When you think of Zakynthos, Greece – better known as Zante – you might think of wild nightlife with lively bars, clubs and young people ready to party. But, there’s another side to this Greek island that can also make it the perfect location for a serene holiday in the sun.
Situated off the west coast of Greece in the Ionian sea, Zante is the third biggest island in the area and has so much more to offer aside from its nightlife. From breathtaking nature and beautiful beaches to incredible food and memorable experiences, there's something for everyone on this Greek island.
So, from where to stay to what to eat and do, here is our complete guide to everything we recommend for an idyllic break to Zante, Greece. Enjoy!
Where to stay in Zante, Greece
Olea All Suite Hotel
If you're looking for a luxurious, peaceful retreat with five-star service, then we can't recommend Olea All Suite Hotel enough. Situated on a nature-filled hill in the eastern side of the island, this adults-only hotel is the perfect location for those seeking calm, relaxation and tranquility in Zakynthos.
The hotel is super stylish, featuring modern, minimalist design with natural elements throughout and it offers three restaurants, a gym, infinity pools, a spa and more. From the attentive service to stunning views and luxurious suites featuring private pools (perfect for uninterrupted sunbathing and swimming!), Olea All Suite Hotel is the epitome of a five-star experience.
Suites at Olea All Suite Hotel start at €229 per night.
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Lesante Blu
Lesante Blu is an adults-hotel hotel situated in the picturesque village of Tragaki Zakynthos. This is an ideal option for a chilled trip full of rest and relaxation and, as the name suggests, Lesante Blu is surrounded by gorgeous sea views from all angles, overlooking a secluded private beach.
I stayed in one of the double suites with huge sliding doors looking out onto the ocean – AKA the perfect wake-up view. Other suites come with their very own private pool (hello, morning swim), while the hotel's main infinity pool feels super luxurious.
If you fancy swimming in the sea, there's a private beach area too, while you can chill out at mealtimes in one of the hotel's six restaurants and bars (more on those below).
Suites at Lesante Blu start at €182 per night for member, and €203 per night for non-members.
What to do in Zante, Greece
Explore the island's Shipwreck Beach and Blue Caves
Zakynthos is famous for its blue caves, and seeing them up close is a real treat. Think postcard-esque turquoise waters and white cliffs. The crystal clear water is too enticing to resist, and diving in for a swim means the ultimate refresher after a hot day in the sun.
One spot that you'll need to arrive to by water is Zakynthos' famous Shipwreck Beach, with a real shipwreck still abandoned from the 1970's – get your tour guide or boat driver to tell you the full story. The beach can get pretty busy with tourists, so try heading earlier in the morning for a quieter look around.
Go on a hiking tour to Keri Village
If you like your holidays with a little more activity-to-relaxation ratio, Zakynthos' green hillsides are ideal for a sunny hiking trip. The Ionian islands are decorated with more leafy greenery than other Greek destinations, meaning the likes of Zakynthos and Kefalonia are particularly ideal for walking trips.
The views at the top of the hills are unmissable, and the route between Marathias and Keri Village seems to be one of the area's best kept secrets – we didn't spot a soul throughout our whole hike, which made the scenery (and our Instagram pictures) all the more memorable.
Take a traditional Greek cooking class
If you're anything like us, a huge part of any holiday is of course trying out the local food. While eating out at restaurants is always a treat, sometimes food really does taste better when you've made it yourself.
So, why not get stuck into making all the classics? Think Greek salads, tzatziki and rolling your own pastry for an authentic Spanakopita.
Visit Agios Markos Square
If you want to know where the locals go, then head down to Agios Marcos Square and the surrounding shops and restaurant for an authentic, Greek experience. Here, you can wander the cobbled streets, buy locally-made jewellery or treat yourself to dinner or a sweet treat.
Nightlife
If you do want to experience Zante's world-famous nightlife, you'll want to head out into Laganas. The mile-long strip running along the island's south-east coast features around over 50 bars and clubs – ideal for a fun, group holiday or post-exams celebrations. Stay safe!
Where to eat in Zante, Greece
Flow Dine and Wine at Olea All Suite Hotel
You've never experience fine-dining quite like this. At Olea All Suite Hotel, they offer gastronomy restaurant that oversees the island and offers an unforgettable sunset dining experience.
Here, their chefs have curated a menu featuring locally-sourced and traditional, Greek ingredients that will have you saying "wow" after every single bite (no, seriously, I think we started to draw attention from our fellow diners.) Their set menu features refreshing starters, fresh fish, sweet desserts and much more for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Nobelos, Agios Nikolaos cove
Moussaka, tzatziki, and all the seafood imaginable. For authentic Greek dishes, head to Nobelos. Situated close to the Blue Caves in Agios Nikolaos cove, we stepped right off of our boat onto the beach and were sat at our table faster than you can say "souvlaki".
With tables dotted among dozens of trees, it's the perfect place to shelter from the midday sun. Sat in a welcome spot of shade looking out at the waves lapping the shore, we got stuck into a range of authentic Greek dishes and drinks.
The best thing about staying in a hotel is that you don't even need to leave the premises to find gorgeous food. While staying at Lesante Blu, we tried out the on-site Ostria restaurant situated right by the pool. Seafood and fresh fish = delicious.
Furvah Shah is Acting Entertainment Booker for ELLE, Harper's Bazaar, Esquire, Cosmopolitan, Red and Prima. She secures interviews with your favourite celebrities and covers everything from TV and films to music and books. Furvah has previously written for The Independent, BBC, Refinery29 and Amaliah and she is super passionate about highlighting diverse talent and projects, having interviewed the likes of Jenna Ortega, Charithra Chandran, Ambika Mod and more. She graduated with a First in BA Media and Communications from Goldsmiths University and is an NCTJ-qualified journalist. In her free time, you can find her at an arts or culture event, eating Middle Eastern or Asian food, searching for modest fashion inspiration on Pinterest or cuddling with her cat. You can follow Furvah on X, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.
Emily Gulla was Cosmopolitan UK’s Former Editorial Assistant/Junior Entertainment and Lifestyle Writer, covering celebs, TV and film for the site, magazine and video. She’s interviewed the casts of your favourite TV shows, from Bridgerton to Derry Girls and Stranger Things, as well as dozens of Love Islanders. She also loves getting stuck into long-read features, writing on all things digital culture (including her favourite topic: memes), and dating - having appeared on the radio to discuss dating.
Emily's work has also been published on ELLE, Women's Health, Harper's Bazaar, Digital Spy and more. She holds a First Class degree in English with Film Studies from King's College London, and even wrote her dissertation on Love Island. You can find Emily on Instagram and LinkedIn, and can see more of her work on her website.
