Zante, also known as Zakynthos, ever popular with villa owners and holiday visitors, is the third largest of the Greek Ionian islands, after its larger neighbours of Corfu and Kephalonia. These are the nearest islands to Italy and through the historical links exude a heady mix of Western and eastern Mediterranean culture, cuisine and architecture. Zante is well-known for its wonderful sandy beaches many of which are largely unspoilt with the azure waters of the Med gently lapping at beautiful golden sand. These waters are the home of the loggerhead turtle which makes its home and nestes here. Craggy mountains and colourful, bustling towns make Zante an intriguing island of pleasant contrasts and one which is well worth a return visit, as many do year on year.