July

Definitely the best time to visit. I've been two years running and both times been caught in the middle of a heat wave! It was 131°F on at least one of the days! Luckily the pool was nice and cool. Mainly full of 18-30's people as the children are still at school and it's too hot for old 'uns! If you ask me, you couldn't go at a better time!

IT WAS MONSTER HOT,TRY JUNE OR SEPTEMBER,YOU
WILL BE ABLE TO SLEEP THEN

I got back from Laganas yesterday and i had the time of my life. its definately very lively - there are so many clubs and the main strip was just a 10 minute stroll away from where i was staying. the clubs generally close at about 4 excpet at the weekends they are open all night. the weather was really hot but we spent all our time by the pool as the beach was quite dirty. the sea was hot tho which was nice!

Hi Aaron,
Thank you for your comments. Once you are in Tsilivi town you cannot miss the bars and restaurants - too many to mention. They line both sides of the street. One place you may wish to check out is the 'Paradise Bar'. It's near the outskirts of the town, 5-10 min strole. Just ask for directions. It gets very lively, which I guess is what you are looking for. It's mainly a cocktail bar with all the staff doing their party pieces, but still no problem if a beer is your tipple. There is a night club in the centre of town, sorry, not my scene so cannot give you it's name but I'm sure it will not take you long to find it. Hope this is of some help.

Have a good trip.

This message is in response to Stephen's book. The bits about the plug sockets and which way to turn at the end of the road is all very good and interesting information. It is greatly appeciated.

However....

Why did you not even give the SLIGHTEST hint as to where you can find BARS and CLUBS?

Zante Top Tips & Tsilivi


Hello Everyone,
My wife and I have been to Tsilivi five times now, staying each time at 'Zante Palace' apartments. Here is some information that we hope you will find useful based on our personal experience. 'Have A Great Time'

I am assuming you have not been to Zante before.

1. When arriving at Zante airport you will be transferred by coach from the aircraft to the airport where you will pass through passport control onto luggage collection. This always makes me smile because it would be quicker to walk from the aircraft to the terminal, it's so close.
Once inside you will notice straight away how small and very busy it is. I would suggest making your way to the far end of the carousel making sure you stand the building exit door side. It's the last point for collecting luggage before it goes round again but at least you won't have to fight through the crowds to get out.

2. Once outside you will find plenty of taxis waiting on the far side, behind where all the coaches park. If by chance none are waiting, don't worry one will come along in a few minutes, they come and go all day. Just go up and ask for the price to take you your accommodation. It was about £7 - £8 pounds (converted) when we went in October 2001 to Zante Palace, and as you are staying near enough in the same area it should be about the same. This price is for the car, not per person. The Journey takes approx twenty - thirty minutes depending on the driver!. The drivers are all friendly and happy to help.
The thing I like about using taxis are that you beat the coaches to you accommodation so you get checked in nice and quick.

3. The water, not suitable for drinking unless you have very strong stomach. It's.o.k for boiling to make drinks and cleaning teeth but that's about it, and of course showering. Use bottled water which is cheap to buy from the local shop. It will work out even cheaper if you purchase in bulk. Go to the end of the long straight road (town end), turn left and about thirty yards on the left you will find a supermarket selling just about everything. Depending how close you are to Zante Palace apartments there is a small supermarket just below them at the other end of the long road which is very reasonable.
If your accommodation has a fridge, put your bottle of water in the ice box. Although it will turn into the largest ice cube ever, it will gradually thaw out when your out and about giving you a cold refreshing drink for a good part of the day.

4. Power Supply, 220 Volts AC, two round pin socket.

5. I don't know if your accommodation has air conditioning or not. If it hasn't you will normally find that you can hire a fan from reception for the duration of your holiday. It is definitely worth it and I would recommend it. Try and hire it when you check in as they are sometimes in short supply in high season. If they have safety deposit boxes for hire get one of those as well, again it is worth it, if only for piece of mind.

6. Car Hire, cheaper if you book it yourself rather than go through the rep. Again just go to the end of the road (town end) turn left and you will find several companies to choose from. if like us you prefer a scooter I can recommend 'Theo's' who keep all their scooters up to date with the latest models and will supply crash helmets if required. They can be found up in the town. Again go to the end of the road (town end) turn left, then right at the fork, carry on walking for about ten minutes where you will see 'Theo's' scooters on your right. They also do car hire. Don't forget to take your driving licence as this will be required when hiring either car or scooter and is usually kept by the company until the vehicle is returned. They will let you take your licence back if you prefer, just ask at time of booking.

