Holidays In Zante

Kalamaki – A More Laid Back Location

2011-02-01T16:34:00.002Z

So you are trying to find somewhere in Zante to go and stay in this summer? Allow us to suggest Kalamaki, which could just come as a pleasant surprise to you.

Zante is sometimes seen as a pleasant and lively place to go on holiday. Lots of families tend to come here, making it a good bet if you happen to have young children.

But suppose you want a more laid back holiday with your partner and you don’t have any children to worry about? In this case Kalamaki could be the best possible place to try. It is laid back in itself, offering a superb place to go to find a relaxing holiday away from the crowds. You won’t exactly be on your own here but it is definitely a bit more chilled out than if you were to stay somewhere like Lagana.

Some people do enjoy going out at night and there are possibilities for you in Kalamaki. But again they are of the more laid back kind. Can you imagine sipping a glass of wine and watching the sun go down while sitting outside at a top restaurant? This is what the nightlife in Kalamaki is all about, although Lagana isn’t too far away if you feel the pull of something a bit livelier.

You should beware though that looking for accommodation on the western side of Kalamaki may not be a good idea. Stick to the eastern side unless you want to have the sound of aircraft waking you up first thing in the morning. With this aside, the resort is a delight waiting to be discovered. And if you choose the other half of the resort to relax in, you don’t even have this to worry about, so bear this little tip in mind.

The beach itself is a delight and you will be able to spend many a day simply lounging around soaking up the sun. There is much more to Kalamaki than meets the eye though; you can explore many of the streets that lead away from the beach to discover still more while you are there.

Exploring Tsilivi

2010-12-31T13:25:00.002Z

Zante has plenty of great destinations to offer anyone who is planning to take a holiday on the island. But Tsilivi may not be one of the first names that come to mind when you are thinking of holidaying on Zante. In fact you may not even have heard of it.

Don’t worry though, because this does not mean you will be missing out on anything. In fact you might be in for a surprise because Tsilivi has plenty to offer and the fewer people who know about it, the better!

This is very much an emerging resort in Zante, because it has only recently been developed to a larger extent. Many families tend to come here, even though the area also has a nightlife scene that is worth exploring for those who like to go out and about during the evenings.

This used to be a quiet place to come on Zante, but all that is changing now. The longer you leave it to see Tsilivi, the more likely it is that it will be more crowded when you do finally get there. Its expansion has led to more room and space for everyone to enjoy, so don’t be discouraged even if you are opting to visit during the height of the holiday season.

One of the main attractions of Tsilivi is the setting you will find it in. This is a relaxed resort nestling among a plethora of olive groves – the perfect setting in fact, for a holiday of relaxation and chilling out on the beach. There are vineyards nearby too, giving you the perfect opportunity to search out some locally produced wines to enjoy during the evenings.

The beaches here are just about as safe as you could want them to be. The sea slopes gradually away from the beach, so gradually that the children will have plenty of water to play in without fear of any sudden drops into the sea. This is just one of the reasons why so many parents choose this as their ideal holiday destination – it is truly a jewel among the delights that Zante has to offer.

Navagio Cove And Bay in Zante

2010-12-02T14:35:00.001Z

Lots of people tend to think they have found the best beaches in the world, regardless of where they have been to on holiday. But if anyone mentions Navagio Cove and its accompanying bay in Zante as a potential contender for this title, they may well be right.

This cove is famous among those who have been lucky enough to find it, and it would certainly be rather a shame to arrive in Zante and enjoy a holiday there without seeing it for yourself. Lots of people take countless pictures of this beach and its cove when they find it for themselves, and when you see it you will realise why this is the case. It looks wonderful, with rocky heights almost caressing it on all of three sides. The beach itself flows down to meet the waves, with the deep blue waters lapping up to meet it from the opposite direction.

To be honest it is hard to find the best words to really adequately describe the sights that will see you when you find the bay. Navagio Cove is normally reached via boat, because you cannot scale the rocks to get down to the beach from any other position. It has also earned the name of Smuggler’s Cove because of the pirates that once used it to smuggle in cigarettes. As you might imagine the name has stuck because of the dramatic connotations it has. The ship that was responsible for the smuggling is actually still there, because it sunk just outside the cove itself.

If you are booking a holiday in Zante, make sure you ask about the possibility of visiting Navagio Cove on a day trip. It is simply not to be missed and while it is a popular destination and you are unlikely to have it to yourself, you should take the time to see it anyway because of the beauty it has to share with you.

One thing to bear in mind is the lack of shade on the beach, which means you must be prepared with an umbrella and sun screen. The last thing you want is to return to your hotel or accommodation with sunburn.

Going Around the World in Zante

2010-11-02T13:06:00.002Z

It does sound unlikely but you can do just that if you’re heading to Zante on holiday in the near future. Even more surprising is the fact that you will be heading to a miniature golf course in the process.

The World Tour Mini Golf course is a popular attraction for adults and kids alike. As such it is a nice way to spend some time out in the sun while trying to beat the people you came on holiday with! Who will try for a hole in one or manage to get the golf ball in the hole in the least number of shots?

