0:00:02 > 0:00:05Hello and welcome to Getaways, the show where you call the shots.
0:00:05 > 0:00:07We've asked you for your hints and tips on what to do,
0:00:07 > 0:00:09what to eat and where to stay.
0:00:09 > 0:00:11We've taken your recommendations on board
0:00:11 > 0:00:14and we're going to try them for ourselves.
0:00:14 > 0:00:16This week we've come to an enduringly popular
0:00:16 > 0:00:19holiday island in the Ionian Sea.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22Yes, we're on the Greek island of Zante, also known as...
0:00:22 > 0:00:24Zakynthos.
0:00:24 > 0:00:27It's a four-hour flight to Zante.
0:00:27 > 0:00:31We flew from Belfast, but there are direct flights Dublin too.
0:00:33 > 0:00:34Coming up:
0:00:34 > 0:00:35I hit the beach
0:00:35 > 0:00:38and go looking for some of the island's oldest inhabitants.
0:00:39 > 0:00:43We explore some caves and discover the Shipwreck Cove.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47And I'm taking a short break in Waterford.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49- Joseph Lindsay.- Yes.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51We're on an island. What are you looking forward to?
0:00:51 > 0:00:54Well, I've been on the neighbouring islands of Corfu and Kefalonia,
0:00:54 > 0:00:55absolutely loved both.
0:00:55 > 0:00:58I'm just kind of interested to see how Zante compares.
0:00:58 > 0:01:01OK, that's the thing, Zante, Zakynthos, is it either, is it both?
0:01:01 > 0:01:04- What do we call it? - Well, I'm glad you asked me, Angela.
0:01:04 > 0:01:06Zakynthos is obviously the original Greek name for the island.
0:01:06 > 0:01:09Zante comes from the Italian name for the island from when
0:01:09 > 0:01:12- the Venetian settlers were here. - Interesting.- Yes.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16- You have any other nuggets of wisdom?- No, that's about it.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19- This should be really good fun. - Yeah.- Really good.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26Zakynthos, or Zante if you prefer, is a relatively small island
0:01:26 > 0:01:30and you can drive from one end to the other in about an hour.
0:01:30 > 0:01:34The main holiday resort is Laganas, on the south of the island,
0:01:34 > 0:01:38where you'll find long beaches and big hotels.
0:01:38 > 0:01:41The centre of the island is quite green and mountainous,
0:01:41 > 0:01:44while the north of the island is more sparsely populated,
0:01:44 > 0:01:48with smaller, more exclusive beaches and rocky coves.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51But the good news is that wherever you are in Zakynthos,
0:01:51 > 0:01:53nothing is very far away.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05Nicky from County Antrim told us
0:02:05 > 0:02:08to spend a lazy day wandering around Zakynthos town.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17If you're a shopaholic then Zakynthos probably won't impress.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20There are no designer outlets or high-street stores,
0:02:20 > 0:02:23but if you're looking for local artisan craft or souvenirs,
0:02:23 > 0:02:25then you won't be disappointed.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34Oh, very good.
0:02:35 > 0:02:3716 euro.
0:02:39 > 0:02:41Bargain.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46Zante is a popular stop-off for yachts cruising the Greek islands,
0:02:46 > 0:02:48and there's a small fishing fleet.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52Top tip, get here early in the morning
0:02:52 > 0:02:55if you want to see the local fishermen land their catch.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59Like everywhere else these days,
0:02:59 > 0:03:03there's a tourist train that can give you a tour of the town.
0:03:04 > 0:03:09There are also organised walking tours, but it's easy to go exploring
0:03:09 > 0:03:13the town's historical landmarks on your own, and you won't get lost.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16The history of the island is a troubled one that goes back to
0:03:16 > 0:03:19ancient times. It's actually mentioned in the works of Homer,
0:03:19 > 0:03:21the Odyssey and Iliad.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24According to Homer, the first person to occupy this island
0:03:24 > 0:03:27was a Trojan prince, Zakynthos, hence the name,
0:03:27 > 0:03:30but since then it's been occupied by the Spartans,
0:03:30 > 0:03:33the Macedonians, the Persians, the Romans, the Venetians,
0:03:33 > 0:03:36the Neapolitans, the Turks, the French - twice -
0:03:36 > 0:03:38the Russians and the British.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41But it finally became part of Greece in 1864.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45But it didn't end there.
