The Venetians nicknamed Zante ‘The Flower of the East’ and with good reason. The island boasts a mild Mediterranean climate, rich vegetation and stunning mountain ranges.

When it comes to resorts, there are a multitude to choose from depending on what you want from your holiday to Zante.

In the south you’ll find the busy commercial resort of Laganas, which is popular with the party crowd, and is the liveliest resort on the island.

The west offers a more authentic Zakynthian experience. Limestone cliffs shelter the stunning bays serviced by beachside tavernas and clifftop restaurants at the beautiful retreats of Port Vromi and Kampi.

Further north you’ll find resorts well suited to families, with good sandy beaches, shallow water and plenty of family-friendly activities. In Tsilivi you’ll find a long, wide beach, mini golf, bowling and a selection of international restaurants.

The village of Tragaki, nestled into the side of the hills among olive groves and vineyards, is more low key. This spot is home to a handful of laid–back tavernas and music bars, and also has plenty of pretty beaches to choose from.

Loggerhead turtles

The loggerhead turtles, or caretta caretta as they are known locally, have helped put Zante holidays on the map. This idyllic island is their only nesting spot in the Mediterranean. The endangered turtles find refuge in the white and tranquil bays of many of the large resorts, and as a result you’ll find many areas protected – with some strictly prohibiting watersports.

If you’d like to observe the reptiles in their natural habitat, you can hop aboard a turtle spotting cruise. Regular, affordable boat trips are available to the uninhabited island of Marathonisi, where the turtles have been visiting for millions of years. Here you can snorkel in the caves around the island for a chance to spot one underwater.

Zakynthian cuisine

When you’re on holiday it can sometimes be tempting to stick with what you know and frequent the multitude of international restaurants on offer, but it’s well worth stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new. Find a traditional taverna serving Zakynthian cuisine, and enjoy delicious dishes made with fresh, organic, home grown ingredients.

A typical meal begins with a selection of hot and cold starters called mezedes. Served in the middle of the table, these include classics such as tzatziki, yoghurt sauce with cucumber and garlic, and melitzanosalata, which is made with aubergines. You’ll also find meatballs, zucchini, cheese pies and squid.

Traditional mains to look out for include stuffed chicken or rabbit, Skordostoumbi Melitzana, a dish of aubergines in garlic sauce and beef ragout then slow-cooked beef in tomato sauce. Of course, no Zante holiday would be complete without sampling a souvlaki, one of the country’s most popular street foods.

Accompany your meal with plenty of Zakynthian wine or some ice cold Greek beer. Or, take it up a notch and finish with a shot of ouzo – an aniseed flavoured liquor, or Metaxa, another Greek liquor based on brandy.

Wild nights out in Laganas

Once a small fishing village, the wild resort of Laganas boasts some of the best nightlife for all Zante holidays and it’s easily accessed from neighbouring resorts. Popular with a younger crowd, the brightly lit main strip, referred to as The Golden Mile, is adorned with every kind of venue you can imagine, from karaoke bars to bustling live music clubs.

Offering the largest night scene in Greece, outside of Athens, state of the art nightclubs like Rescue and Plus Club host international DJs throughout the summer and promise to have you dancing until the early hours of the morning. If you’re still going once the sun is up, down at the beach you’ll find early-morning after parties at the beachfront bars.

Kalamaki evenings offer a more slow paced and peaceful way to spend your night. You’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants to choose between here, but they offer a much more traditional Greek feel.

Despite being a popular party holiday destination, you’ll find that drinks are more than reasonable and most venues in Laganas will have promotions and offers on. So, even if you’re seeking cheap holidays to Zante, you’ll be able to get the most out of your money.

Exploring the surrounding areas

Zante holidays offer tons of spectacular natural sights and the coast is adorned with hidden treasures, some accessible only by boat.

Take a cruise to the famous Navagio Beach – also known as Shipwreck Bay or Smugglers Cove – where you’ll find an idyllic white sand bay with limestone cliffs towering above, featuring an old shipwreck. The viewing platform at the top of the cliffs guarantees you the perfect picture.

The Blue Caves are another popular attraction, with a series of sea caves and arches surrounded by stunning translucent waters.

Day trips to the neighbouring island of Kefalonia depart daily from Zante. Visit the famous Myrthos Beach, the beautiful caves of Melisissani Lake, Drogerati Cave, and so many others.

Head to the mountain villages where you’ll discover a totally different side to the island. Preserving the traditional Greek way of life, you’ll find locals producing honey, cheese, carpets, ceramics and lace, all of which make for unique souvenirs. Plus, there are plenty of places to eat, many with breathtaking views and delicious Zakynthian dishes.

If you’re travelling in the cooler months, walking to the top of Mount Skopos should be no sweat – literally. Near the village of Argassi, you can reach the peak in two hours for far-spanning views across Zante and you can even see the cross-shaped Church of the Virgin Mary of Skopiotissa and other ancient ruins.

Take the 15-minute bus ride into Zante Town to wander around the harbour and appreciate the Venetian architecture, window shop in its fashionable boutiques and pick up bargains at the market.

Getting the most out of Zante

There’s plenty to keep you satisfied on holiday in Zante, be it beaches, caves and coves, mountains or a wild party, but to be sure you can make the most out of your holiday it’s important to go at the right time.

High season runs between May and October, where in those peak summer months of July nad August, you can expect temperatures soaring into the thirties.

Outside of this, cheap Zante holidays can be had in April and November, when temperatures still average 16°C but there’s much less crowds, and some serious bargains. This can be a great time if you know lots of walking and exploring will be on the cards, because often the cooler temperatures will be more comfortable.