 The UK Government has recently launched its "Planning for Later Life" campaign, designed to help British citizens living overseas prepare for the future. The initiative encourages expats to think ahead about important matters such as healthcare, social care, finances, legal arrangements, and long-term support as they grow older. With thousands of British nationals choosing Greece as their permanent home, the campaign aims to provide practical guidance and ensure that people are aware of the options and services available to them before they are needed. We're particularly proud to share that our very own Island radio 88.6 radio announcer, Bobby Gee, had the opportunity to be involved in the campaign here in Greece. Bobby joined representatives and participants as part of the awareness initiative, helping to highlight the importance of planning ahead and staying informed. The campaign's message is simple: whether you've recently moved to Greece or have called it home for many years, taking time to plan for your future can provide peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. Here are some exclusive behind-the-scenes photos from the campaign activities in Greece, featuring Bobby Gee and others who helped bring this important message to the British expat community. As more information becomes available, we'll continue to share updates and resources to help our listeners and readers make informed decisions about their future in Greece.
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The third Emergency call within a week!  Emergency services were mobilised this week at Navagio (Shipwreck Beach) after a woman called 112 expressing fears for her safety. The response involved the Fire Service, Civil Protection, EKAB, the Police and other agencies, all of whom rushed to the scene to provide assistance.
Fortunately, by the time emergency crews arrived, the woman had already been helped to safety by a member of the public and no further intervention was required. While it is good news that the incident ended safely, the report leaves many unanswered questions. Officials have not explained why the woman was in danger or what circumstances led to the emergency call. As a result, we can only speculate. Given the location and the area's well-known safety restrictions, it is reasonable to wonder whether the individual may have been outside the designated safety zone or beyond the protective barriers. What is particularly concerning is that this is not an isolated incident. Within the last few days alone, emergency services have been called upon to assist people who have placed themselves in potentially dangerous situations. Every unnecessary rescue operation diverts valuable resources and personnel who may be needed elsewhere for genuine emergencies. Navagio remains one of Zakynthos' most iconic attractions, but it is also an area where safety rules exist for a reason. Visitors are urged to respect warning signs, barriers and restricted zones designed to protect both tourists and emergency responders. The latest incident ended without injury, and credit should go to the citizen who assisted the woman and to the emergency services that responded so quickly. However, the growing number of incidents involving risky behaviour should be a concern for everyone. Preventing accidents is always better than responding to them.  The team at Giostra di Zante has announced the programme for Giostra Zakynthos 2026, one of the island's most anticipated cultural events.
Each year, Giostra transports locals and visitors back in time, celebrating the rich history and traditions of Zakynthos through spectacular parades, medieval costumes, music, equestrian displays and historical reenactments. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply looking for a unique family experience, Giostra 2026 promises a memorable weekend for all ages. Friday 29th May 2026 19:45 – Gathering outside the Zakynthos Sub-Region building. 20:15 – Solomos Square
19:30 – Agioi Sarandes Square (Pedestrian Street) Parade of the Children's Giostra Groups. The procession will travel through Alexandrou Roma Street and Dimokratias Avenue, finishing in Solomos Square. 20:00 Children's Giostra Performance. Jousting competition NEW FOR 2026! For the first time, medieval games and activities will be held for the whole family to enjoy. Visitors of all ages will have the opportunity to take part in interactive challenges inspired by medieval traditions, making Saturday's celebrations even more exciting and family-friendly. Sunday 31st May 2026 19:00 – Agioi Sarandes Square (Pedestrian Street) The Grand Parade of all Giostra 2026 teams and the equestrian competition. The procession will follow Alexandrou Roma Street and Dimokratias Avenue, ending at Solomos Square. 20:00 Giostra 2026 Competition. Knights on horses battling for the rings. La Lucera! Arrival of the winner. The celebrations will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display, bringing another unforgettable Giostra weekend to a close. If you would like to experience Zakynthos' history, culture and traditions first-hand, Giostra 2026 is an event not to be missed. 
Every great musical composition hides a story behind it. Some are born from technical mastery, others from personal experiences. But in the case of the Anthem of the Giostra of Zakynthos, the inspiration feels almost like stepping into another world — a world of knights, banners, drums, moonlit celebrations, and the living spirit of Zakynthian history.
The creator of the anthem, Zois Fonteinopoulos, did not simply compose a piece of music for an event. Instead, he created a musical work deeply connected to the soul of the Giostra itself — a composition shaped by emotion, imagination, and cultural memory. In this interview, Zois speaks openly about the inspiration behind the anthem, the importance of cultural heritage, the creative process, and the message he hopes the music will carry to future generations. 