The course itself is fairly new, having been opened originally in 2007. Sometimes with mini golf you only get nine holes to play, but here they have pulled out all the stops to make it the best course on Zante. In fact it’s two courses, not one – and they have both got eighteen holes.

The name of the course – World Tour – should give you a clue to what you should expect once you get there. The holes are based around different locations in the world. Even though you are in Zante you will see Big Ben from London, as well as other sights such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Eiffel Tower. There is no telling where your golf ball will take you next.

There is also an opportunity to enjoy a drink before or after you have played, as you go to the bar on site – perhaps to celebrate your win? There is more room for the children to play too if you want to sit back and relax for a while. There is no doubt that the World Tour Mini Golf course is a firm favourite among holidaymakers in Zante. It also offers you more entertainment than just an hour or two of play as well. Allow half a day at least here and you’ll be able to make the most of it.

The course is located in Argassi, so make sure it’s close enough to your accommodation to reach it easily.

The Marine Park of Zakynthos

2010-10-04T13:51:00.002Z

Zante is a popular destination for families in particular, as it offers plenty for people of all ages to get their teeth into. It’s not all beaches and partying, and nowhere is this more relevant than when you take a trip to their Marine Park.

If you happen to be staying in the southernmost part of Zante, you’ll be in the ideal place to see something of the Marine Park itself. You may initially think this is just another main attraction on the island, but there is more at work here than you might believe. One of the main purposes of the park being here is to protect the loggerhead sea turtles. In fact the park plays host to what is known as a rookery. This is where the turtles nest and stay safe from potentially harmful situations.

As such the park offers a chance to learn more about the turtles, not to mention the habitat they live in on the island. This is the most important nesting habitat in the entire Mediterranean, so you can see they rely on the development of the Marine Park on Zante to stay safe and develop for the future.

The best part of the park for many people is actually the museum. It is known as the Thematic Exhibition Centre and it is responsible for educating the many visitors about the plight of sea turtles and what their life is like.

But the park stretches way beyond the museum. It reaches out to encompass the beaches and islets as well, not to mention much of the land in the area. It is a truly amazing place to visit and fully deserves a whole day spent observing what goes on here.

It may be prudent to avoid taking younger children to the area though. There is a strict set of rules in place to ensure that the turtles and other wildlife living in the area are kept free from harm. These rules also extend to what you can and cannot do in the area, so be sure you familiarise yourself with them.

This shouldn’t put you off though. If you respect the world around you, you’ll love every inch of the Marine Park of Zakynthos.

The Three Faces Of Zante

2010-09-02T11:42:00.000Z

If you’ve ever been to Zante before you have probably gone straight for the south eastern part of the island. This is where some of the main beaches are, dotted along the smaller and narrower part of the island.

But this is just one of the things that Zante has to show you, if you are prepared to go beyond the obvious and the familiar and explore elsewhere as well. If you head away from the beaches and go diagonally across Zante to the north west region, you will find yourself in mountainous territory instead. Here there are villages which are able to show you a slice of the more traditional side of Zante.

Take Volimes for example, and Anafonitria, which is home to Zante’s oldest monastery. Navagio Beach is also very close to Anafonitria, and indeed you can go to the look out point to get an amazing view down to this famous Shipwreck Beach.

You will remember from the title of this article however that we mentioned the three faces of Zante. We’ve seen two of them already, so what is the third one?

The answer lies in the central part of the island. Sandwiched in between the more rustic and traditional north west and the beach venues of the south east, you’ve got olive groves and lush green scenery galore. Tragaki is a village that lies quite near to the coast, but it has been blessed with many olive groves and is also home to more than one vineyard. Katastari is another excellent example of what the greener side of Zante looks like, with lush scenery wherever you look.

As you can see there are three distinct sides to this particular island. If you are visiting for a week or more you should definitely take the time to explore each area in turn. Zante is much more than just sensational beaches, and it would be a shame to see these and nothing else. If you love to see what an island is really all about, you should make time to see all that it has to show you.

The Simple Pleasures Of Volimes

2010-08-04T14:52:00.002Z

Sometimes visiting an island like Zante can make it seem as if you are surrounded by the tourist industry and little else.

But in fact this is rarely the case. It is truer to say that you just have to look a little more closely to see the more natural areas that are there to be explored.

For example, when you visit Zante you probably head for one of the most popular areas of all – Zakynthos Town. This is situated along the eastern most side of the island.

But if you head further north and move inland slightly you will find the area called Volimes. There are some thirty kilometres between Volimes and the capital of Zante, and yet in many ways they can seem to be a million miles apart.

In Volimes you won’t see much in the way of tourism – much the opposite in fact. There is a local market here and you won’t see all the traditional kinds of souvenirs either. Instead you will see local produce and items that are made by those who live in the area. You can taste local honey for example, knowing it has been collected from hives that are just a stone’s throw away – literally.