Warning. Unless you are an experienced rider I would not recommend the scooter hire. The roads can be treacherous in places with large pot holes. The surface can also be like a skating ring in places due to the extremely dry conditions and type of surface. This is very noticeable in Zante Town.

7. One stop on from 'Theo's' scooter/car hire on the same side is the 'Utopia' bar run by, yes you guessed it, Yannis. Everyone seems to be called Yannis. He's a great guy and a true gent who will always be pleased to see you and help you out. He has a new yacht which he takes people out on trips round the island to places that you would not normally go on an organised trip. Mention our names and he will probably charge you double, haha. He has a hard life, he runs his bar with his mother and staff in the summer along with his boat trips and then in the winter he spends all his time ski-ing and snow boarding in his girl friends country, Austria or somewhere like that. It's a tough life, but someone has to do it!

8. For a great view of Zante harbour visit the Balcony Bar/Restaurant. You will need transport for this as it is a bit off the beaten track.
Directions. Follow the road as if heading towards Zante Palace. Keep following the road up and round the twists and turns for approx 2 - 3 miles. Keep your eyes open for the sign directing you to the Balcony Bar/Restaurant. You will turn right off the main road on to what some times seems a track. keep following the signs. Once there you will not be disappointed. A bit pricier than elsewhere, but the view is worth it.

9. There are many places to eat, all offering good quality and value for money. You will no doubt find a particular favourite. Most people don't eat before nine when the temperature has dropped to a more palatable level.

10. If like us you like to take the odd drink home!, I would recommend purchasing your tipple on the island as it is cheaper than the airport and on the aircraft. On the other side of the road before 'Theo's' scooter/car hire is a supermarket called 'Margarita's who we found could not be beaten on price, also do money exchange.

11. The bank. Situated in the town. At the end of the road (town end) turn left and left at the fork. Keep walking for a few minutes and you will see the bank on your left.
Although the exchange rate should be the same now they have gone fully over to the Euro you may still find you need to shop around for the best rate.

12. Medical. There is a very good pharmacy on the outskirts of the town with very knowledgeable staff that will actually sell you antibiotics over the counter if they think appropriate or will organise a doctor to see you. Again go to the end of the road (town end) turn left and left at the fork, keep going until you are almost through the town where you will see the pharmacy on your left. You can recognise it by the sign, a green cross on a white background.

13. The beach. You can't miss it, about a five -ten minute walk from your accommodation. Long stretch of soft sand which gets extremely hot and will burn your feet if not careful. Several places to get food and drink. Water sports span the beach including Para gliding and jet ski's. Don't bother going to the bar situated on the beach behind the jet ski place near Zante Palace, recognisable by a straw roof. Not up to much. There are two guys that just walk up and down the beach all day, one sells fresh fruit salad (Dennis the menace) and the other sells doughnuts. All fresh and very tasty. Not much in the way of toilet facilities unless your down the far end where some of the hotels back onto the beach. This is where the scooter can come in useful, if you know what I mean!.

14.Volimez market is a good place to visit for bargains in leather (especially belts) china, linen and rugs. A bit of a trek but worth it with plenty of places to stop on the way for refreshments and views. Allow a full day for this trip.

15. Zante Town. A bustling harbour town where there are plenty of shops including designer if you are prepared to scout round the narrow streets to find them. Remember, most but not all shops close in the afternoon until early evening so if you fancy a shopping trip best to do it in the morning. You can also see the fishermen bringing in the catch. They will sell you fish direct of the boat if you wish. This is also where you can get a good deal on boat trips of various sorts. Plenty of bars and restaurants where you can relax and just watch the world go by.

16. All public phone boxes use a phone card which can are cheap to purchase from most shops.

17. Postal Service, Don't bother sending post cards home, as you will have returned home from your holiday days if not weeks before they arrive.


