Zante – also known as Zakynthos – is the southernmost of the Ionian islands. It has busy resorts such as Laganas where the teenagers migrate to – but the island has so much to offer than partying all day and all night. Most people have seen the Brochure pictures of Navagio beach, otherwise known as Shipwreck cove. It’s only accessible by boat (or helicopter)so ask your Personal Travel Agent about the trips available. The sea is absolutely stunning, and the white sand is like white chalk decomposed from the rocks around it. Many of the resorts though are in quiet parts of the island – Vassilikos is renowned for its natural beauty and tranquillity. This peninsula in the south east of the Island is surrounded by Olive Groves – its actually an area rather than a resort and is made up of of the villages Vassilikos, Agios Ioannis, Ano Vasilikos and Xirokastello and the uninhabited island Kalonis. One of the best things about this part of the Island is that you can swim from a different beach every day – Porto Zoro and Daphni are two of our favourites.
Insider tip
If you’ve never been why not do a day trip to Kefalonia. The ferry journey takes about 1.5 hours and while there you will visit the monastery of St. Gerrasimos. You will then visit the Melissani Underground Lake and the Drogarati Caves (Entrance is extra on some tours) – then its on to the famous Myrtos beach before visiting the Capital Argostoli.
Events and festivals
Every Summer the Zante people celebrate in honour of their Patron Saint - Saint Dionisios – Events leading up to the big day on 24th August include a large outdoor bizarre is set up at the bottom of Zante town, close to St. Dionisios Church. Then on the big day itself there is a procession with the body of the Saint, in a gold and glass casket. People who are sick lay down in the road and allow the casket to be carried over them believing this will lead to a cure.
Popular things to do and see and unmissable experiences
Zante is well known for its Turtles. Hire a pedalo on Kalamaki beach and go in search of them – they tend to be 50 to 100 metres out – if taking children we recommend you wear life jackets.
Climate
Mild in spring and autumn with hot summers
Other information
- Best time of year to travel: May to October is the main season but April can be a wonderful time to visit
- Currency: Euro
- Flight time from UK: 3-4 Hours
- Visa and passport information: A visa is not required, passports should be valid for 6 months after return
Getting out and about

Zakynthos Water Park Full Day from £16 per person
No holiday would be complete without a trip to a waterpark so why not visit the Water Village – Zakynthos’ only water park occupying 30,000 square meters of land. If you are looking for an action packed day out for all the family don’t miss the opportunity for a visit.