Zante Holidays

Zante, also known as Zakynthos, is one of the Ionian Islands and a favourite choice for holidays with easy-going beach days, scenic boat trips and lively resort areas. Its coastline is the main draw, ranging from long sandy bays on the south and east coasts to dramatic cliffs and bright blue coves in the north and west.

Many visitors base themselves in one of Zante’s well-known resorts. Laganas is the island’s liveliest area, with a long beach, plenty of bars and a busy summer atmosphere. Kalamaki, nearby, is more relaxed and sits beside part of the protected nesting area for loggerhead turtles. Tsilivi is popular for a balanced holiday, offering a good beach, restaurants, cafés and a friendly resort feel. Argassi, close to Zakynthos Town, is convenient for exploring, while Alykes and Alykanas on the north-east coast have a quieter, more traditional pace with sandy beaches and family-run tavernas.

Zante’s most famous sight is Navagio Beach, often called Shipwreck Beach, set beneath high limestone cliffs. It is usually seen by boat or from viewpoints above, depending on local access conditions. Boat trips are also popular to the Blue Caves and around Marathonisi, or Turtle Island, in Laganas Bay. The bay is part of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, created to help protect the endangered loggerhead turtles, so responsible boat operators and respect for marked areas are important.

Away from the resorts, Zante has olive groves, vineyards, hill villages and viewpoints that show a quieter side of the island. Zakynthos Town is worth visiting for its harbour, squares, shops and restaurants, as well as museums and churches reflecting the island’s Venetian-influenced past. Food is a highlight, with plenty of tavernas serving Greek favourites such as grilled fish, souvlaki, meze, local cheeses and slow-cooked meat dishes.

Holidays to Zante suit travellers who want a mix of beach time, boat excursions, scenic drives and relaxed Greek island dining, with a choice of resorts ranging from lively to peaceful.