Things to do in Zante

Secrets of Zante with Blue Caves visit and local tastings

It's easy to see why the Venetians called Zante the ‘Flower of the East'. This exclusive tour takes in some of the island's prettiest villages and the remote Anafonitria monastery, too. And that's not all. There'll also be local wine and sweets to taste, plus a short boat trip to the Blue Caves – one of the deepest points in the Mediterranean.

Adults-only Zante cruise with Cameo Island visit and swim stops

Trade your worries for the waves and soak up the sun in style on this adults-only boat cruise. You'll leave the bustling beachside resorts behind, and cruise along Zante's southern coast. Maria, one of our friendly crew members, says “the southern coast of Zante is a dream, with its rugged coastline and crystal-clear waters. Keep an eye out for rock formations and Cameo Island, connected to the mainland by a wooden bridge – perfect for a photo op!” Your day kicks off with a short drive from your resort to the port of Agios Sostis. You'll definitely want to snap some pics here – it's like stepping into a Greek film. As you arrive, the Christina will be ready and waiting. This beautifully crafted wooden boat will whisk you away into a day of Mediterranean magic. The moment you step on board, you'll be welcomed with a traditional Greek ouzo aperitif. This tangy, anise-flavoured spirit will send you straight into holiday mode. This cruise is all about keeping things chill. With plenty of space to relax and small groups as standard, you can find your perfect spot to sunbathe and watch the vistas glide by. Plus, you'll have two opportunities to dive into some of the clearest waters you'll ever see. Look out for colourful fish, splash around, or simply soak up the sun. All this is on the cards. Once you're completely relaxed and rejuvenated, you'll head back to Agios Sostis. So, pack your sunscreen, and grab your shades – this is the sun-kissed Mediterranean escape you've been dreaming of.

Turtle Cruise to Marathonisi and Keri Peninsula

Loggerhead sea turtles have been residents of Zante's beaches for thousands of years, and with a bit of luck, you'll see them first-hand on this boat trip. Join an expert local guide for an educational day out at sea, passing by nesting sites, swimming in hidden bays and spending time in the village of Keri. Bianca, one of our guides, says, ‘In just one trip, you get to jump into clear waters, cruise along the Keri peninsula and, with luck, see turtles.'Available either in the morning from Zante harbour or the afternoon from Keri harbour, this half-day cruise is a real treat for all the family. You'll pass by the golden beaches of Vassilikos and Marathonisi, a pine-clad islet dubbed ‘Turtle Island'. The reason's simple – one of its beaches is a favourite turtle nesting site. Bianca, who's lived on Zante for more than 20 years, says of the scenery, ‘You can do this tour a thousand times and every day is different.' Be sure to keep a lookout for Loggerheads, and you may even spot a wild dolphin or two.Plus, you'll sail along the Keri peninsula, cruising by its sea-plunging cliffs, caves and lighthouse before dropping anchor for a swim stop at the Bay of Oasis. In the small village of Keri, you have a quick stop to shop for souvenirs, relax in a typical taverna or hit the beach. What's more, a volunteer from local conservation group ARCHELON – the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece – will be on board to tell give you the lowdown on its work.

Zante St Dennis Festival experience

Street food, lively processions, fireworks and marching bands – the feast day of St Dennis is Zante's biggest event of the year. And you can enjoy the best views on this evening tour. See the procession of priests in their finest robes and then mingle with the locals in the festival bazaar. Maria, one of our local guides, says, ‘The celebration of our patron Saint Dennis – known as Dionysus locally – is the most important event in every Zakynthian's diary. A highlight of mine is seeing the town in all its festive finery as we weave through the bazaar.'To commemorate the island's patron saint, the whole of Zante comes out to celebrate on the 24th of August. You'll get to join in the festivities, heading into Zante town late afternoon. Take your spot in the crowd to watch the procession first, before a chance to mingle with the locals at the food stalls and bazaar. Maria says, ‘There'll be plenty of local delicacies on offer, including traditional sweet treats, roasted chestnuts, and my favourite – loukoumades – a typical Greek donut drenched in honey.'Soak up the buzzing atmosphere and snap up those last pics of the evening as fireworks light up the sky before the bus takes you back to your hotel.

