Zante holidays

Just off the south-west tip of mainland Greece, Zante is a glimmering Ionian jewel, where families come to relax, clubbers come to dance and sea turtles come to nest. Coves of curving azure water and sun-speckled sand are where you'll want to spend all your days. After a resort with a lively vibe? Laganas is a neon-lit playground for party goers, while Tsilivi serves up classic fun in the sun. And it’s over to Zante Town for chic boutiques and harbourside wining and dining. Hidden caves, a famous shipwreck, chalky white cliffs – they all add to the desert-island appeal of this Greek good looker too.

Popular Zante holiday resorts

Alexander the Great - Zante

Laganas, Zante

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Our rating

Based on 835 reviews

Bang on budget
Beach within reach
2 pools = twice the fun

Caretta Beach Resort & Waterpark

Kalamaki, Zante

Our rating

Based on 2231 reviews

Waterpark included
Fun for all the family
Swim-up rooms available
Great range of facilities
Free shuttle service to the beach

Domes Aulus Zante Autograph Collection

Laganas, Zante

Our rating

Based on 528 reviews

Stylish design
Excellent beachfront location
Excellent All Inclusive package
Fantastic family facilities
Certified Sustainable Hotel

Alykanas Beach Grand Hotel by Zante Plaza

Alykanas, Zante

Our rating

Based on 1240 reviews

Excellent beachfront location
Spacious grounds
Two Bedroom apartments available
Great for families
Friendly atmosphere

Danny's Hotel

Alykanas, Zante

Our rating

Based on 1055 reviews

Family-run hotel
Wonderful service
Great location
Outdoor pool with pool bar
Relaxing atmosphere

Caretta Paradise & Waterpark

Tragaki, Zante

Our rating

Based on 527 reviews

Close to the beach
On-site waterpark
Swim-up rooms available
Excellent family entertainment
Spacious accommodation

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Language

Greek

Currency

Euro (€)

Time difference

+2hrs

Local beer

£3.00

Meal for two

£42.70

Average flight time

4hrs

Nesting beauty

Zante’s stunning coast is lined with sandy beaches, rocky coves, dramatic cliffs and hidden sea caves. Further inland, lush olive groves and lemon trees give way to rolling hills. In summer, loggerhead turtles swim all the way from Africa to Zante to lay their eggs in the island’s golden grains.

A world-class party scene

If you’re looking for a no-bass-spared after-dark scene, Zante’s totally kitted out for your every clubbing desire. The cutting-edge venues in Laganas attract the sort of big-name superstar DJs you’d expect to see in Ibiza. And the parties on the beach are legendary – they kick on right until morning.

Fab for families

Over in Tsilivi, there’s a family feel with oodles of sand, plenty of restaurants and a fab waterpark that calls for hours of fun. Kalamaki’s another good all-rounder with calm waters for kids and cocktail bars for the grown-ups. If it’s peace and quiet you fancy, authentic Alykes slows the pace on its Blue Flag sands.

Kalamaki

An idyllic choice for relaxing and unwinding on a gold-flecked beach, Kalamaki’s shores meet up with Laganas Bay, so keep your eyes peeled for loggerhead turtles.

Laganas

Fizzing nightlife and miles of sand make Laganas one of the most sought-after locations in all of Zante.

Tsilivi

From its golden sands to quaint tavernas, Tsilivi is a top beachfront pick that has retained its traditional Greek town feel.

Argassi

Small but sweet, this compact resort centres around terracotta-topped buildings and a smattering of bars, restaurants and souvenir shops.

Alykanas

This small, typically Greek village is surrounded by dreamy bright blue seas in north-eastern Zante.

Alykes

Alykes has a very authentic way about it. The intriguing salt flats are the place to start – prepare to be wowed.

Beaches

Smuggler’s Cove is the most spectacular beach on the island (and some would argue in all of Greece!). Think steep white cliffs, soft sands and a mysterious shipwreck. Certain beaches have small coves to explore too, so you’re in for plenty of choice across Zante if you’re big on sun-worshipping.

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Kalamaki Beach

Kalamaki, Zante

The beach by Kalamaki reaches out for five kilometres and is shared by the neighbouring town of Laganas. The sand is fine and the water is clear and shallow so that you can wade quite far out with your feet on...

Porto Limnionas

Zante

Swim the tranquil waters of Porto Limnionas. You’ll have to take a trek through vineyard-strewn hills on Zante’s wild west coast to seek out this hidden gem. Crystal-clear waters make it a top spot for...

Sights

Marathonissi – or Turtle Island – is a must-visit for nature buffs. Not only is it shaped liked the animal it’s named after, but it’s one of the top nesting spots for loggerhead turtles. You can take a boat to it from Keri and Laganas. Caves and ruins ought to tickle your fancy too.

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Blue Caves

Zante

These magnificent caves are one of the island's most famous attractions, and see thousands of visitors each year. Anything that enters the water in the cave appears to turn bright blue, including swimmers! You...

Agios Dionysios

Zante

Zante's patron saint Dionysios of Zakynthos is revered in Orthodox Christianity for his spiritual journey to the Holy Land. His body is buried at the Church of Dionysios. Although he died in the 16th century,...

Activities

To get a glimpse of traditional Greek life, stroll around the cobbled streets and stone cottages of the many dainty hillside villages on the south of the island. Right at the bottom, you’ll find there’s a beautiful lake where you can see wetland plants and birds. It’s a real hive of activity.

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Eating and drinking

Zante’s a great place to sample authentic Greek cuisine, from meze to moussaka. Seafood fans won’t want to miss the catch of the day, especially when grilled swordfish is on the menu. If you have a sweet tooth, the sticky walnut and cinnamon dessert called frigania is one of the island’s specialities.

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Bohali village's cafés and restaurants

Zante Town, Zante

Bochali has lots of small outdoor cafes that offer great views with a cool drink and snack in the shade. Most serve cool beers and cocktails and offer small Greek dishes to keep you sustained through the day....

Cave Bar

Kalamaki, Zante

The trip up the hill to the oldest bar in Kalamaki is all part of the fun in the small buggy that’s put on, free of charge. The atmosphere is relaxed, with large hanging parasols and lots of plants....

Shopping

After authentic local gifts? Head to hillside villages for a strong line in carpets, lace and other traditional handicrafts. Foodies won’t want to leave without a stash of the local olive oil and honey. For a fashion fix, Zante Town has everything from designer boutiques to international high-street brands.

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Local souvenir and clothes shops

Laganas, Zante

There are hundreds of shops in Laganas selling everything from groceries with local and even British brand foods, to souvenir shops. You can find more luxurious goods too, like jewellery, leather handbags and...

Seaside shops

Vassilikos, Zante

There are quite a few small little shops that sell all the basics including food or beach gear like swimming costumes and inflatable toys. Many of the shops specialise in souvenirs and you’ll get lots of people...

Nightlife

Zante’s got virtually everything you could want in the small hours. Hard-partying Laganas is famous for its Ibiza-worthy clubs and pumping beach parties. On the east coast, Tsilivi is a good spot for bar hopping, while Zante Town likes to take things a bit easier, with after-dinner cocktails overlooking the harbour.

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Head next door to Laganas

Aghios Sostis, Zante

Close to Aghios Sostis is the nearby resort of Laganas. It has one of the best beaches in Zante but most people come here for the massive nightlife that goes on till the early hours. Loads of bars will have two...

Low-key live music

Vassilikos, Zante

Most of the nightspots in Vassilikos are the same bars that serve you food during the day. In the evening, as people come in from the beach, they put out lights on their terraces and start playing music. You’ll...