Captains Hotel, view to the back
Date/Time: Fri 07 May 2010 12:47:31 PM CEST
Captains Hotel, view to the back
Captains Hotel, see view
Date/Time: Fri 07 May 2010 01:26:58 PM CEST
Captains Hotel, sea view.
In the back Argassi and at the other site of the bay Zakynthos city
Captains Hotel entrance
Date/Time: Fri 07 May 2010 01:28:07 PM CEST
Captains Hotel entrance
beautiful leaves
Date/Time: Fri 07 May 2010 01:35:19 PM CEST
Everywhere on Zakynthos you will find these beautiful pink shrubs. If we only knew their name.
The old bike and the sea
Date/Time: Fri 07 May 2010 01:56:40 PM CEST
Near the beach of Argassi you can find this beauty of a bicycle. It is a shame it in such a poor condition. I would have loooved to ride it.
Argassi: Boat
Date/Time: Fri 07 May 2010 01:58:45 PM CEST
The fisherman keep their colorful boats on the beach of Argassi
Argassi: A bridge to far
Date/Time: Fri 07 May 2010 02:02:05 PM CEST
In the 19th century a road was here. Erosion slowly eroded the coast away. The sea swallowed all of it except....
a very lonely bridge from 1885. Saving the road was a bridge to far. Nowadays it is great for climbing and for hunting crabs!
Argassi: Marc supporting the bridge
Date/Time: Fri 07 May 2010 02:07:39 PM CEST
Marc supporting the bridge
Argassi, bridging the sea
Date/Time: Fri 07 May 2010 02:13:12 PM CEST
bridging the sea
Argassi: lonely bridge
Date/Time: Fri 07 May 2010 02:39:01 PM CEST
lonely bridge
Argassi: Diving is dangerous!
Date/Time: Fri 07 May 2010 02:46:37 PM CEST
during our walk along the beach we found the remains of this poor diver. Diving can be dangerous to your health.
Argassi: flowers along the road
Date/Time: Fri 07 May 2010 03:02:22 PM CEST
Everywere on Zakynthos you can smell the flowers. Here a hedge along the main road
Argassi: Date palm
Date/Time: Fri 07 May 2010 03:47:50 PM CEST
Because of the mild climate at Zakynthis(10C is the coldest it gets) palm trees can grow here without problems. Many of them carry dates, hmmmm.
Our room in Captians hotel.
Date/Time: Sat 08 May 2010 10:47:38 AM CEST
Because we accepted to bring some things for our local travel guide we got one of the better rooms. With balcony and sea view :-)
Argassi: Ortodox chuch
Date/Time: Sat 08 May 2010 11:50:13 AM CEST
Most people in greece are Ortodox. Typical for Zakynthos is the ventian style of the towers. Not without reson as Zakynthos was ruled by the venetians between the 13th and 17th century.
Lovely smell
Date/Time: Sat 08 May 2010 11:52:42 AM CEST
All along the gardens and around the parks are hedges of these loveley sweet smelling flowers. Hmmmm.
All I see is another lemon tree
Date/Time: Sat 08 May 2010 11:55:49 AM CEST
Zakynthos has many fruit orchards. Mainly organges and lemon and mostly in the lkush South east. Here and there are wineries and in the harsh mountainous areas in the north west only Olive trees are cultivated.
Flowers
Date/Time: Sat 08 May 2010 12:00:49 PM CEST
In May all is flowering and everywhere in Zakynthos it smells delicious.
Small lizzard (Greek Algyroides)
Date/Time: Sat 08 May 2010 12:10:27 PM CEST
Saxaul
Date/Time: Sat 08 May 2010 12:14:08 PM CEST
I saw them the first time in the desert in Turkmenistan; the Saxaul. This member of the pinetree family can grow as a bush or a tree and is able to survive the most dry and salty conditions. The salty spray water of the sea is no problem for it.
100_7225
Date/Time: Sat 08 May 2010 12:15:16 PM CEST
St. Dionisios Church
Date/Time: Sat 08 May 2010 12:47:36 PM CEST
In Zakynthis city near the harbour you can find the Orthodox St. Dionisios church. It the biggest in the city.
The frescos and lamp holders are beautiful.
