Zante Cruise & Stay
"One of the most exotic Greek islands, Zante boasts a wonderful natural landscape and magical beaches."
WELCOME TO ZANTE
Cruise Nation are delighted to bring you our great range of Zante Cruise & Stay Holidays. Our Zante Smart Packages feature FREE stays in one of many handpicked hotels which are all centrally located in Zante providing you with the ideal base from which to explore all that this exciting destination has to offer.
With our Zante Cruise & Stay packages, your flights will always be included. We also offer flights from a number of regional airports throughout the UK giving you much greater flexibility and making your holiday experience as smooth as possible.
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Zante, also known as Zakynthos, is a captivating island located in the Ionian Sea, west of the Greek mainland. Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, Zante offers a diverse landscape that includes pristine beaches, lush olive groves, and picturesque villages. The island's coastline is marked by dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and serene coves, making it a paradise for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
One of the most iconic attractions on the island is Navagio Beach, also known as Shipwreck Beach, which is famed for its white sandy shores and the rusting remains of a shipwrecked freighter. This secluded beach, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, is accessible only by boat, adding to its allure and mystique.
Zante is also home to the Blue Caves, a series of striking sea caves along the northern coast. The caves' vibrant blue waters, caused by the reflection of the sky, offer a mesmerizing experience for swimmers and divers. Additionally, the island's marine life is rich and diverse, with the endangered loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) nesting on the southern beaches, such as Laganas and Gerakas.
Weather in The Mediterranean
Things to do in Zante
Visit Shipwreck Beach
Don’t miss the viewpoint at Shipwreck beach.…
Visit Shipwreck Beach
Shipwreck Beach, also known as Navagio Beach or Smuggler’s Cove, is one of the most photographed beaches in Zante, Greece. It’s located on the northwest corner of Zakynthos Island. The beach is dramatically dominated by the wreck of a freightliner, the MV Panagiotis, which ran aground after a storm in 1980. The ship was allegedly smuggling contraband cigarettes for the Italian mafia and was wrecked while being chased by the Greek authorities. However, this is just a story. The shipwreck provides a cool contrast to the white cliffs, gleaming white sand beach, and bright turquoise sea of the cove. The beach is only accessible by boat. The incredible wreck is half-buried in the pearly white sand just meters from the shore. In summary, Shipwreck Beach is a unique slice of coastline that offers a blend of natural beauty and intriguing history
See Blue Caves
Explore the stunning Blue Caves…
See Blue Caves
The Blue Caves are one of the most famous attractions in Zante, Greece. They are located on the northeast coast of the island, between the port of Agios Nikolaos and Cape Skinari.
The Blue Caves consist of a series of natural caves and arches ending in the large cave (Megali Spilia) and in the small cave (Mikri Spilia). The caves are famous for their distinctive bright blue color of the waters. This is due to the particular reflections that the water takes on inside them, a phenomenon very similar to that of the Blue Grotto of Capri.
The caves are only accessible by sea. Boats offering excursions to the Blue Caves depart from Zakynthos town harbor and from Agios Nikolaos port. If you want to visit the inside of the caves, the only solution is to book an excursion with boats with maximum 50 seats. Keep in mind that in case of wind and rough sea, it is not possible to enter the caves.
Snorkel with Turtles
Get up close with the local marine life by snorkeling with turtles.…
Snorkel with Turtles
Snorkeling with turtles in Zante, Greece, is a unique and unforgettable experience. The island is home to the endangered loggerhead sea turtles, also known as Caretta-Caretta.
The turtles visit the area for feeding on the small algae growing on shallow rocks. The best area to meet them is that which goes from the island of Cameo to the small port of Agios Sostis. During a swim or while you are snorkeling, it can happen that you come across a Caretta-Caretta turtle. If you do not want to let the turtle escape, approach it slowly, approaching it from the side, and do not touch it to avoid being bitten.
The turtles are most commonly seen during the summer mating period from May to October. They come in big numbers to lay eggs on the yellow-flecked beaches. You’ll need to be careful if you’re visiting alongside the incredible critters so as not to step on any nests.
Explore Zakynthos Town
Visit Zakynthos town, the capital and commercial hub of the island.…
Explore Zakynthos Town
Zakynthos Town, the Heart of the Island Zakynthos Town, also known as Zante Town or Chora, is the bustling capital and commercial hub of Zakynthos Island. Nestled on the eastern coast at the base of Bochali Hill, it is home to approximately 16,000 residents, making it the largest city on the island. While not a traditional beach destination, the town offers a charming pebble beach extending from Solomos Square to Kapo Krioneri/Akrotiri, perfect for a seaside relaxation at one of the many bars and restaurants.