18. Top Tip!, It's that time we either hate or can't wait, and that's going home. As I said at the beginning, Zante airport is very small in comparison with most airports.
And the departure lounge is no exception. Although it has a small duty free shop, refreshments and loo's it gets very crowded. There are allot of seats but are usually all taken. There is also usually a cloud hanging over the whole area from the smokers who are all either totally ignorant or cannot read the signs in the non smoking area's!.
To avoid this health hazard follow my tip.
When you have checked in your luggage instead of queuing up at passport control to go through into 'Lung Cancer City' just go back out side into the fresh air and sunshine. There are plenty of places about where you can sit, either in the sun or under a tree. The area where you checked in your luggage has all you should need, refreshment bar, toilets and a monitor. Just pop back into the terminal now and again to check your flight details on the monitor. When you know your flight is about to land or has just landed then queue up at passport control to go through. If by chance when you are queuing they call to say your flight is now boarding and your way back in the queue, just make your way to the front and explain to the other passengers that your flight is boarding and that you need to get through. They won't mind, trust me, I know from experience. If you time it right though you can almost go straight through passport control and onto the coach to the aircraft, bypassing Benson & Hedges test factory.
One last tip, when you first arrive at the airport you will no doubt have to queue up outside. Only part of the outside area is covered giving you some protection from the sun, so it is advisable to make sure you have a hat and a bottle of water available in your hand luggage as you could be queuing for anything up to an hour.

I hope this is of some use. It's surprising how a few helpful lines can turn into a book, perhaps I should get it published, haha.

By the way, there is life in the form of bars and shops if you turn RIGHT at the end of the road!

If you think of anything else that I might be able to help with let me know.

If you like the Greek Islands you may be interested in taking a look at my web sites, one of which will be updated at the end of June when we return from Kefalonia.

mysite@freeserve.com/digitalgallery

No need for www.

HAVE A GOOD TRIP.

Regards

Stephen

I will always love Zante, no matter what!! Is the best island in the whole world... Like it Alot *Big KIss*

Was in Zante for the last two weeks of July 02 and was shocked at the heat (not surprising seeing as London ain't exactly tropical!). In the 40's every day and one day in particular was v hot. The shop keeper across the road from the Olympia told me it reached 50 but I don't think it did. I don't recall there being any earthquakes while I was out there (but that could be because I spent 90% of my time drunk! Going back there for the last two weeks in July this year and can't wait for the heat, and having all that snow last week just makes me want it more!

are there many irish in argassi,

any word is it true of this big quake next year.

to nosy

We stayed at Alykes the first two weeks of July 2002 and found the weather very very hot between 31c and 42c, but really enjoyed everything about the resort and would visit again without doubt.

10 days of scorching hot sun. Other 4 days, thunderstorms and earthquakes.

Was in Laganas from 9th -16th July and it was brilliant! weather was sunny all week a bit too hot at times but not overly uncomfortable - around 32C in the day and 23C at nite. Wasn't too busy for this time of year, just enough people to have a great atmosphere when out in the bars and clubs.

We were there from 18th July-1st August. Really hot hot hot. Wish we could have brought the weather home! They can keep their earthquake though!

Really, really hot and thats what we want coming from UK ain't it! Did not go much on the earthquake though!

Recently got back from two weeks with 7 mates (from Reading)in the sun. Had a great time. Lots of sun, (temps in the 40's!) sea and sand. Can't wait to go back again! Fab island!

I've been there on july and it was fantastic but I would go there in every time and it would always be wonderful!!!!nadine

well me and my mate boo boo have just got back from zante! we have had the best time ever!what a place.we recommend you go to the blue waves resturant for all your food,you will not find better,and you have all got to go to zero's bar you will be well impressed.hope you all have as good as time as we did.

Ive just arrived home from laganas....and wot time i had it was amazing. If anyone wants any details email me on ryanwilliamson69@hotmail.com

Me and few mates going out in july on the 2nd for two week of sun sea and ***! staying at Natalie apatments! E-mail me if you are out at the same time smiler_89@hotmail.com Tow Wint

Me and three of my girly mates are heading to Laganas on the 14th of July for two weeks. Look out for us, we will be wearing the England tops with our 'personalities' printed on the back-if you know what I mean!! See you then! Jo

does anyone know where the pink panther hotel is. i think its on the main strip above a resteraunt. cheers 2 anyone that can help

hey,there are two of us coming out to zante on the 5th of july to rock the place!me(dave)and my equaly good looking mate boo boo!we are coming to zante in search of lesbians!!!!! so if you happen to be lesbian im sure we will find u!!

