Blue fishing boats on Zakynthos

I know they're a bit picture postcard, but I do love these traditional wooden fishing boats I saw on the Greek island of Zakynthos.



Even those who now earn a living from tourism still feel a strong connection to the land and sea, growing their own fruit and vegetables behind the house and going out fishing in the summer months. In October, when we visited, most of the boats had been taken out of the water for the winter, when hunting takes over as the favoured outdoor pastime of the men on the island.


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A view from the castle over Zante town

If you're in Zante town, on the Greek island of Zakynthos, you should drive or hike up to the ruined 15th century Venetian castle that overlooks the town. It's an ideal place to go in the afternoon or evening as it's cooling down and the town lights start to twinkle, when you can sit at one of the terrace cafes with a drink and a view of the town.



Perhaps this view inspired the Zakynthian poet Dionysios Solomos to write his poem, Hymn to Liberty that later became the Greek National Anthem.


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The cyclamen bring the autumn on Zakynthos

One of the beauties of the Greek countryside is the wild flowers, which are at their best in Spring and Autumn. When I visited Zakynthos this October, the pale pink cyclamen were clustered in the olive groves, especially at the base of the trees where they could shelter undisturbed among the twisting roots.



I spent a lot of time trying to photograph these delicate creatures but sometimes I felt that their fine lines and soft colour illuded me. Along with the sight of olive trees being pruned and the scent of woodsmoke in the air, they were a sure sign that autumn was on it's way.


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A tour of Romas Mansion - on Zakynthos

I wrote in my introduction to Zakynthos, that this Greek island is more a place for sun and relaxation than for culture, but at Romas Mansion in Zante town I found the exception to the rule.



Romas Mansion is one of the few old house in Zante town that survived the earthquake of 1953 and subsequent fire which destroyed practically the whole town. It is the home of the aristocratic Romas family and was opened a couple of years ago to give a glimpse into the life of one of the leading political families on the island.


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My top three beaches on Zakynthos

If you're looking for beautiful beaches on the Greek island of Zakynthos, you'll be spoilt for choice, but I'm only going to share with you my personal top three. Even at the end of the season when it may not be hot enough to swim, it's great to walk along them and feel the sun on your face and the sand between your toes.

Bear in mind that I normally visit the island in low season and this October I practically had the beaches to myself. If you're there in July and August you'll get a different experience, as all the beaches are busy, but some are more packed than others.

Gerakas beach
At the south-east tip of the island, this beach is part of the Marine park of Zakynthos and is known for the Carretta Carretta turtles that nest there. No building is allowed above the beach and sun-loungers are kept well away from the nesting sites. If you're lucky you may see turtles while swimming from the beach. There's a nice taverna nearby and an information centre for the turtles next door, run by the Earth, Sea and Sky conservation network.




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How to find a real Greek taverna - on Zakynthos

If you're on the Greek island of Zakynthos and Yiayia's not cooking the Sunday lunch (that's Greek for Granny) then you'll be looking for a traditional taverna for your meal out with the family.



You'll want somewhere that serves the Greek specialities, not just the versions of Moussaka that they serve up for the tourists. When I picked up the business card at To Kartoutso , where we ate today and saw not a word of English on it, I knew this was the real deal.



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Sunday morning Greek coffee and glika - in Zakynthos

This morning we drove into Zante town, the capital of the Greek island of Zakynthos, to look at the boats and have a coffee.



My husband was craving for a cheese pie or Tiropita, made with filo pastry and soft goat's cheese, while I was hoping for some of those ultra sweet, syrup drenched cakes or Glika that the Greeks specialise in.


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Friday photo - a hunter's view in Zakynthos

Today I'm joining in with the Friday Photo at Delicious Baby, from my sunbed on the Greek island of Zakynthos, to bring you a photo with a story behind it.

This morning I walked up with my husband, through the olive groves behind my sister's house on the island of Zante to admire the view over the bay. Every so often we would find a chair positioned somewhat incongruously in a clearing. At first I thought that someone had left them there so they could pause and admire the view. But then the spent shotgun cartridges in the vicinity gave me a clue.





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Let me introduce you to Zakynthos - in Greece

In a week's time I'll be off with the family to visit my sister who lives on the Greek Island of Zakynthos (also known as Zante). We normally manage to visit at least once a year, and because we've been there so often we've stopped doing all the touristy things and generally spend our time relaxing by the pool and catching up with the family news.

But this year will be the first time I've visited since I started blogging, so I'll be making a bit more effort to seek out interesting things to share with you.





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