"I mentally traveled back to that era” Q: What inspired you to create the Anthem of Giostra? Zois Fonteinopoulos: “The first seed of inspiration was planted one spring afternoon when I was at the Giostra grounds with my good friend Giannis Milesis, who was explaining to me the rhythmic drum patterns used during the parade performances. While he was speaking, my eyes wandered toward the banners and the images of the knights around the space… and suddenly I became immersed in that world. I can honestly say I mentally traveled back to that era. The inspiration came directly from my connection with the Giostra itself and with the history of Zakynthos — the pain of that period, but also the bravery and dignity of the people who lived through it.” As Zois explains, the structure of the composition mirrors that emotional journey. The anthem begins softly and gradually grows into a powerful climax, reflecting scenes of celebration and life from another time: “Girls with ribbons dancing in illuminated squares and young men accompanying them under the moonlight.” Music Inspired by Living Tradition. For more than twenty years, the Giostra Di Zante has remained one of Zakynthos’ most recognizable cultural institutions, reviving medieval traditions and connecting modern audiences with the island’s rich historical identity. Q: What does your participation in Giostra Di Zante mean to you personally? Zois Fonteinopoulos: “Being part of the Giostra Association feels like having direct contact with the history of the island itself. And I’m not speaking only about the event, but about everything the name Giostra and Zakynthos represents culturally and emotionally.” This deep emotional connection is evident throughout the anthem itself. Rather than functioning as simple background music for a historical reenactment, the composition captures the atmosphere and spirit of the Giostra experience.
Music Is a Universal Language
Throughout the interview, Zois repeatedly returns to the emotional power of music and its ability to preserve culture beyond words. Q: Do you believe music can help preserve cultural tradition? Zois Fonteinopoulos: “Not only do I believe it — I am certain of it. Music is a universal language. You hear the melodies and immediately understand the culture and civilization behind them. So yes, music can preserve our traditions and also carry them beyond Zakynthos.” That philosophy shaped every part of the anthem’s creation. Initially written for guitar, bass, and drums, the composition later expanded to include mandolins, adding a distinctly Zakynthian musical color rooted in the island’s traditional sound. A Collective Creation Although the creative process itself was deeply personal, Zois emphasizes that the final result could not have existed without the collaboration of talented musicians and friends. Q: What was the most difficult part of the creative process? Zois Fonteinopoulos: “When I create, I embrace isolation. That part is actually easy for me because it allows me to organize my thoughts and shape the work step by step. The difficult part comes later, when many people must work together professionally and consistently. Fortunately, with the Giostra Anthem, I was surrounded by exceptional people full of positivity, talent, and humility.” He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the musicians who contributed to the final recording:
From Composition to Cultural Legacy
The anthem was officially presented live for the first time in 2025 during the closing ceremony of the Giostra celebrations in Zakynthos’ central square, attended by local authorities and international delegations. Q: Would you like the anthem to accompany future Giostra events officially? Zois Fonteinopoulos: “The anthem has already served its purpose once, and my wish is for it to continue being heard forever. It is a small cultural legacy that my collaborators and I created with great love for future generations.” A Message Beyond Music At its core, the Anthem of the Giostra of Zakynthos is more than a composition inspired by medieval history. It is a work about humanity, memory, courage, and cultural identity. Q: What message would you like listeners to take from the anthem? Zois Fonteinopoulos: “The message is simple: peace, humanity, and love for our fellow human beings and for nature. Before we act, we should think about whether our actions will have a positive impact on ourselves and on society as a whole. Only then can people live more harmoniously with the world around them.” 
The Anthem of the Giostra of Zakynthos stands as a powerful reminder that music can do far more than entertain. It can preserve memory, honor tradition, and unite generations through shared emotion and identity.
For Zois Fonteinopoulos, the anthem was not simply written for the Giostra — it was born from within it. Through its melodies, the medieval spirit of Zakynthos continues to live on, inspiring modern audiences with the same courage, dignity, and imagination that shaped the island’s history centuries ago. Some photos have been enhanced by AI  The island of Zakynthos will honor one of the most important milestones in Ionian history on Thursday, May 21, 2026, marking the anniversary of the Union of the Ionian Islands with Greece through a series of commemorative events and ceremonies.
