ZAKYNTHOS TOWN
Zakynthos town is the capital of the island of Zakynthos and home to the main port with ferries departing daily to the mainland, and where most of the round the island boat trips depart from in the summer season. The town was rebuilt after a major earthquake in 1953 which destroyed many of the buildings therefore most of the architecture is relativly modern. There are, however old buildings still dotted around the town, the most prominent being the church of St Dionysios, on the harbour front, named after the patron saint of the island. Only a short distance above the town is the hill of Bochali, where one can visit the old Venetian fortress and also Strani, where Greek poet Dionysios Solomos was inspired to write the "Ode to Liberty" which became the Greek national anthem. From Bochali the views of the town and surrounding areas are unsurpassed. In the town, places of interest include the Solomos museum and also the museum of Byzantine art. A walk along the promenade brings you to the two main squares of Zakynthos town, Solomos square and St.Marcos square where the pedestrian only areas provide many outdoor restaurants and coffee shops, an enjoyable place to relax and watch the world go by. The main shopping street is the Alexandra Roma where you can find everything you need, from bakeries, shoe shops, gift shops, clothes, jewellery, icons, traditional Greek products and more. The main banks are located in an around the squares for money transfer or money exchange. The British consulate is in Zakynthos town on the road running parallel to the Alexandra Roma, at 5 Foskolos Street, should you need their assistance.
LAGANAS
Laganas is the largest tourist resort of Zante. It is a resort which caters for all walks of life and particularly attracts the 18 to 30 market due to the vast array of nightclubs and bars. Partying in Laganas begins early and continues into the early hours of the morning, with karaoke, top club DJ's and organised party nights on the agenda. If clubs are not your scene however, there are plenty of smaller cocktail bars and pubs, along with many restaurants with food ranging from traditional Greek cuisine to Chinese, Italian, Indian and fast food take out snacks. The main road, commonly known as the 'strip' runs towards the beach, which is perfect for families with children, with shallow waters and almost 9 kilometres of golden sand stretching along the coast to the next resort of Kalamaki. There are many choices available for accommodation, from hotels, studios and apartments to camping. Laganas has a host of shops, from clothes, leather goods and souvenirs to supermarkets, bakeries, jewellery shops and vehicle hire. Laganas is the main breeding and nesting site for the endangered loggerhead turtle and the waters are therefore a protected area. For this reason speedboats and jet skiis are banned because of the danger to the loggerhead turtles, however small boats and pedalos are available for hire in the bay and boat trips are available daily to see the turtles in their natural habitat.
KALAMAKI
Kalamaki is located a short distance along the coast from the largest island resort of Laganas. A smaller resort and not quite as lively as it's neighbour, Kalamaki attracts a wide range of tourists. The main road offers the usual array of gift shops, souvenirs, clothes shops, leather goods, vehicle hire and mini markets and there is a large variety of restaurants and snack bars to choose from offering Greek and international cuisine, including English, Chinese, Indian and Italian. The long stretch of sandy beach and warm clear waters are the main attraction of Kalamaki, however the main resort area has grown over recent years, the nightlife and partying continuing into the early hours of the morning with clubs, karaoke, quiz nights and party nights all available for those who want it. The loggerhead turtles also nest and breed in this area, pedalo and canoe hire are available for you to go out and see the the turtles in their natural habitat. Kalamaki has a wide selection of hotels, studios and apartments for you to choose from, most only a short walk from the beach and from the centre of the resort, although taxis are readily available and there are numerous places to hire transport at very reasonable rates.
ARGASSI
Argassi was one of the first spots in Zakynthos to be developed for the tourism market and over the years has become a popular resort for people of all ages. It is close to Zakynthos town, the capital of the island, a distance of around four kilometres. Gift shops, souvenir shops, beachwear, clothes and jewellery make up only a part of what is on offer in Argassi. There is a large variety of accommodation for you to choose from, with many hotels, studios and apartments. The resort also has a thriving nightlife, with many bars, clubs and pubs, offering quiz nights and karaoke, to quiet relaxing evenings, to top DJ's and partying until the early hours of the morning. As you wander around Argassi you will find many restaurants, tavernas and fast food outlets offering a choice of traditional Greek cuisine to the good old English fry up. Although quite narrow, the beach is long and watersports are allowed, such as paragliding, jetskiis and ringos. The hills behind the resort offer plenty of pleasant walks through the lush green landscape. The close proximity to Zakynthos town and the beautiful Vassilikos peninsula make the resort a favourite for those who like to get out and about during their stay but enjoy the amenities that the tourist resort has to offer. There are bus and taxi services to these areas and plenty of options if you prefer to hire your own vehicle.
