Zakynthos (Greece)... ever been?

Bard

The missus and I are going on our first summer holiday together this year - we're planning on going to Argasi on the Greek island of Zakynthos for a week, as from the brochures we've seen, it looks ideal - and not too expensive.

What I'm posting here to ask is - has anyone on here been there before? - and if so what did you think of the place? - and is there any places or things to do that you'd recommend?

Cheers,

phog

Hi Bard,

We were in Alykanas a few years back - the island is small but it was one of our best holidays:) . We did a few bus tours and a boat trip around the island, the water was very choppy but we survived. I have lost a lot of the links I had but you could try the following and see what other people think.

http://forums.zanteweb.gr/

http://www.gozakynthos.gr/

http://www.justzante.co.uk/

HTH
Phog

Moanin

Was there 2 years ago.Stayed in The Corrinas Apartments in Argassi.Nice place,warm good food.Went with Budgat Travel.The Airport is a nightmare

mobby

There last year stayed at the caretta beach in kalamaki http://www.carettabeach.com/en/index.html had a great hoilday weather was fantastic and this complex was very friendly but geared for familys its a small island so you would see most of the sites in 3-4 days if you hire a car.
Shipwreck cove is worth the trip as are the blue caves. avoid the resort of Laganas full of lager louts, Zante town is nice to walk around but not much to see in it and we found the restaurants were more expensive. The Airport is a dump but there were plans to open a new terminal building this year.

.

Culchie

Argassi is the best spot to go to .....Great Place Zakynthos, highly recommended

voodoo

Bin there a few years ago too... Argassi is the nicest area as it's not too crowded at night and the bars not full of louts! Beach area is nice as well.

We said that we would definitely go back when we have kids... have them now, so might look to go back next year

dathi1

Went there in October last year only to get to my fav island kefalonia via zante. Must admit Kefalonia beats it hands down for scenery and unspoilt countryside. But if cheap beer etc is your thing .......go.

ciarsd

Had my first Greek holiday to Zakynthos last August. Stayed in Alykanas. Lovely place, quieter than south of the island, which is were the nightclubs etc are all setup.

Not expensive to eat/drink or for activities come to think of it. There can be huge differences between costs of the organised day trips, so shop around, there is plenty of tour operators offering their services.

One of the days, we hired quads and headed off up into the mountains. Superb scenery, even if the locals driving skills are a little..erm...dodgy

The place has not been subject to the mass building of high rise apt. blocks for tourists, which I liked. Only negative, as already mentioned was the airport, although the new terminal was being built when I was there.

On your return journey - you will have to queue in the 'cowshed' outside the airport as its tiny! So if you've a daytime flight pack some water and wear suitable clothing for that blazing sunshine.

maxruby

Was in argassi last year and would highly recommend it. bars, clubs, restuarants all in one small area which was nice.
Go to the papillon restuarant. REALLY nice. I'm jealous and getting hungry thinking of it. AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH the swordfish.
Our holiday in Argassi was so good we plan to visit a greek island each year, as the greeks are lovely friendly people.

fits

dathi1 wrote:

Went there in October last year only to get to my fav island kefalonia via zante. Must admit Kefalonia beats it hands down for scenery and unspoilt countryside. But if cheap beer etc is your thing .......go.

I was at that beach too. Kefalonia is lovely. I did a flotilla sailing thing around those islands with the option to go to Zante, but we were warned against going there, as there were nicer places to visit (it could have been the town with the marina that wasnt cool, probably other nice places on the island).

Definitely recommend Kefalonia.

Joeface

Was in Zante a few years back my self

Twas ok , nice enough place , but I think If u have been to any other Greek Islands before it will be a bit of a let down , was there first then went to CORFU and have to say wow..Corfu much nicer place ......................but still not a bad holiday all the same , Funny thing Planes cant land only durning the day , Zante is a preserver for some kinda Turtle so noise on certain beachs is frowned apon.

FunkyDa

Me'n'FunkyMa were there, 2years ago. Stayed in Argassi, along the seafront. Most of the package holiday accom. is up the hill, behind the town(Could be a bit tiresome, IMO). Argassi, itself, is only 3-4 kms from Zante Town(the island's main town).
The beach at Kalamaki(under the runway approach path) is a nesting site for Loggerhead turtles. They hatch, and make their way out to water, late Sept/Oct.
If you're into cycling(I am), the centre of the island is a large plain, crisscrossed by a network of country lanes. Lots of olive groves, and vineyards to be seen.
There are a number of good beaches, down along the peninsula from Argassi(a rental car makes for easy access).
If you go into Zante, make your way up to old castle, on the hill behind the town. There is a great view to be had of the island, from up there.
Enjoy!

BolBill

I love Zakynthos, have been for the last 2 years. Stayed in Alykes both times, a little piece of heaven, unspoilt by huge hotels,etc.

BolBill

I love Zakynthos, have been for the last 2 years. Stayed in Alykes both times, a little piece of heaven, unspoilt by huge hotels,etc.

BoozyBabe

Also was in Zakynthos last year. Also stayed in Carretta Beach Hotel in Kalamaki.

Absolutely loved the holidays.
We hired a car & drove around the island for the week (small island)
Defo wouldn't need more than a week in the island.

Took ferry to Kefalonia:- preferred it to Kalamaki, but both gorgeous.

While driving around you notice a lot of rubbish dumped outside peopels houses, LOTS!!
Also, they build their houses, say a bungalow, with the intention of perhaps building on in a few years, so they leave the metal rods sticking out the tops of the houses, not V pretty looking.

But yes, you should have a lovely time there.
Lucky Bugger!!!

FunkyDa

AFAIK, the metal rods(reinforcing steel) projecting up from the concrete stumps, on the "roofs" of the houses, indicate(suggest?) to the local authority, that the building is unfinished. The building has no proper roof. This has taxation benefits, i.e, reduced rates.

Culchie

I also think that during the tourist season (when presumably we are all there) no building work is allowed, this is true in Croatia as well.

Plus it's too bloody hot