Alykanas Holidays

In Alykon Bay, on Zante’s north coast, Alykanas is a small beach resort where the pace of life is as easy-going as the horse-drawn carriages that clip-clop through its streets. There’s a new part of town right by the beach, with little shops and relaxed tavernas. And just along the coast is Old Alykanas, with its church and quaint main square, surrounded by olive groves and orchards.

Alykanas Beach is a 1,200-metre curl of soft golden sand that’s backdropped by lush mountains and serves up views of Kefalonia in the distance. It has a great selection of watersports, including pedalos, windsurfing and banana boats. And the harbour at the edge of the beach offers up boat trips to some of Zante’s most photogenic beaches.

There’s no loud nightlife or busy streets here, which makes it perfect for a family getaway. Along the main strip there’s a cluster of bars and restaurants, which have play areas and activities to keep children occupied. Plus, you can go into neighbouring Alykes when the sun goes down for a family meal by the beach – it’s a 10-minute walk away.

Smugglers Cove, so-called because of the smugglers boat that ran aground in this bay, is a 40-minute boat trip from Alykanas. With turquoise waters sheltered by 200-metre high limestone cliffs, it’s been on the cover of more than a few travel magazines.