Zante History and Tradition:
Zante as a small island has managed to accumulate a great deal of history, from a variety of countries. Having changed hands numerous times, being occupied by the armies of these nations, Zante still retains some of the ruins, evidence to their occupation over the centuries before gaining their independence. When planning your Cheap holidays Zante, remember the significance of this island and the part it played in helping to shape Western Europe.

Having been occupied by the Romans, the French, the kingdom of Ithaca, and it was after their release from the rule of Ithaca that they became a democracy, maintaining their hold on this rule for nearly 700 years. During the Crusades, Zante was ruled by the Venetians , the Franks, the Angevins, the kings of Naples, and the Tocco family, who were princes of Florence. When the Turks conquered the rest of Greece, the Venetians ruled Zante and the other Ionian Islands. For some time, this rule continued into and beyond the Renaissance and the Enlightenment.

Following another round of occupations, this time by the Russians and then the Turks, the British began protecting Zante and the surrounding islands until roughly 1864 when they were given their independence once again. On May 21, 1864, Zante and the other Ionian Islands merged with Greece and have flown the flag of Greece since that time.

Christianity has had a stronghold in Zante since the time of around 34 AD when it is legend that Mary Magdalen stopped there on her way to Rome, or by another legend, that it was St. Beatrice introducing the islands to this religion.

By virtue of their being a holding of Greece, it would make sense they would adopt the traditions of Greece, including the delectable Mediterranean foods heavy in seafood and vegetables. Greek food has delicious sauces associated with their foods, sauces like hummus, a paste made of chickpeas, tahini and olive oil, and Tsatziki, a delicious sauce made of yogurt, garlic and cucumber.

The traditions related to family and marriage are old world and strongly adhered to. Staying in resorts and having little interaction with the inhabitants of the island means you will probably not have the opportunity to see these traditions first hand, other than the occasional old men sipping tsipouri and playing tavli.

In planning Cheap holidays in Zante, to experience the history and traditions of this rich culture mean to stay off the beaten path and to go where tourists wouldn’t normally go. Stay in one of the historical Zante hotels of Zante and enjoy the beautiful town. When visiting foreign countries, it’s always more of an experience to visit amongst the locals.

Alternative departures:
Zante holidays from London
Zante holidays from Midlands
Zante holidays from Newcastle
Zante holidays from Manchester
Zante holidays from Belfast
Zante holidays from Scotland
Zante holidays from Bristol and Cardiff