Holidays to Zante are your gateway to family-friendly resorts, party hubs and quiet hideaways – all bound by one of the best coastlines in the Mediterranean.
The Flower of the Orient
The Venetians once dubbed Zante – or Zakynthos as it’s also known – ‘The Flower of the Orient’, thanks to its top-class countryside. And it’s a nickname that still rings true today. Olive groves, lemon trees and bougainvillea cover the whole island, peeking out from between rolling hills.
A spectacular shoreline
Zante’s coastline is just as impressive as its interior. Sandy shores give way to turquoise sea caves, and hidden coves and rugged cliffs offer up grandstand views of the Ionian sunsets. Smuggler’s Cove leads the way as far as beaches are concerned. Overlooked by soaring cliffs, this sandy bay is one of the most beautiful in Greece.
Loggerhead turtles
It’s loggerhead turtles that really put Zante on the map, though – the island is the most important nesting spot in the Mediterranean for them. If you’re here between July and August, head to Laganas Beach, where you’ve got the best chance of spotting the creatures.
Best of both worlds
Another part of Zante’s appeal is the fact it caters for all sorts of holidays. Laganas is the place to go for the big clubs, while Tsilivi’s streets are brimming with bars and pubs. Head for the likes of Alykanas and Kalamaki, meanwhile, and you’ll find soft sands and a more go-slow pace.
Places To Stay In Zante View all places to stay »
Alykanas
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.
Aghios Sostis
Eleven kilometres southwest of Zante’s capital is one of the island’s most beautiful villages. Aghios Sostis has kept a grip on its traditional charm so you’ll find chapels and old-style Greek tavernas. Its most handsome feature, though, is the quiet coastline, dotted with little coves and pine trees. And when you fancy a change of pace, party town Laganas is just a kilometre’s walk away.
Alykes
This village on Zante’s northeast coast isn’t as developed as those in the south, but there’s still plenty here, from motorbike rental places to cocktail bars. Alykes is packed with charming touches, such as the old stone bridge over its river – and even a horse and carriage that will ferry you to tavernas for free. There are wildlife-filled salt flats to explore, too, along with a sweeping golden-sand beach.
Limni Keriou
Stretched out along a calm bay, Limni Keriou is a laid-back little village down in southern Zakynthos. It’s a tranquil spot where everything happens along the turquoise sea – there’s authentic Greek food in the waterside tavernas and even a couple of café-bars close by the charming pint-sized port. The bay is connected to the hilltop village of Keri, a few minutes up the road, and there are lots more places to eat and drink up there.
Agios Dimitrios
Agios Dimitrios is a mountain village tucked away right in the heart of Zante. It’s a peaceful setting, with an historic windmill and chapel steeping it in old-world charm. The place is out of the way enough to offer a really relaxed vibe, but bars and tavernas are within an easy drive, as are some great sandy beaches and the island capital.
Lithakia
Lithakia is a tiny inland hamlet in southern Zante. It sits at the foot of Megalo Vouno hill, with green plains stretching all the way to the coast a few kilometres away – so it makes for a charming rural escape. Nightlife revolves around a couple of traditional tavernas housed in old Venetian mansions. You’re not cut off here, though. The brights lights of Laganas are just up the road, and the capital is only 15 minutes away.
AT A GLANCE
- Keep watch for loggerhead turtles at Laganas Beach
- Admire the views from Smuggler’s Cove
- Stroll along the harbour in Zante Town
Weather
Average monthly temperature and rainfall for Zante.
TEMPERATURE (°C)RAINFALL (mm)
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| JAN | 15.0 | 104.0 |
| FEB | 15.0 | 78.0 |
| MAR | 16.0 | 54.0 |
| APR | 19.0 | 34.0 |
| MAY | 22.0 | 16.0 |
| JUN | 26.0 | 5.0 |
| JUL | 28.0 | 2.0 |
| AUG | 30.0 | 3.0 |
| SEP | 27.0 | 48.0 |
| OCT | 24.0 | 66.0 |
| NOV | 20.0 | 113.0 |
| DEC | 16.0 | 129.0 |
WHEN TO GO
In the summer months, temperatures in Zante regularly soar above 30°C. That said, a northerly wind called the ‘meltemia’ wafts over the island in the afternoons, cooling things down. Things are fairly mild in April, May, September and October, when the mercury settles in the mid-20s.
Things To Do View all »
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Get to grips with scuba diving
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Recover on Laganas Beach
Laganas is the liveliest resort in Zante, and its beach follows suit. Revellers flock here during the day to catch up onsleep,…
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Spend a day in Kefalonia
Hop on a ferry at Zante Town’s port and set sail for neighbouring Kefalonia. This place is famous for its starring role in…
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