Tsilivi Holidays

Sitting pretty on Zante’s northeast coast, Tsilivi is a relative latecomer to the tourist boom on Zante – but it’s making up for lost time. Not only does it have an outstanding sandy beach, but its winding streets cram in a waterpark, a mini golf and tonnes of tavernas. And away from the bar-and-restaurant-lined strip, it’s still got the feel of an old fishing village, with old men dozing in the afternoon sun.

Tsilivi Beach is a 2-kilometre ribbon of white sand with a Blue Flag for cleanliness. Bars, restaurants and watersports centres jostle for position on the sand. Half the beach is lined with sunloungers, the other half is strictly towel territory. And if it gets too busy, you can always head to the quieter beaches of Tragaki and Bouka, immediately west from here.

Tsilivi is popular with families, and for good reason. It recently added a brand new waterpark, the Splash Fun, just behind the Planos Bay Hotel. There’s also Fantasy Mini Golf set in gecko-filled gardens. And if you’re into 10-pin bowling, there are 4 lanes at Bowl ‘M Over.

Zante Town, the capital, is just a 20-minute taxi ride from Tsilivi. From boutique-lined avenues to a port filled with superyachts, it’s a town that likes the high life. The most fashionable area is by the Venetian castle, where easygoing cafés and achingly cool bars sit side by side.