Alykes Holidays

Salt flats, golden sand and proper Greek vibes without the party mayhem. Alykes is Zante's laid-back gem on the northeast coast – think family-friendly beaches, horse-drawn carriages to dinner, and boat trips to some of the most famous sights in Greece. 🏖️

📌 Good to Know

☀️ Weather – Summer highs around 30-32°C with up to 12 hours of sunshine. Sea temps hit 26°C by August and the water stays warm into October

💶 Prices – Pints €3-4, meals around €15-20. Gyros for €4 when you need a quick bite

🧂 Fun Fact – The name Alykes means "salt flats" in Greek. The village grew around old salt pans that supplied the whole island until the 1980s – now they're a wildlife haven for owls and geckos

✨ Alykes Highlights

🏖️ Blue Flag Beach – 3km of golden sand with shallow, crystal-clear waters and gentle slopes – perfect for families

🚢 Shipwreck & Blue Caves – Boat trips leave from nearby to Zante's most iconic sights

🧂 Salt Flats – Abandoned salt pans now teeming with wildlife, great for a wander

🐴 Horse & Carriage – Traditional way to get between Alykes and Alykanas (or to a taverna)

🌊 Watersports – Jet skis, paddleboards, pedalos and banana boats right on the beach

🏨 Alykes Hotels

💑 For Couples

Astoria Hotel – Three-star just 50m from the beach with 55 cosy rooms, air conditioning and a proper chill-out vibe. Right in the heart of Alykes village.

Koukounaria Hotel & Suites – Family-run retreat 300m from the beach with an Olympic-sized pool and separate kids' pool. Al fresco dining overlooking the pool and authentic Greek dishes in the main bistro.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For Families

Alykanas Village Resort – Right on the beach with multiple pools, a splash park with waterslides and mushroom showers, kids' club and evening entertainment. Swim-up rooms and junior suites available for that extra touch of fancy.

Alykanas Beach Grand Hotel by Zante Plaza – Beachfront location with large outdoor pool, kids' pool, outdoor jacuzzi and playground. Studios, apartments and holiday houses available for families who want a bit more space and self-catering freedom.

Zante Village Hotel – Traditional and comfy with outdoor pool, daily buffet and poolside snacks. Walking distance to Alykanas village shops, bars and restaurants.

💰 Great Value

Panorama Studios – Cheap and cheerful three-star right behind the salt flats, 300m from the beach. Pool with kids' section, free loungers, and kitchenettes for self-catering. Surrounded by natural beauty and just 250m from the resort centre.

Clio Aparthotel – Peaceful location just outside Alykes with outdoor pool, sun terrace and snack bar. All rooms have balconies and kitchenettes – proper value for money.

🎯 What to Do

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families

• 🏖️ The beach has shallow, warm waters that shelve gently – brilliant for little paddlers

• 🌊 Watersports on the beach – inflatables and banana boats for kids, jet skis for the bigger ones

• 🐴 Hop on a horse and carriage for a clip-clop ride to dinner – the kids will love it

• 🧂 Explore the salt flats and spot geckos, owls and other wildlife

💑 Couples

• 🚢 Book a boat trip to Shipwreck Beach and Blue Caves – it leaves from nearby and it's absolutely unmissable

• 🍷 Sunset drinks at a beachfront taverna – fresh seafood, Greek wine and proper Ionian views

• 🏘️ Wander across the old stone bridge over the Skourtis River – it's dead charming

• 🎣 Head to nearby Agios Nikolaos harbour for a quieter fishing village vibe

👯 Groups

• 🚤 Rent a speedboat and explore the coastline – no licence needed for smaller boats

• 🏊 Watersports bonanza – jet skis, paddleboarding, pedalos and parasailing

• 🚌 Take the Vertzagio train from Alykes to Pigadiakia village for an easy day out

• 🏖️ Beach hop to nearby Alykanas Beach – basically a continuation of the same gorgeous sand

🏛️ Culture Vultures

• 🏰 Visit Zante Town (25 mins) – Venetian architecture, Byzantine Museum and St Dionysios Church

• 🦎 The salt flats aren't just pretty – they're a proper wildlife habitat with owls and geckos

• 🏛️ Two Venetian watchtowers stand nearby – one at Micro Nisi, one at the end of Tsilivi

• 🍷 Visit a local winery – Zante's wine and olive oil production goes back centuries

📅 When to Visit

☀️ Peak Summer (June–August) | 28–32°C

Long, hot days with barely any rain and up to 12 hours of sunshine. The sea is warm and watersports are in full swing. This is when Alykes is at its liveliest – though still properly laid-back compared to the party resorts.

What's On:

• 🎭 Zakynthos Cultural Festival (July) – Theatre, concerts, traditional dance and art exhibitions across the island

• 🎷 Zante Jazz Festival (June) – Jazz musicians from around the world performing island-wide

• 🐎 Panigiria (July–August) – Traditional village festivals with dancing, food, music and proper Greek atmosphere

• 🎵 Shapes Festival (mid-August) – Week-long electronic music festival with beach parties and boat events

🌸 Spring (April–May) | 19–24°C

Warming up nicely with wildflowers everywhere. The sea might still be a bit fresh but it's gorgeous weather for exploring without the crowds.

What's On:

• 🥚 Greek Easter (April) – The biggest celebration of the year with processions and festivities, especially in Zante Town

• 🌺 Wildflower season – The island is lush and green after winter rains

• 🐢 Turtle nesting begins – Loggerhead turtles start arriving on the south coast beaches

🍂 Autumn (September–October) | 22–27°C

Still properly warm with the sea at its toastiest. Crowds thin out but everything's still open.

What's On:

• 🍇 Wine Festival (late August–early September) – Wine tasting, traditional dancing and celebrations in Zante Town

• 🌅 Golden hour photography – Softer light makes for stunning sunset shots

• 🏖️ Quieter beaches – perfect for swimming and snorkelling without the summer crowds

❄️ Winter (November–March) | 12–16°C

Mild but rainy – warmer than back home but expect some storms. Most tourist facilities close but the island has a peaceful, local feel.

What's On:

• 🎄 Greek Christmas and New Year – Traditional celebrations in Zante Town

• 🍊 Citrus season – Fresh oranges and lemons everywhere

• 🏰 Low-season exploring – Perfect time to see Zante Town, churches and museums without crowds

🏖️ Nearby Resorts

• Tsilivi – Zante's rising star with Blue Flag beaches, family vibes and just enough nightlife, 10 minutes south

• Laganas – The party capital if you want big nights out, 35 minutes south

• Zante Town – The harbour capital with history, shopping and gorgeous waterfront tavernas, 25 minutes south