With many gorgeous beaches, crystal-clear waters and towns full of character, it is easy to see why Zante is a great choice to spend a holiday.
We have put together a guide to give you inspiration on how to spend your time on this gorgeous Greek island.
How to Spend Seven Days In Zante
There really is an abundance of amazing things to see and do in Zante to keep you busy. We have selected a few to help give you some inspiration so you can plan your holiday.
An exploration of Zante with expert guides can reveal its full beauty. You might tour a traditional olive factory, drive through idyllic, mountainous villages, or visit the 15th-century monastery of St Denis, the island’s patron saint. There are tour offices in the main resorts, including Zakynthos Town, Laganas and Tsilivi.
A boat trip is a perfect way to take a fresh look at Zante’s landmarks like the cliffs of Kampi and the Venetian castle at Bochali. The remarkable Blue Caves, along the north-west coast, and the shipwreck on the beach at Navagio Bay are hugely popular, with some tours taking in both, and offering a pirate show on the shipwreck trip.
Blue Cave tours start from Makris Gialos, Agios Nikolaos and Cape Skinari, while some shipwreck and combined trips offer resort pick-ups.
The promontory of Keri is famed for both its small lighthouse and sea caves below which are accessible only by boat. Views from the lighthouse, especially at sunset, are extraordinary, including the two mighty Mizitres rocks. Some of the caves are large enough for boats, while daring swimmers can explore after landing on nearby beaches. Remember to bring your camera so you can take some photographs to look back at those stunning natural delights.
Thrill seekers will love spending time at Zante’s exciting parks including the Luna Fun Park, in Tsilivi, which opens at 5 pm, with activities from a climbing wall to inflatable castles, quad biking and a giant pirate ship. In Kalamaki, the Caretta Fun Park Centre has a water park from 10.30am to 5.30pm with slides and pools. The evening activities start at 6.30pm when you can enjoy the trampolines, go-karts and other attractions.
Fun parks are perfect for the whole family and a great opportunity to burn off some energy while spending quality time together.
If you enjoy hitting the dance floor then you will revel in the livelier lifestyle of Zante, especially in Laganas. There are plenty of boat parties to choose from, while at the Sizzle Club, in Laganas, staff dress as characters from Lewis Carroll’s Alice books for the Wonderland house music special. This would be the perfect night out if you love nothing more than pulling on your fancy dress costume and dancing the night away.
The resort’s biggest club is Rescue, which is popular for its weekly paint party. For summer 2019 the club will have five VIP booths inside the main arena as well as the main VIP Lounge Bar upstairs and Outside Lounge Bar.
Another club which is worth a visit is Zeros, which is renowned for its foam extravaganzas.
No matter which nightclub you decide to visit, you are sure to enjoy a variety of tunes and a fantastic party atmosphere.
From leisurely strolls along the beach, taking in the sights and sounds of the island during a tour, or dancing into the early hours, you are sure to fill your seven days with lots of fun-filled activities.
Top dining spots in Zante
From traditional Greek tavernas to fantastic seafood specialities or international fine dining, Zante has a cuisine to suit all tastes. In Zakynthos town’s quirky, vintage-style taverna Avli the chef happily makes personal recommendations for customers, while Madisons, on the seafront, is renowned for great steaks.
The party atmosphere of Laganas doesn’t mean you have to forgo top-class cuisine, and Rodi is a favourite for home-cooked baked feta, chicken souvlaki, stifado and local wine. Peri Heaven is the Laganas version of Nando's and serves up succulent chicken dishes. Tasos Taverna is famed for steaks and stonebaked pizzas – as well as stunning views across the beach and gulf. What better way is there to relax and spend an evening eating delicious food and watching the sunset?
Horizon has regular Greek nights so you can enjoy all kinds of local delicacies while Cool Peppers serves up fajitas, burgers, pasta dishes, steaks and great salads.
If you enjoy an aromatic homemade curry then be sure to visit Sizzlebang, you won’t be disappointed!
If you are craving some hearty pub-grub then Sirocco is the place for you because they serve up succulent steaks and huge pasta dishes guaranteed to satisfy big appetites. If you would like to indulge in some fine dining then look no further than Carpe Diem where you are guaranteed to have a meal to remember. Dishes at Carpe Diem includes a halloumi and strawberry chutney starter, fresh sea-food paella for a main course and delicious Baklava with ice-cream.
In Tsilivi, the Balcony Restaurant sits on a hilltop so you can sit back, relax and admire the views over the resort. If you are looking to dine at a quiet restaurant, then Premier is the place for you because it is tucked away from the hustle and bustle. Here you can enjoy cuisine including chicken chilli.
Georgio’s has a great choice of chicken dishes and there’s always a warm welcome from Diana and Lakis who own The Olive Tree restaurant which serves top quality locally produced traditional fare.
You can enjoy some delicious seafood caught fresh from Greek waters at the Ellinon Pelagos Tavern while superb cheese saganaki is on the menu at family-run MicriAcropoli. Chicken souvlaki, which is a style of chicken kebab, is a popular dish at Dionysos Grill. Why not pay Stamnes Taverna a visit and order a flavoursome lasagne or freshly toasted pittas.
Spend one of your nights dining at Avgoustis which is located on the seafront. Enjoy the chilled-out vibes and enjoy their popular dishes such as a stuffed burger with creamy feta cheese.
Nostos, in Alykes, serves moussaka and more traditional Greek food in a lovely atmosphere. Moussaka is the most celebrated of Greek dishes and consists of juicy mince, layered with sweet eggplants cooked with a tomato-based sauce and a bechamel sauce.
Other suggestions for your evening meals is the Sizzle n Grill in Kalamaki and The Yard, in Argassi. Both restaurants boast a warm and welcoming atmosphere will plenty of dishes to choose from on the menu.
We also recommend spending one of your mornings tucking into a hearty breakfast at Benikos. We suggest trying Becky’s Brekkie to set you up for the day.
You truly are spoilt for choice with the number of cafes, restaurants and taverners located throughout the island, you could easily pick a different place to dine every meal during your seven days on the island.
Zante Holidays are a great way to experience the wonderful country of Greece.
Your seven-day itinerary of Zante
At a glance: Your quick guide to making the most out of your Zante holiday
We have put together a seven-day itinerary to help you to make the most of your time on the island.
Day 1
- Spend time relaxing by your hotel pool during your first day on the island.
- Visit St Denis Church in Zakynthos Town.
Evening dining at the vintage-style taverna, Avli, in Zakynthos Town.
Day 2
- Enjoy breakfast at Benikos.
- Admire the views from the Venetian castle in Bochali.
- Evening dining at Madisons in Zakynthos Town.
Day 3
- Sunbathe on St Nicholas Beach in Vassilikos.
- Enjoy a boat trip to take in Zante’s landmarks like the cliffs of Kambi.
- Evening dining at Peri Heaven in Laganas.
Day 4
- Swim in the sea at Banana Beach in Vassilikos.
- Go on a tour to visit the shipwreck at Navagio Bay.
- Evening dining at Cool Peppers.
Day 5
- Visit the caves and lighthouse at Keri.
- Take a stroll along the sands of Gerakas Beach and watch the sunset.
- Evening dining at Tasos Taverna.
Day 6
- Enjoy snorkelling at Porto Zoro Beach in Vassilikos.
- Visit Luna Fun Park in Tsilivi.
- Dance the night away at Rescue nightclub.
Day 7
- Visit Kalamaki Beach at the Bay of Laganas to plane-spot.
- Have a light lunch at The Olive Tree in Tsilivi.
- Evening dining at Carpe Diem in Zakynthos.