Why You SHOULD Visit Zante !
- Georgia Louise
- Mar 30
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 10
Zante, or Zakynthos is an island lying in the Ionian Sea an hour’s flight from Athens and around 3.5 hours from the UK. Once described as a party island, much like the islands of Corfu and Rhodes, Zante has evolved somewhat over the years. Yes Laganas is still ‘Brits Abroad Party Central’ during the peak summer months, but Zante is so much more than just Laganas! Let me walk you through the reasons why you really should come and visit this beautiful island.
It is a family friendly island, with most of the main resorts geared up to entertaining parents and children alike. There are some adult only hotels of course, and each resort has its share of sports bars etc but children are always welcome in the restaurants and there is a water park, mini golf and little farm to keep the little ones entertained. There are also some lovely beaches with soft sand and shallow waters - check out Alykes or Alykanas, and surprisingly even Laganas has a beautiful soft sand beach.
The cuisine on the island reminds me of a warm blanket - rich meat dishes, fresh fish and their famous, Zante specific, frygania. Try and eat local if you can and avoid the standard UK dishes. Your taste buds will thank you for it! Most of the restaurants will have a discount for eating early, perhaps a free dessert if you order a starter and main and nearly every restaurant in Kalamaki will give you a free ‘shot’ at the end of your meal - beware these may appear fruity and innocent but they often pack a punch!
The Blue Caves are the most visited place on the island, with the exception of Shipwreck, however due to cliff erosion and the risk of landslides, the beach is no longer accessible. There is a view point which gets busy in peak times, however it is well worth a look! Head over to St Nicholas Port and catch a boat out to the Blue Caves. Witness the amazing blue waters of the Ionian and swim in those clear cool waters.
Zante Town is well worth a visit. I have stayed here several times in early / late season when the main beach resorts are closed, and it is always a pleasant experience. There are museums and shops, bars and cafes, restaurants, churches and of course you can catch the ferry from here across to the mainland or perhaps to Kefalonia.
The Caretta Caretta turtle lays its eggs on the beaches of the island. As such, the beaches are protected with areas cordoned off and beaches closing at dusk and not re-opening until 7am. Flights do fly over the beach, however at night this is not permitted.
Laganas! Yes Laganas IS on the list. Despite having a bad reputation as being party central, full of kids, clubbing all night, sleeping off that hangover on the beach during the day etc, it is actually quite a nice resort. It has a few nice restaurants, some boutiques and tourist shops, the islands only McDonalds and a huge long wide soft sand beach. I’ve actually stayed in an apartment in Laganas out of season several times and apartments can cost from as little as 10euros per night!
Greek hospitality! You will always be welcome wherever you go on the island; take the time to learn a few key words in Greek, perhaps thank you or cheers (which everyone says - Yamas!!). Your efforts will be very much appreciated. Also be respectful of their culture, ensure your shoulders are covered if you enter any of their churches, and remember that they have a siesta even during the out of season months!
There are no chains on the island - Zante Town now has a Benetton, a Lidl, and there is a McDonalds in Laganas but that really is about it! Embrace the local boutiques, visit the leather shops in Kalamaki or look at the beautiful soaps in the shops in Argassi. Maybe enjoy a freddo espresso in Mylonas Bakery in Argassi, or take a wander along the main high street in Zante Town for souvenirs.
Explore! As beautiful and welcoming your hotel may be, and you may be staying by a wonderful soft sand beach, please do remember that Zakynthos is more than just one beach resort. Try and get out and about. Maybe hire a car (see my separate blog on this), or book yourself onto an excursion - there are off road jeep tours, boat trips to Marathonisi (Turtle Island - yes it really does look like a turtle sitting in the sea); take the ferry from Zante Town across to Kefalonia and explore the caves and the resort of Argostoli; visit a Greek market (Dimitris Market) or perhaps pop into Thereanos and sample their beautiful wines. There really is so much to see and do!
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