Zakynthos is also called Zante and is part of the Ionian Islands and is located south of Kefalonia and near the Peloponnese coast. Apart from its beautiful sandy beaches with crystalline waters, Zakynthos it famous for the endangered species of the sea turtle Caretta-Caretta which comes during the reproduction period to lay their eggs on the soft golden sand beaches of the island.
This rich vegetation of Zakynthos is due to the mild Mediterranean climate of the island, characterized by a high level of rainfalls in winter and lot of sunshine in summer.
Many of the island's beaches have become lively beach resorts proposing many hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars but other have been declared protected areas for the reproduction of the Caretta-Caretta and have kept their natural beauty.
Laganas is the most popular beach on the island as it is also in the liveliest and busiest resort. The magnificent beach is a long 5 km stretch of soft golden sand, which gently shelves into the clear warm water. This beach is part of the National Marine Park , which works to protect the endangered Caretta- Caretta sea turtles which nest their eggs on this beach. The Monk seal Monachus Monachus also goes to Zakynthos to give birth.
Apart from its beautiful natural environment, Zakynthos also has a long and rich culture, much influenced by the Venetians and an important musical tradition.