Holidays to Zante
Zante holidays are a tale of two vibes – the tourist-friendly party scene of the south and the more authentic easy-going atmosphere of the north. Pick one or go for a bit of both!
Chill, party and repeat
Slow, chilled-out days by the pool or the sea (fyi: there’s more on beaches below), fast, popping nights out in town, holidays in Zante are like that iconic dance scene from Zorba the Greek – as leisurely and lively as you want it to be! With golden sands, ample watersports and lots of restaurants and bars, Tsilivi delivers a good mix of both. The party destination of Laganas, meanwhile, is where you want to be if you’re going out out.
Boat hair, don’t care
Look, you’re on a sun-kissed island surrounded by picture-perfect turquoise waters – do yourself a favour and make like a shipmate because Zante holidays are not complete without a trip out to sea! For a unique water-based experience, hop onto a glass-bottomed boat to explore Cape Skinari and the Blue Caves. Or, for a cute, family-friendly marine-life experience, board a regular-bottomed boat to go turtle spotting around Turtle Island (also known as Marathonísi).
You feta believe it
Insatiable appetite? Zante has got your belly covered, especially if you eat like a local. Think Greek salads, light feta and barbecued souvlaki. Think fresh fish fried in olive oil with lemon juice from the island’s groves. Think wineries and romantic waterside tavernas serving spanakopita, giouvetsi (a sort of lamb or beef pasta) and more. And, even if you’re stuffed, think loukoumades (deep-fried dough balls) or kataifi (shredded dough). Your sweet tooth won’t mind.
The local experience
As we noted up top, there are two sides to Zante – and the more traditional side, where you can get a real taste of authentic Greek island life, is well worth discovering. Head to villages like Volimes, to pick up gems at the local market, and Alykanas, where you can enjoy local dishes in tavernas. There’s a beach here, too, in case you find yourself getting sunbathing withdrawal symptoms.
Sneak Peek
Best for... Beaches, traditional tavernas and a fun nightlife 🥳
Go... In summer for a classic sun-kissed Greek holiday ☀️
You have to... Take a boat trip and go turtle spotting 🐢
Zante holiday deals
Prices and availability may change, confirm with the provider before booking. Mandatory fees may not be included in all prices.
Contessina Hotel
9.6
Excellent
- 31 Jul 2027
- 7 nights
- Bed & breakfast
- From Gatwick
Prices from
Gerakas Belvedere Hotel & Spa
8.6
Very Good
- 23 Jul 2027
- 7 nights
- All-inclusive
- From Birmingham
Prices from
St. John Resort Villas Suites & Spa
9.8
Excellent
- 22 Sept 2026
- 7 nights
- Room only
- From Manchester
Prices from
Dolce Vita Residence
- 31 Jul 2027
- 7 nights
- Room only
- From Gatwick
Prices from
Cheap Zante holidays under £300pp
Prices and availability may change, confirm with the provider before booking. Mandatory fees may not be included in all prices.
Mirabelle Hotel
8.6
Very Good
- 9 Oct 2026
- 7 nights
- Room only
- From Newcastle
Prices from
Gerakas Belvedere Hotel & Spa
8.6
Very Good
- 9 Oct 2026
- 7 nights
- Bed & breakfast
- From Newcastle
Prices from
Galatea
- 22 Sept 2026
- 7 nights
- Self-catering
- From Manchester
Prices from
Top destinations in Zakynthos
Tsilivi
Prices from
£285 pp
Zante Town
Alykanas
Alykes
Prices from
£295 pp
Argassi
Prices from
£247 pp
Kalamaki
Prices from
£357 pp
Key facts
Currency
Euro (€)
Language
Greek
Time difference
GMT+3
Cost of a beer
€3-5
3-course meal
€20-30
Flight time
4h
Things to explore
Best beaches: Sand that makes you go ooooouzo
As classic Greek island beaches go, Laganas is up there with the best. It’s a long sandy strip where you’re likely to see couples soaking up the sun, families having a good ol’ time and a good few people sleeping off last night’s antics. Elsewhere, Xigia Beach is the place to be for a laidback spa-like experience, courtesy of thermal sulphur springs that flow into its waters. Meanwhile, the brilliantly-named Banana Beach is arguably the best place for watersports.
Family-friendly: Sun-kissed fun
All-inclusive resorts, sunshine on tap and the luxury of not having to worry about a thing, Zante holidays are made for family getaways. Take Tsilivi. The lively resort has plenty on offer: it’s got a waterpark, kid-friendly restaurants, a mini golf course, a bowling/entertainment centre (Bowl 'M Over) and, of course, a watersport-tastic beach. Alykanas – a more peaceful resort with a more traditional Greek vibe – is perfect for young families. There are family-friendly bars, tavernas and a super sandy beach here. Boat trips and horse-drawn carriage rides are welcome bonuses.
Nightlife: Yamas!
Laganas’ legendary strip is a neon-tacular, table-dancing, flaming sambuca of a nightlife destination. Packed with bars, it leans towards a younger crowd but don’t let that put you off if late night dancing is your thing! The biggest club here is Rescue. But it ain’t all about partying. From quiet, tradish times in Kalamaki to chilled-out cafe hangouts and restaurants in Argassi (dining at Target Restaurant comes with panoramic views over the Ionian), Zante’s nightlife can also be pleasantly low-key.
When to go to Zante
Being a Greek island and all, Zante experiences long summers – so anytime between late April and September promises plenty of sunshine and good times (you’ll find some good deals around the edges of those dates, too).
The core summer months, however, are probably the best time to visit for a classic Zakynthos holiday. Resorts are properly geared up for holidaymakers, there’s plenty to see and do, and temperatures are scorching, with the mercury rising into the 30s.
If you’re looking for a proper cheap holiday to Zante search for deals in May or late September/ early October. The weather is still nice and there’s plenty of life left on the island along its coast.