If you want a more traditional gift to take back home with you once you leave Zante, look out for lace, rugs and other similar items that are all beautifully made with care and attention. This is in many ways the real Zante, and it is unfortunately a side of the island that many people coming here do not see. The clubs and bars and nightlife may be enjoyable in itself, but wouldn’t you also like to see the real side of Zante that is hidden away in places like Volimes?

Volimes may be a little too much on the quiet side for you to spend your whole holiday there. But having said this, it could be that you are looking for something a world away from the busy nature of Zakynthos Town itself. Perhaps Volimes is just what you need for that quiet and peaceful break away.

Visiting A Traditional Village

2010-07-05T09:47:00.001Z

Summer holidays abroad typically mean good access to stunning beaches, plenty of sun and relaxation virtually on tap. But why not give yourself the chance to explore some of the other local villages in Zante as well? Zakynthos Town might have everything you could want but it is also very commercial and set up for tourism in all its forms. There are other villages which don’t have this focus – and this makes them rather nice to visit too.

Maherado is one such place that is worth a look. It is only a few kilometres away from the main town, but it might as well be a million miles away for the differences you’ll see between the two. Tourism might be running rampant back in Zakynthos Town, but it has barely knocked on the door of Maherado, and it is all the more delightful for that fact.

You can stay here for your holiday if you wish, but it won’t suit those who love beach based holidays since it is some distance from the nearest beaches. However if you would prefer a quieter holiday and a slice of life that is closer to the real Zante instead of to the tourism market, you might consider it as a quiet and peaceful possibility.

It has one notable landmark – the Church of Agia Mavra. This is famous all over the island and is worth a look. You’ll find it near the village square. It has an amazing belfry and you will also spot many delightful frescoes adorning the walls. There is also the icon of Agia Mavra inside.

Just because the village isn’t packed with tourists, don’t expect to find it hard to grab a bite to eat when you want it. You can find several cosy little places to stop and rest, and there is always the odd spot of shade too if you want to get out of the sun for a while.

Some people will find Maherado too quiet for their liking, but this is exactly what draws other people towards it. If you are after a slice of the quiet life, you should spend at least a day here exploring all its delights.

The Best Beach In Zante?

2010-06-04T09:58:00.000Z

Zante is packed full of delightful beaches, so finding one in particular that is often called the best could be tricky. But while we wouldn’t want to play down the delights offered by other parts of Zante, there is something about the Navagio Beach that really does take your breath away.

You don’t need to go far online to read about peoples’ views of Navagio Beach. Terms such as “best beach”, “can’t skip it” and even “paradise” have all been used to describe Navagio Beach. So perhaps with this in mind we should definitely take a much closer look.

What will you find here? Well for starters Navagio Beach isn’t the only name this particular area goes by. We can also find references to the magical Smuggler’s Cove and even the equally dramatic Shipwreck Bay. Navagio actually translates into shipwreck so perhaps this isn’t such a bad name after all.

The beach itself is often photographed as it is beautiful and it really stands as an iconic image for the island of Zante. There is also a shipwreck on the beach itself, which always draws the crowds and has done ever since it arrived there in 1983. And in fact we owe the names of this beach in Zante to this very wreck, because up until the point the owners lost control of it and wrecked it, the beach was known as Agios Georgios. It may not have been lucky for the boat owners but it has certainly given this particular beach a new lease on life.

Once you settle down and stake out your spot on Navagio Beach you can take some pictures of the iconic setting which also has the shipwreck in it. The crystal blue waters and rocks here provide a stunning setting to spend the day in, as you take a swim and lie back to enjoy the sun.

As you can see this is one area of Zante that always tends to be crowded, thanks to its beautiful views, wonderful beach and dramatic setting. Could you really find a beach that is better than this throughout the whole of the island?

Visit The Reality Of Zante Town

2010-05-05T13:05:00.002Z

You’re probably wondering why we have mentioned the ‘reality’ of this place. The reason is simple – Zante Town was never designed to be an up and coming tourist place. It is practical and efficient in nature, which is why tourists visiting to see the delights of the town are sometimes disappointed. It all depends on what you want from the town of course; if you go to see what it has to offer you will have a better time than you might do otherwise.

For starters there are several places you can stop at to grab a coffee and simply watch the world go by. It’s certainly good to interact with the people who live and work here, and it will show you a different side to Zante than just the tourist destinations and the beaches as well.

The town you see today is actually relatively new, since the original was all but destroyed in a major earthquake which struck the island back in the Fifties. As such the new buildings are an attempt to update the town while still retaining much of its original charm and form.

Watch out in particular for the Church of Our Lady of the Angels. This is one of just four buildings which managed somehow to stay standing during the earthquake. It now sits at a lower level than it once did though, which is obvious to see when you look at the building. Thankfully the squares you will see in Zante Town did all survive, but they had to be extensively rebuilt. While the quake shook all the bricks to pieces they were all mapped out and numbered so each one could be replaced in the exact position it had originally been in.

