Family Holidays to Zante

Zante's sun, sea and sand make a superb family escape

At just three and a half hours direct from UK airports, a family holiday to Zante is just close enough that the kids won’t get bored on the flight. In fact, that time is well used discussing where on the island you’ll visit first.

Most families make Tslivi their first port of call, thanks to its small town charm mixed with good food and the fun-filled Tslivi Waterpark. Argassi is a quieter affair, tucked in the countryside by the coast, where mountains and woodlands mingle. In Laganas, you can all meet the loggerhead turtles on the beach by day and then let the adults dance by night, while in Tragaki, small town values hit all the high notes, as does the rustic cuisine.

Best family friendly beaches

You can expect long, sunny and popular beaches across Zante, all of which cater well to travellers of any age. Argassi Beach is often the first you’ll visit, since it’s close to the airport and boasts a kilometre of smooth pale sand. Tsilivi Beach is similar, but with a more active crowd due to plenty of watersports and daily beach volleyball matches. If seclusion is what you’re after, head off the beaten track to find Dafni Beach, which is pretty and in a prime location, yet less well known among holidaymakers.

Best family activities in Zante

Zante is a popular tourist destination for a reason, with tons to see and do. Tsilivi’s Luna Fun Park combines classics like bouncy castles and merry-go-rounds with paintball matches to settle those family disputes. If you’re after exploring the natural mysteries of the island, boat trips out to Shipwreck Beach and the shimmering Blue Caves – named for the sea’s reflection on their white stone walls – always delight young and old minds alike. You can also try horseriding through the countryside together, best enjoyed from Kalamaki.

Other popular holidays in Greece

Greece appeals to families time and again for its diverse range of things to do in the sun. Head to Skiathos if you really need a break in a tiny island community where smiles are king. Or, head to Corfu for boat trips across a bay of blue water more brilliant than you thought possible. On the Greek mainland, Halkidiki is the rising star of the holiday world, with modern resorts and brand new theme parks emerging year on year. Zante still comes highly recommended of course, so once you’ve checked out our Zante travel guide, consider our family hotel recommendations on the island, listed below.

Other popular family holidays

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Mavrikos Hotel

This Tsilivi hotel has a classic outer appearance that makes you feel as though you’ve stepped into the Greece of yesteryear. That said, it has modern comforts aplenty indoors, and the pool is flanked by loungers. You’re 10 minutes’ walk from the beach, and kids get their own pool to splash and play in.

Diana Palace

Spacious and modern, this Argassi hotel is five minutes’ walk from the beach and five minutes’ drive from the shopping and history of Zante Town. The hotel complex itself has lots to offer, with a playground and a kids’ menu to help the little ones feel at home. Quizzes, karaoke and themed nights keep everyone entertained, and massage treatments help the grown ups unwind.

Poseidon Beach Hotel

The vibrancy of this hotel superbly matches its Laganas location. You’re right on the beach, so you can sip cocktails on the sand while the kids splash and play nearby. Weekly live music, frequent entertainment options, a TV and games room and perks like table tennis, snooker and darts ensure that nobody’s going to be bored.

Atlantica Eleon Grand Resort and Spa

When you have to have it all, this resort complex in Tragaki is for you. On top of sea views, a massive pool, great meals and stellar service, you’re right next door to a top waterpark. There’s plenty of activity for the kids onsite too, including their own pool with waterslides and a kids’ club to keep them out of mischief during the day.

Planos Bay

Planos Bay in Tsivili cuts out the middleman and has a waterpark packed with slides, chutes and pools right in the hotel grounds. The kids’ club breaks down its activities by age bracket, meaning your little ones can become friends with their peers, and themed nights keep the laughs coming as you make memories together.