Tomorrow, the 24th of August, the Ζakynthians all over the world, are celebrating the Saint of forgiveness who was born and died in the island of Zakynthos. Saint Dionysios died in 1622 and is since then protecting our island and its people. We thank him and celebrate his name twice a year, on the 17th of December and on the 24th of August.
A long litany takes place in the Zakynthian town where students, local authorities and locals follow the staging around the town streets. Tourists from all over Greece and the world join the procession and the celebrations that take place during the evening and night hours of the 24th of August in the coast road.
If you happen to be in Zakynthos on the 24th of August don’t miss the celebrations, the Ionian colors, the hospitality and spirit!
Another beautiful wedding took place at the Bitzaro Grande hotel gardens followed by the wedding reception at the «il Giardino».
Thank you Grace and James for choosing us to be a part of your happily ever after!
Who will forget the directions of operation changing on the last minute, the governments announcements influencing our guests’ decisions for holidays and so many more that, for the first time, made our service a great challenge?
We choose to remember you! Our loyal guests that chose to support us again in this difficult time and our new guests that trusted Bitzaro Hotels. We hope we managed to offer you great memories that will keep you smiling in the cold winter days.
See you all next year! #20yearsBitzaroGrande
Birthdays and other special occasions at the Bitzaro Grande Hotel.
If you are looking for a special location to celebrate a birthday or any other special occasion, you will find exactly what you want with us at the Bitzaro Grande Hotel in Kalamaki- Zakynthos.
We will be happy to be part of your special day and we will decorate an area in one of our restaurants, where you can celebrate with your family and friends.
Cakes, treats, your favourite tastes and drinks will be part of our arrangements for you, as our team and hotel Chef will create special tastes to match your preferences.
Bitzaro team aims to ensure that you and your loved ones will spend an unforgettable day in Zakynthos, an unforgettable day with us!
If you are looking for a special welcome, a surprise on arrival, let us know by email at reservations@bitzarogrande.com and don't worry, your secret is safe with us!
Black currant is traditionally cultivated in large areas of Zakynthian land.
As a product it is one of the main sources of income for local farmers and has been a popular product of the island for a few centuries after tourism came.
Since its production takes place only during the summer months, the methods of its preparation prove the Greek ingenuity regarding the preservation of a product in dry form.
The Zakynthian vineyards produce the Black currant variety, a fact that in combination with the quality of it’s taste and it’s delicate aroma, have created one of the most competitive Greek products
Historical sources state that raisins were first cultivated in Zakynthos in the 16th century on a large scale, however, historical texts from antiquity state that the grapes were dried in the sun to create raisins from 1490 BC. but several years passed before it was determined which grape variety would make the best raisin.
Greek raisins are a rich source of trace elements and vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, thus being another secret of the Greek diet.
A serving of 40 grams of raisins usually contains 28-32 grams of sugar, much of which is in the form of fructose, and provides the body with 110-140 calories. Also, a serving of raisins usually contains 2 grams of fiber, as well as very small amounts of protein (usually 1 gram), sodium (usually about 10 milligrams), calcium and iron. Finally, raisins contain a lot of potassium (310 milligrams), which corresponds to about 9% of the daily need of the human body.
Zakynthos Town
You could say that the history of Zakynthos Town and the whole island in general is divided into 'pre' and “post' earthquake periods. Before the earthquake of 1953 and the fire that followed thetown was built according to Venetian architecture.
Mansions of Venetian architecture alternated with urban folk houses and among them were numerous stone churches. The paved roads passed through courtyards, gardens and picturesque squares and bridges united neighbourhoods. Buildings had arches and arched windows, some of which contained arcades. The church of St. Nicholas 'tou molou' was built on an islet which was once connected to the mainland by a bridge.
After the earthquake of 1953 only three buildings survived. Today, after the reconstruction efforts of the city there are some places where you can feel the allure of the past. For shopping go to Alexander Roma Str. You will be thankful for the traditional Venetian arches that protect you from both the rain in the winter and the sun in the summer. AlexanderRoma is characterized by low buildings with beautiful balconies, bougainvillea flowers, trees and the pavements where you really need to be careful as in some places they are slippery.
