Greece has approved its first major offshore gas project in decades, but what does this mean for Zakynthos? Here’s a clear look at where it’s happening — and what to watch for.
Greece is making energy headlines once again. For the first time in four decades, the country is preparing to launch a major offshore drilling project — a move that could reshape its role in the European energy market.
The landmark agreement, signed in Athens on November 6 during the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy Cooperation (P-TEC), brings together Energean, HelleniQ Energy, and U.S. energy giant ExxonMobil. The consortium will explore for natural gas in the Ionian Sea, marking the first large-scale offshore hydrocarbon exploration since the 1980s.
But what does this mean for our island, Zakynthos? Let’s take a closer look.

The Project:- Block 2, West of Corfu.

The new exploration area — officially called Block 2 — covers roughly 2,400 square kilometers in the north-western Ionian Sea, about 30 kilometers west of Corfu.
It’s a deep-water zone, stretching from 500 to 1,500 metres below sea level, and early geological studies suggest that it could hold up to 200 billion cubic meters of natural gas. Drilling is expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027, pending environmental approvals and final permits.
ExxonMobil’s entry into the project brings both investment strength and world-class technical expertise — something Greek officials hope will help unlock new domestic energy resources and reduce reliance on imported gas.
Just how close is THIS to Zakynthos?

Here’s the key point: it’s not close at all.
Zakynthos sits in the southern Ionian Sea, while Block 2 is located in the far north-west, close to the maritime boundary between Greece and Italy.
In other words, the drilling area lies hundreds of kilometers from Zakynthos’s coastline, meaning there’s no direct physical or operational connection between this project and our island at this stage.

Could There Still Be an Impact?
While the project itself is not in our backyard, offshore drilling anywhere in the Ionian can have indirect effects on the region’s environment, tourism, and marine ecosystems.
Potential issues could include:

• Increased shipping traffic linked to exploration operations
• Seismic survey noise, which can disturb marine life
• Spill or pollution risks, however small, that could affect shared waters

Environmental groups like WWF Greece have previously warned that large-scale oil and gas exploration in the Ionian poses potential risks to protected areas and marine biodiversity — including species found near Zakynthos such as the Caretta caretta loggerhead turtle.

Zakynthos' Current Focus:- Marine ProtectionUnlike the northern Ionian, no active drilling licenses currently cover the waters around Zakynthos.
In fact, our municipality and local organizations are more focused on marine conservation and sustainable tourism — from Blue Flag beach programs to sea turtle protection initiatives. Zakynthos is also part of the “Blue Municipalities” network, promoting environmental stewardship across Greek islands.

Looking Ahead:-
Greece’s energy map is evolving. Beyond Block 2, there are other exploration areas — such as A2 and South of Peloponnese — currently under international tender. These lie somewhat closer to Zakynthos, though still not immediately adjacent.
As interest in Ionian hydrocarbons grows, local monitoring and transparency will be essential to ensure that development aligns with environmental protection and the tourism-based economy that sustains our island.

To sum up:-
In conclusion, the newly announced Block 2 offshore energy project — led by ExxonMobil, Energean, and HelleniQ Energy — is situated well to the northwest, off the coast of Corfu, and not near Zakynthos. At present, there are no active drilling or exploration plans in the waters surrounding our island. However, as offshore activity increases across the Ionian Sea, Zakynthos may still experience indirect regional impacts, such as increased shipping traffic, underwater noise, or potential environmental risks. Despite these broader developments, Zakynthos remains firmly committed to its path of eco-tourism, marine protection, and sustainable growth, continuing to safeguard the natural beauty and biodiversity that define our island’s identity.

​At Zakynthos Informer, we’ll continue following Greece’s offshore energy developments and how they might — or might not — affect our island community. Stay tuned for updates and environmental briefings as exploration plans progress.

A Monument of Faith, History, and Natural Beauty.
Standing in majestic solitude in the southern Ionian Sea, about 50 kilometres south of Zakynthos, the Strofades Islands host one of Greece’s most remarkable monuments — the Castle-Monastery of Strofades.
This awe-inspiring structure is not only a symbol of faith and history but also a cornerstone of Zakynthos’ spiritual and cultural heritage.
Now, thanks to ongoing restoration efforts led by the Greek Ministry of Culture, the Region of Ionian Islands, and the Ephorate of Antiquities of Zakynthos, this sacred site is being carefully brought back to life.

