Posted on Thursday, 23 May 2024

Leave the 2-for-1 drinks and ‘cuisine Anglaise’ for later: stunning coastal caves, incredible sea life, and absorbing historic sites await you on Zante.

Zante is an island of two halves, with package resorts dominating the south and southeast, and more authentic, nature-centric destinations in the north. Fittingly, perhaps, the island also goes by two names - Zante (as the Italians call it) and Zakynthos (as the native Greeks prefer).

British holidaymakers have a long-held affection for this, the third largest of the Ionian islands. Attracted by the reliably hot weather, excellent beaches, and vibrant nightlife, Zante is more affordable than more famous Mediterranean destinations like Ibiza.

Zante's 2-for-1-style party vibe and low-cost package deals are not everyone's cup of tea, but the island still offers a lot for those seeking a quieter Ionian experience, where natural beauty and absorbing history take precedence over cut-price cocktails and sun lounger-packed beaches.

Here are 15 non-resort activities to consider…

Visit Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach)

Even those dead-set on remaining within arm's reach of the pool bar should make time for Navagio Beach.

A shipwrecked smuggler's ship lies in crystalline gas blue waters, hemmed in by dramatic chalky cliffs.

As one of the most famous beach settings in all of Greece - Navagio should be at the top of your Zante bucket list.

Visit Xigia Beach

Often visited by Zante tourists as part of an organised boat excursion to Navagio Beach, Xigia’s most unique feature is the milky colour of the sea. which is a result of the sulphurous waters which flow from the springs of the karst marine caves, located on the Northern Xigia beach.

If you’re not put off by the smell of the sulphur, the waters at Xigia Beach present a natural spa, which are said to benefit conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and arthritis due to the water’s high mineral content.

Explore the Blue Caves

Located in the island's north are the truly dazzling Blue Caves - certainly worth the effort and cost of booking a tour boat to the area. Once there, you'll be free to swim and dive in the clear waters.

Go Turtle Spotting at Laganas Bay

Laganas Bay presents the rare opportunity to see loggerhead turtles in their natural habitat. This protected area is a key nesting site for the creatures, also known as 'caretta caretta'. A number of companies run tours to Laganas Bay.

Take a Day Trip to Marathonisi (Turtle Island) Marathonisi is a small, uninhabited island in Laganas Bay, shaped like a turtle. It's a peaceful spot for sunbathing and snorkelling, with frequent turtle sightings.

Relax on Gerakas Beach

Another prime loggerhead turtle nesting site, Gerakas Beach is a wonderfully serene beach away from the chaos of the resorts.

Due to the remote location and the vulnerability of the turtles, you won’t find much in the way of noisy bars or water sports. In fact, you won’t find much in the way of anything, except calm blue waters gently lapping the dazzling white sand.

Discover the Keri Caves

While not as famous as the Blue Caves, the stunning rock formations around the Keri Caves present a fun way to spend an afternoon.

Like the Blue Caves, these are only accessible by tour boat and are also ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

With only 4- and 5-star ratings on TripAdvisor, a trip to Keri Caves is almost guaranteed to impress. Most tours depart from Agios Sostis port and include hotel pickup. Glass-bottomed boats also available.

Visit the Venetian Castle

Affording fabulous views over the island's coastline and the shimmering sea, Venetian Castle is the perfect place to bag some history-style Instagram shots.

These impressive ruins offer a glimpse into the island's long and complex past. It costs 4 euros per person and takes around 40 minutes to explore.

While some visitors find the site itself underwhelming, the views are undeniably breathtaking.

Explore Laganas party scene - night and day

The antithesis of turtle spotting or snorkelling in caves, Laganas is where visitors go to party - both night and day.

Day pursuits centre around boat parties, while the evenings are typified by foam and paint parties, beer pong, and fancy dress.

Activities are hardly of the refined variety, but they'll certainly hit the spot for some. Laganas also has a wide variety of dining options.

Explore Zakynthos Town

The island's charming capital is home to a blend of Venetian and modern architecture.

Must-see attractions include Solomos Square, the Byzantine Museum, and St. Dionysios Church - dedicated to the island's patron saint. In St. Dennis' market, you can also browse a range of souvenirs and gifts, including jewellery, perfume, handbags, shoes, and clothes.

For sundowner drinks, head to the terrace of Strada Marina Hotel.

Visit Askos Stone Park

Get up close to the flora and fauna of Zante at the Askos Stone Park. Raccoons and deer are the main residents, the latter of which you can feed with olive leaves supplied by the staff.

At 12 euros per person, some find the attractions rather "dear", while others love how friendly the assembled creatures are.

Note that, true to its name, there are lots of stone paths, so getting around with wheelchairs or prams will be a serious challenge.

Explore the Countryside

Quaint old villages, vineyards, and olive groves typify the island's interior, which is best explored by rental car. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you might consider renting a buggy (ATV), but do keep an eye on your belongings, as some visitors have reported thefts after leaving items unattended. That's issues aside, exploring the island with your own transport is a great way to escape the teeming resorts of the south and east.

See Amazing Sea Creatures While Snorkelling Or Diving

If you already have your PADI certification, Zante presents a wealth of diving opportunities - particularly around the Blue Caves, Keri Caves, and Marathonisi.

If diving isn't your thing, snorkelling is a fun alternative. Aside from the headline act of the loggerhead turtle, you might also glimpse octopus, tuna, moray eels, barracuda, dolphins, and parrotfish.

Enjoy a variety of Water Sports

Watersports include those that require skill (jet-skiing), bravery (parasailing), and good old-fashioned hanging on (banana boating).

You'll find all these and more at Popular beaches like Tsilivi, Banana Beach, and Alykanas.

Visit the Monastery of St. George Kremnon

Not far from Navagio Beach, you'll find this famous monastery, much loved for its stunning views and a serene atmosphere. The ideal spot to learn about the island's religious heritage.

Sample the Local Cuisine

Zante food options extend far beyond egg, chips, and beans. Seek out traditional tavernas serving up hearty dishes like "Sofrito" (veal in white wine sauce) and "Pastitsio" (a Greek lasagna)."

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