Zakynthos: The Jewel of the Ionian Sea

• HelloΓεια σας
  [Yia sas]
• GoodbyeΑντίο
  [Adio]
• YesΝαι
  [Ne]
• NoΌχι
  [Ochi]
• Please/You're welcomeΠαρακαλώ
  [Parakalo]
• Thank youΕυχαριστώ
  [Efharisto]
• Excuse me/SorryΣυγγνώμη
  [Signomi]
• How are you?Πώς είστε;
  [Pos iste?]
• Fine. And you?Καλά. Εσείς;
  [Kala. Esis?]
• Do you speak English?Μιλάτε αγγλικά;
  [Milate anglika?]
• I don't understandΔεν καταλαβαίνω
  [Den katalaveno]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseΘα ήθελα να δω το μενού, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na do to menou, parakalo]
• I don't eat meatΔεν τρώω κρέας
  [Den troo kreas]
• Cheers!ΥΓΕΙΑ!
  [Yia]
• I would like to pay, pleaseΘα ήθελα να πληρώσω, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na plirosso, parakalo]

• Help!Βοήθεια!
  [Voithia!]
• Go away!Φύγε!
  [Fiye!]
• Call the Police!Καλέστε την αστυνομία!
  [Kaleste tin astinomia!]
• Call a doctor!Καλέστε γιατρό!
  [Kaleste yatro!]
• I'm lostΈχω χαθεί
  [Eho hathi]
• I'm illΕίμαι άρρωστος
  [Ime arrostos]

• I'd like to buy...Θα ήθελα να αγοράσω...
  [Tha ithela na agoraso...]
• I'm just lookingΑπλά κοιτάω
  [Apla kitao]
• How much is it?Πόσο κοστίζει;
  [Poso kostizi?]
• That's too expensiveΑυτό είναι πολύ ακριβό
  [Afto ine poli akribo]
• Can you lower the price?Μπορείτε να μειώσετε την τιμή;
  [Borite na miosete tin timi?]

• What time is it?Τι ώρα είναι;
  [Ti ora ine?]
• It's one o'clockΕίναι μία ώρα
  [Ine mia ora]
• Half past (10)Μισή (10)
  [Misi (dekka)]
• MorningΠρωί
  [Proi]
• AfternoonΑπόγευμα
  [Apoyevma]
• EveningΒράδυ
  [Vradi]
• YesterdayΧθες
  [Hthes]
• TodayΣήμερα
  [Simera]
• TomorrowΑύριο
  [Avrio]
• 1Ένα
  [Ena]
• 2Δύο
  [Dio]
• 3Τρία
  [Trιa]
• 4Τέσσερα
  [Tessera]
• 5Πέντε
  [Pente]
• 6Έξι
  [Exi]
• 7Επτά
  [Epta]
• 8Οχτώ
  [Ochto]
• 9Εννιά
  [Enia]
• 10Δέκα
  [Deka]

• Where's a/the...?Πού είναι ένα/το...;
  [Pou ine ena/to...?]
• What's the address?Ποια είναι η διεύθυνση;
  [Pia ine i diefthinsi?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Μπορείτε να μου δείξετε (στο χάρτη);
  [Borite na mou dixete (sto charti)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Πότε είναι το επόμενο (λεωφορείο);
  [Pote ine to epomeno (leoforeio)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Ένα εισιτήριο (προς ....)
  [Ena isitirio (pros ....)]

Zakynthos, also known as Zante, has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The island was mentioned by Homer in the Iliad and the Odyssey, and it was first settled by the Arcadians. Known for its strategic location, Zakynthos became a significant player in maritime trade in the Mediterranean.

During the classical and Hellenistic periods, Zakynthos was an ally of Athens and later came under the influence of various other Greek states. The island prospered due to its fertile land and became renowned for its vineyards and olive groves. It also produced notable poets and philosophers, contributing to the cultural landscape of ancient Greece.

Zakynthos fell under Roman rule in 146 BC and later became part of the Byzantine Empire. During this time, the island saw the construction of numerous churches and fortifications. It served as a crucial outpost in the Byzantine defense system against various invaders, including the Goths and Arabs.

In 1484, Zakynthos was ceded to the Republic of Venice. Under Venetian rule, which lasted until 1797, the island experienced significant cultural and economic growth. The Venetians fortified the town and built the iconic Kastro fortress. The period also saw the flourishing of arts and literature, with the development of the Ionian school of music and painting.

After the fall of Venice, Zakynthos briefly came under French control in 1797, followed by Russian and Ottoman rule. In 1815, the island became a British protectorate as part of the United States of the Ionian Islands. The British introduced various administrative reforms and developed infrastructure, including roads and public buildings.

In 1864, Zakynthos, along with the other Ionian Islands, was unified with the Kingdom of Greece. This period marked the beginning of significant political and social changes, as the island integrated into the modern Greek state. Zakynthos continued to develop economically and culturally, contributing to the national identity of Greece.

During World War II, Zakynthos was occupied by Italian and German forces. The island's Jewish population was famously protected by the local bishop and mayor, who refused to hand over a list of Jews to the Nazis. In 1953, a devastating earthquake struck Zakynthos, destroying much of the island's infrastructure. The rebuilding process was arduous, but it led to the modernization of Zakynthos.

Today, Zakynthos is a vibrant island known for its stunning natural beauty, including the famous Navagio Beach and the Blue Caves. Tourism plays a significant role in the local economy, drawing visitors from around the world. Despite modern developments, the island retains its rich cultural heritage, with numerous festivals, traditional music, and dance.

Zakynthos (also known as Zante) is accessible by both air and sea. Zakynthos International Airport, located near the capital city of Zakynthos, receives flights from Athens and various European cities. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from the mainland port of Kyllini, which offers regular services to Zakynthos. The ferry ride typically takes about an hour.

Getting around Zakynthos is relatively easy. The island has a network of buses that connect the main towns and tourist spots. Taxis are also available and can be a convenient option. For more flexibility, consider renting a car or a scooter. Keep in mind that some of the roads can be narrow and winding. Bicycles are another popular mode of transportation, especially in more tourist-friendly areas.

The official currency in Zakynthos is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are readily available in towns and tourist areas, but it’s recommended to withdraw sufficient cash if you plan to venture into less populated regions.

Zakynthos is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any popular tourist spot, it is important to stay vigilant. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas such as beaches and markets. Avoid walking alone late at night in isolated areas and always keep an eye on your belongings. There are no specific high-crime neighborhoods targeting tourists, but staying cautious is always advisable.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Zakynthos has a hospital located in the capital city, and several medical clinics and pharmacies are scattered around the island. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, local pharmacies can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do show respect for local customs and traditions. Cover your head when entering churches. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Kalimera' (Good Morning) or 'Kalispera' (Good Evening). A handshake is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food and drink offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered rude.

To experience Zakynthos like a local, visit the traditional villages such as Keri and Volimes, where you can buy handmade crafts and local produce. Engage with locals, as they are usually friendly and eager to share stories about the island. Don't miss the opportunity to explore hidden gems like the Blue Caves and Shipwreck Beach. For a unique experience, try to attend a local festival or feast ('Panigiri'), which often features live music, dancing, and delicious traditional food.