Zakynthos, or Zante in Italian, is a beautiful Ionian island off the west coast of Greece. Zante is a holiday destination that is so diverse it can cater to visitors looking for wild summer nightlife and those that prefer to experience the quiet, natural side to the Greek islands. Travel by private jet to Zante to start of an amazing experience complete with natural wonders, exciting nightlife and luxury accommodation.
What to Do
Beaches
Navagio or the Shipwreck Beach can only be reached by boat and is one of the most photographed beaches in the world. There, a rusty shipwreck sits on a spectacular white rocky beach that contrasts against an intensely turquoise sea – all set against a background of dramatically steep rocky cliffs. Also on the west coast you’ll find the fiords of Porto Limniona and Porto Roxa, Porto Vromi bay with its little island just in front.
You can spend days exploring the rest of the beaches on the island. The east coast of Zante has a variety of beaches lining its coast. Sandy beaches can be found in Tsilivi, Alykes and Amboula. To the north there are more rocky landscapes that are equally as picturesque including Xigia Beach and Makris Gialos.
The southern part of Zante runs from Limni Keri beach to Gerakas. That’s where the endangered loggerhead turtles nest, so there are some restrictions on swimming hours at various times of the year. The Marine Park of Zante oversees the area. The rest of south features long sandy beaches. You can boat to the small island of Marathonissi where several beautiful beaches await or explore and swim in the caves of Marathia Cape.
Natural Wonders
Two endangered species call Zante home, the loggerhead sea turtle and the monk seal. The sea turtles, known in Greek as caretta caretta, build over 3,000 nests each year in the Laganas region of the island. The Marine Park of Zante protects the caretta caretta as tourism continues to grow, threatening some of their nesting areas.
A rarer site that you may have the luck of experiencing is the monk seal known in Greek as monachus monachus. They are among the rarest mammal species of the world. These light grey or brown seals use the secluded caves of Zante to give birth. The newly born seals stay in the cave for two weeks before they swim out into the sea.
The island’s landscape is rich with natural wonders including the Blue Caves and Keri Caves. In the northern part of the island called Skinari, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the magnificent Blue Caves. There, the incredibly clear waters of the region appear to turn objects that are placed in them — blue. This includes people who can enter the water inside the caves to swim! The Keri Caves located on a small peninsula in the southern coast of the island are sea caves filled with water that takes on a beautiful blue-green color from the reflection of the sun.
Dining
For the foodie traveler, Zante offers rich local cuisine and is known for its olive oil, local wines and Greek cheeses. There are local cheese farms, sweet shops and olive oil factories you can visit. When dining out make sure to head to some top local traditional Greek tavernas that specialize in Greek food. Zante is known for its variations on delicious rabbit stew. If you’re looking for great local dishes in Zante Town, head to Varkarola. It’s located in a very central location with a view of the harbor. Besides their excellent dishes, Varkarola serenades its guests with live Zakythian music called kantades. If you love peaceful sea views head to Ladofanaro by the Beach. The panorama of Amboula Beach will be your dining backdrop as you enjoy traditional Zakynthian cuisine on a large outdoor patio.
Nightlife
The infamous resort of Laganas is the main “party” town on the island. For great dancing and a fun crowd, head to the Cameo Island. It’s unique location makes it especially unique for its annual summer party events. The lively nightlife doesn’t stop in the Laganas area. The areas of Saint Marco and D. Solomos in the city of Zakynthos, Kalamaki, Argasi, Tsilivi and Alykes also feature an array of bars and venues that cater to those looking to have a great time out on the island. For a beautiful lounge resto-bar option, Portokali in Argasi is known for its cozy, garden atmosphere. It has low-lighting, unique art décor and cushioned areas to enjoy a great drink.
Top Stays
Lesante Luxury Hotel and Spa
This five-star hotel offers state of the art facilities, impeccable services and luxurious design. Nominated for the 2015 World Luxury Hotel Awards, the Lesante is located on the picturesque coastal village of Tsilivi. The hotel’s spa covers 550 square meters with the wide variety of facilities, and it is considered is the largest and most luxurious spa on the island.
Porto Zante
Standing majestically on a private sandy beach of a secluded bay, the Porto Zante Villas & Spa is a boutique luxury hotel featuring private pools, exquisite Mediterranean cuisine and a waterfront spa. The hotel is decorated with selected pieces of Armani Casa & Gervasoni and paintings of prominent Greek artists. Amenities including Bang & Olufsen Entertainment systems, Christofle Paris cutlery & glasses, Bernardaud design porcelain & BVLGARI guest amenities. Porto Zante was selected as one of the Top Greek Resorts by Condé Nast Traveller, Top 100 Hotels of the World by Hideaways and Europe’s Leading Luxury Beach Villas & Private Beach Hotel by the World Travel Awards.
Mabely Grand Hotel
On the western coast of Zakynthos in the area of Kampi, a place known for its gorgeous sunsets, you’ll find the luxury five-star Mabely Grand Hotel. Built on a picturesque cape covering 60,000 square meters, the hotel property boasts views of the Cross of Kampi and the Ionion Sea. The hotel features spacious rooms and suites, individual suites and a panoramic swimming pool.
Getting There
Fashionable jet setters love making stylish statements, so how about traveling to Zante in one of this season’s new private charter additions. The Butterly Let-410 Turboprop, colorfully painted with bright pastel butterflies on its body, is the perfect way for you and your friends to make an impressive landing.
For the generation of globe-trotters who prefer to fly in a helicopter, we recommend our brand new VVIP EC-155, the luxury interiors and world class service will guarantee a bespoke holiday experience from pick-up to landing.
Have you been to Zante for a jet-set weekend? Tell us about it.