In my recent article I speculated whether Easyjet might fly to Zakynthos  in Greece (also known as Zante) in 2010 and it turns out that they have just launched flights there from London Gatwick Airport. Always aiming to bring you the best European travel tips, I thought I’d let you know about a couple of interesting places to visit that will give you a sense of the history on the island. Romas Mansion on Zakynthos If you’re holidaying on Zakynthos, it’s likely that you’ll visit Zante town, the capital of the island, to watch the fishing boats at the quayside, shop for clothes and souvenirs or soak up a little Greek coffee culture in the main square. If you do, make sure you allow an extra hour to look around Romas mansion , tucked down a side street just behind the main square for a taste of how the aristocracy of the island lived in the past. The mansion was built in the 1660s and is one of the few houses of this period to survive the terrible earthquake and fire of 1953 that destroyed Zante town. It was built in the 1660s and was used as the seat of government during the English protectorate of the island in the early 19th century, but was later bought by the Greek government minister, Alexander Romas. The house has now been restored and opened by the Romas family who still live there and is full of beautiful antique furniture and family portraits, giving you a glimpse of how the wealthy Greek families lived in that era. Check the website for opening times before you visit. Terrace near the castle on Zakynthos Another historic site that you might enjoy is the Venetian Fort built in 1646 at the top of the hill overlooking Zante town. The terrace just below the castle is a favourite place for Zakynthians to go and have a drink in the evening and there’s a pretty churth you should visit if it’s open. Surprisingly, I had never visited the castle before, despite visiting the island many times, but this year I finally managed to be there at a time when it was open. Inside you’ll find a large space that once must have been full of buildings, like a small village for the soldiers stationed there. Now the pine trees have grown over it all and the buildings are largely ruined, but the view over the bay is as spectacular as ever. Even if you don’t see the castle, make the effort to go up for a drink at sunset on the terrace

Original Source Explore the history of Zakynthos in Greece