0:03:45 > 0:03:50During World War II, Zante was occupied by German and Italian forces
0:03:50 > 0:03:53while the island was home to a small population of Jews.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59When the Nazis came to round up the Zakynthos Jewish population,
0:03:59 > 0:04:02the mayor and the bishop refused to hand them over
0:04:02 > 0:04:06and instead hid the island's 30 or so Jewish families in the hills.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11It's a matter of great pride on the island that all 175
0:04:11 > 0:04:13Zakynthos Jews survived the war.
0:04:13 > 0:04:17Here stands a memorial dedicated to the men who protected them
0:04:17 > 0:04:18on the site of the synagogue.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23The reason why there is no longer a synagogue here is because
0:04:23 > 0:04:28it was destroyed, with many other buildings, by an earthquake in 1953.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32Indeed, Alan from Carrickfergus says the place is prone to tremors
0:04:32 > 0:04:36and he claims it makes lying on the beach a little surreal.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39But, fear not, everybody - since the big earthquake in 1953,
0:04:39 > 0:04:41all the buildings here have been made quake-proof.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48If you're feeling a bit lively you can take a walk up
0:04:48 > 0:04:51behind Zakynthos town to the little village of Bochali.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54Now, it's quite a trek but the views are definitely worth it.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01Climbing to the top of the hill brings you to
0:05:01 > 0:05:04the Castle of Zakynthos, or the Venetian castle,
0:05:04 > 0:05:08so called because it was built by the Venetians in 1646.
0:05:11 > 0:05:15The ravages of war and earthquakes have taken their toll on the castle,
0:05:15 > 0:05:19but you can still see the remains of the ancient fortifications.
0:05:21 > 0:05:24These days it's a top tourist spot,
0:05:24 > 0:05:27perfect for panoramic views of the island.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36The coastline of Zakynthos boasts an abundance of sandy coves,
0:05:36 > 0:05:40but only one features a massive hunk of rusted metal.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49This is Navagio Beach, also known as Smuggler's Cove,
0:05:49 > 0:05:51or the Shipwreck Beach,
0:05:51 > 0:05:54and it's the number one tourist attraction on Zakynthos.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01In high summer this beach swarms with tourists,
0:06:01 > 0:06:04with tour boats from all around the islands stopping off here.
0:06:04 > 0:06:06So don't say we didn't warn you!
0:06:07 > 0:06:10'But if you want a day out to the beach with a difference,
0:06:10 > 0:06:14'then Michelle from Galway recommended we check it out.'
0:06:14 > 0:06:16Thank you.
0:06:16 > 0:06:20'We chose to take one of the regular sightseeing tours from Porto Vromi
0:06:20 > 0:06:23'and the boat trip takes in some spectacular caves.'
0:06:23 > 0:06:25- Oh, look at that!- Look at that.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28'There are caves like these all around the coastline,
0:06:28 > 0:06:30'and the locals have given names
0:06:30 > 0:06:33'to some of the more unusual rock formations.'
0:06:33 > 0:06:36- See that little fella hanging off the rocks there?- Yeah.
0:06:36 > 0:06:38- Poseidon, that's what his name is. - That's Poseidon?
0:06:38 > 0:06:40- Poseidon. - Do you know who Poseidon is?
0:06:40 > 0:06:43Er, I think he used to play for...
0:06:43 > 0:06:46- Ireland, left forward! - THEY LAUGH
0:06:46 > 0:06:48He is actually the Greek god of the sea.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50Of course he is, I knew that.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52Look, that man looks like a Greek god.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55He doesn't really look like a Greek god.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00Oh, here we go. Oh, look!
0:07:03 > 0:07:05To be fair, if you were to be shipwrecked,
0:07:05 > 0:07:07you really couldn't find a better beach.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11The good ship Panagiotis started life in Glasgow,
0:07:11 > 0:07:14hauling heavy goods up and down the Irish Sea,
0:07:14 > 0:07:16before she was bought by a Greek shipping line.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22And eventually she fell into the clutches of a gang of smugglers.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25Legend has it one stormy night in 1980
0:07:25 > 0:07:27the Panagiotis, loaded with contraband
0:07:27 > 0:07:29bound for the Sicilian Mafia,
0:07:29 > 0:07:34was pursued by the Greek Navy and ran aground here at Navagio Beach,
0:07:34 > 0:07:37and here be her last resting place, me hearties, rusting away.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41I think she's beautiful. I love stuff like this.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46Now she has become the backdrop for a million snapshots
0:07:46 > 0:07:49and selfies and her rusting carcass has been inscribed
0:07:49 > 0:07:53with the names of lovestruck travellers from all over the world.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59But there's no denying that there is a romantic beauty about the old ship,
0:07:59 > 0:08:03set against the bleached cliffs and the turquoise sea.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09And among our fellow travellers, I bumped into someone from back home.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11This is Rachel from Carrickfergus.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13Rachel, how are you enjoying Zante so far?