Cultural and Commercial Center The city center, featuring Alexander Roma Street and 21st Maiou Street up to San Marco Square, becomes a pedestrian-only zone from 3 PM to 3 AM. It’s lined with a variety of shops, bars, and restaurants, coming alive in the evening as tourists and locals alike seek out dining and entertainment options.
Vibrant Nightlife As the center of the island’s nightlife, Zakynthos Town attracts visitors of all ages to its pubs and disco bars. The most popular spots include Base, Avant Garde, and Barralu, which are bustling with activity during happy hour.
Historical Churches The town is also known for its many churches, with the must-see being the church of Agios Dionysios, the patron saint of the island, located near the port.
Excursions and Activities From Zakynthos Town, boats embark on full and half island tours, including stops at the famous Shipwreck Beach. The town also serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the rest of the island, with vehicle rentals and public transportation readily available.
Restaurants in Zante
Asteria-Alivizos
Asteria-Alivizos is a popular tavern located in Zakynthos Town, Zante, Greece. It is situated just steps from the sea and can be reached on foot from the main square of Zakynthos’ town. The restaurant mainly attracts locals, who come here to enjoy fresh fish and some glasses of Ouzo. The tavern offers a variety of seafood dishes, including tasty fish and calamari. The tables are in front of the sea, allowing you to enjoy swimming while waiting for your order. The restaurant is known for its amazing location next to the sea with a wonderful view of the port of Zakynthos. They also offer outstanding wines such as Zafeirakis Logos Chardonnay.
Varkarola
Varkarola is a traditional tavern located in Zakynthos Town, Zante, Greece. It is situated on the coastal road of Zakynthos island. The restaurant brings the traditional Zakynthian gastronomy accompanied by authentic Zakynthian songs (kantades). In Varkarola, you can enjoy a variety of traditional cooked dishes, fresh fish of the day, always made with fresh quality ingredients.
Apollo
Apollo Taverna is a popular restaurant located in Alykes, Zante, Greece. It is known for its warm and friendly atmosphere, and it’s a favorite spot for both locals and tourists. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, with a focus on local cuisine, international dishes, seafood, and Mediterranean flavors. Some of the popular dishes include moussaka, meatballs, swordfish steak, and tuna steak. The quality of food is highly praised, with the seasoning and the freshness of the fish standing out.
El Greco
El Greco is a family-oriented tavern located in Agios Sostis, Zante, Greece. The restaurant is surrounded by olive trees and old berry trees, offering a quiet and peaceful environment. The restaurant cooks most of their dishes with domestic products from Zakynthos Island and vegetables from their garden. The tavern offers a friendly atmosphere and Greek hospitality at its finest.
Zante Nighlife
Traditional Live Music
Traditional live music in Zante, Greece, is a unique and vibrant part of the local culture. The typical music associated with Zakynthos, the island where Zante is located, is known as 'kantades’. Kantades are songs sung to the accompaniment of a mandolin or guitar, and they often feature improvised lyrics. This style of music is deeply rooted in the history and tradition of the island, and it continues to be a significant part of local celebrations and festivals. In addition to kantades, the nightlife scene in Zante is diverse and vibrant, featuring a variety of music genres, including mainstream hits, EDM, house, R&B, and more.
Bitters Cocktal & Winebar
Bitters Cocktail & Winebar is a gem located in the heart of Zakynthos Town. This bar is driven by an innate inclination for hospitality and a core tenet that one can enjoy flawlessly executed cocktails and delicious, elevated food, served in a beautiful space without pretense. Here, everyone’s welcome to enjoy the finer sips in life. They offer rare wines, fine champagnes, signature cocktails, and a stellar spritz menu. The bar operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not take reservations. If you are bringing a crowd, they suggest groups no larger than six.
Events in Zante
The Ultimate Party
The Ultimate Party in Zante is the night out you have always dreamed of! This event is held at the Relax Bar and is known for its electrifying atmosphere and high-energy crowd. The party kicks off at 21:00 and goes on until 03:00. For three hours, you can enjoy an unlimited free bar, making it a paradise for those who love to let loose and enjoy their drinks. The music at the Ultimate Party is a mix of EDM, hip-hop, and chart-topping hits, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The hosts keep the energy high with thrilling drinking games and interactive party activities.
Zante Boat Party
The Zante Boat Party is an unforgettable experience that is widely regarded as one of the best boat parties in Europe. This event is not your average booze cruise, but a floating festival that guarantees the best night of your holiday. The party takes place on a huge three-tier party boat. You can expect a full line-up of the island’s best DJs, incredible boat party hosts, and even celebrity appearances. The music ranges from the best summer dance tunes, house, RnB to old school classics, ensuring there’s something for everyone on board.