A holiday on Zante (Zakinthos) is a great introduction to the Greek Islands. Friendly people, delicious food and above average accommodation, and a chance to take some interesting island excursions add up to an unforgettable Greek holiday. Zakinthos Town, near the centre of the east coast of the island, is an ideal place to book tours, although most hotels and tour desks can take bookings. To help you plan your Greek island experience, here are five outstanding Zante holiday excursions.
Island Jeep Safaris
Several operators offer Jeep safaris and they are a fantastic way to see the island's rugged, breathtaking scenery and many of the attractions such as the Blue Caves along the coast. The driver guides are generally knowledgeable and the tour traverses dirt tracks through old olive groves, charming vineyards, and picturesque mountain villages. Tours stop at one of the many beaches where you can cool off with a swim and many towns connect with a boat tour of the Blue Caves. Luncheon stops at local tavernas are a chance to meet the locals. Since you travel with just three to seven other passengers, tour guides are happy to make impromptu stops.
Water Village Entertainment Park
This water park near Argassi, with eight slides and several pools, is just perfect on a hot day. There is even a play area with small slides and water jets to amuse the kids. Pack a picnic and take your drinks, since the food and beverages are pricey. A family of four could expect to pay 55 euros for a whole day pass and this is pretty good value. If you go intend to go twice in a week you’re eligible for a 20 per cent discount. In peak season, consider the afternoon pass, which is less than half price and with the coach visitors gone, it’s much less crowded.
Glass-Bottomed Boat Trip
One of the best ways to see the marine life, especially the Loggerhead turtles that nest and lay their eggs on the beaches along the southern shores, is to take a tour in a glass-bottomed boat. There are several tour operators, but Carretta Tours will refund your money if you don’t see turtles. Their smaller boat can get into Keri Caves and they stop on Turtle Island for swimming. The trip costs 15 euros for adults and 5 euros for kids.
Day trip to Olympia
Tours to this famous destination take you to Zakinthos Port where you embark for the one-hour ferry ride, before boarding a coach for the 1 hour 30 minute trip to Olympia Town and historical site. A guided tour of the site is followed by a tour of the Museum with its fascinating displays. Lunch is in an Olympia Town restaurant and then it’s back on the coach and the ferry for the trip back to Zakinthos Town. Be sure to wear a hat and take plenty of drinking water.
Levante Speedboat Trip
This half-day, high-speed cruise visits the most popular tourist attractions on Zante. The boat, which carries around 20 passengers, departs daily at 8:30 am from Tsilivi harbour. The boat travels at speeds of over 30 knots, taking you get to see the Blue Caves, Smuggler’s Cove, the fishing harbour of St Nickolas, plus leisurely swim stops, before returning to Tsilivi around 1pm.
Rod Ritchie, a travel writer and editor, writes for many publishers including AA Publishing and Fodors. Sunisle Holidays offer a range of quality villas on Zante. Visit Sunisle Greek Holidays at http://www.sunisle.co.uk for a selection of great value <A HREF="http://www.sunisle.co.uk/searchpreview.asp?destination_cn=4"> Zante villa rentals. </a>
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