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Other Greek islands holidays
Called the "Flower of the East" centuries ago, Zante or Zakinthos, offers an island of contrasts. There is stunning scenery, white cliffs, sleepy olive groves and dusky mountains. (continued)
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This picturesque, charming island has a
distinctly village atmosphere with friendly tavernas, shops and bars.
Laganas has possibly the best beach on the island, where the endangered
loggerhead turtles nest, and you've the chance to venture to famous
Smuggler's Cove.
Holidays in Zakynthos have got your needs all wrapped up. Sun-drenched days in secluded coves move on to nights in clubs and bars spilling big beats and 70's disco tunes into the night. Or, on the flip-side, days are packed with seaside adventure and evenings are a low-key affair filled with intimate dinners and quiet cocktails. Whatever you're looking for, summer holidays in Zakynthos are just the ticket.
Tragaki's handful of tavernas present a taste of traditional Greek-life and offer mouth-watering Greek specialities including plenty of fresh fish dishes or a traditional meze. Apart from marvelling at the amazing views, why not take a short drive into Tsilvi, approximately ten minutes away, where there's a wider choice of tavernas, bars and a gorgeous two kilometre ribbon of pale yellow sandy beach. This gently slopes into the shallow waters, making it ideal for familes and children. Tragaki's nightlife is fairly low-key and most people tend to linger on in the friendly tavernas with a refreshing drink or local glass of ouzo.
Alykanas has beautiful beaches, whitewashed houses and a welcoming atmosphere. This village is as traditional as they come. We're talking three sun-bleached bays, village houses that tumble, higgledy piggledy down the hillside and friendly locals who go out of their way to make your holiday. Authenticity aside though, Alykanas still has all the modern trimmings you could hope for in a charming holiday village – it's the perfect spot for laid-back summer holidays.
On the southeast coast, eight km from Zakynthos Town, Lagana is the largest and liveliest of the island's resorts. It is a magnet for lovers of nightlife who are spoilt for choice
Agios Dimitrios, full of rustic charm, is in the centre of the island near the spectacular mountainous landscapes of the interior of Zakynthos. Traces of an ancient temple to Artemis have been found at Agios Dimitrios although sadly most of the remains have long since been plundered. However, being in the centre of the island gives an excellent starting point for exploring in all directions around Zakynthos.
Car or moped rental is necessary to tour the island and there is a good road network here. Unfortunately most roads are badly signposted, so even with a good map you need to be careful nnot to get lost. The island's capital, Zakynthos Town, is 10 km away to the southeast where you can watch the fishing boats and ferries docking alongside the luxurious cruise ships. Or nearer still are the two excellent beaches of Alikes and Alikanas that stretch along 3 km of the east coast. Alikes has one main street filled with a variety of shops, bars and tavernas, while Alikanas is spread out across the fertile plain. Further south is Tsilivi with its long, safe beach
Who could resist the stunning scenery and peaceful atmosphere of Alikes, whose away-from-it-all allure is irresistible? A small village, it has managed to resist the trappings of tourism and retain an air of authenticity. Named after the salt fields that surround the resort centre, sunbathing, walking and hiring a car or bicycle to explore the island are the most popular holiday pastimes in Alikes, and there are watersports on offer on the long, sandy beach. Equally popular with couples and families, with older travellers and young children, Alikes is an all-encompassing holiday resort for those who like tradition, natural beauty and a splash of entertainment.
Holidays in Tsilivi bring you bags of
bars and eateries, a fabulous beach of fine sand and a great range of
accommodation. Yet the resort's also a really genuine Greek village –
friendly, rural, easy going. And just 5km from the island's capital, it's
quiet but not cut-off. Small wonder that holidays in Tsilivi are such a
popular choice.
Zakynthos Town is the capital and there are two interesting ways to see the sights - canopied dual cycles for the energetic or horse-drawn carriages for those preferring a more sedate tour. Solomos Square – a large open area with graceful arcaded buildings is the main pivotal point - named after the famous poet Dionysios Solomos who wrote Hymn to Liberty, the stirring Greek national anthem.
On the edge of the square is the church of St Nicholas on the Mole whose bell-tower was once used as a lighthouse, and beside the church is the Cultural Centre featuring an interesting display of miniature dolls in national costume together with a photographic record of Zakynthos before and after the recent earthquake. The town was completely destroyed and you will be fascinated to see how everything has been reconstructed to its former layout.
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