Page 100 - (DK Eyewitness) Top 10 Travel Guide - Corfu & the Ionian Islands

98 ❯❯ Corfu and the Ionian Islands Area by Area

Melinado
4 ST DIONÝSIOS
MAP L2 • Near Lagópodo,
Zákynthos The patron saint of Zákynthos island,
A traditional village in the heart of St Dionýsios, was a monk at the
the island, Melinado is surrounded Monastery of the Virgin Anafonítria
by olive groves. Its elevated position, (see p45) in the 16th century. He went
gives it outstand ing views of the plains on to become an Orthodox Christian
below. A mighty temple dedi cated to Archbishop in Aegina, following a visit
to the Holy Land. His remains are
the Greek goddess Artemis once housed in a silver coffin in the Church
stood here, and its remains can be of St Dionýsios in Zákynthos Town.
seen today. Recent excava tions have
unearthed major finds, including arch­
Keri
itectural detail ing and ancient coins. 7
The ruins of a church lie here as well. MAP L3 • Limni Kerious beach,
Zákynthos
The picturesque village of Keri, with
its original stone houses built along
meandering alleyways, lies high up
in the hills to the south of the island.
One of the few villages to escape the
1953 earthquake, Keri is popular
with visitors who are keen to see the
centuries­old lifestyle of the people
of Zákynthos. Surrounded by vine­
yards and olive groves, it also pro­
duces some of the best wine and
Church of Agia Mavra, Maherádo olive oil on the island, and offers
great views of the sea.
Maherádo
5 Volímes
MAP L2 • Near Melinado,
Zákynthos 8
MAP K1 • Northwest Zákynthos
The large village of Maherado has An attractive village with much of its
been an agricultural community original architecture intact, Volímes
for centuries. Its centrepiece is a lies in the mountainous northwest
14th­century church with a Venetian region of Zákynthos, a little inland
bell tower. Dedicated to St Mavra, a from Navagio beach. It is divided in
saint revered by the islanders, the two – Ano (upper) and Kato (lower)
Church of Agia Mavra has a notable Volímes. Its enchanting Venetian
collection of frescoes, a lavish icono s­ Baroque St Paraskevi church has a
tasis and many icons. One of the gilded iconostasis. Volímes’ textile
icons, called the Agia Mavra, is craftsman ship is also
thought to be miraculous and wor­ justly famous.
ship pers kiss it as a mark of respect.
Gulf of Laganás
6
MAP M3 • Off Laganás,
Zákynthos
While often filled with watersports
enthusiasts, the Gulf of Laganás is
better known as the breeding ground
of the endangered logger head turtle.
After mating at sea, the females come
ashore to lay their eggs at Laganás
beach (see p100). The Sea Turtle
Protection Association helps protect
the breeding ground.
See map on pp96–7

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