i have heard a rumour that mr gudinbed is going to zante on the 7th july and that her thinks he is gunna get loads of lasses so if you see him out there stay away from him ull know who he is cos he looks like a t**t! ne way cant wait 2 get out there myself c u there

hiya gillian, the blackburn lads are staying in the ellinis apartments which i've heard are s**t but never mind. by the way if anyone knows anything about these could you tell us? i dont think you'll have many problems spotting os once we're on the island. c-ya in zante - only 5 weeks to go!!!!!

im visiting laganas in July ( the 11th) with 6 other girls. Im staying at the pink panther hotel( wherever that is) and the rest of them are staying at the poseidon beach hotel. Anyone want to meet up while we are out there email me on mred2@hotmail.com

by the way, blackburn lads, we're from chorley - what apartments are you staying in???

hiya! 6 of us (2 lads, 4 lasses) are coming to laganas on 7th july staying at Savvas apartments - cant wait! (look out greek men -you're louise's favourites!!!) if anyone wants to meet up then post a message on here with your email address and i'll mail you see ya there............x

DAMM THAT MSG SOUNDED CAMP !!!!

Hey me and 6 other leeds lads are flying out to laganas on the 7th of july, we are staying in the sunrise apartments just wondering if anyone else going bout this time is staying in the same apartments???? Hope you all have a good time this year!!!

hey guys me and my m8t r also comming 2 laganas from the 14th July-28th 2002 maybe we cud tag along n come for a drink wit ya!hehe We r 2 mad gals up for a crazy time yippppppeeeee.. cya there Gill xxx

Hi there, we are a group of 19 lads from Blackburn, lancashire and we are jetting out to zante for 2 weeks on the 11th july. We cant wait to get there and check out the totty. watch out zante we're gonna rock ya!! up the rovers

FAT MICK AND THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN ARE ON OUR WAY TO THE SUNNY RESORT OF LAGANAS. RINSED FALIRAKI LAST YEAR...LETS HOPE ZANTE CAN HANDLE US! SE YA JULY 11TH

went july 2001 phew wot a scorcher,loved it comming back in september(watch out argassi)c ya soon xxxx

hello, us 5 girls from newcastle r coming 2 zante on the 4th of july for 2 sun and alcohol filled weeks! we're staying at the oasis apts which judging by previous comments sounds a bit s**t but never mind. can't wait only 9 weeks 2day!! c u all soon x

Me and a friend are returning to Zante in July too!! Cant wait...

Hello everyone, my friends and i are hitting Laganas on 7th July for two weeks. Hope you are all up for a bit of fun, because we certainly are! Anyone else staying in Plaza Apartments, if you be ready for us! see you very soon. x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

watch out lads, three fiesty young singles are hitting Zante on the 4th july this year. First time in Zante and we're counting the days.

Me and my mate are off to laganas 4 2week on the 7th of july. Staying at the canadian apartments. So i see all you party lovers soon.

hellllloooooo......... i went there last year it was wicked..man..yeah baby... (sorry just scarcasm..but it was great). look out for me..im a wild one...and all the men are gonna get it...im being serious..but only approach me if you think your hard enough!!!# x

Hey Luke & ur 17 mates! Never been to Zante before but really looking forward to it!We're leaving on the 4th of July from Manchester airport.Where abouts are u all leaving from & where do u come from?We're staying in the Oasis apartments-not sure if there near u but more than likely we'll see u there!x

Me and 17 other mates will be hitting Laganas on 4th July and will be there for 2 weeks, Anyone else going arpound that time? We are staying at the Canadian apartments, Does any one know anything about them? From what I've heard Laganas will be great and the clubs and bars should be in for a surprise when we all rock up!

My boyfriend and I are going to Kalamaki, Zante in July and wanted to know if you can expect to see turtles at that time of year? Also, wheres the best place to see them? Thank you for any help you can give us!

wahey... theres 10 of us joining u in zante on the 2nd of july... so prepare urselves 4 the essex massiff :))) can't wait from wot ive read i think we'e gonna b havin a gr8 time :) we're gonn b in the natalie aprt/studios, laganas, and we're a mixed group of up 4 it students! if ne1 is going @ thesame sorta timewe'll sort u out wit pix n info so we can maybe meet up and hav sum fun :)))) c u there x x x x x hollie2hot@hotmail.com

Hey!Us five gals have never been to Zante before. Go on July 4th for two weeks. Anyone whos been before please let us know the good places to be. Wot are the Oasis apartments like?????? See you then, looking forward to it!?!