There are a few shops in Zante Town that are worth seeing as well. There aren’t too many shops here for the tourists to enjoy but in a sense this can be better. You will find shops you may not be expecting to see, which makes this trip worth taking. Zante Town has a lot to show everyone who visits it.

Could Alykes Offer You What You Are Looking For On Zante?

2010-04-06T10:24:00.002Z

Zante is known for being a lively holiday resort, not least because of its many clubs and vibrant nightlife. But don’t discount a visit to the island if you dislike this kind of holiday. If you choose the right area you can still have a great time.

One key place you might want to consider seeing is Alykes. This is worth noting if you have a family, since it is deemed to be one of the more family focused resorts on Zante itself. It is located on the eastern edge of the island towards the northern tip, and it isn’t too far from Alikanas either. In essence this gives you two locations to enjoy for the price of one, if you want to go out and visit Alikanas as well for the day.

Alykes beach has two significant things going for it. The first one is the fantastic stretches of sand loved by families from all over Europe. The second is the fact that the waters are beautifully shallow. This means it is particularly ideal for children to use without worrying about the waters being too rough for them.

It is also a very clean beach which makes it a delight to use, and you can easily come and spend all day here if you enjoy beach based holidays with the whole family.

There are other beaches nearby too, which means you have a nice selection of beach locations to choose from when selecting your Alykes accommodation to stay in. If you have never been to Zante before and you need somewhere where the kids will be safe and able to enjoy the waters surrounding the beach, you will find that Alykes is one of the best spots on the whole island for this purpose.

Of course, the area is not deserted and there is still some degree of nightlife around. But unlike other parts of the island it does not take over and take away the family feel of this particular area. Could this year be the year you give Alykes a try yourself?

Hop Across To Marathonisi

2010-03-05T11:52:00.002Z

When you go on holiday somewhere you don’t normally expect to leave that place to visit somewhere else – unless you are on a multi-centre holiday that is.

But when you visit Zante you should definitely think about doing this, otherwise you will miss the delights of Marathonisi.

So what is Marathonisi like? Well first of all it is completely uninhabited except for the turtles that call it home. And that is one of the reasons why so many people holidaying on Zante head across to the island for a day’s exploring.

Once you reach the island yourself you will see why it is so sought after for a day trip. You can easily take a boat trip that heads out to the island for the day, and finding details of these in Zante itself won’t be difficult. You have two great beaches to choose from once you arrive there, and if sunbathing is your chief aim then head for the sandy beach that you’ll find the rest of the sunbathers on. This also happens to be the beach where the turtles make a home for their eggs, so do be careful you don’t disturb them in any way.

Elsewhere on the island you can enjoy rock climbing and wandering around to see what else is on offer. There is a second beach which is ideal for exploring if you have kids with you, as it is rocky and unsuitable for sunbathing.

The water around Marathonisi island are wonderful too, with clear blue water lapping up and inviting you to take a swim. Many people do just this and enjoy a spot of swimming alongside a more relaxed time on the beach. If you are planning on spending a day here be sure you take everything you need with you, because facilities are non-existent as you might expect from an uninhabited island.

If you have the makings of a picnic with you and plenty of drinks though, you’ll have a wonderful day in this particular corner of paradise. And with no one but the turtles to share it with, why would you miss it?

A Guide To Laganas

2010-02-03T09:36:00.002Z

In the south eastern corner of Zante you will find one of its best known and best loved resorts. Laganas is not the place to head to if you are looking for a calm and relaxed holiday with plenty of peace and quiet. But if you want a lively and entertaining time and you are looking for a resort that brings you all this and more, Laganas on Zante will certainly deliver.

So what can you look forward to on your arrival? For starters there is the plethora of nightlife which brings the location to life after dark. During the day you can enjoy the delights of the beach, but at night there are plenty of options if you are looking for a club or bar to visit to while away the small hours.

As such it isn’t the kind of place you would want to bring a family to. But if you are young, carefree and looking for a holiday that has sun, sea, sand and celebrations of all kinds, Laganas certainly over delivers.

Let’s not discount the wonderful food you will find here either. If you fancy a break from the bars and clubs why not try out a few of Laganas’ restaurants? You will be spoiled for choice when it comes to deciding what to eat, with many countries represented by the cuisine on offer. You could have pizza one night, a full Chinese meal the next and follow it up with something entirely different the next night. As you can see, Laganas is all about choice and versatility, especially when it comes to the food.

If you do want to visit to make the most of the stunning beach in Laganas, try and go off season if you can. The popularity of this resort means that you will end up fighting for a space on the beach first thing in the morning if you visit during the height of the season. Going just a few weeks either side will guarantee a more peaceful time, and yet it will still be lively enough for you to enjoy.

Splashing Around In Zante

2010-01-04T14:30:00.000Z

How many times have you been to a water park on holiday? If you go abroad you will usually find one so you can take advantage of the great weather and have some fun in the water.

And Zante is no exception to this. The simply named Zante Water Village attracts plenty of people each year and you can find it within easy striking distance of the town of Zante itself.

