Mourtos (Zakinthos) - Ionian Islands

Zakynthos (Italian Zante), the most southern island of the Ionian Islands, lies off the west coast of the Peloponnese. The western half of the island is occupied by a karstic plateau rising to 758 m, the eastern half by a fertile and intensively cultivated alluvial plain with a luxuriant growth of vegetation. With its beautiful scenery and excellent bathing beaches, Zakynthos is very popular with yacht charters and tourists in general.

Taverns along the water front echo madoline serenades as strolling musicians and waiters alike break into song along the our of midnight when summer days call and stars gleam romantically overhead.

Have a swim at the wide sandy beaches in the company of sea turtles, go snorkelling or scuba diving between rocks and in underwater caves. Take a sailboat out or go surfing. Make a trekking-tour in the mountain-areas. Enjoy the great weather on the sunniest island in the Mediterranean, and let yourself be swept away by the rhythms of Zakynthian life, joining the hospitable people of this island.

Ag. Nikolaos - The bay is located on the northern tip of Zakinthos. It does get pretty busy due to the caiques which run hourly to the Caves. If there is a swell in the area of the caves and do not want to miss seeing (well worth seeing) moor in Ag. Nikolaos and take one of the caiques.

Port Zakinthos - A large busy harbor but does offer a good spot to leave the yacht and fill up on supplies. Fuel and water are available at the quay, and all provisioning can be found. Explore the islands natural beauties.

Porto Roma - Located on the SE tip of the island and offers good shelter from N-NW winds. Take a stroll on the beach with its beautiful wind sand before eating at one of the small tavernas.

Langana - A large bay, there is a small mole located but due to local fishing boats you probably will not find to tie. Drop anchor in the bay away from the disco.

History of Zakynthos

Since the time of Homer the island has been known by the name it still bears, said to be derived from the wild hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis L.). Settled at an early period by Achaeans and Arcadians, it soon developed into a centre of trade and seafaring whose in¬fluence extended as far as the Iberian Peninsula, where it found¬ed the col¬ony of Za¬kan¬tha, later known as Saguntum. It was occupied by the Turks in 1479 but recovered two years later by the Venetians, who held it until 1797. The island has preserved an Italian and Venetian stamp, yet its eventful history (Vandals!) and major earthquakes of 1515 and 1953 destroyed most old buildings.

Ports

The port of Zakynthos provides good shelter from the prevailing NW winds. With a strong southerly it is better to anchor in the SW, though clear of the turning circle of the ferries. Care should be taken to avoid the little reef (marked by a red buoy) just east of the entrance of the harbour. Note also the few unlit mooring buoys south-east of the harbour. The proposed marina is still not finished. Above the town are the remains of a Venetian Castle (view), which is believed to have collapsed in the 1515 earthquake.