Kampi Holidays

The tiny village of Kampi lies on Zante’s western coast – the dramatic cliffs at the edge of the village look out to the Ionian Sea and boast the best sunset views on the island. It’s a one-road kind of place with a couple of authentic Greek tavernas, but although there’s a lovely away-from-it-all feel you’re less than 50 minutes’ drive from the capital.

Kampi’s clifftop setting means the only swimming spot in town is at the 5-star Mabely Grand Hotel – there are 2 outdoor pools here with lots of comfy sunloungers and views across the Ionian Sea. When it comes to beaches, you’ve got 2 within 25 minutes’ drive. Porto Vromi, a secluded bay to the north, has a white pebble beach with a bar that plays traditional Greek music. Or southbound, there’s Porto Limnionas, another pebbly beach with incredibly clear shallow waters.

From Kampi, a 10-minute drive takes you to Maries. This traditional village is home to Zante’s oldest stone houses, dotted along narrow cobbled streets – plus there’s a charming kafenion in the square. Then again, in 50 minutes you can be in the capital, Zante Town. There’s plenty of history to be found on Solomos Square – here you’ve got St. Nicholas of the Mole, a 17th-century Renaissance church, plus the Byzantine Museum, home to 15th-century relics found on the island.