This park does not have as many water rides as some of the other similar parks in Europe, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth visiting. If you have kids you’ll find plenty for the whole family to do and enjoy while you are there. Take the ultimate in relaxation and winding down for example – the Lazy River. This is just what it sounds like – it offers the opportunity to lie back in a huge rubber tyre and float around the park watching the world go by.

If that sounds a little tame for your liking you might want to give some of the more entertaining rides a try as well. The Turbo Tubes and the Black Hole are faster and if you don’t mind whizzing round a water tube in the dark the latter of the two will certainly appeal to you!

But it isn’t all about big water rides for the adults. It’s also about smaller and tamer rides and attractions for the kids as well. They’ll love the small Octopus Slides and the various Aqua Spray games that are built around the pool area. There is no doubt that you’ve got a lot to look forward to here at the Zante Water Village.

You might find it a bit much for an entire day, but it depends on how many times you want to go on each ride. It’s certainly an active and entertaining way to spend the day, and if you do have kids you’ll find they sleep very soundly after using up all their energy enjoying the rides.

If you’re staying anywhere near Zante town don’t miss it. It certainly makes a change from the ocean.

Explore The Blue Caves Of Zante

2009-10-22T10:24:00.000Z

If you want to see the best of Zante, you must include the Blue Caves on any visit you pay to the island.

But these caves cannot be accessed via a beach or in any way via land. You need to book yourself a spot on a boat trip to be able to see them. With that said though, the journey and the effort are both well worth it.

So what can you expect from these caves? Why do so many tourists think they are breathtaking, and why should you make sure you visit them yourself?

The clue is in the name – the Blue Caves. These caves can be accessed via a boat, and you’ll see some amazing sights once you get up close. You will get the best pictures if you visit towards the end of the morning, as that is when the light plays the best tricks on your surroundings.

If you thought the water around islands such as Zante was blue, you will have to rethink that statement when you see the Blue Caves. The water is as deep a blue as you will have seen anywhere, and it is this that draws so many visitors to them and persuades them to take so many pictures. Obviously since the light plays such a big part in creating this stunning effect, the view you get will depend on what time of day you visit. Thus the midday boat trips are the best ones to grab a seat on.

It has been over a century since these caves were first spotted by someone travelling by boat. Since then they have become one of the staple tourist attractions on Zante.

Diving and snorkelling are not out of the question here either, so you might want to combine your sightseeing trip with a spot of those as well. If the water looks so deeply inviting, why not make the most of it and get as close as you can to this stunning natural phenomenon?

In short, the Blue Caves of Zante will be thrilling visitors for many years to come. So make sure you are among them.

Hotels in Zakynthos

2006-12-05T12:00:00.000Z

Are you planning a trip to this splendid Greek Island and are worried about suitable accommodation? Don't worry because you will find a wide range of Zakynthos accommodation, catering to all price ranges, standards, and needs.

If you are travelling with your partner, you may prefer a Zakynthos hotel or a spacious room to let, while if you are travelling with your family or friends, a Zakynthos apartment may be your best fit.

Larger groups are advised to look into renting Zakynthos villas. Zakynthos hotels can be found throughout the island, so you can easily book the accommodation of your choice, whether you want a sea view or a mountainside vista.

Some Zakynthos apartments, studios and hotels can provide guests with all inclusive holidays in Zakynthos Greece, including accommodation, car rental and excursions. You can ask the management of your Zakynthos accommodation for more information.

For further information regarding Zakynthos accommodation visit:

http://www.top-hotels-greece.com/location/ionian-islands/none/zakynthos-hotels/p1.html

Zante Horse Trekking Centre

2006-11-28T09:34:00.000Z

Zante has a horse trekking centre in Laganas which caters for riders of varying ability. For more information see:

http://www.justzante.co.uk/directory/zakynthos_laganas_zante_horse_trekking_centre.asp

Kalamaki

2006-11-06T10:47:00.000Z

Kalamaki is a family resort which boasts a 7 kilometres long sandy beach, the largest on the island, the hotels in this area are mostly newly built and therefore offer the most up to date facilities.

There is a long parade of shops and restaurants so visitors here will find everything they require and for a really lively night out this resort is only about 3 kms from Laganas. Again this is a family resort with visitors who return year after year.

Zakynthos National Marine Park

2006-10-10T09:49:00.000Z

The area encompasses the Laganas Bay and the islets of Marathonissi and Pelouzo before the southern coast of Zakynthos. The substratum is sandy and the waters are shallow, thus favouring the wide spread of Posidonia seagrass.

The coastal zone of Laganas is of high biological importance, due to the existence of significant natural habitats, such as sandy beaches with sand plant (psammophyte) communities, rocky coasts and coastal lakes. Low sand dunes occur on the beach of Marathonissi, some of them extending up to 50 m. inland.

