A beautiful sandy beach located in Vasilikos peninsula at a distance of 12 kilometers away from Zakynthos town. A small sandy beach with crystal clear water surrounded with remarkable rocks rising from the sea ideal for diving lovers. Porto Zoro is a place where you can relax with your family and friends and enjoy a wonderful launch in the tyraditional tavernas on the area, serving fresh fish and delicious local dishes.
Keri Light House
A lighthouse that is built at the edge of an sleep slope of 200 roughly metres depth surrounded by a wild imposing beauty, mountainous landscape, wild rocks meeting the sea, all surrounded by rich vegetation and unique view. By tradition, this is one of the most romantic places in the whole island. The sunset is breathtaking, leaving you memories you will never forget.
The Church
The large church of Saint Dionysios dominates the southern end of the Strata Marina. Externally it is not particularly striking, with the exception of its size and its imposing bell-tower a copy of that of Saint Mark in Venice. This bell tower has become something of a symbol of the island, since it is among the first features which once discerns as one approaches on the ferry. Inside however, it has superb wall paintings with scenes from the life of the saint. The church also contains paintings by Nikolaos Koutouzis and Doxaras. The silver larnax in which the relic of the saint is an outstanding piece of work by Diamantis Bafas.
Saint Dennis/Dionysios Parade in August
Dionysius of Zakynthos was born in 1547 on the island of Zakynthos in the Ionian Sea. Before becoming a monk his name was Draganigos Sigouros He was educated by priests and became fluent in Greek, Italian, and Latin. He excelled in theology, became a monk in 1568, and received his first degree of ordination as a priest in 1570 as Daniel; he later became hieromonk of Zakynthos and Strofades. In 1577 he was raised to Archbishop of Aegina and Poros and after a year abdicated from this dignity and settled in Zakynthos as an abbot of a monastery. In December 17, 1622 he fell asleep in the Lord. He had asked to be buried in this monastery and his grave is still to be found in the chapel of St George; a dependant of the monastery.
It has been found that his body remains intact and emits a mixed fragrance of flowers and frankincense. Therefore he is venerated, and his sainthood has been proclaimed by the Patriarch of Constantinople. His feast day is celebrated on December 17, and on August 24, the Church celebrates the transfer of his holy relics.
“The Saint of Forgiveness”
St. Dionysius was remarkable in his forgiveness and love for his fellow man.A man came to St. Dionysius’s cell and begged the saint to hide him from his pursuers. When St. Dionysius asked him why he was being pursued, the man told him that he had killed a man. The murderer did not know that he had killed the saint’s own beloved brother Constantine. St. Dionysius was very grieved but hid the man and did not surrender him to the law. Instead he instructed him and brought him to repentance. According to local tradition, the murderer later repented and became a monk himself at that same monastery. St. Dionysius is an example to us all for his forgiveness of even the most grievous sins against us.
“The Wonderworker”
Dionysios grants his people many blessings; and many miracles are reported in connection with his ministry.
For example, when the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas was destroyed on September 11, 2001, during the World Trade Center attack, only two things were recovered intact: a cross and a paper icon of Dionysios.
“The Walking Saint”
Dionysius rests in the church which bears his name in Zakynthos, where opening his tomb is often found impossible. It appears as though this occurs when Dionysius is out performing miracles. Afterwards, when the tomb can be opened, seaweed is found at his feet and his slippers are found to be worn thin. In fact, his slippers need continual replacement because they receive so much wear. He is often seen alive and walking.
The other “Walking Saints” of the Ionian Islands St. Spyridon of Trimythous the Wonderworker from Corfu St. Gerasimos from Cephalonia.
