A week in Zakynthos

A Week in Tsilivi, Zante: Beach Days, Boat Trips and an Anniversary to Remember

After spending 7 nights in Tsilivi on the island of Zante, I came home genuinely excited to recommend it to the right clients. I stayed at the stylish Contessina Hotel, but it was the wider resort and the experiences around it that really made the trip: relaxed beach days, a romantic anniversary dinner, and a boat trip taking in turtles, Marathonisi and the Keri Caves.

This blog is a mix of personal experience and professional insight: how Tsilivi feels on the ground, what you can actually do there, and who I believe it suits best.

First Impressions: An Easy Resort to Feel at Home In

Tsilivi is one of those resorts that instantly feels welcoming. It has grown over the years, yet still keeps a friendly, village-like character. You quickly get your bearings: the beach, the main street, the bars and restaurants, and the lanes that link everything together.

For clients who like to wander out in the evening, try a different restaurant most nights and still be able to walk back easily, Tsilivi works brilliantly. It feels relaxed, safe and approachable, which makes it an excellent choice for both couples and families.

Beach Time in Tsilivi: Soft Sand, Shallow Waters and a Holiday Feel

Tsilivi’s beach is one of its main draws. You have a long, curving stretch of sand and shingle with shallow, generally calm water that is perfect for paddling, swimming or simply floating and forgetting about real life for a while.

Families will appreciate how gentle the sea is, and couples will love the relaxed, classic Mediterranean feel: sunbeds, beach bars and that soft sound of waves in the background. There are water sports available for clients who like to be a bit more active, but the overall vibe stays pleasant rather than overly hectic.

If a good beach is high on the wish list, Tsilivi delivers very nicely.

A Romantic Highlight: Our Anniversary at Halfway House

One of the stand-out moments of the trip for me was an anniversary dinner at Halfway House restaurant in Tsilivi. It turned out to be exactly the kind of place I love to recommend for a special evening.

The setting and atmosphere were ideal for a romantic meal: warm, welcoming and just that bit more refined, without ever feeling stuffy. The service was attentive and personal, and it felt like the kind of place where they genuinely care that you enjoy your evening.

For couples celebrating an anniversary, honeymoon, or simply wanting one “date night” during their stay, I would happily recommend Halfway House as a great option in Tsilivi. It is the sort of restaurant that turns a holiday night into a real memory.

Exploring by Sea: Turtles, Marathonisi & Keri Caves

A real highlight of my week in Zante was a boat trip that took in some of the island’s most beautiful coastal spots. From Tsilivi, it is easy to arrange excursions, and this particular trip combined scenery, wildlife and classic Greek island views.

On the boat trip we:

• Spotted turtles in the water, a lovely and memorable experience when done respectfully and from an appropriate distance.
• Visited Marathonisi (often known as Turtle Island), with its photogenic shape and clear waters.
• Saw the dramatic Keri Caves from the sea, with their striking rock formations and vivid shades of blue in the water.

For clients who like to blend relaxation at the hotel with at least one “wow” experience, a boat trip like this is ideal. It offers a completely different perspective on Zante: rugged coastline, sparkling sea and the chance to see marine life in its natural environment.

When I plan holidays here, I can help build trips like this into the itinerary so that clients know which excursions are worth their time and what will suit their interests and comfort levels.

Evenings in Tsilivi: Choice Without Chaos

Evenings in Tsilivi strike a really nice balance. The resort comes to life with people heading out for dinner and drinks, but it does not feel like a full-on party destination.

Over a 7-night stay, you can easily mix things up:

• A relaxed taverna night with traditional Greek dishes and local wine.
• A more polished restaurant for a “special occasion” meal like we enjoyed at Halfway House.
• A couple of livelier bars if you are in the mood for music and a bit more buzz.

For many of my clients, this mix is ideal. You are not confined to your hotel’s restaurant every evening, and you can shape each night according to how you feel.

Where I Stayed: Contessina Hotel as a Chic Base

Although this blog focuses on Tsilivi, my base for the week played a big part in the overall experience. I stayed at Contessina Hotel in a Superior Double Room, which offered a stylish, comfortable space to come back to after days out in the resort or on the water.

Breakfast was a particular highlight, with an excellent buffet and wonderfully attentive staff. Anastasia and Monika stood out for their warm, personal service each morning, and that hospitality really set the tone for each day.

For clients who want a contemporary, boutique-style hotel within walking distance of Tsilivi’s bars, restaurants and beach, Contessina is a very strong option that I would be happy to discuss in more detail.

Practicalities: Getting There & Getting Around

I flew from Manchester into Zante and chose a private transfer to Tsilivi rather than a shared coach. This made a big difference to the start of the holiday: no waiting around, no multiple hotel stops, just a smooth, direct journey to the resort.

Within Tsilivi, most things are walkable, which is ideal if you like the freedom to decide your plans as you go. There are taxis and local buses if you want to head further afield or into Zante Town, as well as pick-up points for organised excursions such as the turtle and cave boat trips.

Who Tsilivi Is Perfect For

After staying in Tsilivi and experiencing both the resort and nearby experiences first-hand, I would especially recommend it for:

• Couples who want a relaxed beach resort with some romance, good restaurants and the option of special evenings like an anniversary dinner at places such as Halfway House.
• Families looking for a friendly, walkable resort with a good beach and easy access to boat trips and gentle adventures.
• Travellers who like the idea of one or two memorable excursions, such as the turtle spotting, Marathonisi and Keri Caves boat trip, without needing a packed “touring” holiday.

Because I have actually been and done these things myself, I can match Tsilivi to the right client and set realistic, honest expectations about what it offers.

Ready To Plan Your Own Tsilivi & Zante Escape?

If Tsilivi and the surrounding area sound like your kind of Greek escape, I would love to share more about my time there and help you decide if it is the right fit for your next holiday.

I can tailor everything around you: flights from your preferred UK airport, private transfers, a hotel that suits your style and budget, romantic restaurant recommendations like Halfway House, and boat trips to see turtles, Marathonisi and the Keri Caves.

Get in touch with me today to start planning your own Zante escape and let me turn my first-hand experience in Tsilivi into a holiday that feels made just for you.