are in Ayios Nikolaos it is worth a visit. Alternatively, and if the weather permits, you can temporarily anchor near the last cave and snorkel.
Grocery & Supply Stores
- Several supermarkets in the town.
Eateries
- Many tavernas in the town.
Internet/WiFi
In Internet cafés.
Laundry
?
Motorbike & Car Rentals
In the town.
Garbage Disposal
There are bins around the harbor and in several anchorages.
Transportation
There are daily flights to Athens and ferries to Kyllini and Kefalonia.
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
External Links
- Zakinthos (Wikipedia)
- Ionian Islands
- Caretta Carreta
References & Publications
See Ionian Sea.
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
See individual ports in this page.
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
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