The day’s celebrations will begin at 10:30 a.m. with an official doxology service at the Holy Church of the Ascension. The ceremony will be officiated by Metropolitan Dionysios IV of Zakynthos, accompanied by the clergy of the city. The keynote address will be delivered by philologist and educator Maria Agriou. At 11:00 a.m., officials and attendees will gather at the Heroes’ Memorial for a memorial service and wreath-laying ceremony, followed by a tribute at the bust of Konstantinos Lombardos, one of the leading advocates of the Union movement. The commemorative parade will begin at 11:30 a.m. in front of the Regional Unit of Zakynthos building. Students from primary and secondary schools, members of the Greek Guides and Scouts, and local cultural associations will participate in the procession. Afterwards, Deputy Regional Governor Konstantinos Kapodistrias will welcome citizens, political representatives, and local authorities at the Administrative Building. Later in the afternoon, at 1:00 p.m., another memorial service and wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the monument of Giannis Klavdianos in Fioliti. The tribute honors Ioannis Klavdianos, known as “Fiolitaios,” who was executed by the British authorities following the historical events of Ypsolithos. The commemorations will conclude at 7:00 p.m. with a tribute ceremony at the Venetian Castle of Zakynthos. A trisagion memorial prayer will be held in the former prison cells, followed by the lowering of the Greek flag at sunset. The anniversary remains a deeply significant occasion for the Ionian Islands, celebrating the historic union with Greece in 1864 and honoring those who contributed to the struggle for national unity.  Zakynthos is loved by tourists worldwide for it’s because, turquoise seas and welcoming hospitality. Did you know that the island has also become a popular place for those who want to get married? There has been a thriving and growing wedding scene on the island for decades, giving couples the opportunity to renew vows, participate in a civil ceremony, blessing or a religious wedding at Greek orthodox or Catholic churches on Zakynthos. As well as a wedding ceremony conducted in Greek, and translated into English, a wedding on Zakynthos is just like getting married in your home country. You can personalise it with vows, readings and music as well having a reception with the ones you love and that all important photography for lasting memories of your perfect day. We’re excited to welcome Alexandra's Dream Weddings to the Zakynthos Informer to share their love of all things wedding related, so that our members can discover more about getting married on Zakynthos and plan the wedding of their dreams!  'sWhy get married on Zakynthos? Why not? But seriously, Zakynthos is a beautiful place, with stunning views, great beaches and that wonderful Greek feel. For many, a wedding in Greece can connect a couple to a place they love, a place that holds special memories, that they have visited many times. A Zakynthos wedding also guarantees something a little different, a location away from home, that can also be combined into a family holiday or honeymoon. What are the Top Wedding locations in Zakynthos? Many people ask us what our top wedding locations are, and it’s always difficult for us to answer that because weddings are incredibly personal to the couple who are getting married. We do have a list of stunning locations on our website though that include olive groves, mountain areas, views of Zakynthos Town, Cameo Island, and private ground overlooking sea views. At Alexandra Dream Weddings we have some amazing venues! What types of ceremony are there? At Alexandra's Dream Weddings we offer several different types of ceremonies, including:
These ceremonies are carefully planned with your wishes in mind, and most take place either late afternoon or early evening and are conducted in Greek and translated into English. How is our special day planned? Your special day is just that, yours. We are here to make your day the best it can be. We know many couples like colour themes, arches, cakes, decorations, music, photography, reading and personal vows and food and drink. We can help with all of this and whilst we’re a Greek island, we do have access to lots of items that will make your day one that you will remember for years to come. Aren’t the paperwork and legal stuff complicated? No. Getting married in Greece will require some legalities including specific paperwork, but don’t let that put you off! Your paperwork will need to be at the Zakynthos town hall 6 weeks before your wedding. Don’t worry though, because our team at Alexandra’s Dream Weddings can do this on your behalf. You will have to ensure you have the original paperwork you have supplied with you for the wedding. Your marriage certificate is normally available 2-3 days after the ceremony, unless it’s a weekend and then it may be a little longer. We will handle all translations for you too. There is more information on our website FAQs. Is my Greek wedding legal in the UK? Yes! Because Greek wedding ceremonies comply with Greek law, they are legal in the UK. Once you’re married you will receive 3 certified copies of your marriage certificate which are also translated and legalised. These copies can be used for changing your name etc when you return home. You won’t need to register your marriage anywhere. There is more information on our website FAQs. Planning your Zakynthos ceremony is easy, and there are so many great venues and options to choose from. We have a dedicated office and team who know how important your wedding is. We only conduct one wedding a day, so you know that we are there for you on your special day and not splitting our time between multiple couples. This is important to us to ensure that you’re getting our full support and attention and we have more information on the Alexandra's Dream Wedding website planning page. Thanks to Alexandra’s Dream Weddings for sharing their knowledge of all thing’s weddings. If you’ve ever dreamed of getting married on Zakynthos, then why not look into it? Dreams really can become a reality, leaving you with wonderful memories of a truly unique wedding, that will last a lifetime. Alexandra's Dream Weddings have a website with lots more information. You can also follow them on Facebook.
