Zante, also known as 'Zakynthos' is one of the most popular Greek islands due to its fine sand beaches, Venetian style architecture and wild nightlife.
There's plenty going on all over Zante whether you're into sightseeing, adrenaline packed sports or taking in the Greek culture. Make sure to stop off at Zante Town for a spot of shopping and a cup of coffee or spend the day at one of the many water parks on offer.
Zante is also home to the endangered Loggerhead Turtle also known as 'Caretta Caretta'. The Bay of Laganas has become a breeding ground for these beautiful turtles and many turtles swim around off the coast of Zante. There are many boat tours which specialise in giving you a great view of these amazing creatures as well as taking you to scenic sites such as 'Shipwreck Beach' and the Blue Caves.
Go-Karting
If you have a need for speed go-karting is a great way to pass a couple of hours and have fun with friends and family.
F1 Go Kart Circuit is one of the top karting circuits in Zante and is very popular for all ages and abilities! They offer top class equipment, go karts and a great snack bar complete with a play area for the kids. If you are with a group of friends or on a family holiday they also are able to arrange group sessions, karting competitions and even birthday parties.
Mini Golf
At the moment there are no golf courses in Zante, however there are a number of crazy golf courses around the island if you fancy practicing your putting.
A good way to pass an hour or two is to visit Fantasy Mini Golf in Tsilivi. This crazy golf course boasts a number of challenging holes, where you will have to navigate your way around steep hills, tight corners, water fountains and even a volcano!
If you're staying in Kalamaki make sure to stop off for a round of golf at Kalamaki Crazy Golf. There are two 18-hole crazy golf courses to choose from here as well as a bar if you fancy a cold beverage at the end of your game.
World Tour Mini Golf in Argassi is a beautifully landscaped two 18-hole crazy golf course. You will come across many monuments from all over the world whilst making your way around the course including Stonehenge, the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower.
Horse Riding
One of the best ways to discover Zante's beautiful natural landscape is to go horse riding!
Laganas Horse Riding Center offers a number of rides for all abilities along the sand dunes and countryside of Laganas. Hacks last from just 30 minutes up to two hours, and it is best to book in advance as only a small amount of treks go out per day to keep the horses in tip-top condition!
Boat Excursions
There are many boat tours in Zante that take you to popular sites including Marathonisi Island, Navagio Bay and the Blue Caves. Whilst if you want a more lively boat ride why not try one of the booze cruises on offer.
Nefis Travel in Tsilivi offers a number of unforgettable tours to the majestic Navagio Bay (Shipwreck Beach) and Blue Caves. If you're lucky you may spot the beautiful rare loggerhead turtle or even some nosey dolphins! This is a must whilst staying in Zante as the Shipwreck Bay is one of the most famous beaches in the world and can only be reached by boat!
If you're in the party mood why not step on board the Zante Booze cruise. This highly popular party boat sets off during the summer months from June to September and lasts a total of five hours. Every week the booze cruise team will pick you up from the main strip and will take you to the dock. Free shots are available on the ship and all the latest hits are played by the DJ to get you in the party mood!
Water Sports
Many beaches in Zante provide water sport activities, however in some areas such as the Bay of Laganas and Kalamaki water sports are prohibited due to conservation of the natural wildlife.
Banana Water Sports is a reputable water sports company located at Banana Beach, found by Vasilikos. They offer a wide variety of adrenaline fuelled sports including parasailing, jet skiing, water skiing and banana boat rides. One of the most popular and unforgettable rides is the Flying Fish which literally flies in the air as it gathers speed whilst being pulled along by a speed boat.
If you're staying near Alykanas Beach be sure to check out Valais Water Sports. You can hire out pedalo boats, canoes, jet skis and even motorized boats for the day. Some of the best places to explore around this area are Lithari Beach, Makris Gialos Beach and Priest's Cave.
Whilst if you've always wanted to have a go at scuba diving head over to Limni Keriou, Keri Lake in the southwest of the island where you will find Diving Center Turtle Beach. The PADI diving instructors will take you to beautiful sites including the Keri Caves and Poseidon Cave.
Theme Parks
There are plenty of water and theme parks on offer in Zante. If you want to cool down in the middle of the day these are great places to visit!
Zante Water Village is one of the biggest water parks in the whole of Greece and is located just less than three miles away from Zante town in the village of Sarakinado. There are a wide variety of fun attractions and slides to pick from here including the 'Lazy River', the 'Boomerbowl Tower' and for the little ones there's the baby pool. This is the perfect way to cool off on a hot summers day!
