General Information

Zakynthos is the furthest south of the Ionian Islands and the third in area and population.
It is located 8.5 nautical miles south of Kefallonia, 9.5 miles west of  the Peloponnese, and approximately 300 kilometers west of the capital of Greece, Athens.

On its northern, eastern, and southern sides, there are countless  picturesque beaches, while to the west, on its imposing rocky coasts, many maritime caves have formed, such as the famous Blue Cave in the northwest of the island.


Zakynthos is still an island with abundant agricultural production, mainly based on the cultivation of the olive, citrus fruits, and grapes, producing both raisins and the excellent wines of Zakynthos, with well-developed entrepreneurial activity, mainly in the field of tourism, and with a rich historical tradition, since for many centuries the island was a crossroads of peoples and cultures.


Homeland of Dionysios Solomos, our national poet, of Ugo Foscolo and of Xenopoulos, Zakynthos always maintained a very high level of culture and still does.

The first school of music in Greece was founded as early as 1815 in Zakynthos, which was the birthplace of great musicians that have been recognized internationally. The theatre, with the influence of the Italians, underwent great development on the island already since the 15th century.


In 1571 the Persians of Aeschylus were performed on stage for the first time. The satire in the Omilies, a sort of popular revue, was greatly popular among the people, while the opera united the aristocracy and the populace.

Today Zakynthos is one of the most significant cultural centres in Greece. Rare concerts and other noteworthy events are organized on the island every year. The spiritual life of the island was also significant. The first Greek Academy was founded in Zakynthos in then 16th century.


The people of Zakynthos of today, who are open-hearted, fun-loving, and hospitable, with an intense temper, show particular leanings towards art and literature.