Alykanas holidays

Alykanas holidays

Deals from £318 per person

Alykanas is a relaxing beach resort on Zakynthos, the third-largest Greek island off the country’s west coast. Zakynthos (sometimes called by its Italian name, Zante) is Greece’s southernmost isle in the Ionian Sea, and one of the country's prettiest islands. The resort offers a good mix of modern apartments, hotels, and villas, some of which have wonderful views of the Ionian Sea.

Thanks to its tranquil setting on the northern coast of the island and 20km from Zante Town, it’s a perfect choice for a more secluded, off-the-beaten-track Greek island destination. Whether you want to spend most of your days soaking up the sun on the beach or taking part in adrenaline-pumping watersports, Alykanas holidays are perfect for getting away from it all.

The area is also an ideal destination for cycling and hiking, with beautiful vineyards and mountain views that will take your breath away. In the evening you'll find the nightlife here more sedate than many other Greek resorts, but you'll still be able to enjoy Greek or karaoke nights and try some fantastic cocktails right by the sea.

Things to do

During your Alykanas holiday, spend some time in Zante Town, where you'll find a much bigger variety of places to eat out and shop. The island capital is also home to the beautiful Agios Markos Church, which is more than 400 years old and has the same design as Venice's St Mark's Basilica. Or head to the Byzantine Museum to learn more about Zante's history, and see the island's most treasured artworks.

Great beaches all around

Great beaches come as standard in Zante, but you’ll discover that along with golden sands and glass coloured waters, the beaches in Alykanas have superb refreshments and a famous shipwreck you can go and look at. This shipwreck happened when a smuggler’s boat got into a spot of trouble and its journey came to an early end in 1983. All of this can be enjoyed in the constant golden sunlight that Alykanas enjoys.

Take a train trip through the countryside

Alykanas can be found in a stunning area of Zante. By taking the Trainaki train ride you’ll get the chance to see the rustic countryside that surrounds Alykanas. From the colourful olive groves with their many spectacular terraces to the charming Vertzagias caves, there’s plenty to see and do when you venture a little further field.

Check out the great artwork on show at the monastery

With the picturesque beach and countryside you’ll find that they are complemented by the artwork that is on show at the monastery of St John the Baptist. Whilst there, you’ll have the chance to discover the riveting pieces of art by renowned artists such as Poulakis and Bafas.

More Travel Guides

We also have travel guides available for destinations, including Alykes | Argassi | Athens | CorfuCrete | Halkidiki | Kalamaki | KalamataKefaloniaKos | Laganas | Lefkas | LesbosMykonos | Olympius Riviera | PargaRhodes | SantoriniSkiathos | Skopelos | Thassos | TsiliviZante 

 

Map of Alykanas

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12-30 ℃

Thanks to its long, hot summers and mild winters, Alykanas is a year-round destination. The island also has an incredibly sunny climate, and in July and August you're almost guaranteed to be able to see the sunset during your holiday, or the sunrise if you're up early enough, without a cloud in the sky to spoil the view! Hot winds from Africa can send temperatures into the mid-30°s.

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Approximately 3 hours and 35 minutes from the UK

Zakynthos (Zante) Airport (ZTH) is 13km from Alykanas

Alykanas is best for...

Families: take turns being captain and steer your own boat in the Ionian Sea.

Photographers: visit the Blue Caves and Smuggler’s Cove for stunning photo opportunities during your Alykanas holiday.

Couples: enjoy the peaceful village atmosphere on a horse-and-carriage ride, and long lazy days on the beach.

Fast facts for Alykanas

Language: the language spoken is Greek, and if you're eager to practice the local language, download an app or buy a Greek phrasebook. However, don’t worry, because English is spoken in most tourist spots. Do have a go at the basics, though, as the locals will always appreciate any effort you make to speak their language.

Currency: the currency used is the Euro (€).

Local time: Alykanas is 2 hours ahead of GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Zakynthos International Airport. The transfer time to Alykanas is 1 hour and 15 minutes. 

Flight time from UK: The flight time to Alykanas is 3.5 hours.

Tourist information: further Alykanas, Greece tourist information can be found here.

Visa and Health: before your holiday to Alykanas, click here for recommendations and advice on visas and health.

Holiday destinations related to Alykanas:

  • Kalamaki
  • Laganas
  • Tsilivi
  • Alykes
  • Argassi
  • Getting around Alykanas

    By foot: the resort is small, with restaurants and bars in easy walking distance.

    By bike: bicycles are available for hire during your Alykanas holiday.

    By horse and carriage: take a romantic route and travel by horse and carriage between hotels and restaurants.

    By car: while hiring a car can be a convenient way to get out and about, bear in mind that Zante is a small island with a good public transport network, so a car isn’t essential.

    Events in Alykanas

    Folk charm: the village bars and taverns offer live music events with Greek dancing.

    Island festivals: Zante hosts DJs and international bands in the summer months at several beachside music festivals.

    Saintly celebrations: a three-day festival takes place in late August to honour the island’s patron saint. Activities include a parade through Zante Town, a fireworks show, and extensive street market.

    Alykanas weather

    Temperature: 12-30°C

    With temperatures often climbing to the low 30s between June and August, summer is the best time to come if you’re planning to spend hours of your holiday on the beach. Explorers may want to visit in the spring or autumn, when the weather is cooler and more suitable for long walks.

    The sea is still warm enough for a dip from around May to October, if not early November. Soak up the local culture during the winter, when the crowds have thinned out a bit, but the weather is still pleasant enough to get out and wander.

    Best hotels in Alykanas