The beach is backed by dense Mediterranean maquis. The area of Laganas is renowned for its small sandy beaches which are considered to be the most important nesting sites for the Mediterranean green loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) both in Greece and, perhaps, the entire Mediterranean region. The two islets (Marathonissi and Pelouzo) lying in the Bay of Laganas support well-developed types of Mediterranean vegetation.

The beach of Laganas is one of the major nesting sites in the Mediterranean for the green loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta). The area also has great ecological importance due to the presence of the marine plant Posidonietum oceanicae, which forms a highly sensitive type of habitat occurring in the Mediterranean.

Suitability

2006-10-10T09:48:00.000Z

Laganas is predominately for those who want beach, bars and the party life. In particular, the centre of the resort is filled in peak season with budget style accommodation suitable for just that. Families do come to the resort but tend to stay on the outskirts, although they will still be subject to noise from discos and bars so most tend to choose alternative resorts on the island. If you want sunshine, a party atmosphere and a good beach to relax on to sleep off the night before, Laganas is the place for you!

Eating Out in Laganas

2006-10-10T09:47:00.001Z

There is so much choice in Laganas, you simply won't know where to start! From restaurants and snack bars to curry houses and pie shops the resort is also full of fast food outlets for those who want to grab a quick snack throughout the day.

Of course, there are the many Greek tavernas too for those who want to experience more of the real Greek cuisine, such as the Akropolis or Mama's Place which serves a variety of snacks for clubbers on their way home at sunrise.

There are also a number of good restaurants in Laganas to sit and enjoy an evening meal. The Blue Sea, which is right on the beachfront is a particular favourite. Family run and offering many favourite Greek dishes in a great location, it proves extremely popular in the summer months.

Overview of Laganas

2006-10-10T09:47:00.000Z

The largest resort on the island, Laganas is very popular with visitors from the UK. It's the only Club 18-30 resort on Zakynthos. The bright neon lights of Laganas are a magnet to young people, but the resort has a lot to offer everyone, with over 100 bars and a choice of Italian, Indian and Chinese food.

Make sure you check the location of your accommodation. The resort is very spread out, with some apartments well over a mile from the beach. If you like an early night then make sure you're not above a bar or in one of the hotels on the main street in the centre of town.

The area to the east of the town centre is the best place to stay. It can be almost peaceful, yet close to the beach and the town centre. The lack of water sports is a problem for some, but there are free buses running down to St Nickolaos beach everyday. It is definitely not traditionally Greek, but you don't have to travel far to be in traditional greek villages.

Zakynthos

2006-10-10T09:46:00.000Z

Zakynthos is almost triangular in shape, with two green mountainous promontories extending into the sea to form the huge bay of Laganas. There are more pine-covered mountains and hills in the north, but the centre is gentle and lush, richly planted with currant vines, olive trees, almonds and seasonal vegetables. There are dozens of beaches to choose from, sandy and sheltered with invitingly sparkling water. Flowers of every kind fill every available space, filling the air with the scent that so enraptured visitors of old.

With a sunny climate most of the year and good roads to facilitate exploring, Zakynthos lends itself to holiday-making in spring and fall as well as summer. Some of the best known summer resorts are Argassi, Alikes, Planos, Tsilivi, Vassilikos, Gerakas and Porto Roma, while Laganas is the most famous of all. Its long beach and wide range of facilities attract thousands of tourists from May through September.

Art and Culture in Zakynthos

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Without ever losing its Greek identity, Zakynthos, since ancient times, came in contact with several foreign, European populations and got to know different cultures and mentalities. Zakynthos became a receiver of many cultural influences which then expounded, and as a result contributed in a great extend to the configuration of the Modern Greek spirit.

The influence of all these foreign cultures is obvious, not only in cultural heritage of island, but also in the cultural role the island had into the New Greece, as Zakynthos got to know an important growth and founded important colonies, since the Classic Times.In Zakynthos were born many important persons, among them our National poet Dionysus Solomos, Andreas Kalvos, Grigorios Xenopoulos and several other important persons for the culture of Greece.

Watersports in Laganas

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There are plenty of things for the active youth in Zakynthos. Many organized beaches offer paragliding, hand-gliding, water skiing, canoeing, jet skiing and many other activities. Many hotels near beaches are also well equipped with gyms, and outdoor exercise facilities. There are excellent facilities along all coastlines of the mainland and particularly in the island. Most major hotels can help with arrangements.

Water-skiing is especially popular and there are many water-ski schools in Zakynthos. Speed boats are also available for hire. Independent scuba diving is strictly forbidden, in order to guard against the pilfering of underwater antiquities. Divers may only venture out under the auspices of a recognised diving school. Snorkeling is permitted, however, and is possible practically anywhere.

Fishing : Zakynthian waters offer good fishing, particularly during the summer and autumn. Boats and equipment can be found in most villages.

Environmental Issues on Zante

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For years, an environmental debate has raged on the Greek island of Zakynthos. Locals want to encourage the burgeoning tourist industry, while environmentalists, mostly foreigners, see tourist growth endangering the Caretta-Caretta turtles.