St. Dionisios Church, fresco detail
Date/Time: Sat 08 May 2010 12:48:14 PM CEST
Fresco detail
St. Dionisios Church, ceiling
Date/Time: Sat 08 May 2010 12:48:51 PM CEST
The ceiling is covered in frescos of saints. Beautiful lamp holders are hanging down
Zakynthos Harbour
Date/Time: Sat 08 May 2010 01:12:03 PM CEST
Small boats are used by the locals to go fishing. You can buy these fresh fish at the market, every day. Hmmmm.
Zakynthos harbour: fishermen's boats
Date/Time: Sat 08 May 2010 01:18:35 PM CEST
These small boats are used by the locals to go fishing. You can buy fresh fish, lobsters and much more at the market every day. Hmmmm.
Net
Date/Time: Sat 08 May 2010 01:20:05 PM CEST
Rusty Vespa
Date/Time: Sat 08 May 2010 01:30:10 PM CEST
As Zakynthos is very hilly most locals are using Vespa's.
But if this one will go anywhere?....
Solomon Square
Date/Time: Sat 08 May 2010 02:00:07 PM CEST
Solomon Square is the biggest swquare in Zakynthos city and named after the poet Dionisios Solomos. He is best known for writing the Hymn to Liberty for the Greek national anthem.
It is a nice place to relax after visiting the town but beware of the hungry pigions!
Zakynthos Harbour: the peer
Date/Time: Sat 08 May 2010 03:14:18 PM CEST
To rotect the harbour a huge peer was built. Between the rocks it is full of crabs and other seelife.
In the background you can see Argassi.
Sea turtle reserve
Date/Time: Sat 08 May 2010 03:25:02 PM CEST
Zakynthos is one of he few places in the world where the Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is laying its eggs in the hot sandy beaches. Many beaches on the south east of the island are therefore protected and can only be visited during the day. Keep it this way :-)
Cruise around the island
Date/Time: Sun 09 May 2010 09:50:48 AM CEST
A cruise around the island is a nice (and veeeery relaxed) way to get to know it better. A cruise around the island costs around 20E.
Cruise around the island: Zakynthos
Date/Time: Sun 09 May 2010 09:51:39 AM CEST
In the background Zakynthos city
Cruise around the island: Blue sea and dolfin
Date/Time: Sun 09 May 2010 10:45:23 AM CEST
Magda wanted to see a dolfin and we were lucky as the boat was followed by one for a while:-)
Cruise around the island: Swim break
Date/Time: Sun 09 May 2010 11:21:42 AM CEST
On many places you can find quite bays where you can swim.
Cruise around the island: North cape
Date/Time: Sun 09 May 2010 12:02:11 PM CEST
Schinari Cape is the north cape of the island. On top of the cape is a small light tower.
Because the wind was to strong we could not round the cape.
Cruise around the island: Sea turtle reserve
Date/Time: Sun 09 May 2010 02:16:29 PM CEST
On the horizon you can see (from right to left) Mavratzis Beach, Laganas Beach and Oasis Beach. The beaches and the sea belong are a reserve for the Loggerhead see turtle (Caretta caretta).
Cruise around the island: Marathonisi Island
Date/Time: Sun 09 May 2010 02:30:20 PM CEST
Marathonisi Island is one of the island where the Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) has its nesting beaches. It is STRICTLY protected.
The shape is that af a turtle :-)
Cruise around the island: Nesting beach
Date/Time: Sun 09 May 2010 02:42:47 PM CEST
Marathonisi Island is one of the island where the Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) has its nesting beaches. It is STRICTLY protected. This is one of the nesting beaches.
Cruise around the island: Chalk cliffs
Date/Time: Sun 09 May 2010 03:02:07 PM CEST
The south east and east of Zakyntos consist of huge chalk cliffs from the Cretaceous era.
Panorama Zakynthos city
Date/Time: Mon 10 May 2010 08:37:07 AM CEST
Pottery
Date/Time: Mon 10 May 2010 09:04:18 AM CEST
Pottery: Terracotta army
Date/Time: Mon 10 May 2010 09:08:34 AM CEST
Caretta Caretta terracotta army
Pottery
Date/Time: Mon 10 May 2010 09:14:06 AM CEST
Garden
Zakynthos dry coastline
Date/Time: Mon 10 May 2010 09:51:40 AM CEST
The mountainous north and north east of Zakybthos is very dry. Only specialised plansts and shrubs are able to survive this harsh conditions.
Farmers can only grow olivetrees and corn in this area.
