Argassi Holidays 2024/2025
Built at the foot of Mount Skopos, a 10-minute drive to the island’s capital, Argassi is a beautiful seaside town surrounded by pine-clad countryside and wild flowers. Located on the east coast of Zante, the narrow shingle beach offers great views of the Ionian sea and you’ll find the perfect balance between relaxation, local culture and adventurous days out on holidays to Greece in this idyllic location.
Argassi Holiday Deals
Harbour highlights and history
Argassi combines some of the best features of the other resorts on the island, enjoying a good variety of bars, restaurants and shops while maintaining its rural beauty and Greek charm. The main centre of town feels quite compact, which gives it a lively atmosphere, and there is always something going on in one of the many beach bars. The town centre revolves around one main road, making it very easy to find everything you may need during your stay.
The resort is a great base from which to explore the rest of the island on your holidays to Zante, and you’ll find plenty of local tour operators offering a multitude of excursions. Choose from hiking in the mountains and valleys on foot, to jumping in a 4×4 and going cross country. You’ll find adrenalin-pumping watersports down at the beach and opportunities to explore local caves and islands on regular boat cruises.
If you fancy a change of scenery, Zante Town is a ten-minute drive away, where you’ll find beautiful, Venetian architecture and ornate Orthodox churches dotted around busy squares. Here you can spend an afternoon strolling down to the scenic harbour and dining in an authentic taverna, sampling fresh seafood caught that day before heading back to your tranquil resort in the evening.
Hike to the Monastery of Panagia Skopiotissa
From Argassi you can hike to the top of Mount Skopos where you’ll find the Church of the Virgin Mary of Skopiotissa. Constructed in the shape of a cross on the site of a temple of the Goddess Artemis, it is surrounded by the ruins of a once thriving monastery. Inside you’ll find wall paintings and a splendid icon of the Virgin Skopiotissa.
The climb to the top of the mountain takes about two hours and parts of the road have sharp corners and steep drops, but it is easily accessed. Once you reach the summit, the sweeping views of the island and rich history of the inspiring ruins make the journey very much worth it.
Slow down and reconnect with nature
In an age where we are always busy rushing around, taking the time to immerse yourself in nature and slow down is a fantastic way of rejuvenating yourself. The island of Zante is ideal for walking and hiking, and the landscape with its mountains, flat plains and beaches offers many routes that abound with natural beauty, while the low altitude of the mountains makes hiking accessible for all ages.
Take a guided tour during your Zante holidays to learn about the island’s history, culture and traditions and see the extensive flora and fauna the island has to offer. You’ll discover extraordinary remote beaches, visit local vineyards and find some of the best views on the island.
Hop aboard the tourist train to Zante Town
Zante Town is a ten-minute drive from Argassi and there are plenty of taxis and buses that run between the two. For a more interesting journey to the capital, jump on board The Tourist Train, which offers a scenic train ride, a cool sea breeze and a multilingual driver pointing out places of interest and local history en route.
Once in Zante Town, you’ll find a great collection of traditional Greek tavernas serving authentic, local cuisine with many on the main road to the port specialising in fresh sea food. There are plenty of shops and markets to potter around, finding the perfect souvenirs or simply admiring the local craftsmanship. If it’s history you’re after head to The Byzantine Museum of Zakynthos, or to The Ecclesiastical Museum of Zante where you’ll find local artefacts and paintings.
Head to the beach
Argassi Beach has several access points, offers a mixture of sand and pebbles and is dotted with sun beds and beachside bars. You’ll find warm, shallow water perfect for swimming, and opportunities to jet-ski and paraglide off the coast. Many of the bars along the sea front provide sun beds and swimming pools just back from the water’s edge.
If you’re after a larger stretch of sand and trying to keep costs down on a cheap Zante holiday, a free bus shuttle service can help. It runs from Argassi to St. Nicholas Beach, which has plenty of sun beds, tavernas and a water sports centre catering to waterskiing, canoeing and scuba diving and providing hire access to banana boats and pedalos.