As the plane approaches Zakynthos airport, those lucky enough to have window seats are treated to a breathtaking view of Laganas Bay. From the plane, the sea and beach look calm and deserted; the British package tourists who form the mainstay of the islands tourism have not yet aroused themselves from a night of supporting the beer industry. As the bay races below us, it's hard to believe the rumors of conflict and ill will that have made their way to Athens over the years.

Much of the activity in Laganas Bay is commonplace for a package tourist resort: row after row of tourist shops sell mass-produced trinkets, restaurants and bars promise food and drink, flashy neon signs of very shape and hue flash. the stench of sewage completes the picture of a slightly seedy, too hastily developed tourist 'attraction.'At first, the brown splotches which can be seen from the beach could be mistaken for the undesirable outputs of the hotels that exist by the sea. But then, suddenly, one of these 'splotches' lifts its head, and the realization dawns that the brown splotches have been in the bay longer than the hotels. Seeing a Caretta-Caretta sea turtle breathe as it basks on the surface of the water is enough to send anyone's pulse racing - Laganas appears much more unusual than first impressions suggest.

During the day in Zakynthos, locals, the government, and environmental organizations cater to the bicker over tourists and turtles, as the subjects of their attention soak up the sun on the beach and the surface of the bay respectively. By night, drunken tourists and turtles creating and emerging from nests join the daytime regulars. It used to be much worse, say volunteers at the Sea Turtle Protection Society (STPS). It used to be better, claim some locals.

All are referring to the days when a speedboat ban wasn't in place, when tourists didn't visit nesting beaches at night, and when open, sometimes violent, conflict between local business people and belligerent environmentalists seldom occurred. Almost everyone I talked to about the issue claimed that relations were better this year than they had ever been. Almost all expressed hope for the future, especially about the planned Marine National Park. But everyone had memories of the past, and the shadows of these memories extend to the future.

Places of Interest in Zante

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The sites of interest including Shipwreck Bay, Cape Skinari and the blue cave.The western part of the island is accessible and has a panoramic view of the sea. The ridge area from Anafontria has an observation deck and a ship wreck and with the monastery.

Keri is located in the far south of the island. It is a mountain village and has a lighthouse in the south. It includes a panorama of the southern part of the Ionian Sea.

For the tourist, Zante has campsites and beaches including a beautiful one near Keri with a length of a 100 m surrounded by cliffs. The island also offers a numerous amount of arches and cliffs which are famous. One of the arches are underground. Several documentary shows were filmed around that part of Zakynthos/Zante. Other campsites include Camping Alykes. Beaches are in Porto Limnionas, Porto Vromi and Porto Zoro.

About Laganas

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Zakynthos has a varied terrain, with fertile plains in the southeastern part and mountainous terrain with steep cliffs along the coasts on the west.

The mild, Mediterranean climate and the plentiful winter rainfall endow the island with dense vegetation. The principal products are olive oil, currants, grapes and citrus fruit.

The capital, which has the same name as the prefecture, is the town of Zakynthos; apart from the official name, it is also called Chora (i.e. the Town, a common denomination in Greece when the name of the island itself is the same as the name of the principal town). According to the 2001 census, the island has a population of 38,957.

The most famous Zakynthian is the 19th century poet Dionysus Solomos, the principal modern Greek poet and author of the national anthem of Greece. His statue adorns the main town square. Also Juan de Fuca (Ioannis Focas) was born here.

Places of Interest on Zakynthos

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The sites of interest including Shipwreck Bay, Cape Skinari and the blue cave. The western part of the island is accessible and has a panoramic view of the sea. The ridge area from Anafontria has an observation deck and a ship wreck and with the monastery.

Keri is located in the far south of the island. It is a mountain village and has a lighthouse in the south. It includes a panorama of the southern part of the Ionian Sea.

For the tourist, Zakynthos has campsites and beaches including a beautiful one near Keri with a length of a 100 m surrounded by cliffs. The island also offers a numerous amount of arches and cliffs which are famous. One of the arches are underground. Several documentary shows were filmed around that part of Zakynthos. Other campsites include Camping Alykes. Beaches are in Porto Limnionas, Porto Vromi and Porto Zoro.

Wind Jet: From March the First Italian Low-Cost Airline Flies to Europe

2006-09-05T15:12:00.000Z

Excellent results in 2005. New destinations from March: Madrid, Barcelona, Moscow, Paris, Saint Petersburg, Bucharest, Oslo and Zante.

More than two million passengers transported, 10,300 hours of scheduled flights and 15,000 hours of charter flights. Wind Jet, the first Italian low-cost airline ended 2005 with results well above expectations and a 394% increase in the number of flights compared with 2003 (from 3,220 to 15,900 flights). With profits that have increased from 23.3 million in 2003 to approximately 139 million in 2005, Wind Jet is the only Italian low-cost airline that is growing.

