Zante Holidays

From party hotspots to family-friendly waterparks, Zante's got it all... and more. Whether you’re planning a last-minute escape or a blowout beach break, this Ionian gem serves up stunning coastlines, crystal-clear waters, and legendary nightlife—all wrapped up in laid-back island charm.

🏝️ Holidays to Zante 2026: Sun, sea, and a side of sass

• Nightlife Nirvana – Laganas is the spot for after-dark antics, beach clubs and bar crawls galore.

• Beaches for Days – from secret coves to showstopping sands, Zante’s coast is pure paradise.

• All-Ages Welcome – family resorts, adventure days and chill vibes mean everyone’s covered.

• Balance the Buzz – party one day, zen out the next – Zante’s got the best of both worlds

🎉 Good to know for Zante holidays

• ☀️ Zante gets 28-30°C in summer with sea temps around 24-26°C from June to September. Over 300 days of sunshine a year, so you're pretty much guaranteed a tan.

• 💶 A pint of Mythos will set you back around €3-5 depending on where you are (cheaper in the tavernas, a bit more on the Laganas strip). Meal for two at a local taverna? Around €25-35 including wine.

• 🐢 Zante is one of the last major nesting sites for endangered loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) in the Mediterranean. The Zakynthos National Marine Park protects the southern beaches where they lay their eggs from May to August, and you can spot them swimming in Laganas Bay.

🏖️ Where to Stay on your Zante Holidays 2026/2027

Greece holidays don't get much dreamier than Zante, whether you’re after buzzing nightlife, jaw-dropping beaches, or a peaceful escape. Here’s where to stay:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families

• Kalamaki is probably the best family base on the island. Calm, shallow beaches that double as loggerhead turtle nesting sites, a relaxed village feel with good tavernas, and easy access to both Zante Town and Laganas without being in the thick of the party scene. The beach is part of the National Marine Park so it stays clean and protected.

• Tsilivi is the other top family pick. A cracking sandy beach, loads of restaurants along the main strip, mini golf, and a bit of evening nightlife that stays on the right side of lively. Plenty of all-inclusive hotels here and it's an easy taxi to Zante Town for a day out.

• Alykes is further north and quieter still. Golden sand beach with shallow water, traditional tavernas along the waterfront and a properly laid-back pace. Great for families who want to escape the busier south coast resorts entirely.

💑 Couples

• Vassilikos is the romantic pick. A secluded peninsula on the south-east coast with lush greenery, quiet coves and some of Zante's best beaches including Banana Beach and Porto Roma. No big resort strip here - just boutique hotels, sunset spots and that untouched Greek island feel.

• Tsilivi also works well for couples, especially if you want a mix of beach relaxation and evening atmosphere. Several adults-only hotels are based here (including the Contessina Suites and Zante Maris Suites) and it's walkable to restaurants, cocktail bars and the beach.

• Zante Town suits couples who like a bit of culture with their beach break. The island's capital has a harbour-front promenade, Venetian architecture, boutique shopping and the best restaurant scene on the island. It's more town than resort, which is part of the charm.

🎉 Groups

• Laganas is the obvious one. The party capital of the island with a legendary strip of clubs, beach bars and late-night spots that go from May through September. CherryBay, Rescue Club and the rest are all here. The beach itself is massive and part of the Marine Park, so you can spot turtles during the day before heading out at night.

• Argassi is a solid alternative if you want nightlife without the full Laganas experience. Karaoke bars, cocktail spots, live music pubs and a sociable atmosphere, plus it's close enough to Laganas for a taxi when you want a bigger night. Also right next to Zante Town for daytime exploring.

🏔️ Off the Beaten Track

• Kypseli is rural Zante - olive groves, traditional Greek village life and barely a tourist in sight. Ideal if you want to hire a car and use it as a base for exploring the whole island at your own pace.

• Akrotiri is a peaceful, upscale spot on the northern tip with sweeping Ionian Sea views. Great for couples or anyone who wants a quieter alternative to the south coast resorts.

🏖️ What are the best beaches to head to on your holidays to Zante?