0:08:13 > 0:08:15Absolutely fantastic. First time I've been here.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17- 100% I would come back here.- Yes?
0:08:17 > 0:08:20Beautiful weather, lovely people. Delighted.
0:08:20 > 0:08:22Fantastic. Well, enjoy the rest of your holiday.
0:08:22 > 0:08:25- Thank you very much. - Thanks, Rachel.- Thank you. Bye.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31Zante in the summer can get very hot,
0:08:31 > 0:08:34so if you want a day off from the beach, Lisa from Meath suggested
0:08:34 > 0:08:37we head for the cool air in the mountains.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44Because the island is so compact you're never going to be
0:08:44 > 0:08:47more than a short drive from the mountains, and Patricia
0:08:47 > 0:08:51from County Down recommended that we hire a car and go exploring.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56A sporty little convertible like this one
0:08:56 > 0:08:58costs around 100 euro per day,
0:08:58 > 0:09:02but be warned, driving around these narrow roads can be hazardous,
0:09:02 > 0:09:04so be extra cautious.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09The contrast is just amazing.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11We're 20 minutes from the beach and the bustle
0:09:11 > 0:09:14and now we are surrounded by trees, driving through tiny little
0:09:14 > 0:09:18mountain villages, and it feels like a completely different world.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26The countryside around here is covered in olive trees,
0:09:26 > 0:09:30with cypress trees and beehives dotted around the hills.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33But the flat areas of land are planted with vines.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36The grape harvest happens in August
0:09:36 > 0:09:39and most of the Zakynthos crop goes into producing currants.
0:09:42 > 0:09:45But I'm visiting one of the island's vineyards to find out
0:09:45 > 0:09:47how they turn the grapes into wine.
0:09:50 > 0:09:55'The Grampsas winery is run by three generations of the Grampsas family
0:09:55 > 0:09:58'and I've been advised to stop here to find out how the wine is made
0:09:58 > 0:10:01'and, of course, how it tastes.'
0:10:01 > 0:10:04- Hello.- Hello. Welcome to Grampsas winery.- Thank you.
0:10:04 > 0:10:07'Sophia is giving me a quick guided tour of the process.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13Here is where the fermentation starts.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16- They are all at low temperature. - Yes, it is a bit chilly, all right.
0:10:16 > 0:10:18- It is. Let's go inside.- Yes.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23Here we have the oak barrel.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27Some wine, like the red, has to stay here at least six months
0:10:27 > 0:10:29and then it is ready.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32- So is it ready for us to drink now? - Yes, of course.- Let's go!
0:10:34 > 0:10:38- You can see some bottles here. - Loads of different types.- Yes.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46Now, I'm driving so I'm going to just have a little.
0:10:46 > 0:10:48Little. For the tasting only.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51You can smell?
0:10:55 > 0:10:57Oh, it's delicious!
0:10:57 > 0:10:59It's really... I mean, I'm not a wine expert,
0:10:59 > 0:11:01but it's full-bodied, I would say.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04You are travelling right now, yes, close your eyes.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06Travelling! I love the dramatics!
0:11:12 > 0:11:16Driving through the hills, there are lots of little roadside shops
0:11:16 > 0:11:20and stores where you can buy some local produce and a few souvenirs.
0:11:25 > 0:11:30But I've pulled over in the little mountain village of Kiliomenos,
0:11:30 > 0:11:33where I have discovered a treasure trove of local produce.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39All of the products in this store are made by a local woman's collective,
0:11:39 > 0:11:42everything from oils to vinegars, jams,
0:11:42 > 0:11:45honey, candles, bread, cheese and even jewellery,
0:11:45 > 0:11:47and they're all sold in this tiny little shop.