In a context in which foreign low-cost airlines are attacking the Italian market, which is very appetizing because it is so vast and with a flight penetration that is still rather low in terms of international and domestic connections, Wind Jet has launched its own challenge from Italy to Europe. From March the airline will add to the list of international destinations already served (from Forli to Paris, Zante and Ibiza), the new routes: Catania-Madrid, Palermo-Madrid, Catania-Barcelona, Palermo-Barcelona, Catania-Paris, Palermo-Paris, Forli-Moscow, Forli-Saint Petersburg, Forli-Bucharest, Venice-Barcelona and Venice-Oslo.

All flights from Forli and from Venice are planned in perfect coincidence with Sicily. Wind Jet will be the first airline, excluding the 'national' airline companies to provide a scheduled service between Italy and Russia, making the new bilateral agreement between the two countries operative.

In order to achieve this project, Wind Jet has concentrated on scheduled activities by limiting its commitment to charter flights and, most importantly, it has made huge investments in its fleet, increasing the number of 180-seater Airbus 320 planes from 8 to 11 (therefore increasing the offer by approximately 40%). Furthermore, the airline will review all of its industrial processes, from maintenance (now entrusted to Lufthansa Technik) to the potential ability of access to its website, to its marketing policy and its partnerships.

With regards to national flights, Wind Jet has reconfirmed all of the routes covered up until now and adds one more flight to the Forli-Olbia line. The new network represents the largest portfolio of international products ever offered to and from Sicily. This choice confirms the value of the island as an extremely important Mediterranean destination for tourists.

Furthermore, Wind Jet has dramatically strengthened its presence in Forli, a central airport in terms of primary interest traffic flow for the airline, with its own international Hub. Finally, the launch of two international products from Venice has created a new outstation for the development of traffic in North-East Italy. In 2006 Wind Jet plans on flying 2.6 million passengers, with an increase in turnover of more than 20%.

Popular Resorts on Zakynthos

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Laganas

The largest resort on the island, Laganas is very popular with visitors from the UK. It's the only Club 18-30 resort on Zakynthos. The bright neon lights of Laganas are a magnet to young people, but the resort has a lot to offer everyone, with over 100 bars and a choice of Italian, Indian and Chinese food. Make sure you check the location of your accommodation. The resort is very spread out, with some apartments well over a mile from the beach. If you like an early night then make sure you're not above a bar or in one of the hotels on the main street in the centre of town.

The area to the east of the town centre is the best place to stay. It can be almost peaceful, yet close to the beach and the town centre. The lack of water sports is a problem for some, but there are free buses running down to St Nickolaos beach everyday. It is definitely not traditionally Greek, but you don't have to travel far to be in traditional greek villages.

Tsilivi

Tsilivi is situated on the North East coast of the idyllic island of Zakynthos. 9km from the airport and 5km from the capital of the island, Zakynthos Town. Tsilivi has fast become one of the main resorts on the island of Zakynthos. It is bustling with many family run tavernas, restaurants, bars and nightclubs making it one of the islands 'hotspots' for entertaining nightlife.

Originally a small resort, it has expanded in recent years and become the place to stay for lively exciting holidays without moving away from its traditional Greek heritage. The resort is set amongst olive groves and vineyards and its special features include a fantastic golden sandy beach of around 2km long that is well worthy of its Blue Flag of Cleanliness reward.

The sand shelves gently into the sea making it the ideal place for children to enjoy themselves in complete safety. The friendly fun atmosphere combined with the natural beauty of Greece and the guaranteed weather makes this resort an ideal setting for people of all ages.

Kalamaki

Kalamaki is located on the end of the eastern side of the bay of Laganas, about 7 kilometres south of the capital of Zakynthos, Kalamaki is a small and crowded resort with one of the most beautiful beaches of the island. The sandy beach is, like Laganas Beach, protected by the Greek and international legislation order. Kalamaki is also part of the National Marine Park. Impressive rocky formations dominate the beach and offering a superb panoramic view over the bay of Laganas.

Argassi

Argassi is the closest resort to the island's capital, just 4km away, and a constantly developing tourist centre built along a wonderful coast. Argassi is a very popular holiday resort and offers all the facilities you'd expect of a bustling holiday town - including some lively nightlife. There are many bars, restaurants, shops, etc that line the main road, and also set off in the back streets.

Argassi is a good base for exploring the mountain area of Skopos if you take a stroll up 758m, where you'll be rewarded with some amazing views of the island, the mountainous landscape and the sharp cliffs. The wild orchids and rare butterflies create an astonishing feeling to the visitor.

Climate in Zakynthos

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The climate in Zakynthos is mild mediterranean with both heavy rainfall during the winter months and brilliant sunshine in the summer. The rich vegetation is probably due to this, and has resulted in the nicknames of Fior di Levante (Flower of the East) and Iliessa (full of woods) by the Venetians and Omiros respectively.

It is a productive island agriculturally, supported mainly by the cultivation of olives, raisins and citrus fruits. Apart from this, the main source of local income is from the recently developed business of tourism. The island has a wealth of history as for many centuries it was the crossroads for numerous nations and cultures.