The green island of Zante, called by the Venetians "the flower of the
east" is rich in wildlife and flora. The heavy rainfall in the winter
helps the island to be verdant and covered with forests, fruit orchards
and olive groves and the geology has also created beautiful beaches,
secluded coves and blue caves.
There is so much to see on Zakynthos - it
really is a 'feast for the senses' - with a whole spectrum of colours,
fragrances and sounds sure to delight. Many consider that the real
highlight of the island is its unspoilt beauty and its ecology. To visit
Zante and not see the caves, the turtles and other wildlife, appreciate
the flowers, enjoy the stunning cliff views and watch the beautiful
sunsets would really be to miss out on a special and unique experience.
The endangered Caretta Caretta turtles are strongly associated with
Zante as they nest their eggs on the beaches in the south of the island
around the Lagana Gulf. Zakynthos is of immense environmental importance
to the turtles, as they have lost many beaches throughout the
Mediterranean due to commercialisation - and the beaches in Greece, in
particular on Zante, are the turtle's last heaven where their babies can
hatch.
Another species that relies on the clear waters around Zante is the
Monachus Monachus seal (often called the monk seal). The seals are the
*most *endangered species in Europe, with only a few hundred animals
remaining in the Mediterranean. Dolphins can also sometimes be seen of
the coast of Zante, making an impressive display as they dance in and
out of the calm sea.
Zante also has many types of flowers and while these are best viewed in
the spring and summer there are flowers in bloom all year round. The
forests are rich with birds and many migratory birds stop off at the
island for a rest before continuing their journey.
For more detailed accounts of the Caretta Caretta turtles, Monk seals,
flowers, birds and other wildlife to be found on Zakynthos please follow
the links below.
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