Learn How to Pronounce Zakynthos | YouPronounce.it

How to Pronounce Zakynthos

Quick Answer: In Greek, the name Zakynthos is pronounced [ˈzacinθos], while in English it is pronounced [ˈzækɪnθɒs].
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Meaning and Context

Zakynthos, historically known as Zante, is a verdant Greek island situated in the Ionian Sea, celebrated as a premier destination for Mediterranean travel. It is globally renowned for the iconic Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach), where the rusting hull of the MV Panagiotis, a smuggling vessel that ran aground in 1980, rests on a pristine stretch of white sand framed by dramatic limestone cliffs and strikingly clear turquoise waters. Beyond this famous cove, the island offers diverse attractions including the endangered Caretta caretta loggerhead sea turtles that nest at Laganas Bay, the mesmerizing Blue Caves at Cape Skinari, and the vibrant Venetian-influenced architecture of Zakynthos Town. As a cornerstone of the Ionian islands, it provides a compelling mix of vibrant nightlife, traditional villages, and protected natural parks, making it an essential stop for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation in Greece.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary name, Zakynthos, is the formal Greek spelling and the most widely accepted term in English-language contexts. The alternative name Zante is the Italianate version derived from the Venetian era and remains popular, particularly in tourism and colloquial use. Common misspellings and typos arise from phonetic interpretations or keyboard errors, such as Zakynthus, Zakinthos, Zakyntos, and Zacynthos (the latter being an archaic English variant). For the famous beach, "Navagio" is sometimes misspelled as Navagio, Navaggio, or Nafagio. Travelers should also note the correct spelling of the protected species, the loggerhead sea turtle, as opposed to common errors like "logger head" or "loggertail."

Example Sentences

After a short boat tour from Porto Vromi, we finally laid eyes on the breathtaking panorama of Navagio Beach on Zakynthos.

Many visitors choose to stay in the resort towns of Laganas or Tsilivi for easy access to both Zakynthos's nightlife and its serene southern beaches.

To protect the nesting sites, certain areas of Zakynthos's coastline are restricted during the summer months when the loggerhead turtles come ashore.

The island's culinary scene is a highlight, with meals often featuring local specialties like Zakynthian rabbit stew and a glass of Verdea wine.

We spent our final afternoon exploring the Venetian castle ruins above Zakynthos Town, which offered stunning views across the Ionian Sea.

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