Zakynthos Island, or Zante as it is sometimes known, is the southernmost of the six core Ionian Islands, and also the third largest of them, after Kefalonia and Corfu. It has an area of 406 square kilometres, and is also the second largest in terms of population with approximately 35.000 inhabitants. The island was called by the Venetians “Fioro di Levante”, which means “Flower of the Orient”, because the island is characterised by a rich and dense vegetation, with pine covered mountains and many fertile plains. The main cultivations are olives, vineyards and citrus. Apart from the agriculture, the main source of wealth of the islanders is the increasing tourism. The island has become famous all over the world for its natural environment, which is the place the endangered sort of sea turtle Caretta-Caretta has chosen for its reproduction. Many picturesque beaches can be found on the east coast of the island, whereas the rocky west side offers a great number of impressive sea caves such as the famous Blue Caves. It is very rare to have rainy days during the summer months so remains an extremely popular destination for holidaymakers looking to rent villas in Zakynthos.