Zante

The hilly, green island of Zante (Zakynthos), on the Ionian Sea in western Greece is renowned for its unspoilt natural beauty. Hillsides are covered with pine forests, the fertile valleys support olive groves, vineyards and orchards of citrus fruits, and the southeast coast boasts several idyllic beaches. Like neighbouring Kefalonia, Zante was struck by the 1953 earthquake that destroyed many of its finest buildings, though the capital, Zante Town, was rebuilt as best it could be. Today the island's busiest and best-known resort is Laganas, (11km/7 miles south of Zante Town) on the south coast, which has now established itself as one of Greece's top 24-hour party resorts for the 18-30 age group. Strangely, Laganas lies within Zakinthos National Marine Park, where protected wildlife includes some 1,300 sea turtles and Mediterranean monk seals. The other top holiday resorts are Argassi (4km/2.5 miles south of Zante Town) and Tsilivi (5km/3 miles north of Zante Town). Other attractions here are the sea caves, notably the Blue Caves and Keri Caves, accessible only by boat from the sea, and the stunning Shipwreck Beach in Smuggler's Cove, which features on countless postcards.

From Easter to mid-October, Zante's resorts draw European (predominantly Brits and Germans) couples and families in search of a relaxing holiday with sea, sunshine and sandy beaches. The one exception is Laganas, which attracts rowdy British 18-30s on package deals.

Zante is one of the seven Ionian Islands, which lie off the west coast of mainland Greece. The island is served by an airport, which lies 2km (1.25 miles) southwest of the capital, Zante Town. Zante Town is also the island's chief ferry port, lying 33km (18 nautical miles) west of the mainland port of Kyllini.

Zante is a hilly island, with land rising up to 756m (2,480ft). The most developed holiday resorts lie along the south and east coasts.

Zante's best sand beaches lie along the east and south coasts. The island's longest beach is Laganas, with a stunning 9km (5.5 miles) of golden sands. There are sunbeds and umbrellas, but watersports are prohibited as this is a protected site where rare loggerhead turtles nest. For the island's best watersports facilities, visit Argassi, a long, narrow shingle beach just 4km (2.5 miles) south of Zante Town. North of Zante Town, Tsilivi is a 1.5km (1-mile) stretch of golden sand, while a little further north still lies Alikes (Alykes), another pleasant sandy beach. Argassi, Tsilivi and Alikes have each been awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness. Last but not least, on the northwest tip of the island lies Zante's most photographed beach, Shipwreck Beach in Smuggler's Cove. A dramatic cove with an idyllic beach, it can only be accessed by boat from the sea.

The island's capital, Zante Town, was badly damaged by the 1953 earthquake, though efforts were made to rebuild it in its original style. Worth a look in here is the Byzantine Museum (Solomos Square), displaying frescoes and religious icons from between the 12th and 19th centuries. On a hill 3km (2 miles) above Zante Town, in Bohali, the 17th-century Venetian Castle offers fantastic views back to town and out to sea. Zante's sea caves, which can be visited by boat, are also a major attraction with the best being the Blue Caves (on the island's northeast tip) and Keri Caves (near Keri, on the island's southwest tip). It is also possible to join an organised jeep safari, which involves a convoy of Land Rovers touring the island's sites of historic interest, rural areas and inland villages, with a break for lunch and a swim.

Zante's unspoilt sandy beaches are perfect for kids, though some might consider Laganas rather too chaotic. Children and adults alike will be amused by Zante Water Village at Sarakinada (10km/6 miles from Laganas on the road to Zante Town), complete with pools, slides and a lazy river, and Luna Fun Park in Tsilivi, offering a bouncy castle, bumper boats, inflatable slides, a rodeo bull, paintball and laser shooting.

The best shops are to be found in the capital, Zante Town, most notably along Alexander Roma Street. Typical gifts include leather goods, jewellery, lace, ceramics, local honey and souvenirs featuring the island's indigenous turtles (note that turtles are believed to bring good luck in Greece). Authentic handmade lace and embroidery can also be purchased in numerous craft shops in the inland village of Volimes, on the north side of the island.

Zante's nightlife centres on Laganas, where those in search of late-night drinking and dancing are well catered for. In fact, since 2004, Laganas has overtaken Faliraki as Greece's number one party destination. Here countless pubs and nightclubs cater for the British 18-30 binge-drinking crowd, with the inevitable touts trying to lure in passers-by. The top dance clubs are Zero's and Rescue Club, both on Laganas' main strip (which runs down towards the sea, perpendicular to the beach). Laganas is renowned for the infamous ‘dentist's chair,' in which participants sit back and have alcohol tipped directly down their throats. Argassi and to a lesser extent Tsilivi also offer reasonably lively bars and clubs. Elsewhere, Zante's nightlife consists of the simple pleasures of wining, dining and people-watching.

Across the island, visitors will find a wide selection of Greek tavernas and restaurants, with some of the more tourist-orientated ones laying on Greek music and dancing some evenings. The exception is Laganas, where pizza parlours, Indian and Chinese restaurants and fast food kiosks cater for the British 18-30 crowd.

In summer, all Zante's seaside resorts are well served by bus; the main bus station is located in Zante Town. It is possible to hire cars, jeeps, mopeds and bicycles. Taxis are cheap by European standards. Through high season, organised day trips by boat depart from Zante Town to less accessible attractions such as Shipwreck Beach, the Blue Caves and Keri Caves.

It is possible to make a day trip to the neighbouring island of Kefalonia: ferries depart from Agios Nikolaos on the northeast coast of Zante and arrive in Pessada on the south coast of Kefalonia. Travel agencies on Zante offer all-inclusive day trips to Kefalonia with a guide. Another interesting excursion takes visitors to the mainland to visit Ancient Olympia, the site of the first Olympic Games. Ferries depart from Zante Town to arrive in Kyllini and there is then a bus transfer.

Book a seafront suite at Zante's only five-star hotel, the Mediterranean Beach Resort, which overlooks Laganas Bay in Laganas. Each suite has two double rooms, two marble bathrooms and a furnished balcony with a sea view. Hotel facilities include a gym with sauna and massage, an outdoor pool and a sandy beach with watersports activities.

Zakynthos airport (ZTH)