Also known as Zante, and located just to the south of Kefalonia, the soft sand beaches and clear blue waters around this exceptional island have tempted tourists for twenty years or so. Not only will you discover secluded coves and scenic white beaches and nesting turtles, but you will also find elegant towns, hillside farming villages, and wild flowers. Zante’s lush landscape makes it the perfect place for hiring bikes and exploring.

Tsilivi is a family type resort with a long, wide sand beach with plenty of utilities and watersports that you expect on a popular family beach. This is the only beach on Zante to get a blue flag. You’ll find many tavernas that back onto the sands for drinks and eats. The sea is very shallow and safe for children and there are fewer stones at the eastern end. Tsilivi is the favourite resort for families with beach-loving children. To the west of Tsilivi you’ll find less populated beaches at Amboula, Bouka and Tragaki.

Laganas is not the place for a peaceful break or a quiet night. They party around the clock there. Likewise Argassi is a lively and bustling town and although it has a great nightlife, it does not have the same reputation as Laganas for it’s partying - not so great for families with younger children.

Zante is world famous for its Loggerhead turtles. This beach is the biggest breeding ground in Europe for the endangered loggerhead turtle 'caretta caretta'. Fortunately watersports activities are curtailed around Laganas Bay at certain times.

For the island’s other highlights, few visitors are disappointed with the notorious picturesque shipwreck cove. Likewise the mysterious blue caves are definitely a boat trip not to be missed. Inland there is a beautiful village up in the hills called Volimes. Be prepared to take a step back in time. This village is a living museum, with some of the best preserved buildings on the island. Villagers take every opportunity to flog the local embroidery, cheese and exceptionally good honey.

Lastly, why not visit to Keri to see the spectacular views of the most romantic sunset. You can also explore the narrow beach, which has more pebbles than sand, but is still very attractive with its warm shallow waters that make it great for children. There is also a small river running into the sea for added interest. The view from the beach is impressive with high cliffs flanking both sides and the turtle island at Marathonisi.