0:11:58 > 0:12:02If you have a car then my advice is to take the opportunity
0:12:02 > 0:12:05to explore the places slightly off the beaten track.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10It's easy to get distracted with views like this around
0:12:10 > 0:12:13every other corner, but do it properly, find a beautiful place,
0:12:13 > 0:12:15park up and take it all in.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21If you don't fancy venturing too far afield,
0:12:21 > 0:12:24then maybe a short break in Ireland is more your thing.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30I'm setting the clock back just in time for a new tourism initiative
0:12:30 > 0:12:33exploring Ireland's ancient east, and where better to start
0:12:33 > 0:12:37than with the oldest, and some might say the first city, Waterford.
0:12:39 > 0:12:42On the southern bank of the River Suir,
0:12:42 > 0:12:45Waterford was founded by Viking settlers over 1,000 years ago.
0:12:47 > 0:12:51Today, Reginald's Tower is one of Waterford's three museum attractions,
0:12:51 > 0:12:54taking visitors through 1,000 years of the city's history,
0:12:54 > 0:12:56from the Vikings to the Victorians.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00The Vikings probably arrived on a craft very similar to this.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03But they didn't hang about just combing each other's beards.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06Oh, no, siree! This is the site of the first defence structure,
0:13:06 > 0:13:07built by the Norsemen.
0:13:09 > 0:13:13The medieval museum is built over a 13th century vault
0:13:13 > 0:13:16and contains some unique artefacts from the period,
0:13:16 > 0:13:19but I'm headed next door to the Georgian Bishop's Palace.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24You can choose to take a guided tour through the house,
0:13:24 > 0:13:27or take in the exhibits at your own pace.
0:13:28 > 0:13:33The palace was commissioned by the Bishop of Waterford in 1743
0:13:33 > 0:13:36and now houses a remarkable collection of 18th century
0:13:36 > 0:13:41Irish furniture, silverware, artwork, and, of course, Waterford Crystal.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47In this museum here in the Bishop's Palace we have the oldest collection
0:13:47 > 0:13:51and biggest collection of Waterford glass in the world and, of course,
0:13:51 > 0:13:53immediately we are looking out on, of course, from the room,
0:13:53 > 0:13:56you're looking out at the modern Waterford Crystal and, again,
0:13:56 > 0:13:58that's the whole story of Waterford,
0:13:58 > 0:14:00that the tradition still lasts, it still goes on.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04We still have people going in there to make crystal over there today,
0:14:04 > 0:14:06as they had 200 years ago here in the city.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12This is the Penrose three-ring decanter.
0:14:12 > 0:14:17Made in 1789, it is the oldest piece of Waterford glass in the world.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19I really shouldn't be standing so close to it
0:14:19 > 0:14:22because I can pretty much break things just by looking at them.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31Not far from the Waterford Crystal factory is the Kite Design Studio,
0:14:31 > 0:14:35where you can check out their extraordinary coloured glassware.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39And not only that, you can see it being made.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48Tony Hayes is one of the master craftsman behind this project.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51The four of us were mixed glass-blowers and glass cutters
0:14:51 > 0:14:54at Waterford Crystal and we kind of put a plan together
0:14:54 > 0:14:56and we came up with this. This is the Irish Handmade Glass Company.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59Do you find people visiting here because of the glass,
0:14:59 > 0:15:01- because they are big fans of... - They do.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04You can see, it's an open studio, people can walk in and walk out.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06They can come in, there's no charge,
0:15:06 > 0:15:09they can watch us making glass and ask us questions as we're doing it.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12Just ten minutes downriver from the city,
0:15:12 > 0:15:15I'm staying at the Waterford Castle Hotel.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17It's situated on its own private island,
0:15:17 > 0:15:19so you need to take a short ferry trip.
0:15:22 > 0:15:26The 500-year-old castle has recently come under new ownership,
0:15:26 > 0:15:29but was in the hands of the same aristocratic family
0:15:29 > 0:15:31right up to the late 1950s.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36The hotel is very grand, but very relaxed,
0:15:36 > 0:15:38and you can have afternoon tea in the lounge
0:15:38 > 0:15:41or a meal in the Munster Room Restaurant.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46Once fed and watered, I'd recommend a walk in the grounds.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50There are over 300 acres here,
0:15:50 > 0:15:52and plenty of activities to keep you occupied,
0:15:52 > 0:15:55everything from croquet through archery to tennis.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58But I mean, come on.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01Pull!
0:16:02 > 0:16:05'Clay pigeon shooting is one of the most popular activities,
0:16:05 > 0:16:06'and I can see why.'
0:16:06 > 0:16:07Pull!