This Greek gem is like a treasure chest of bangin' beaches, each with its own vibe, making it a top-tier pick for your next jolly, no matter if you're keeping it cheap and cheerful, or heading off last minute, we've got the beach of your dreams and then some, so keep on reading for our top picks:

• Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach) - this one's the superstar. Only accessible by boat, its powdery white sand and turquoise waters, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and home to a rusting shipwreck... it's an Insta-famous paradise that's giving scene from a movie vibes.

• Laganas Beach - a huge stretch of sand buzzing with bars and music by night, and part of a national marine park by day. It's also one of the best places to see Caretta-caretta turtles in the wild - tick that off the bucket list.

• Gerakas Beach – a protected, peaceful cove on the Vassilikos peninsula. No beach bars, no noise – just clear waters and turtle nesting areas. A top pick for nature lovers.

• Xigia Beach - this small slice of paradise comes with a spa twist: natural sulphur springs that turn the water milky and are said to be super good for your skin. It's the beach equivalent of a skincare routine, leaving you refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to post those glow-up selfies.

• Alykes and Alykanas - these neighbouring beaches are like the cool cousins of the Zante beach family. They're perfect for families and anyone looking for a laid-back vibe with shallow, crystal-clear waters. Plus, there are plenty of spots to grab a bite nearby for when you're feeling peckish.

• Porto Zorro - less crowded and framed by rock formations, this beach feels more exclusive. It's a great mix of tranquility and convenience, with a beach bar and loungers available.

• Porto Limnionas - if you're after something a little more laid back, this rocky beach has got the goods for all your tanning needs, it's got pretty deep waters too so if you're partial to a cheeky dive and snorkel, then this is deffo your bag.

What are the best hotels for your Zante holidays 2026?

Whether it's beachside bliss, all-inclusive beauts, or the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation you're after, Zante's got hotels that are sure to float your lilo.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families

• Zante Royal Resort - A proper family-friendly resort in Vassilikos with two pools (one with waterslides), a kids' club and all-inclusive options. Less than 200m from the beach on Zante's quieter south coast.

• Alykanas Village Resort - Right on the beach in Alykes with a splash park, kids' club, swim-up rooms and evening entertainment. Shallow water that's brilliant for little ones.

• Tsilivi Beach Hotel - A 173-room all-inclusive right on the sand in Tsilivi. Kids' pool, daily entertainment and walking distance to the village for restaurants and a bit of nightlife once the little ones are in bed.

💑 Couples

• Contessina Suites and Spa - Very well reviewed adults-only 5-star in Tsilivi, ranked #2 on the whole island. Suites with private hot tubs or swim-up access, a gorgeous spa and 200m from the beach. Properly romantic.

• Zante Maris Suites - Sleek adults-only suites with sea views, swim-up pools and a sunset bar in Tsilivi. Massage treatments and yoga classes for a wellness vibe on your jollies.

• Meandros Boutique and Spa Hotel - A luxurious adults-only boutique in Kalamaki with a spa, heated indoor pool, jacuzzi and gorgeous suites. A short stroll from the turtle nesting beach.

🎉 Groups

• Atlantis Hotel Zante - A solid pick in Laganas with a pool, jacuzzi, poolside bar with sports screens and drinks deals. Popular with groups for a reason - it's clean, the staff are sound and it's a 10-minute walk to the strip. Music by the pool during the day keeps the vibe going.

• Contessa Hotel - A good option in Argassi with a rooftop restaurant, pool, games room with billiards and ping pong, and weekly BBQ and traditional Zakynthian nights. Five minutes from the Argassi strip and close enough to Laganas for a taxi if you want a bigger night out.

• Diana Palace Hotel - A 4-star all-inclusive in Argassi with two pools, a pool bar, nightly entertainment and a lively atmosphere. Four minutes from the beach and right in the middle of the Argassi strip for bars and restaurants. All-inclusive keeps the costs predictable for a group.

✨ Luxury

• Lesante Classic Luxury Hotel and Spa - A 5-star in Tsilivi with three pools, a spa and wellness centre, fine dining restaurants and a playroom for kids. The kind of place where you feel fancy just walking through reception.

• Domes Aulus Zante, Autograph Collection Hotel - Five restaurants, Zante's longest beach and a complimentary minibus to Zante Town for evening strolls. Works for couples and families who want Laganas without the chaos.

