Zante holidays

Souvlaki is one of those go-to dishes whenever you’re in Greece, and its done to perfection in Zante. Tender cubes of meat are marinated in wine, cooked over hot coals and topped with tzatziki, the garlicky Greek sauce. Enjoy it straight from the skewer or served in warm pita bread. For an authentic taste of the region, don’t pass up skordostoumbi, a dish made with slow-cooked aubergines, garlic and olive oil. Packed full of flavour, this meat-free favourite goes well with a glass or two of chilled white wine – Assyrtiko gets our vote. If you’re a fan of desserts, you’ll want to try frigania, an indulgent after-dinner treat loved by locals and tourists alike. Layers of flavoured cream are piled high on a biscuity base doused in syrup, then finished with cinnamon and crushed almonds – loosen the belt buckle for this one!

Navagio Bay often tops lists of the best beaches in the world. Only accessible by boat, you’re rewarded for your efforts with a dream-like vista of white sand and towering cliffs – there’s even a shipwreck on the beach for good measure. Spend an afternoon here and you’ll be the envy of friends and family back home. A 20 minute drive from Zante Town takes you to Banana Beach, a long stretch of golden sand bordered by clear blue sea. The water’s shallow and warm, making it a good option if you have kids in tow, and you’ll find plenty of beach vendors selling cold drinks and snacks. Nearby, St Nicholas Beach is the place to be for water sports. Everything you could want for a fun couple of hours on the water is here, including ringo rides, parasailing and jet skis. There are gentler activities to try out too – why not grab a kayak and explore the coastline?

Blue Caves: A visit to the Blue Caves is an essential part of any Zante holiday. These natural caves and arches are found on the northeast coast, and can only be reached by boat. Tour operators will often combine the caves with a trip to Navagio Bay or offer snorkelling as part of the excursion – shop around for a tour to suit you.

Water parks: If you’re a fan of water parks, you’re in luck – Zante boasts one of the best in Greece. At Water Village, thrill-seekers get to take on the free-fall slides and Hydrotube, while younger kids will have a blast at Family Tower, with its racing slide and four-person raft ride. A top day out for all ages.

Shop till you drop: Zante Town has a lot to offer, whether you’re after a bit of retail therapy or just want to see the sights. Highlights include Solomos Square, home to boutiques and craft shops, and Bochali Hill, offering wonderful views over the bay. Hop on the tourist train to take it all in.

Laganas: When it comes to nightlife, there’s nowhere more action-packed than Laganas, a buzzy resort town on the south coast. Make a beeline for the Laganas Strip to find bars of all kinds and super clubs featuring world-renowned DJ’s.

Argassi: For bar hopping without the clubs, Argassi is your best bet. This charming village on the southeast coast offers a decent variety or bars and pubs, from live music venues to laid-back cocktail lounges overlooking the ocean. There’s even a 24-hour diner serving up gyros, burgers and other tasty snacks.

Zante Town: You’ll discover dozens of tavernas that open late in the holiday season in Zante Town, along with bars and live music spots. Enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere in a welcoming pub, or a sophisticated night of cocktails on a rooftop bar – this one’s got the lot.