First call, the isle of Zakynthos

Today is the first day of a little jaunt, taking in various areas of Turkey, Athens and some of the Greek islands.

To start this journey, I find myself on the picturesque island of Zakynthos.

Zakynthos, known to many as Zante, is your typical Greek island, very busy around the coast and at all the usual tourist haunts..

So in an attempt to avoid the throng,I have decided to head inland and visit some of the less frequented areas of the island, in an attempt to find a more relaxed Greek experience, at this time of year.

My first destination is the church St. Mavra , located a short drive through the islands beautiful countryside.

Once here you will find St. Mavra's miracle-working icon. The legend recounts that a shepherd had found the icon in a small ravine, when he saw a bright light emanating from the area. Three times he took the icon with great reverence back to his village but each time it would miraculously return to the spot where he had found it. It was determined that it should be left there and a church should be built on that spot, where it still stands today.

The church of St Timotheo and Mavra is dedicated to St Timothy (first bishop of Ephesus), the beloved disciple of St. Paul and his wife, who were both Martyred in Egypt.