AD The Complete Guide to Zakynthos, Greece
This post is in collaboration with Jet2Holidays.
It’s Time to Book Your Next Trip…
As I’m writing this guide to Zakynthos, I’m staring at these photos wishing I was back there. I mean, look at that blue water, who wouldn’t want to go back?
For us, this was our first trip abroad since our wedding. We were hoping to go travelling in 2020, but the universe had other ideas. So this trip had so much importance to it. For us, it was all about switching off, relaxing and having a good time.
When Jet2 invited me for a quick getaway to Zante I jumped at the chance. I’ve always wanted to go to Greece and immediately started searching for a guide to Zakynthos. Anywhere in Southern Europe is just gorgeous to travel to. I wanted to make sure that I fully immersed myself in the island and what it had to offer.
I also couldn’t wait to experience my first all-inclusive trip. Yes, I got myself to my 30s without ever going on all-inclusive holidays. I’m happy to say, that both my husband and I have got the bug, already looking for our next trip.
If these gorgeous pictures (if I say so myself have taken your fancy, here’s my ultimate guide to Zakynthos…
How to Get Around.
The first part of my guide to Zakynthos and the most important. Travelling to Zakynthos is a breeze. Going on your holidays from Leeds Bradford Airport is so easy. Our flights with Jet2 to Zante were on Sunday morning and getting through security was nothing. As for getting to the airport, we live not that far from it (such ease for a last-minute getaway) so we took a taxi. The airport does offer a long-term stay car park if a taxi would not be an affordable option. Luggage-wise, with Jet2holidays, you have 22kg of check-in luggage available per person as well as carry-on. More than enough for a short stay.
Once we got to Zante, our transfer was included in our holiday package, so there was no worry about coming to and from the airport for the entire holiday. From there, taxis are your best option for popping to one or two places. Your hotel will be more than happy to book one for you and within Zakynthos’ town, there are plenty of taxi ranks that you can rock up to with plenty to take you where you want to go.
If travelling on your own time, or want to do a major exploration of the island, there are plenty of car rentals or even quad bikes you can get your hands on. You’re looking at €30 a day. Though it wasn’t an option we went for, I think if we had a couple of more days, we would have looked at it to really explore the island. It would have been ideal for checking out the smaller towns dotted on the island.
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Where to Stay.
When it comes to Jet2holidays’ couples holidays, you cannot go wrong with AluaSoul Zante. This adults-only hotel provided the perfect escape from the everyday world. The hotel has two parts, the main hotel and accommodation, and then the My Favourites Culb. This is further from the main part, with unobstructed views of the sea.
Our room was based in the main hotel, and we had a nice sea view- perfect for waking up to. The rooms are modern and spacious, ideal for storing all our stuff and sleeping in. To be honest, we only really hung out in the rooms in the evening, with most of our time around the hotel complex or out and about.
The pool is large with lots of sun loungers. Be sure to reserve your loungers before breakfast, they can be taken quite quickly before the pool opens up! Above the pool is the dining space where the buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner are served. Snacks and drinks are available throughout the day in a small space near the A La Carte restaurant.
It is worth noting that AluaSoul Zante is based in Tragaki, so you get views of both mainland Greece and Cephalonia island. Perfect for watching the sunset at the end of the day from your balcony.
When it comes to amenities, you are pretty much covered on an all-inclusive holiday. However, it is worth noting you’ll want to stock up on bottled water. The water is safe but very salty on the island so you’ll not want to drink from it. The supermarket is a five-minute walk from the hotel and you can get 10 bottles for €3.50 which is plenty for a short stay. When it comes to Zante hotels, you can’t go wrong.
Where to Explore.
There is so much to do and explore on the island. When it comes to the top things to list on my guide to Zakynthos, I had to reduce it down to three things.
The first is to go and explore the town of Zante. It’s the main city, a port town that is full of history. One on the side you have the gorgeous Church of Agios Dionysios which is worth a visit. Follow the water line towards the North and you’ll end up at Solomos Square, named after the famous Greek poet.
There are some gorgeous little shops to pick up some gifts, including this amazing little pottery shop I found in the middle of the town. There are also some great places to go to eat and sip on coffee and cocktails (more on this later).
Finally, the port of Zakynthos is the best place to catch the ferry to mainland Greece, which is an hour trip over. Perfect if you have a day free to go and explore some ruins.
Heading Out on the Sea.
Now, one of the best activities to do in Zakynthos, and is to rent a boat. You can see some great coastal scapes and the water is so blue. We rented our boat through Oasis Boat Rentals, run by two brothers who couldn’t be more helpful. We rented a boat for €200 for eight hours and it was the best money we’ve ever spent. We found some incredible locations and hidden caves, saw turtles and had one of the best days. There’s nothing better than exploring the island of Zante by boat. Plus, the Instagram pictures you can get!
You can split the island into two trips, the North and the South side. We did the south and if I’m honest, it’s the top choice I would give when it comes to exploring by sea. However, if you want to go and see the famous shipwreck beach, you’ll want to head up North.
Finally, along with exploring the small towns on the island, it is worth going to check out the beaches on the island. There’s nothing else like them. One of the most famous beaches is Navagio ‘Shipwreck’ Beach but get there super early if you want to get the classic Instagram shot. Then there’s Xigia Sulfur Beach with gorgeous turquoise blue oceans. Porto Limnionas is a local’s favourite with some great restaurants and places to safely enjoy the sun.
Where to Eat.
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to places to eat in Zakynthos. Seriously, the island is filled with some hidden treasures. Some of them are not on Google Maps or Social, so it is worth wandering to find some hidden gems. Most places are also open till midnight and many people eat late into the evening.
Taverna’s are going to be your best friends. Lots of fresh seafood and traditional Greek dishes. Near the hotel, we found Vardiola, which had some gorgeous views of the sea from your table. Perfect for watching the sunset with dinner.
Within Zante town, we found Yard of Taste, which had some of the best food we’ve ever eaten. Their stuffed squid is a must-order! Hopefully, we can go back there again soon!
Of course, we were also going to mention coffee in this roundup. We found three great places in Zakynthos town. The first is Saveur, which had gorgeous interiors and some delicious coffee. Black Bean Espresso Bar was a personal favourite of my husband, very much for the coffee connoisseurs. Finally, for taste and style, you have to check out Mokosh on the coast.
Time to Book Your Next Flight.
If you made it to the end of my guide to Zakynthos, then it is safe to say you are invested in travelling to Zante and need to book your flights now. I feel everyone needs to visit once in their lifetime, there’s so much more to the island than meets the eye. Book now and you won’t be disappointed.
Thank you to Jet2 for collaborating with me on this post. Jet2Holidays has a range of all-inclusive holidays on their website. Book your next trip today.
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