Statement by the MP of Zakynthos, Dionysios Aktypis.
"The Castle-Monastery of Strofades constitutes one of the most important and emblematic monuments of the Ionian, a unique symbol of our history and our spiritual and religious heritage.
The restoration and conservation works currently underway are of exceptional significance and are progressing steadily thanks to the foresight and support of the Ministry of Culture and the Minister.
Recently, together with the Head of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Zakynthos, Ms. Dimitra Nikolia, we visited the Strofades to personally oversee the progress of the works and to be briefed on the project’s advancement.
The interventions being carried out ensure the preservation and enhancement of this historic monastery, which has suffered significant deterioration over time and from natural phenomena such as earthquakes.
I wish to express my warmest thanks to the Ministry of Culture, the Minister, the Region of Ionian Islands, as well as to the Ephorate of Antiquities of Zakynthos and its Head, for their continuous cooperation, scientific guidance, and substantial contribution to the project.
In recent years Zakynthos has seen significant interventions in the cultural sector — projects that highlight our island and strengthen our cultural identity.
The Strofades project is a prime example of this effort, carried out through close collaboration between the central government, the Region of Ionian Islands, and all responsible authorities.
Soon, we expect a visit by the Minister to the site to inspect the works and see firsthand the progress being made.
With joint effort, faith, and consistency, we move forward to deliver to future generations a monument worthy of Zakynthos’ history and culture.”
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A Fortress-Monastery in the Middle of the Sea
The Monastery of Strofades — also known as Panagia Pantochara — rises like a fortress from the flat, windswept islet of Stamfani, the larger of the two Strofades islands.
Built in 1241 by Princess Irene, daughter of Emperor Theodore I Laskaris of Nicaea, it served both as a monastery and a stronghold against pirate raids.
Constructed of massive stone walls up to 25 metres high, the complex includes monks’ quarters, chapels, storerooms, and a defensive tower. It has withstood centuries of attacks, earthquakes, and storms, symbolising the endurance of faith and community in the Ionian Sea.

Spiritual Legacy of Saint Dionysios
The monastery holds deep religious significance as the early home of Saint Dionysios of Zakynthos (1547–1622), the island’s patron saint. He lived and served as abbot here before his holy relics were later moved to Zakynthos Town for safekeeping.
For centuries, Strofades was a living monastery with monks tending its gardens, manuscripts, and chapels. In recent decades, however, the islands have become almost deserted — home only to seabirds and the memory of centuries of monastic life.

Restoration and Preservation Efforts
After suffering major damage during the 1997 earthquake, the Monastery of Strofades became a priority for preservation.
Today’s restoration project — funded and supervised by the Ministry of Culture — aims to:

• Stabilize and reinforce the historic stone structure.
• Restore damaged frescoes, icons, and architectural details.
• Protect the site from environmental wear and seismic risk.
• Promote its inclusion in cultural and ecological tourism routes.

The works are proceeding with scientific precision, respecting both the religious sanctity and architectural authenticity of the site. The project also highlights Greece’s growing commitment to safeguarding its island heritage.

The Natural Beauty of the Strofades
Beyond their spiritual heritage, the Strofades Islands are a protected natural reserve, part of the Zakynthos Marine Park and the Natura 2000 network.
They host rare flora and fauna, including nesting colonies of Cory’s Shearwater and Eleonora’s Falcon — birds that migrate across the Mediterranean and return each spring.
The combination of untouched nature and centuries-old history makes Strofades a living symbol of harmony between humanity and the environment.

Looking Toward the Future
With the collaboration of the Ministry of Culture, the Region of Ionian Islands, and the local Ephorate of Antiquities, the restoration of the Monastery of Strofades represents a major cultural milestone for Zakynthos.
Once completed, the project will allow visitors, pilgrims, and scholars to rediscover one of Greece’s most remote yet profoundly moving landmarks.
The upcoming visit by the Minister of Culture will further highlight national efforts to preserve and promote cultural identity in every corner of Greece — even on its smallest and most isolated islands.

✨ A Legacy for Generations to Come
Through faith, dedication, and cooperation, the people of Zakynthos are ensuring that the Monastery of Strofades — once a beacon for sailors and monks — continues to shine as a beacon of heritage, spirituality, and resilience for generations to come.
 





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