Vassilikos holidays

This off-the-radar resort has stacks of character, from its authentic whitewashed buildings to its olive groves and surrounding vineyards. Step back in time with a Vassilikos holiday, its old-world surroundings beg to be explored with monasteries, hilltop palaces and traditional tavernas oozing history and ancient Greek mythology. Backed by forests and the 492m Mount Skopos, hiking trails are a must for sunset seekers. Nature enthusiasts can get lost among the wildlife, exotic vegetation and stumble across inhabited villages. Alongside watching baby loggerhead turtles hatch from one of three coastal spots.

Vassilikos information

Average flight time

3h 45m

Time difference

GMT +2h

Currency

Euro €

Language

Greek

A guide to Vassilikos holidays

Food & drink in Vassilikos

Walk along the seafront and within minutes you’ll smell the delicious scent of grilled meats, spices and hearty stews. The food in Greece is renowned for its fresh, locally grown produce, and Zante is no exception. Nikos Beach is a hidden gem perched directly on the sand, here you’ll be welcomed by cheese pies, courgette fritters, homemade chips and barbecued kebabs. Wander further along for swordfish bathed in garlic, traditional chicken souvlaki and feta cheese-filled salads from Porto Roma Fish Restaurant. Among the lobster dishes and stuffed pittas, there’s a wealth of Mediterranean restaurants for some home comforts, including pizza, pasta and burgers. Nights can be spent at Cave Bar, where island favourites such as Ouzo and Raki are served on the rocks. Over at the Beer Academy, Mythos is served on tap and the cocktail list is extensive.

Beautiful beaches in Vassilikos

Spoilt for choice, the beaches of Vassilikos each provide something unique. On the main stretch find a plethora of hotels and a strip of bars, as well as sun-soaked sands and the tempting sapphire waters of the Ionian Sea. It’s a snorkeling paradise and as a protective nesting site for loggerhead turtles, you can swim among these four legged creatures. A little further along lies Banana Beach, one of the most popular sand spots in the area for its wealth of watersports and lively atmosphere. This cove benefits from light winds and high ripples, perfect for surfing, jet-skiing and paragliding. Gerakas Beach is secluded, that means no restaurants and bars nearby. However, it’s ideal for lazy days in the sun with plenty of loungers available to hire. Bring a picnic and enjoy a quiet day shoreside spotting turtle eggs nestled among rock formations.

Things to do in Vassilikos

A foodie’s paradise, Vassilikos will take you on a culinary journey. Spend your days sampling pine-infused wines from Cave Mezzo or Grampas Winery, while hopping from one traditional taverna to the next. Meanwhile, holidaymakers can head to the Zakynthos Turtle Rescue Centre to learn more about the loggerhead habitat with a chance to meet rescued reptiles.

Mount Skopos: Early risers this one’s for you! Start your hike up this towering peak before dawn to avoid the soaring midday temperatures. Weave in and out of dirt track roads as you make your way to the top of this mountain, along the way discover ruins, remains of forest Quercus ilex and Quercus, abandoned relics and exotic wildlife. Once you’ve tackled this steep climb, you’ll be rewarded by breathtaking panoramas of the island. The recently restored Skopiotissa Monastery also awaits, allowing you to wonder its historical remains.

Sail the island: Island hopping is one of the top things to do in Greece, with tours to Keri Caves, day trips to Kefalonia or snorkeling adventures to Shipwreck Beach. It’s a chance to take advantage of private land, isolated coastal spots and hidden coves. Most of these excursions last all day and meals are usually provided. However, you can always hire a boat for a spot of diving or cave exploring on your own clock.