Zante holidays

Laganas Beach, located on the island’s south coast, offers something different depending on when you visit. During the day, this is a very family-orientated area, thanks to the shallow waters which make the beach a safe place for kids to enjoy splashing around. During the evening, the beach transforms into a party hotspot, with the bars and clubs of the Laganas Strip really coming alive as the sun begins to set.

From Laganas Beach, it’s possible to walk right along the coast to Cameo Island which is connected to the mainland via a wooden bridge. There’s a small beachfront here, with an opportunity to snorkel and swim. And if you’re lucky, you may even spot a turtle or two. The walk takes around 30 minutes, and it’s a good idea to bring a bag for your shoes as you’ll need to wade through the shallow waters to get there.

On the island’s east coast, you’ll find two popular Zante beaches located just moments from each other. Alykes Beach and Alykanas Beach both offer top restaurants and bars, and have a friendly, welcoming feel. Alykanas Beach is more spacious so it’s often easy to find a quiet spot. Alykes is quite compact, with shops and cafés within easy reach. If you can’t decide, it only takes five minutes to drive between them.

In major resorts such as Laganas and Kalamiki, you’ll find tiny gift shops selling handcrafted goods and beach essentials like sunglasses and sandals. Alternatively, if you have a car you can stop by Anafonitria Shopping Village, where there’s a range of stores and roadside stalls offering textiles and leather goods. Many choose to visit the village on their way to Navagio Beach, which is just a 10-minute drive away.

The town centres of Alykes, Tsilivi, Laganas, and more offer a selection of gift shops where you can purchase some souvenirs of your time in Zante. Ceramics are very popular, along with locally-produced foods including olive oil, honey, and wine. You’ll also notice that clay turtles seem to be in practically every store here. These trinkets, which come in all shapes and sizes, honour the Zante Loggerhead turtle.

If you love to shop ‘til you drop, Zante town is the place to be. The main shopping district is around the Solomos and Agios Market squares, where you’ll find big name international brands like The Body Shop and United Colors of Benetton. Also keep an eye out for the Hondus Centre, which is a popular Greek department store that offers perfumes and cosmetics by brands such as Armani, Dior, and Burberry.

As a general rule, the resorts closer to Zakynthos Airport such as Laganas and Zante Town tend to be louder and more energetic than the smaller villages up towards the north. In fact, while these two hotspots are famed for their party atmosphere, much of Zante is actually very quiet and laidback. Alykes and Alikanas both offer low key beach bars where you can unwind after a busy day seeing the sights, and mingle with locals in the traditional tavernas. Even in Laganas itself you can still find some peaceful spots along Kalamaki Road. Known locally as the ‘Mini Strip’, the bars here are lively but still very easygoing.

Laganas and Zante town attract a young crowd during the summer months who come to absorb the famous party atmosphere. Karaoke, beer pong, bubble machines, and foam cannons are common, particularly along the main strip in Laganas. The nightlife in Zante town isn’t quite as iconic, but it still has its fair share of clubs and live music venues. Keep an eye out for special offers which can help you to save money on a night out. Some clubs include a drink with admission, or discount wristbands.

No matter where you holiday in Zante, you’ll find that the local towns are bursting with traditional Greek tavernas which serve up classic Mediterranean fare. Salads, grilled meats, and fresh fish are staples here. Local produce such as honey, olive oil, and cheese are often incorporated into dishes. While there are lots of foods to try, be sure to sample some tirokafteri, which is a popular cheese spread in Zante designed to be eaten with pita. Or try ladotyri sheep’s cheese, which is preserved in Greek olive oil.

If Greek food doesn’t appeal, there are plenty of other international choices to be found across the island. Along with an assortment of village eateries, you’ll also find a selection of foods in hotel restaurants, including themed buffets that cater to all sorts of different tastes. Along the south-east coast of Zante there’s also a fair few Irish bars and beachside pubs, especially in the expat communities and tourist hubs. And there’s even McDonalds fast food in Laganas.

Wine lovers shouldn’t miss out on sampling a glass of local Verdea, which is a dry, high alcohol white wine produced on the island. Whites are the most popular options here, although some reds are made locally, particularly wines from Avgoustidis grapes. For beer, the Levante Brewery brews some local crafts, including a lager, dark lager, red beer, and Bavarian Weisse. Levante beers can be found in many bars and restaurants, or you can visit the brewery is Katastari, which is the next town over from Alykes.