Meadow
Date/Time: Mon 10 May 2010 10:26:11 AM CEST
Meadow
One of many beetle species
Date/Time: Mon 10 May 2010 10:39:00 AM CEST
Because of the diverse flora on Zakynthos it is also rich in insect species. Here is one of the many beetles we found on the island.
Monastry of Anafonitria
Date/Time: Mon 10 May 2010 11:23:06 AM CEST
The tower of Monastry of Anafonitria dates back to the 15th century The tower was partly destroyed in an earthquake and it is now used as belfry.
In the dark church you can find a picture of Virgin Maria from th e15th century and many other paintings on wood.
blue
Date/Time: Mon 10 May 2010 11:49:50 AM CEST
Because of the clear water and the chalk cliffs the color of the water is always changing. Amazing views garanteed!
Us at the cliff above the shripweck
Date/Time: Mon 10 May 2010 12:11:31 PM CEST
The shipwreck is the most visted place in Zakynthos and not without reason. The view from the cliffs on the shipwreck below and on the coastline is fantastic,
Shipwreck
Date/Time: Mon 10 May 2010 12:13:23 PM CEST
The shipwreck is the most visted place in Zakynthos and not without reason. The view from the cliffs on the shipwreck below and on the coastline is fantastic.So many colors!
Porto Vromi: Cristal clear water
Date/Time: Mon 10 May 2010 12:53:09 PM CEST
Porto Vromi is one of the many small harbours on Zakynthos. It is located in a "fjord". Like everywhere on the island the water is crystal clear. Great for watching fishes.
Rough coast near Porto Vromi
Date/Time: Mon 10 May 2010 01:11:44 PM CEST
Monk at Porto Vromi
Date/Time: Mon 10 May 2010 01:34:09 PM CEST
There are many orthodox monks living in the various monastries on Zakynthos.
Exo Hora: Oldest olivetree
Date/Time: Mon 10 May 2010 02:05:15 PM CEST
Exo Hora is a small village in the middle of the olivetrees fields. Here the oldest olivetree from Zakynthos can be found. It is estimated to be 2000 years old.
Exo Hora: olivetrees
Date/Time: Mon 10 May 2010 02:43:41 PM CEST
It takes a long time before the fruit of the olivetree can be used. First after 20 years the olives are edable and suitible to make oil. No wonder olive oil is expensive.
Wine
Date/Time: Mon 10 May 2010 03:48:33 PM CEST
In Greece and also on Zakynthos they have a very old wineculture.
This picture was taken in the cellar at the Salomon Winery.
Red wine, white wine, dry wine, sweet wine, wine, wine, wine
Date/Time: Mon 10 May 2010 04:02:28 PM CEST
Lots of different wines. And we wanted to taste them all, hick!
View from our balcony
Date/Time: Mon 10 May 2010 04:54:28 PM CEST
Cycle tour
Date/Time: Tue 11 May 2010 10:19:19 AM CEST
The south east of Zakybthos is "relatively" flat. The roads are good and people drive relaxed so it is nice to cycle here.
Renting a bicycle is cheap (around 5E a day) but lots of the bicycles have problems with the gears. So please check before you rent one :-)
Gecko at the beach
Date/Time: Tue 11 May 2010 10:57:25 AM CEST
On Zakynthos you can also find the Mediteranian Gecko (Hemidactylous turcicus). This one was huting behind our self made bech shed :-)
Baby Gecko
Date/Time: Tue 11 May 2010 11:50:23 AM CEST
Mediteranian Gecko baby (Hemidactylous turcicus)
Our beach hut
Date/Time: Tue 11 May 2010 11:52:45 AM CEST
On the beach was an old shed without a roof.
Along the coast we found lots of driftood and other junk and we used this to make our own beach hut. Very comfy :-)
Caterpillar
Date/Time: Tue 11 May 2010 12:13:36 PM CEST
Caterpillar eating the thick leaves of the dune grass
Our own beach
Date/Time: Tue 11 May 2010 12:19:10 PM CEST
In May not many tourists visit Zakynthos and the beaches on the south east of the island are totally empty.
The sea however is full with small fish and hermit crabs.