Olympia archeological site day trip from Zante

The birthplace of the Olympic Games is just a short hop across the Ionian Sea on mainland Greece. Catch the ferry over from Zante and head to ancient Olympia for a journey through the centuries. You'll also visit the fascinating Archaeological Museum. Konstantina, one of our guides, says, ‘Olympia has been standing there for more than 2,500 years, still inspiring as a must-stop on the way to a personal Odyssey. To wander around its ruins and to feel the connection with the past is a special feeling.'After docking at Kyllini, we'll drive through the ‘garden of Greece' – fields of tomatoes, melons and cotton – to one of the most important sanctuaries of antiquity. Alongside a licenced Olympia guide and our own local expert, you'll discover where the Olympic Games began in the 8th century BC. See the remains of the stadium where 45,000 spectators cheered on their favourite athletes, including the finishing line and waterside gym. What's more, you'll share the use of an iPad to bring to life the ruins and see how they once looked.You'll also see the ruins of the Temple of Hera, where the Olympic flame was first lit, and of the Temple of Zeus. It was here that the statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, once stood. Afterwards, head to the superb Archaeological Museum to see its collection of statues and bronzes. Finally, head into Olympia town, where you'll have time for lunch and a poke around the souvenir shops.

Zakynthos town transfer

Exploring Zante's capital is effortless with this transfer. You'll be picked up from your hotel and taken directly into the city, where the evening is then yours to do as you wish – be it shopping, sightseeing or tasting local delicacies. There are loads to see and do.You'll have around four hours in the evening to discover the delights that Zakynthos Town has to offer. If you fancy a spot of souvenir shopping, then you'll be able to dip in and out of local boutiques, or enjoy a leisurely walk along the seafront Strada Marina, stopping for the odd aperitif or two.But if history and culture feature high on your agenda, then you've got museums and the famed Bohali Castle for sweeping views. Venetian-style architecture is abundant in the city, and Solomos Square is where you'll find both locals and visitors hanging out and watching the world go by. Enjoy the city as you want without the constraints of an itinerary, and soak up its magical atmosphere.

Turtle Island family boat cruise in Zante with snorkelling

Surround yourself with the beauty of Ionian nature on this half-day cruise geared for children. You'll sail past Marathonisi Island, anchoring up for swimming along the way, before gaining an insight into local conservation efforts. Kay, one of our guides, says, ‘We love to show everyone this beautiful place and maybe spot a turtle to understand why and how we protect our environment. It's a fun tour, which makes sustainability visible.'You'll cast off from Agios Sostis, sailing past pine-clad Marathonisi Island in Laganas Bay. This uninhabited islet is nicknamed ‘Turtle Island' because its beaches are a favourite nesting site for loggerheads. Kids will love this one, too – there'll be activities aimed at teaching them more about turtle conservation. They'll also learn about respecting the island's environment, protecting it from litter.Next, you'll swing by the Oasis sea cave for a swim stop before heading closer to the island. We'll drop anchor once more for an extra dose of snorkelling. Remember to keep an eye on the water for signs of loggerhead turtles and dolphins. What's more, the boat has an integrated sewage drainage system, so nothing harms the sea.

Watersports and beach fun at St Nick's Beach

Zante is haloed by great beaches – but St Nick's gets top billing. Located at the east of the Vasilikos peninsula, it's one of the island's most popular bathing spots. And with good reason. Not only is it the place to see and be seen, it is overlooked by a gorgeous little white church.You'll head to this prime spot in Vasilikos – one of the most beautiful parts of Zante – for a day of fun and relaxation on the beach, along with a tasty lunch. Either lie back and enjoy the scenery or take to the sea for a swim. Or if you're a bit more adventurous, there's a complimentary banana boat ride. St Nick's is famed for its water sports offering and there's a discount for our guests. And make sure to head over to the dinky white church on a hillock at the top of the beach – it's made for selfies.

