Zakynthos
Population: 40,759 (2011)
ISLAND OVERVIEW
Zakynthos island lies in the eastern part of the Ionian sea. The highest point is Vrachionas, at 758 metres (2,487 feet). The western half of the island is a mountainous plateau and the southwest coast consists mostly of cliffs. The eastern half is a densely populated fertile plain with long sandy beaches, interrupted with several isolated hills.
The mild Mediterranean climate and plentiful winter rainfall encourage the islands dense vegetation.
Zakynthos Town, the capital of Zakynthos, was influenced by the Venetians, and Saint Mark Square, the Venetian Castle and Solomos Square are some of the best places to visit in the town. The island has an international airport and attracts many tourists in the Summer season.
Famous for the shipwreck Navagio beach has turquoise waters, white sand and is surrounded by dramatic towering cliffs, making it only accessible by boat. The Bay of Laganas is a National Marine Park and the prime nesting area for loggerhead sea turtles in the Mediterranean.
Marathonissi islet (also known as “Turtle Island”) has tropical vegetation, turquoise waters, beaches, and sea caves.
Principal agricultural products are olive oil, currants, grapes and citrus fruit. The Zante currant is a small sweet, seedless grape native to the island.
The port of Zakynthos has a ferry connecting to the port of Kyllini on the mainland. Another ferry connects the village of Agios Nikolaos to Argostoli on Kefalonia.
The Island & Its History
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After the fall of the Byzantine Empire Zakynthos was held by various countries, like most of the Ionian.
During the Nazi occupation of Greece, Mayor Karrer and Bishop Chrysostomos refused Nazi orders to turn in a list of the members of the town’s Jewish community for deportation to the death camps. Instead, they hid all (or most) of the town’s Jewish people in rural villages. According to some sources, all 275 Jews of Zakynthos survived the war!
Zakynthos was hit by a 7.3-magnitude earthquake on 12 August 1953, destroying most of the buildings on the island. Subsequently, all buildings have been fortified to protect against further tremors.
On 26 October 2018, a 6.4-magnitude earthquake south of the island caused no injuries but damaged the local pier and a 13th Century monastery.
Prayer Points
- The people on the island will realize their need for God and their eyes will be opened to the truth and love of God through reading the Bible for themselves.
- The Lord will work in the lives of all the God-fearing religious people already living on this island, and bring healing & refreshment to their lives.
ADOPT THIS ISLAND
If you are committed to praying for this island and its region, please drop us a note, we would love to know about it and keep you posted with prayer updates!
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