Located in the eastern part of the Ionian Sea sits the gorgeous Greek island of Zante. With towering chalk-coloured cliffs overlooking vast turquoise waters and truly beautiful beaches inviting tourists, it’s no wonder holidays to Zante are a favourite for travellers looking to enjoy long hot summers embracing the Mediterranean sun. Offering something to suit all holidaymakers from party animals to beach lovers, Zakynthos is ready and waiting to ensure you have a holiday to remember! A firm-favourite here, we've listed 7 reasons why you NEED to visit the beautiful island of Zante this summer...

RELAX ON POSTCARD-PERFECT BEACHES

Like many of the Greek islands, Zante boasts spectacular scenery and here the breath-taking beaches are a real treat. From white sandy shores to rocky seafronts, the beaches in Zakynthos really are postcard-perfect (with Navagio Beach making it as one of our top 10 beaches in the world). Looking to relax with a good book? Then head to the tranquil Porto Roma beach. For thrill-seekers, Nicholas Bay is a haven for water sports like paragliding and canoeing, or if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, head to the east coast to try scuba diving. If you’re in Zante to party, then you’ll want the beaches of Laganas Bay; here you’ll find plenty of beach parties, which leads us to our next point...

PARTY ALL NIGHT LONG

Okay, so Zante does have a bit of a rep for being a party island – however this really refers to the Laganas area. The nightlife here is great for those who want to live it up and let their hair down, so when booking your Zante holiday, make sure to choose Laganas as your resort. Here other like-minded holidaymakers will be dancing from sunset to sunrise; you’ll be spoilt for choice on where to go. With an array of bars and clubs to party the night away in, opt for fruity cocktails to sip on as international DJs hit the decks and provide the soundtrack to your summer holiday.

EXPLORE ZAKYNTHOS TOWN

If you manage to draw yourself away from the beach, then a visit to Zakynthos Town is a must. With pretty Venetian-style buildings and charming cobbled streets aplenty, strolling around in the afternoon is a wonderful way to pass a couple of hours. The town is a hub for locally made wares; with everything from pottery to jewellery on offer, you’ll find it hard not to snap up a souvenir or two! The harbour front in particular is brimming with local artists showcasing their creations and in-between shopping the stalls, you’ll find picturesque café and restaurants to stop by and dine al-fresco.

DISCOVER THE ISLAND'S MAGICAL CAVES

When you’re not soaking up the sun or partying as the sun sets, you simply have to visit Zante’s magical caves. Smugglers Cove at Navagio Beach in particular is a tourist favourite and it’s easy to see why. Think insta-worthy sands, sparkling azure waters and a shipwreck too! Our top tip is to visit early when there are fewer people around – you can only access the cove by boat so make sure you plan your trip to this idyllic destination in advance. There’s also the Blue Caves in Skinari – a truly impressive collection of caves that are well-worth sailing through; with their striking rock formations and glimmering sapphire waters to stop and swim in, you’ll be in for a treat! 

FUN IN THE SUN

The beauty of this island is the climate is inviting all year long with plenty of sunshine and cool-ocean breezes passing along the coast. Temperatures can reach the mid to late twenties in the summer months – perfect for those who want to catch a few rays! With sunshine-filled days come incredible sunsets and Zante holidays are no different. To the west of the island in Kampi you’ll find chalky cliffs sitting 300m above sea level so get set to experience some of the most spectacular sunsets imaginable with enchanting panoramic views of the ocean. Whether you head up to take an enviable sunset snap, or for a special moment, this really is one of the most picturesque settings on the island.

SPOT THE LOGGERHEAD SEA TURTLE

For nature lovers, Zante is home to the endangered Loggerhead Sea Turtle. The best time to spot this incredible sea-animal is in the summer months when the turtles migrate back to the beaches to mate and lay their eggs. Spot the turtles across the sandy shores of Laganas Bay, or take to the sea and visit Marathonisi Island (which just happens to be shaped like a turtle!) to catch a glimpse of the loggerheads swimming. Remember, the Loggerhead Sea Turtle is an endangered species so be considerate of their habitat and do your bit to ensure these animals stay safe; entry is regulated by the National Marine Park to aid the species conservation.

TEMPT YOUR TASTE BUDS