The southernmost island of the lonian, almost triangularin shape, is idyllic Zakinthos. It has its own way of enchanting the visitor and engraving itself in his memory. It is not easy to forget the emerald sea, the pine covered hills, or the hospitable and openhearted inhabitants of Zante, as it is otherwise called. Up high, above the modern town with its beautiful buildings in the typical Zakinthian style, is the Venetian castle; churches are everywhere in the city of St. Dionysios, the island's patron saint. Small coffee shops and picturesque villages are to be found among the olive and almond trees, in or around fields planted with vines and vegetables. Zakinthos has many fine sandy beaches with calm, clear waters. On some of them, the visitor can meet the sea turtles Carenacaretta, just before he crosses over to beautiful Strofades, a group of small islands. The verdant island of Kithira is located off the southeast corner of the Peloponnese. It is ringed by wide sandy beaches and clean seas, while the interior justifiably impresses with traditional villages, castles, monasteries, and churches.