💰 Value

• Panorama Studios - A cheap and cheerful 3-star in Alykes with a pool, kitchenette and 300m from the beach. Perfect for families or couples who'd rather spend their cash on taverna dinners and boat trips.

👉 See all Zante hotels | All-inclusive Zante holidays

🧭 Your Zante holidays 2026 travel guide

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families

• 🎢 Zante Water Village is one of Greece's biggest waterparks with slides, lazy rivers and toddler zones. A proper full day out that'll tire the kids right out.

• 🐢 Turtle-spotting boat trips across Laganas Bay are a hit with kids and adults alike. Endangered loggerhead turtles live in the bay year-round and you've got a solid chance of seeing them from May to August.

• 🦌 Askos Stone Park is a natural animal sanctuary in Zante's green hills where kids can get up close to deer, peacocks and goats. Winding trails through forested hills with traditional stone ruins dotted about.

• 🍕 Families will love the taverna culture here - portions are massive, kids are always welcomed and it's cheap. Try gyros (roasted meat in pitta with tzatziki) from a street stall for a quick lunch, or sit down at Michaelos in Kalamaki for proper Greek home cooking in a garden setting.

💑 Couples

• 🌅 Watch the sunset from Bohali Castle above Zante Town for sweeping views over the harbour and the Ionian Sea. Grab a table at a cliffside taverna afterwards.

• 🛥️ Sail to the Blue Caves on the north coast - glowing sea caves with crystal-clear water that turns every shade of turquoise. Most boat tours include a swimming stop.

• 🍷 Tour the island's vineyards and try rare Zakynthian varieties like Avgoustiatis (a rich local red) paired with local cheeses. Several wineries offer tastings with views over the olive groves.

• 🏛️ Zante Town itself is worth an evening - harbour-front dining, pastel Venetian buildings and a proper Greek atmosphere. Book a table at Prosilio for seafood risotto or Alivizos for traditional Zakynthian recipes like beef stifado.

🎉 Groups

• 🎶 The Laganas strip is iconic for a reason - cheap drinks, wild music and themed nights until dawn. CherryBay Beach Club for open-air dancing under the stars, Rescue Club for foam parties and DJ sets. It goes from late May through mid-September.

• 🏍️ Rent quads and explore the back roads through olive groves, beach towns and cliff-top lookout points. A properly good group activity that gets you off the strip and seeing the island.

• 🏖️ Banana Beach has music, beach bars and watersports - the perfect daytime hangout between last night and tonight. Porto Zorro is a quieter alternative with rock formations and a more chilled vibe if the group needs a recovery day.

• 🍻 A meal for two at a local taverna costs around €25-35 including wine, so eating out as a group won't break the bank. Feast on grilled octopus, courgette fritters and saganaki cheese - or just order the mezze platter and let the table fight over it.

🗣️ Local Lingo

• Yia sas (YA-sas) - Hello

• Efharisto (ef-ha-ri-STO) - Thank you

• Parakalo (pa-ra-ka-LO) - Please / You're welcome

• Mia bira, parakalo (MIA BEE-ra pa-ra-ka-LO) - A beer, please

• Yamas! (YA-mas) - Cheers!

• Kalimera (ka-li-ME-ra) - Good morning

• Poso kani? (PO-so KA-ni) - How much is it?

🏝️ Other Greece holidays

• 🏛️ Athens - culture-packed city breaks with ancient ruins and rooftop bars

• 🏖️ Corfu - lush green island with Venetian architecture and family-friendly beaches

• 🌊 Crete - Greece's biggest island with gorges, beach resorts, and brilliant food

• 🏖️ Halkidiki - three peninsulas of pine-backed beaches and crystal-clear water

• ⛵ Kefalonia - dramatic coastlines, Myrtos Beach, and Captain Corelli vibes

• 🌴 Kos - laid-back island with long sandy beaches and ancient Greek ruins

• 💃 Mykonos - windmills, whitewashed streets, and legendary nightlife

• 🏖️ Rhodes - medieval Old Town, gorgeous beaches in Faliraki and Lindos

• 🏝️ Samos - green and peaceful with turquoise coves and traditional villages

• 🌅 Santorini - iconic caldera sunsets and whitewashed clifftop villages

• 🏖️ Skiathos - pine-covered island with 60+ beaches and Mamma Mia links