Zante (or Zakynthos) is the third largest of the Ionian Islands and has some of the most beautiful coastline of all of them, with bright turquoise waters, sweeping white cliffs, worn through with caves and arches, and pristine white sandy beaches. Anywhere this beautiful is going to be popular and the southeastern coastlines host large hotels and resorts frequented by the package holiday companies. But there’s plenty of peaceful stretches of coast and small traditional villages as you head north. That’s where you’ll find our experts' recommendations for the best places to stay on Zante.

The western and northern coasts are quite mountainous and feature dramatic cliffs that drop hundreds of feet straight into the sea. They’re especially impressive when seen from the comfort of a boat. Zante’s popularity means that there are all sorts of activities on offer here, all your standard land and watersports and then the slightly more adventurous ones like quad biking and zip-lining. As soon as you leave the coast things get quieter though, the forests and mountains of the interior are a great place to come to hike or bike. Hardly any visitors explore the interior but it’s extremely lush and between March and May just littered with wildflowers.

Where to stay - Which village/region?

• Busy and bougainvillaea decorated, Zakynthos Town is the island’s capital and has a ferry port and harbour lined with cafes, bars and restaurants. Before the earthquake of 1953, Zante had some exquisite Venetian architecture, which is now mostly ruined, but there’s still something of Venice’s main square in the pretty piazza of Zakynthos Town.
• Agios Nikolaos in the northeast is a tiny town but the second largest port, where the ferry to Kefalonia departs. This is also where you leave from when visiting the Blue Caves - which are certainly one of the island’s highlights.
• Laganas is the party town, with a main street populated almost entirely with bars and nightclubs.
• Tsilivi is a good choice for families
• and Vassilikos is a much quieter village with no hotels just villa accommodation.

Don't forget that this is a very busy island during the peak summer months. So if you want to book one of the best places to stay in Zante during July or August, you'll need to get organised and plan well ahead.

The best places to stay in Zante

For luxury

• The Porto Zante Villas & Spa is a collection of ten luxurious villas right on the coast. Each comes with a private pool, marble bathroom and wonderful private terrace facing the ocean. There’s a fabulous waterfront spa, chic cocktail bar and a Mediterranean restaurant. A truly indulgent choice.
• Olea All Suite Hotel is an award-winning design hotel. Rooms have chic, Mediterranean interiors with tiled floors and natural accents; the most luxurious suites boast a private pool with sea views and a spacious terrace. Relax in the spa before making the difficult choice for dinner, between three restaurants. Luxury defined.

For a romantic break

• Lesante Blu is set on a secluded hilltop property offering glorious sea views. With chic modern suites, a selection of bars and restaurants, a fabulous spa and glorious pool. Ideal for romantic getaways.
• Zante Maris Suite offers smart accommodation with contemporary design and a superb holistic spa. An adult-only stay, with the best suites boasting a cosy private terrace and pool, this is perfect for couples.

For families

• Cielo Luxury Villas is contemporary villa (which has been split into two separate properties, one with three bedrooms and one with four) situated on a private estate beside the sea. Spacious lounges lead out to the swimming pool from large glass sliding doors. An idyllic spot to rent as a family or with friends.
• Paradisso Beach Villas is another small collection of villas, perfect to rent as a family or small group. Lying on a charming peninsula, interiors are chic and modern and the garden is dotted with hammocks and boasts wonderful sea views.

For an apartment or villa

• If you're travelling with family or a group of friends it may be a better option to book a villa or apartment. For a wide range of properties for all tastes and budgets we recommend you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

• Zante is served by one airport located towards the south end of the island which caters to both international and domestic flights.
• Travel in between the months of April - September for warm days. The months of June - August can get very hot and very busy.
• If you plan to hire a car, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay on the Ionian Islands.
• Consider the best places to stay on Corfu,
• Or the best places to stay on Ithaca, Kefalonia or Lefkada?
• Alternatively you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Zante