0:16:09 > 0:16:11'It certainly does get the heart pumping.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15'Tuition is included in the price and is suitable for all ability levels.'
0:16:15 > 0:16:19I'm lethal. I'm telling you, I am lethal.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21'Well, I didn't do too badly at all.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24'Lethal, I was, I'm telling you. Lethal.
0:16:24 > 0:16:25'And to round off the castle experience,
0:16:25 > 0:16:28'there are a choice of 19 rooms in the four-star resort,
0:16:28 > 0:16:30costing from £70 per night.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32'For those with a more modest budget,
0:16:32 > 0:16:35'there are over 40 self-catering lodges.'
0:16:37 > 0:16:41This week we're on the Greek island of Zakynthos,
0:16:41 > 0:16:45where we've taken a tour of the town, explored the Shipwreck Beach,
0:16:45 > 0:16:48and tasted the delights of the mountain villages.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54But if you're on holiday to get away from the stresses
0:16:54 > 0:16:56and strains of everyday life,
0:16:56 > 0:16:59then Louise and Rowan from Belfast told us
0:16:59 > 0:17:02this beach has hidden therapeutic properties.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07You need to negotiate some steep steps to get down here,
0:17:07 > 0:17:09but the reason people come to Xigia Beach
0:17:09 > 0:17:13is because the water here is naturally infused with collagen
0:17:13 > 0:17:16and sulphur, which bubbles up from beneath the seabed.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26The first thing you notice when you get down here is the smell.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28It's a bit eggy. Actually it's a lot eggy,
0:17:28 > 0:17:31but after a few deep breaths, it's almost normal.
0:17:34 > 0:17:38And it's said to be good for things like rheumatism and arthritis,
0:17:38 > 0:17:43plus it's good for skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52After a refreshing dip in the mineral waters,
0:17:52 > 0:17:54there's a little taverna just above the beach,
0:17:54 > 0:17:58where you can chill out and feel the glow on your skin.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00The locals call this place the spa beach,
0:18:00 > 0:18:03but it's not a spa in a conventional sense.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06There are no fluffy robes, there's no pan pipe music
0:18:06 > 0:18:08and unfortunately, no-one is here to massage you,
0:18:08 > 0:18:12but you do leave feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and it's free.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21Everywhere you go on Zakynthos,
0:18:21 > 0:18:24you'll come across these cute little critters.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27That's because Zante is home to one of the oldest forms of life
0:18:27 > 0:18:30on Earth, the loggerhead sea turtle,
0:18:30 > 0:18:33known also as the Caretta caretta.
0:18:34 > 0:18:39Irene is one of the wardens in the National Marine Park of Zakynthos.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41So, Irene, this is the nesting beach.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44- The turtles come here to lay their eggs.- That's the nesting.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47How many nests would you have on the beach during mating season?
0:18:47 > 0:18:51About 1,000 nests. About 1,000 nests, that's the average.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54I've read that the kind of life expectancy, survival expectancy,
0:18:54 > 0:18:56is maybe one in 1,000.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00Yes, a really small number and they are very sensitive
0:19:00 > 0:19:03and they have many enemies in the sea.
0:19:03 > 0:19:04I mean it seems strange to me,
0:19:04 > 0:19:07I'm sure it will for anybody watching, this beach having so many
0:19:07 > 0:19:11turtle nests but tourists are allowed to come here and sunbathe and swim.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15Yes, the people can visit the beach during the day from
0:19:15 > 0:19:19seven o'clock in the morning until eight o'clock in the afternoon.
0:19:19 > 0:19:23That hours, the turtles are not nesting, they are in the sea.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27But during the night, when it's nesting time, when the turtles
0:19:27 > 0:19:32come out later and nest, the beach is closed for everybody.
0:19:37 > 0:19:39You'll see these little cages up and down the beach,
0:19:39 > 0:19:42these mark the spots where the female turtles have made a nest
0:19:42 > 0:19:45and laid their eggs, to let tourists know to keep away from them.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48The eggs hatch and the baby turtles come out at night.
0:19:48 > 0:19:49They head off towards the water.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52They're about this size.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54In relative terms, that's quite a hike,
0:19:54 > 0:19:57so no wonder only one in 1,000 survive.
0:19:57 > 0:19:58I'm here, lads, I'm here.