ALYKES
A small village to the north east of the island, sharing the stretch of golden sandy beach with neighbouring Alikanas, Alykes caters for tourism well but offers a more relaxed and quieter side than some of the livlier resorts on Zakynthos. With beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere, Alykes has grown to be a popular resort for a relaxing break away. From this area walking or cycling in the surrounding countryside is a popular pastime for visitors, or exploring the smaller villages inland. There is plenty of accommodation available in the resort, including hotels, studios and apartments and also a camping ground situated only a few metres from the beach. There are watersports on offer along this stretch of coast and numerous shops, restaurants and bars available although Alykes has kept an air of tradition, being a small resort, and is not too commercialised. From the hills above Alykes and Alikanas, spectacular views of the salt flats and surrounding countryside offer superb photograph opportunities. Boat trips to the Blue caves and famous smugglers cove are also available from Alykes.
ALIKANAS
Sharing the stretch of golden sandy beach with neighbouring resort of Alykes, Alikanas is a small resort, popular with families and couples who are looking for a relaxing break. Although catering well for the tourist market with various shops, restaurants, tavernas and bars available, Alikanas has kept a traditional feel and slower pace of life than some of the larger resorts on the island. Alikanas is slightly smaller than neighbouring Alykes and with its little fishing harbour has a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. Watersports and wind surfing are available on this stretch of coastline and from the beach there are clear views of Kefalonia island, just north of Zante. The area is relatively flat which gives rise to opportunities for cycling and exploring the surrounding countryside and small villages on foot and also the salt flats of Zakynthos in the Alykes area. It is commonly thought that the ancient city of Arkadia was in this area as remains of Mycenean vases were found here. Although a quiet area, Alikanas is only a short walk from the slightly more lively resort of Alykes, and around twenty minutes drive from busy Zakynthos town, easily accessible by local bus route along the coastline or by hired transport.
LIMNI KERIOU
Limni Keriou is the name given to the port and bay just below the village of Keri where views from the Keri lighthouse are spectacular, and especially popular at sunset for photographers. Around twenty minutes drive south of Laganas, as you come over the hilltops, Limni Keriou can be seen, a picturesque sight as you drive down through the lush green landscape. Most of the narrow beach at Keri is made up of pebbles, however as you walk into the shallow waters, soft sand is under foot after only a couple of metres. Marathonisi island, also known as turtle island, is only a short distance from Limni Keriou and a fifteen minute motor boat ride will take you there. Boats can be hired at reasonable rates and taxi boats are available for the less adventurous. Just around the coastline are the Keri Caves and boat trips are available daily from the small port to see these naturally eroded arches with deep clear blue waters. There is also a scuba diving centre here, although high powered watersports are not available because of the danger to the loggerhead sea turtles in the area. The quiet nature of the resort of Limni Keriou and stunning surrounding scenery attract mainly visitors who are after a peaceful holiday. There are hotels, studios and apartments spread around the resort and a few shops, bars and restaurants mainly around port and seafront areas, where a relaxing evening listening to the gentle waves lapping at the shore is hard to resist.
TSILIVI
Tsilivi is a friendly resort in a rural setting, situated on the east coast of Zante just north of Zakynthos town. There are many choices available for accommodation, with a wide range of hotels, studios and apartments. Many of the hotels are situated on the mile long sandy beach, with others slightly further inland in the main town of Tsilivi. The shallow waters are ideal for swimmers and children and Tsilivi has gained a reputation for catering well for families, with plenty of activities such as kid's clubs, waterskiing, windsurfing, paragliding and evening entertainment. There is a wide variety of restaurants in the main resort and also along the waterfront, offering a choice of traditional Zakynthian and Greek cuisine, international and fast food. There are many bars in the resort and holiday entertainment is popular, from live bands to quiz nights and karaoke. Tsilivi offers the usual array of gift and souvenir shops, jewellery, clothes and beach gear and there are plenty of mini markets available for your everyday needs. The neighbouring village of Tragaki is worth a visit with it's traditional tavernas and quaint village charm.
AGIOS NIKOLAOS
Agios Nikolaos is a small village situated on the north eastern coast of the the island. A popular sightseeing trip from the port of Agios Nikolaos is to the Blue Caves, situated east of Cape Skinari. Named from the deep clear blue colour of the water inside the caves, the naturally eroded arches are a must see for most visitors to the island. Day trips to Kefalonia, the island north of Zakynthos also depart from Agios Nikolaos. Not so much a resort but a small port with a beautiful bay for swimming, Agios Nikolaos has a few restaurants and cafe's along the seafront offering traditional Greek and international cuisine, mini markets and a few gift shops with local products. Agios Nikolaos generally appeals to visitors who are looking for an area of stunning natural beauty, panoramic sea views and a relaxing, peaceful holiday. It is an ideal area for keen scuba divers, snorkellors and fishermen and the surrounding countryside offers pleasant walks.
