Alykanas Holidays

You’ll find Alykanas on the north-east coast of Zante. Legend has it that this little seaside village is the site of the ancient city of Arcadia – buildings from the Bronze Age have been found below the sea. These days, it’s an off-the-beaten-track holiday hotspot with a top-notch beach scene. The evenings here are as chilled as the days, so neon-lit all-night clubbing’s off the to-do list. Instead, laid back, sea-view bars take the stage.

Alykanas is bracketed by a kilometre-long skirt of soft sand. Its waters are warm, especially in summer, when they can reach 26˚C. Thanks to this, and its gently sloping shore, the beach here is great for families with little ones. Plus, there’s enough space to build a city of sandcastles. If you’re too fidgety to be a sun-worshipper, you’re covered, too. You can have a go at all sorts of watersports, including parasailing and jet-skiing.

This place is overflowing with places where you can tuck in to typical Greek fare. Dip some bread in tzatziki, bite into a crumbly tyropita pastry or swap a bog-standard sandwich for a rolled-up gyros. You won’t find any chains here, either. All the tavernas are family-run, and they’ve got the friendly feel to match.

Some of Zante’s best-known sights are within reach of Alykanas by boat. Sail out to the Blue Caves, which take their name from their bright-aquamarine waters. You can also hop on a boat to the famous Smugglers’ Cove, and learn about its pirate-peppered history. Or, if you want to keep your feet on solid ground, take a 10-minute cab ride and you’ll get to a traditional winery. Pop in for a tour around the vines and the cellars – and a few glasses of vino, of course.