0:20:05 > 0:20:09Just off the beach in Laganas Bay is a little outcrop of rock
0:20:09 > 0:20:12that has become a favourite haven for the turtles,
0:20:12 > 0:20:15as well as wistful romantics.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18Cameo Island is a quaint and idyllic private island
0:20:18 > 0:20:22that's perfect for sundowners, a day trip, and also happens to be
0:20:22 > 0:20:25one of the most popular wedding destinations on the island.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28And it's easy to see why.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30The island has a heavenly little beach,
0:20:30 > 0:20:34with a taverna and a pier that's made for memorable wedding photos.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39The island's close to the main hotels on Laganas,
0:20:39 > 0:20:42so it's also a practical location for a wedding party.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50'I'm going searching for turtles,
0:20:50 > 0:20:54'and there are a few ways you can get out on the water to go look for them,
0:20:54 > 0:20:56'including organised boat trips,
0:20:56 > 0:20:58'water taxis, and private tours.'
0:20:59 > 0:21:01Hey, Spyros!
0:21:01 > 0:21:03'But I'm hiring my own boat.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06'After a quick lesson in the basic operation of the boat,
0:21:06 > 0:21:09'and a safety briefing, you're good to go.'
0:21:19 > 0:21:20Hello!
0:21:22 > 0:21:25Now, apparently the best place to go for a bit of turtle spotting
0:21:25 > 0:21:27is Turtle Island.
0:21:27 > 0:21:28They swim around the waters there
0:21:28 > 0:21:31and also the island is shaped a bit like a turtle.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36The beach on Turtle Island is a popular stop-off,
0:21:36 > 0:21:38but if you've got your own boat
0:21:38 > 0:21:41then you can pick a quiet place to do some spotting.
0:21:49 > 0:21:53The best time to find turtles is from early June until late August,
0:21:53 > 0:21:56but we're here just a little bit too early in the season,
0:21:56 > 0:21:59but I reckon they're happy enough to be left in peace.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08While Joe is off searching for turtles,
0:22:08 > 0:22:10I'm going on a cultural excursion.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13There are some museums
0:22:13 > 0:22:18and historical attractions in Zante, but if you really want
0:22:18 > 0:22:22to experience ancient Greek culture, then you need to get off the island.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26The ferry from Zakynthos takes less than an hour and a half
0:22:26 > 0:22:29to the Greek mainland, and another hour-and-a-half drive
0:22:29 > 0:22:32brings you to the ancient site of Olympia.
0:22:35 > 0:22:38This is where the Olympic Games originates from,
0:22:38 > 0:22:42and it's where the first games were held back in the eighth century BC.
0:22:43 > 0:22:46The Olympic site has been painstakingly unearthed
0:22:46 > 0:22:48from beneath eight metres of mud,
0:22:48 > 0:22:52which helped to preserve the ancient temples for over 1,000 years.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56How different is the Olympics as we know it today
0:22:56 > 0:22:58from what it was like back then?
0:22:58 > 0:23:02First of all, today the athletes are not competing in the nude,
0:23:02 > 0:23:05- like they used to.- Right. Just as well, probably.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08And is it true that it was only men who were allowed to compete?
0:23:08 > 0:23:10- Only men.- OK.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13Women could neither watch nor participate
0:23:13 > 0:23:17until a couple of centuries later that they gave local virgin women,
0:23:17 > 0:23:21non-married girls basically, to have their own local games.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24- Were the women naked too?- No.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27The girls, they weren't really women, they were very young girls
0:23:27 > 0:23:31and they had short dresses on with one breast exposed.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33It was only women again that could watch them
0:23:33 > 0:23:36and they only did one event, the sprint.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38They didn't do all the events that the men did.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40- So hugely prestigious to win. - Oh, yes.
0:23:40 > 0:23:44- They would get married like that after that.- OK.- A good catch.
0:23:46 > 0:23:50The modern Olympics still has some connection with this place
0:23:50 > 0:23:55and during the 2004 Olympic Games they even staged some events here.
0:23:57 > 0:23:58This is the Temple Of Hera
0:23:58 > 0:24:02and during an Olympic year the torch is taken to this very spot
0:24:02 > 0:24:05and lit by the rays of the sun under the watchful eyes
0:24:05 > 0:24:08of the gods before travelling to the host country.
0:24:12 > 0:24:16The archaeological Museum of Olympia is next to the ruins
0:24:16 > 0:24:20and here you can admire some of the artefacts that have been recovered.