On the other hand if you're staying in Tsilivi be sure to visit the recently opened Tsilivi Water Park. There are many slides and pools to take your pick from including the infamous 'Black Hole' and the 'Multi Slide' and if you're feeling hungry head over to the pool bar or the kids Pirate snack bar.
Another place to head to in Tsilivi is Luna Fun Park. They have everything to keep both adults and children entertained such as inflatable slides, fairground stalls, a rodeo bull, a climbing tower and even paintball!
Zakynthos Town
Zakynthos Town or more commonly known as 'Zante' town is the island's capital and is a great spot for shopping and sightseeing.
In 1953 the island suffered from a severe earthquake and in Zakynthos (Zante) Town only three buildings survived. However, the council made sure to rebuild the buildings in the traditional Venetian style, just as it was before.
Today there are many things to see in and around this charming town including the Venetian Castle of Zante town, Strani Hill, Saint Markos Square and the Dionysios Solomos Square. Or if you fancy just doing a spot of shopping there are many small boutiques that sell anything from souvenirs to Italian designer clothes.
After a busy day sightseeing why not stroll over to Strada Marina port road and do a spot of people watching or take a horse and carriage ride along the waterfront and through the centre of the town.
Historical Sites
There are many historical sites dotted scattered throughout Zante including ancient places of worship and traditional Greek villages.
Agios Dionysisi 'St Dennis' Church is one of the few churches on the island which survived the catastrophic earthquake of 1953. Saint Dennis was the Patron Saint of the island during the 16th century and now his body is displayed in this magnificent church, where many pilgrims come each year to pray. This is one of the must see sights whilst visiting Zante town as the architectural structure and inside décor is truly remarkable!
The Agia Mavra Church can be found tucked away in the cobble-stoned courtyard of Maherado village. It was built during the 14th century and is viewed as one of the most significant churches on the island. Every year on the 3rd of May the feast of Agia Mavra is celebrated in the church and villagers gather here to pray all night long.
Anafonitria is a must visit whilst staying in Zante. This charming little village boasts a beautiful old monastery, an authentic Greek settlement and a nearby lookout tower over Ship Wreck Beach (Navagio Bay). You can also purchase local authentic produce from here as well including handiworks, honey, olive oil and embroidered tablecloths.
Natural Attractions
Zante is definitely one of the most beautiful islands off the coast of mainland Greece. There are a whole host of stunning natural attractions to visit including the many beaches on offer, the Blue Caves and the Askos Stone Park.
The Askos Stone Park spreads out over an area of about 124 acres and can be found in the northern region of Volimes. The park was initially set up for wild animals to roam free and conserve the natural area. Now there are over a hundred animals and birds and also about 200,000 self-sown plants that flourish here. There are many things to see including cypress trees, turtles, raccoons, vineyards, deer and even cheeky goats!
Museums
Zante is rich in history and culture and also endangered wildlife, including the Loggerhead Sea Turtle. There are a variety of museums and conservation centres located around Zante which educate tourists more about this beautiful Greek island.
The National Marine Park Of Zakynthos helps protect the Laganas Bay nesting area for the rare loggerhead sea turtle who lay thousands of eggs here each season, but sadly only a few survive. The Marine Park is set up into three zones; zone A prohibits any entry for humans, whilst zones B and C permit limited access to tourists. However, this amazing conservation centre doesn't just protect turtles it also helps preserve the coastal flora and other sea mammals including the Monarch seal. This is a great place to visit if you consider yourself an animal lover.
During the Nazi occupation of Zakynthos the Germans asked the mayor at the time Mr Loukas Karrer and the Metropolitan Bishop Chryssostomos to hand over the list of Jews living in Zakynthos to be deported. Thanks to the determination and refusal of these two men the Jews were rescued from hard labour or possible death. In gesture of gratitude the remaining Jews of Greece erected the Jewish Cemetery as a monument in memory of these two bold men after WW2.
On the other hand if you want to learn more about Zante's ancient history head to the Byzantine Museum Of Zakynthos. This museum contains an elaborate collection of artifacts and icons from the Byzantine era to religious paintings from the 12th, 13th, 17th and 18th centuries. You can find the Byzantine Museum in Solomos Square in the town of Zakynthos.