A week in Zante
We arrived the second week of July, in the midst of a heatwave, with temperatures soaring at 35 degrees, thankfully the hotel we stayed at had a beachfront position, so there was always a gentle sea breeze to keep comfortable.
Having 2 young children aged 3 and 18 months, we settled on a TUI family holiday, staying at the Alykanas Beach Village, in the small resort of Alykanas situated in Alykon Bay on the North coast of the Island.
We had a large room, with a partition wall, so the room contained one double bed and 2 single beds – ample space for our party of 2 adults, 2 children. Our room came with a large balcony overlooking the main pool. This hotel is really geared up for families, there are 3 large pools with ample sunbeds, one situated a stones throw from the beach, a splash park with a toddler section and slides for older children, a playground and kids clubs.
We stayed on an all-inclusive basis. There was the main restaurant which served breakfast, lunch and dinner and a snack bar where you could get lunch and ice cream throughout the day – a massive hit with the kids. You could get soft drinks, water, local beer and wine and limited cocktails throughout the day as part of the package.
The resort centre of Alykanas was a short walk from the hotel, here you could find your usual tourist souvenir shops, as well as lots of Tavernas and bars. We decided to treat ourselves a couple of evenings and went out to the Tavernas to eat, I was amazed to find the whole family could eat for under 40 euros, including beer and wine, and the food was delicious, the husband opted for fresh fish dishes, while I enjoyed local dishes such as chicken souvlaki. The restaurants here were great as well as they all contained a play area for the kids, so they were kept entertained.
On average an adult meal cost around 8-10 euros and a kids meal around 5 euros. Wine and beer were around 3 euros for a large glass, and you could even get a cocktail for around 4 euros.
We booked (locally) a boat trip to visit the iconic Shipwreck cove and Blue Caves. This half day tour was 25 euros per adult and the kids travelled free of charge. The boat ride was slightly bumpy to say the least and unfortunately the weather was not good enough at Shipwreck Cove to disembark the boat, but we did get close enough for photographs. Onto the Blue Caves and the water was much calmer, here the waters are perfectly clear and blue, after a quick tour of some of the caves, we were able to get off the boat for a swim, although my kids weren’t keen to do this, so I stayed on board whilst the husband had a swim. The tour also included a stop at Xigia Beach where the waters contain sulphur, letting off quite a distinctive aroma! The water is allegedly very good for the skin, and there was an opportunity to get off for a swim again. The boat trip was a great way to see the rugged Zante coastline, and I was amazed at how green the island was. Well worth the money and rough crossing!
Travelling on an all-inclusive basis, it is so easy to stay in your hotel and never see what the local area has to offer which would have been such a waste here as it really is a lovely island to visit and I am sure we will return, but maybe on a self catering basis to experience more of the tavernas and delicious food.