Stop for a coffee in San Marco Square which was once a meeting place for the nobles during the Venetian occupation, and then visit the Museum and Mausoleum of Dionysios Solomos, now continue on to the square where you can see a statue of him, it is here where you will also find the Byzantine Museum. Now take a walk down the coastal road which takes you past the port and you will eventually come to St. Dionysios Church.
Here in the center of town you can visit the Church of the 'Faneromeni', the Church of Our Lady of the Angels', The mansion of Alexander Roma, the museum of Gregory Xenopoulos and other museums. Just outside the town centre in Krioneri is the Venetian Aqueduct. While visiting Zakynthos Town during the evening you may be lucky enough to here 'Arekies' - traditional Zakynthian music, or have fun in one of the bars located in San Marco Square.
So, to sum up Zakynthos Town, you should take a stroll through the town, feel its energy, admire the architecture, visit the numerous churches and museums, enjoy a spot of shopping, enjoy a nice meal and/or stop for a coffee or a drink at one of the many bars. The city' of the island has plenty to offer whether it be day or night!!
Source: www.ecozante.com
Bitzaro Hotel in Zakynthos town.
The new project of Bitzaro Hotels is the renewed Bitzaro Hotel in Zakynthos Town. Our new property opened its doors this year to offer it’s guests a comfortable and stylish stay in the capital of Zakynthos.
Visit our hotel in Town: www.bitzarohotel.com
First of all a view words about the famous ship which over the decades change many names and owners.
1937 – Build in Scotland with the name “Saint Bedan” from the company Scott & Sons. first owned on the 14th January 1937 from the J. & A. Gardner & Co. Ltd., in Glasgow Scotland.
1964 – Sold to Greeks M. Gkikilini and D. Kalkasina at Thessaloniki and named “Meropi”.
1966 – Sold to another company in Greece and changed name to “Xaris”.
1975 – Sold again to a company in Greece, Athens named P. Lusikatos and named “Panogiotis”.
1980 – Early October the ship ended at a beach in Zakynthos named Agios Georgios after a few years the beach was now known as Navagio which means shipwreck in Greek.
Navagio Beach was originally known as Agios Georgios.
The story can be found in the ghost of the Panagiotis, a shipwrecked smuggler ship that ran aground here in 1980. The details aren’t fully known, and perhaps never will be, but the accepted story is that the Panagiotis was smuggling contraband cigarettes – presumably to Italy – when the Greek authorities intervened, sending the navy in pursuit. the ship was found on the 5th of October 1980 from a marine police carrying around 2000 boxes of cigarettes around 30 million Draxmas.
In poor weather, the ship sailed into water from which it could not escape. The crew fled, leaving the ship to be washed ashore, where she currently remains. Navagio Beach is a breathtaking sight, even without the shell of the Panagiotis. The shipwreck just adds the intrigue. The beach is surrounded by tall limestone cliffs, some of which rise 200 metres to the sky, and is complemented by a brilliantly blue sea. Sailing ships moored just away from the shore complete the spectacle. It’s a gorgeous scene, one well worth the slight hassle it takes to get here: it’s only accessible by boat, so you’ll have to book yourself onto one of the tours available or charter your own boat if you want to see the wreck up close.
Alternatively, you don’t have to be on the beach to experience Navagio Beach. In fact, the best views are actually 200 metres above the shipwreck, from a viewing area on the limestone cliffs that looks down on the beach. There, you’ll be given fantastic photography opportunities and a view you’ll remember for a lifetime. There’ll also be less crowds, which can sometimes make the beach feel claustrophobic. This view can be reached by car.
However you experience it, a visit to ‘Smugglers Cove’ is a must do when you’re in Zakynthos (Zante). In a chain of thousands of islands, each with their own unique selling point, this might just be the one the one with the biggest “wow” factor.
Source: https://www.navagiobeach.gr
