Zakynthos

Zakynthos, or Zante as the visitor more commonly knows it, is also referred to as the “Flower of the Orient” for it truly is an island of exceptional beauty. The locals are renowned for their true Greek hospitality, which probably accounts for why so many holidaymakers return to the island time and time again.

Geographically the island is the most southern of the six Ionian Islands located off western mainland Greece. It is approximately 40km long and 17km wide giving an area of over 400 sq. km and hosts a population of approximately 45,000 with an extra 300,000 holidaymakers during the summer months.

The island has a Mediterranean climate providing long hot summers and warm wet winters. Zakynthos gets a lot of rainfall during the winter months and this is the reason it is very green and fertile. The countryside is covered in wildflowers, especially in the spring, and the island has rich vegetation including raisins, olives, vines and citrus fruits.

Zakynthos is well known as one of the favourite nesting sites during the summer months of the Loggerhead turtle Caretta Caretta. Turtles can easily be spotted if you visit the beaches where they lay their eggs during nesting time.

The main town Zakynthos was destroyed in the earthquake of 1953 and since then the town has been rebuilt in a similar style of its former architecture. Today design and construction of buildings in the whole of Greece have to comply with European standards and there are stringent regulations regarding earthquake protection.

There is definitely something special about this idyllic island. Whether you come just to visit or to stay for good, the magic of Zakynthos will remain in your memory forever.

Keri

Keri is located in the south west of the island Zakynthos. Keri is a traditional village with a quaint atmosphere. The village is made up with attractive stone built homes set on narrow streets and there is a central square, which offers spectacular views over the Ionian Sea. It is without a doubt one of the highest quality tourist spots on the island.

Keri has a hill top location and is renowned for being a beautiful area. Herodotus a Greek historian mentioned it as a place that effortlessly combines the sea, valleys, pine forests and streams. The people of Keri developed their own form of street theatre and are also known for their love of music, poetry and dancing.

Although Keri is popular with tourists, it has remained unspoilt by the effects of tourism and manages to combine tradition & culture harmoniously with beautiful scenery. Keri Lighthouse is worth visiting; from this spot is one of the best sunsets on the island and a romantic destination for couples to watch the sun seemingly disappear into the sea.

The beach of the resort is Limni Keri and is located 5 km down hill from the village. There is a small harbour and excellent restaurants and cafes line the waterfront. Most of the businesses are family run in Limni Keri and Keri and they therefore offer a very friendly welcoming service. Limni Keri is a popular area for diving or snorkelling, you can even rent or take a boat trip to the island of Marathonisi where the views from this beach are breathtaking, or to the nearby spectacular Keri Caves.