Car Rental Zante - Exploring Zante

Zante (Zakynthos) is the third-largest island in the Ionian Sea. Rich in beauty and tradition, the island is the ideal destination for a holiday of exploration. The other Ionian Islands include Corfu, Paxos, Lefkas, Ithaka and Kefalonia. While a stay in Zante town is fulfilling, the outlying areas should not be missed and are easily explored by car.

The fabulous beaches of Zante are perfect for sunbathing and water sports. Alikes and Alikanas are two excellent beaches which stretch for three kilometres along the northeastern coast and offer shops, bars, restaurants and tavernas. Other beaches include: Argasi, Bouka, Geracas, Laganas, Navagio (Smugglers Wreck), Porto Koukla, Porto Roma and Tsilivi.

Loggerhead turtles nest and lay their eggs on the beaches along the southern shore of the island. In the evening, female turtles can, at times, be seen resting in the shallow coastal waters after their journey to the island. Those with an interest in natural history can seek out these intriquing creatures and obsevrve them close-up.

Navagio (Smugglers Cove or Wreck), situated in the northwest, is one of the most famous beaches on the island. Here a coaster carrying contraband cigarettes was wrecked and washed on to the beach, adding to the legend. The sandy and pebbly beach here is only accessible by boat.

Discovered in 1897, the Blue Caves can be found on the northern tip of Zante, not far from Cape Skinari, and are famous for their stunning blue sea and rock formations.

The small uninhabited island of Marathonissi is situated opposite Keri Bay and is only accessible by boat. Its amazing greenery and stunning rock formations, as well as its caves and beautiful sandy beaches, will make you feel as though you are in paradise.

Alternatively, for a more rural experience, the mountain villages of Keri, Lithakia, Maherado and Koiliomeno are famous for their hospitality. Here you can sample local delicacies and wine.

Laganas offers a range of late night entertainment, and clubs on Zante generally do not charge for entry. The major festival celebrated during the summer (August 24) is St Dionysios' Day, honouring the patron saint of the island. Other festivals include: Labour Day in early May, Assumption in mid-August and Ochi Day in late October.