Soft white sand, crystal seas, and a pace that’s set to slow – take a tip from the island’s loggerhead turtles and chill out on a holiday in Zante.
Zante’s best bits
For an island that’s just 40 by 18 kilometres – about the size of the Isle of Wight – Zante manages to cover a lot of bases. Inland, you’re looking at vineyards, mountains and hamlets to explore. On the coast, meanwhile, it’s just one great beach after another.
Traditional Zante
To get to grips with Zante’s authentic side, Alykanas is the one to watch. Along with a quiet beach, it’s got the full Greek deal – whitewashed tavernas and cafés that operate at a snail’s pace. Kalamaki has a similar vibe. There’s no obvious centre – just a sprinkling of tavernas and bars, and a huge sandy beach. Best of all, it’s backed by olive groves and the slopes of Mount Skopos.
Upbeat Tsivili and Laganas
For more up-tempo kicks, try family favourite, Tsilivi. Along with fine sands, this fully-fledged resort has its fair share of shops, restaurants and pizzerias. In saying that, it’s got enough Greek charm to mean you won’t miss out on the genuine experience. And for the biggest holiday hangout of all, it’s got to be Laganas. A 24-hour party playground, it’s home to a lengthy strip with the full line-up of neon-lit pubs, clubs and bars.
Places To Stay In Zante View all places to stay »
Alykanas
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.
Argassi
Argassi is a little place with a lot to offer. Just around the corner from Zante Town on Zante island’s south-east coast, it’s a cosy fishing village with its own strip of beach, a cluster of cracking places to eat and drink, and the green peaks of Mount Skopos as a backdrop.
Kalamaki (Zante)
Kalamaki is on the south-east coast of Zante, just a couple of kilometres from the airport. The resort has no obvious centre – just a few easy-to-get-around streets and some traditional tavernas dotted about the place. It’s the charm and laidback appeal that rack up its popularity – plus a first-rate beach.
AT A GLANCE
- Pad along Smuggler’s Cove
- Take a boat through the Blue Caves
- Wander round 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
Head here from June to August and you’ll see 12 hours of sun a day and 30°C-plus temperatures. If you prefer something in the region of the mid-20s, May, September and October are a good bet. Zante is less rainy than its sister isles, although October to April can have showers and cooler days and nights.
Things To Do View all »
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Check out the turtle centre at Gerakas Beach
Laganas Beach may be a turtle-watching hotspot, but drive south for around half an hour, and you’ll come to Gerakas Beach.…
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Escape to Marathonissi Island
If you’re staying near Lithakia, you can see this pretty little islet as you float on your Lilo. But it’s much better close-up.…
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Get to know Zante Town
In 1953, Zante Town was destroyed by an earthquake. Now rebuilt, its pretty arcaded streets run along the waterfront, where…
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