Tractor with blocked brakes stuck on the beach
Date/Time: Tue 11 May 2010 12:37:11 PM CEST
Cycling home along the clifss
Date/Time: Tue 11 May 2010 03:55:08 PM CEST
View from our balcony at night
Date/Time: Tue 11 May 2010 08:40:42 PM CEST
Kalamaki beach, serching for the Loggerhead sea turtle
Date/Time: Wed 12 May 2010 11:09:10 AM CEST
The beach of Kalamiki os one of the places were the rare Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is laying her eggs.
So we hoped to see one and we were lucky!! One passed us by very close in the water.
Beach balls: prickly fun!
Date/Time: Wed 12 May 2010 12:31:28 PM CEST
On Kalamaki beach we found many small beach balls. They are prickly balls that look like balls of straw.
No research has been done on how these are are formed, but speculation points to surf action. As a wave approaches shore it drags on the shore floor, causing the wave crest to curl and crash onto the beach. This curling motion may roll materials in the surf into balls. At high tide the balls are washed high on the beach and deposited there by the retreating tide.
Lizzard guarding our bicycles
Date/Time: Wed 12 May 2010 01:18:21 PM CEST
When coming back from our walk along the Kalamaki beach we found this lizzard guarding our bikes.
It is an adult male Greek Algyroides (Algyroides moreoticus). When you look carfully you can see that he lost his tail before.
Painting walls the Greek way
Date/Time: Wed 12 May 2010 02:30:01 PM CEST
In Greece they not only paint the walls but the plants as well :-)
Zakynthos city backstreet
Date/Time: Thu 13 May 2010 09:58:36 AM CEST
Zakynthos city main street
Date/Time: Thu 13 May 2010 10:17:21 AM CEST
Zakynthos city, or Istanbul?
Date/Time: Thu 13 May 2010 10:29:04 AM CEST
Zakynthos city, Analipsi church
Date/Time: Thu 13 May 2010 10:35:23 AM CEST
Marc at the summit of the Pikridiotisa church
Date/Time: Thu 13 May 2010 11:36:06 AM CEST
Marc could not resist climbing the creaky old and deserted tower of the Pikridiotisa church.
View from Pikridiotisa church
Date/Time: Thu 13 May 2010 11:45:50 AM CEST
From the terrace near the Pikridiotisa church we had a great view over the city
Sunny streetcorner
Date/Time: Thu 13 May 2010 11:53:10 AM CEST
St. Marko Square
Date/Time: Thu 13 May 2010 01:28:56 PM CEST
St. Marko Square is a great place to have a brake in one of the many bars and to drink a nice cold Freddoccino or Frappé coffee. Hmmmmm.
Greek parking
Date/Time: Thu 13 May 2010 02:00:59 PM CEST
Traditional dance
Date/Time: Thu 13 May 2010 08:59:32 PM CEST
In our hotel once a week week a traditional Greek evening was organised. It was fun to watch for a while but we prefered to go for an evening walk along the beach.
Sealife
Date/Time: Fri 14 May 2010 09:48:07 AM CEST
the sea near Argassi is ful of life; Algea, corals, anemones, fish, crabs etc etc.
Pink loving fish
Date/Time: Fri 14 May 2010 09:51:24 AM CEST
When Magda walked through the sea she was always followed by small fish who looooved her Pink sandals.
On this picture two fish are laying in front of the sandal.
Crab
Date/Time: Fri 14 May 2010 10:04:39 AM CEST
Hermit crab
Date/Time: Fri 14 May 2010 10:19:30 AM CEST
Hermit crabs are very common in the sea around Zakynthos.
Most species have long, soft abdomens which are protected from predators by a salvaged empty seashell carried on the crab's back, into which the crab's whole body can retract. Most frequently hermit crabs use the shells of sea snails; the tip of the hermit crab's abdomen is adapted to clasp strongly onto the columella of the snail shell. As the hermit crab grows in size, it has to find a larger shell and abandon the previous one.
Searching for sea shells
Date/Time: Fri 14 May 2010 10:47:54 AM CEST
You can find many beatiful sea shells and snail shells but most of the last are occupied by the hermit crab.
Shallow sea
Date/Time: Fri 14 May 2010 11:00:46 AM CEST
The sea near Argassi is very shallow and we could walk really far from the shore.
It is sooo loooovely
Date/Time: Fri 14 May 2010 02:55:19 PM CEST
Magda was asked for help by this small English girl in her rubber boat.It turned out that she wanted to talk to someone.
"Zakynthos is sooo loooovely" she said and we can only agree!