Zante Holidays

from € 317 pp

Charming Greek villages, sandy coves washed by turquoise waters and nesting loggerhead turtles – holidays to Zante are filled with memorable moments.

Flower of the Orient

Zante, or Zakynthos as it’s also known, was given the name ‘Flower of the Orient’ by the Venetians because of its colourful landscape. The island’s interior is filled with rolling hills, olive groves, lemon trees and blooming bougainvillea. And, along the way, you can explore traditional villages that haven’t changed in hundreds of years. The whole lot’s easy to reach from Ireland’s Dublin Airport, too – the flight’s around four hours long.

Best for beaches

Zante only deals in good-looking beaches. It’s got a coastline that rivals, or perhaps even outdoes, its handsome interior, with sandy stretches and hidden inlets lapped by clear waters. Smugglers Cove, with its soaring cliffs and sandy bay, is up there with the most beautiful beaches in Greece.

Nesting ground

In July and August, loggerhead turtles flock to Zante to nest. In fact, this island’s one of the most important loggerhead nesting spots in the Mediterranean. Head over to Laganas Beach or Yerakas Beach at sundown, and you’ll see the spot where this unique event takes place.

At a glance

Watch loggerhead turtles nest on Laganas Beach
Marvel at the electric-blue waters of the Blue Caves
Take photos of dramatic Smugglers Cove

Destinations in Zante

Top Destinations

Huge Laganas Beach

This swathe of sand attracts beachgoers of every variety – from those who’ve spent the night partying in the clubs of the hugely popular Laganas resort to toddlers and parents wading into the clear seas. With this many tastes to cater to, it’s no wonder that this beach has just about everything imaginable on offer – from banana boats and bars to restaurants and ice-cream parlours.
Unique beaches

One of the most famous and beautiful beaches in Greece, Smugglers Cove – with its pale sweep of sand surrounded by dramatic cliffs, not to mention its shipwreck – is simply not to be missed. Also, Limnionas Beach, which sports a network of caves, is worth a visit, especially by the scuba diving set.
Get away to Bouka Beach

Even though it sits next to the super-popular and always-busy Tsilivi Beach, this largely undiscovered stretch of sand has so far managed to escape the attentions of the hordes. With no watersports, bars or restaurants to disturb the peace, you’ll be able to really relax and unwind, with nothing but the sound of the waves for company.

Bargain Buys

Bargain-hunters can only benefit by checking out Anafonitra Market, located about 40 minutes to the west of Tsilivi. Embroidered tablecloths, leather sandals and handmade rugs are all part of the offerings at this market. And, if you’re keen on picking up some knock-off Ray Bans or locally produced handicrafts, then head over to the shops around Kalamiki’s and Laganas Beaches.
Mid-Range Buys

In Zante Town, you’ll come across a few names that you ought to recognise from the high street, like Benetton, The Body Shop and Diesel. And, for fake designer handbags, look no further than Laganas town centre, where you’ll find pretty good copies of the likes of Chloé and Prada.
Designer Buys

For high-end shopping on the island, Zante Town is your best bet. Here you’ll be able to browse many boutiques and even look for some choice antiques. On Alexander Roma, you can find stores selling gold and jewellery, showcasing precious stones like rubies and emeralds.

Laid-back evenings

When you’re in the mood for a night of good conversation and a few glasses of local wine under the stars or a cocktail or two listening to live music, you can do no better than the authentic tavernas and chilled-out music bars on Alykanas’ main road. And, if you’d like to share a meal overlooking the water, you’re in luck as there are several restaurants along the seafront. Alternatively, the cliff-top tavernas in the town of Kampi offer romantic evenings 300 metres above sea level, complete with stunning sunset views.
Lively evenings

Party central on Zante is Laganas, where the main strip features tonnes of bass-pumping beats, neon-lit clubs and thumping discos. Head for well-known spots like Linekers and don’t stop dancing until dawn. Karaoke lovers can find plenty of places to make them smile – and sing – on the main roads into Kalamaki and Tsilivi. For those who’d rather a bit more sophistication when it comes to their lively nightlife, check out some of the open-air cafés and sleek cocktail bars in Zante Town’s San Marco Square.

Spetsofai

This local delicacy is on offer in tavernas throughout the length and breadth of the island. Spetsofai consists of stuffed rabbit – filled with ingredients, such as herbs and cheese – cooked in a rich wine sauce and accompanied by vegetables.
Tiropita

An ideal afternoon snack, this treat is made from flaky puff pastry that’s served fresh from the oven and that’s overflowing with delicious fillings, like spinach, ham, spicy meat and crumbly feta cheese.
Ladotyri

This island favourite literally translates as ‘oily cheese’ and it’s a must-taste during any stay in Zante. Whether you sample this tangy, spicy cheese in a casserole, or all by itself, it goes really well with a glass of local wine.
Zakynthian eggs

A bit more exotic than the fried or scrambled variety, Greek eggs, such as this version that’s popular on Zante, tend to be prepared poached in a pan with tomatoes, garlic and onions. And, they typically come served with sweet potatoes or chunky chips.
Verdea

When dining on seafood in one of the local tavernas, this fresh, crisp white wine is the perfect accompaniment. Made from local grapes, such as Robola and Pavlos and harvested early, this wine is to be drunk when young – within a year. This varietal will tingle on the palate with its high acidity and citrus flavours.

Zante Holidays

Flower of the Orient

Best for beaches

Nesting ground

At a glance

Destinations in Zante

Top Destinations

Top things to See and Do in Zante

Huge Laganas Beach

Unique beaches

Get away to Bouka Beach

Bargain Buys

Mid-Range Buys

Designer Buys

Laid-back evenings

Lively evenings

Spetsofai

Tiropita

Ladotyri

Zakynthian eggs

Verdea

SIMILAR DESTINATIONS

Our destinations in Zante

Aghios Sostis

Alykanas

Alykes

Kampi

Argassi

Kalamaki

Laganas

Tsilivi

Vassilikos

Tragaki

Zakynthos Town

Popular holidays

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