Smuggler's Cove half-day cruise with panoramic drive

Smuggler's Cove is a picture-postcard white pebble beach with a surprise – a shipwreck from an alleged smuggler who ran aground here in the early 80s. On this half-day boat trip, you'll cruise along the coast to see this famous spot, discover secret coves, swim and soak up the scenery. Kay, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Smuggler's Cove is also known as Shipwreck Beach, or “Navagio” in Greek. It's only accessible by boat, and it's one of the most photographed places in the whole of Greece.'After pick-up, enjoy a scenic drive to Porto Vromi – it takes up to 90 minutes – and hop on a boat towards Smuggler's Cove. You'll have half an hour or so to take in the vistas from the deck before the imposing white cliffs appear, sheltering the cove and its famous wreck. The 200-metre-high cliffs curve and swoop down behind the beach, dwarfing the shipwreck. Kay says, ‘To preserve the natural beauty of the area, instead of disembarking at Smuggler's cove, we'll pause here to admire the scenery and take a few Insta-perfect snaps.'Next, your captain will drop anchor at a nearby bay, and you'll have time to swim in the dazzling waters surrounded by Zante's coastal landscapes – don't forget your snorkel mask for spotting the colourful fish, coral and starfish here. Then, as we cruise back towards Porto Vromi, your captain will take you to a smooth, white-pebbled beach, a place so secret it doesn't even show up on Google. Cool off with a swim stop here and hear the story of the 'Poseidon's Face' – a rock formation believed to depict Poseidon, God of the sea – before setting off for the final leg back to shore.

Half-day Greek cooking adventure in Zante

A relaxed half-day experience exploring Greek food and culture, the perfect way to start your morning. You'll be welcomed with coffee and intros before getting hands-on in a kitchen set in a beautiful garden on Zante. Under expert guidance, you'll dive into preparing five traditional dishes, including an appetiser, main, salad and dessert in this fun, relaxed and interactive class that's suitable for all skill levels. You'll learn to craft Greek favourites like stifado, spinach pie and feta saganaki as you sip soft drinks and sample your creations along the way. As you cook, you'll discover more about Greek culture, cuisine and island life. To end the day, you'll sit down to savour the dishes you've created, served alongside a local beer or wine. All the ingredients and tools are provided, just bring along your enthusiasm and appetite. Finally, you'll receive a PDF recipe booklet to recreate the authentic flavours of Zante at home.

Zante Villages, Beach & Monastery 4x4 Tour

Only off-roaders are tough enough to take you on this tour. Hit the road in a 4x4 and travel through Zante's top-class countryside to explore tiny villages, time-worn towns and the monasteries of Yperagathos and Agios Georgios. After free time for lunch, it's time to relax on the remote Makri Gialos beach for free time to sunbathe and swim. There's also a sunset option, with Makri Gialos, Agios Georgios monastery, wine tasting in Exo Hora and free time in Kampi for dinner and sunset.

Zante luxury sailing trip

This luxury cruise along the island's southern coast takes you far from the bustling towns and out into the crystal-clear Ionian Sea. As we set sail, you'll soak in panoramic views of Zakynthos town, the perfect backdrop for a day of relaxation and exploration.Your first stop is the stunning Vassilikos area, where you can dive into crystal-clear waters for a refreshing swim. Next, we'll cruise to Marathonisi Island, an iconic turtle nesting spot where you'll snap some frame-worthy pics before heading to the Keri Caves for a bit of adventure and exploration.The final stop is Misitres Beach, a secluded gem famous for its striking white rocks and turquoise waters. With plenty of time to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the cool sea breeze, this cruise is pure relaxation. Snacks and drinks are served onboard, so all you have to do is kick back and enjoy.