 Planning your holiday to Zakynthos and wondering what the weather will be like? The island enjoys a beautiful Mediterranean climate with long hot summers, mild winters and plenty of sunshine throughout the year. To help you decide the best time to visit — and what to pack — we’ve created this simple month-by-month weather guide including average temperatures and mosquito activity levels. Whether you’re coming for beach days, sightseeing, boat trips or relaxing evenings by the sea, here’s what you can expect in Zakynthos throughout the season.  Spring in Zakynthos (April – May) Spring is one of the most beautiful times to visit the island. The countryside is green, flowers are blooming and temperatures are pleasantly warm without the intense summer heat. April and May are ideal for:
 Summer in Zakynthos (June – August) Summer brings long sunny days, warm seas and very little rain. July and August are the hottest and busiest months, perfect for beach lovers and nightlife. Expect:
 Autumn in Zakynthos (September – October) Many visitors consider September the perfect month to visit Zakynthos. The sea is still beautifully warm after summer, while temperatures become slightly more comfortable. October remains warm compared to much of Europe, although occasional rain showers become more likely later in the month. Autumn is perfect for:
 Mosquitoes in Zakynthos – What Visitors Should Know Mosquitoes are common in many Mediterranean destinations, including Zakynthos, especially during the warmer months. Mosquito activity is usually:
 Best Time to Visit Zakynthos
Final Tips for Visitors.The Greek sun can feel much stronger than many visitors expect, particularly during midsummer. Always:
We look forward to welcoming you to our island!  If you’re visiting the beautiful Greek island of Zakynthos in May 2026, there’s a local celebration you won’t want to miss.
The 2nd Cheese Festival 2026 (“2η Γιορτή Τυριού 2026”) promises an authentic Greek village experience filled with traditional music, local flavors, dancing, and warm island hospitality. Event Details
A Celebration of Zakynthian Cheese & CultureZakynthos is famous for its local dairy traditions and handmade cheeses. This festival celebrates the island’s culinary heritage with traditional food, local products, and a festive atmosphere that brings together both locals and visitors. Guests can expect:
Why Tourists Should GoMany visitors only see the resort side of Zakynthos. Events like this offer something much deeper — a chance to connect with local culture and community life. Village festivals in Greece are known for:
Tips for Visitors
 photo by Burger King Greece Travelers passing through Zakynthos International Airport may now have a new fast-food option before departure, as recent customer photos appear to confirm the opening of a Burger King inside the terminal.
For several weeks, rumors had been circulating across social media suggesting that the popular international chain had quietly arrived at Zakynthos Airport (ZTH). However, with no official announcement and no mention on the airport’s dining pages, many visitors were unsure whether the reports were genuine. That uncertainty may now be over. Photos shared online today show clear Burger King branding inside the airport, including Whopper packaging, fries, official tray liners, sauces, and what appears to be a same-day receipt from the location. The menu design also closely matches Burger King restaurants already operating in other Greek regional airports. The apparent opening represents another step in the modernization of Zakynthos Airport, which continues to see increasing passenger numbers during the summer tourism season. The airport has become one of Greece’s busiest seasonal gateways, welcoming large numbers of visitors from the United Kingdom, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, and Scandinavia every year. Until now, food options inside the terminal mainly focused on cafés, snacks, and bakery-style outlets. The addition of Burger King gives passengers another internationally recognized dining choice, especially useful during busy departure periods when travelers are often looking for quick and familiar meals before boarding. Interestingly, the launch appears to have happened quietly, without the large promotional campaigns typically associated with major international brands. As a result, many early social media posts were initially dismissed as speculation or edited images. The newly surfaced customer photos, however, strongly suggest that the restaurant is now fully operational. Burger King has been gradually expanding its presence across Greek airports in recent years, particularly in locations managed under the Fraport Greece network. Zakynthos now appears to be joining airports such as Corfu and Rhodes in offering the brand to international travelers. For visitors flying home after their holidays on the island, the famous Whopper may now officially be part of the Zakynthos airport experience.  photo of 2025 tourist season The situation at the end of the trail leading to the Greek flag at the Navagio viewpoint is raising serious safety concerns among locals and visitors alike.
Although the pathway was constructed by the Regional Authority approximately one year ago in an effort to improve visitor access and safety, dangerous behavior by some tourists continues to create a significant risk of accidents. The trail, which begins at the viewing plateau and stretches toward the iconic Greek flag, is fitted with protective railings along the cliffside for most of its length. However, at the very end of the route, many visitors are reportedly climbing over the barriers in order to take photographs — or pose for selfies — with the world-famous Navagio Shipwreck as their backdrop. On a daily basis, alarming scenes can be observed, with individuals leaning or even hanging over the edge of the cliff while disregarding the obvious dangers. Local residents and tourism professionals are now urging authorities to take immediate action before a serious accident occurs. Among the measures being proposed are the installation of clear warning signs and the extension of the protective railings at the end of the pathway to prevent visitors from accessing hazardous areas. At the same time, many have expressed disappointment that, despite the beginning of the new tourist season, the Greek flag at the viewpoint — heavily damaged by the harsh winter weather — has still not been replaced. As visitor numbers continue to increase ahead of the summer season, ensuring safety at one of Greece’s most photographed landmarks should remain a top priority. Source:- ermisnews.gr |
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