Argassi Holidays

This village on Zante’s southwest coast is certainly not short on views. Here, in the foothills of Mount Skopos, pine forests, lemon trees and wildflowers dot the plains. But this place isn’t just about rural beauty – it offers bags of convenience, too. The main road through town is lined with shops, plus a surprisingly lively selection of bars and tavernas. And there’s a fine beach right on hand, too.

Argassi’s sand-and-shingle beach measures up at just under a kilometre long. There’s lots to do here, with banana boats, waterskiing and pedalos to take out. The waters are shallow and fine for paddling. Back on land, there are sunloungers to rent and a growing numbers of beachside bars.

Zante’s capital is just a 10-minute hop away on a little tourist train. Here you can take a stroll along the harbour, or check out some of the ornate Orthodox churches. The biggest is the Church of Saint Dionisios, where you can visit the mummified body of the island’s patron saint. And for the best views in town, you can have a drink on the rooftop terrace at the Strada Marina Hotel.