0:24:24 > 0:24:27And the museum's central atrium is cleverly laid out
0:24:27 > 0:24:30to recreate the Temple Of Zeus,
0:24:30 > 0:24:32using the statues unearthed from the site.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36These are the original statues that adorned the pediments
0:24:36 > 0:24:40in the temple so you can see that the outline is still intact.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43Now, what strikes me about these is not just the sheer scale of them,
0:24:43 > 0:24:45also how beautifully preserved they are
0:24:45 > 0:24:48considering they're over 2,500 years old.
0:24:57 > 0:25:02Back on Zante, Laganas has become a magnet for clubbers.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04There are plenty of places where the music is loud
0:25:04 > 0:25:07and the last orders are around November.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10It may not have the reputation of Ibiza or Kavos,
0:25:10 > 0:25:12which is further north in Corfu,
0:25:12 > 0:25:16but the nightlife IS one of the many reasons why people come here.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23But if, like me, you like a good music bar but you don't want to be
0:25:23 > 0:25:25going out at midnight, staying out till six,
0:25:25 > 0:25:27giving it a bit of... Doof! Doof! Doof!
0:25:27 > 0:25:31..you will find Zakynthos town has a more grown-up nightlife scene.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37Zante town is where the locals come at night.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41The clubs in town are modern and stylish,
0:25:41 > 0:25:45with a growing reputation for good music, cocktails and service.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52You might not get the same bang for your buck as you would
0:25:52 > 0:25:55in the bars around Laganas, but if you don't mind paying a little more,
0:25:55 > 0:25:58I would heartily recommend Zante town for a night out.
0:26:02 > 0:26:06We based ourselves at the Sentido Louis Plagos Beach Hotel.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08It's just 30 minutes from the airport
0:26:08 > 0:26:10and 20 minutes from the centre of town.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17The hotel is proud of its food, and the cooking here in Zakynthos
0:26:17 > 0:26:21has an Italian influence, as well as a Middle Eastern flavour.
0:26:22 > 0:26:24The head chef was kind enough to give me
0:26:24 > 0:26:26a quick rundown on the local dishes.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28A typical breakfast in Zakynthos.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31OK. This is pretty meaty.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34This is an Italian beef stew,
0:26:34 > 0:26:37with local cheese and pasta.
0:26:37 > 0:26:41So this is very Venetian influenced.
0:26:41 > 0:26:45The hotel is modern and it's right on the coast.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49It's got its own swimming platform and three pools.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51The beach here might not be ideal for kids,
0:26:51 > 0:26:54but if you want a sandy beach, you won't need to travel far.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58Seven nights here on an all-inclusive basis
0:26:58 > 0:27:03costs from £445, based on two sharing.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06Another option is the Louis Zante Beach Hotel on Laganas Beach.
0:27:06 > 0:27:10It has plenty to do for the kids, including a pirate play park,
0:27:10 > 0:27:14kids' swimming pools, and access to a sandy beach.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18It has family rooms with terraces and private gardens.
0:27:18 > 0:27:22An all-inclusive package here costs from £475 for a week,
0:27:22 > 0:27:23based on two people sharing.
0:27:25 > 0:27:27But if you're looking for somewhere a little bit quirky,
0:27:27 > 0:27:29then we spotted these cute windmills
0:27:29 > 0:27:32that have been converted into self-catering cottages,
0:27:32 > 0:27:37on top of the Skinari Peninsula on the island's northern tip.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40You'll probably want to hire a car if you're staying here,
0:27:40 > 0:27:43and, to be honest, the accommodation isn't spacious,
0:27:43 > 0:27:45but inside there is just about everything you need
0:27:45 > 0:27:47to make you feel at home.
0:27:47 > 0:27:51It costs from £50 per night for a double room.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56We flew to Zakynthos with Jet2, direct from Belfast.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59There is one flight per week direct to Zante during the summer,
0:27:59 > 0:28:02with a ticket averaging around £250.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07If you'd like any more information, you can visit our website.
0:28:11 > 0:28:14- So, Angela, what did you make of Zante?- I loved it.
0:28:14 > 0:28:16I especially loved the food.
0:28:16 > 0:28:19- To be honest, I particularly loved Shipwreck Beach.- It was beautiful.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22The beaches in general, cos the spa beach that I went to.
0:28:22 > 0:28:28- Oh, yes.- Amazing. Yes. It felt very idyllic and peaceful and lovely.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31- This is perfect.- The water. Look at the water.
0:28:31 > 0:28:33- Beautiful. - That's all you need to look at.