Hello, everyone, my and four mates are going to laganas on the 2nd July i just wanted to say, watch out.....cause the girls are back in town!! xx

Me and my friends are off to Laganas on the 4th July never been before hoping for a good time and a good tan! cant wait!!!!

Watch out for the Earth Tremors, Snakes and Rats as big as small dogs!!!!!!!!!!

It was great.......best time ever.

aight me an the lads are goin on 4th july babey!! so u ladies watch out!an big up da timmy lady!! :)

Have just returned from 2 weeks in Tsilivi. The island is beautiful, very green and hilly. However, was disappointed with the number of tourists (predominantly English) in Tsilivi. We hired a car for a week and got out and about on the island and got to see some of the lovely views the island has to offer - suggest visits to taverna at Keri lighthouse (watch out for viewing platform, some of the wooden boards are loose!) Keri beach. Would also recommend a boat trip round the island whilst this is a long day (we left Tsilivi at 8.30am and arrived back at 7.15pm)it really is the best way to see the island in its true glory. Suggest you try to do this early on in your holiday so that you can see which beaches etc you'd like to visit again.

It islovely in July but very hot! But we went and got used to it as at night we just left the balcony doors open. if you are high up and have balcony doors open it isn't a problem as you will get a cool breeze coming through but you will have to be careful on the beach as the sand is scorching hot!!!

Very English although early July it wasn't full. Perfectly placed for Zante town £2 return by mini train 20 mins and 15 mins £8 to Laganas (Blackpool/Ibiza etc.) by taxi at night which is just a mad resort.

Ive been to Zante four times, 5 this year august. when i went for the first time no-one i know had even heard of it, but now everyone my age is going for a party time. Please dont let Zante turn into a mini Ayia Napa or Ibiza, leave it beautiful. Its good that it is lively but i can see it slowly turning for the worse. wb if you think the same.

Tsilivi is a relatively quiet resort - it depends on your idea of quiet - I'm just back and had a very peaceful time. Just be careful and use good quality sun cream and you'll have a great time on this island - If you've never ridden a bike or scooter this is not the place to learn - but if you feel confident on two wheels - Bluebird rentals offer peace of mind - and always provide quality bikes, although hoping to move up to Jeep for next visit. If it's your first trip to the island - take the tour - either coach or boat - or both - just to give you an idea of what the island has to offer. If you allow yourself to get into the habit of siesta-ing in the late afternoon then you'll soon feel like the locals and start to relax - Amore Bar at the back of the town is very warm and friendly, and we're already looking to book for next year.

you wont find a place much hotter than this except for death valley maybe

where is the best place to meet other teenagers who are just under that horrid age boundry for drinking? i'd really love a reply

Be prepared for some serious heat! It was about 45 degrees every day. Its nice because the sea and pools are so warm, but you really have to use a lot of sun cream, especially on boat trips. We found it best to do things like shopping at night (the shops stay open late) and make sure you can cool down in the day. The heat isnt unbearable at all, and makes it really nice for swimming. We went in the sea at 1am and it was still warm! (watch out for dodgy greek blokes when doing this!)

Tsilivi is like Blackpool in July but too hot! I wouldn;t describe it as peaceful! Okay if you want lots of nightclubbing, but every beach even the most out of the the way (eg: accesible only by boat) is full of people! If you are stuck here. Hire a car. Get a map with 2001 on it as the roads have dramtically changed over the last three years!Theo rentals has some good routes. eg: 1. go to Keri (signed Limni Keri) and hire a self drive motor boat to the island for swimming and snorkelling. 2. go to Agios Nicholas and hire a small boat to the Blue caves and eat and shop locally. 3. men and boys might enjoy GoKart at Kalamaki, opens at 12pm. 4. go to Gerakas beach for quietish swim - very pleasnt taverna there for lunch. 5. Look out for 'cocktail bars with swimming pools' open to all along your routes - a pleasant uncrowded way of cooling off.

I think it's a fab place to go, much friendlier than ibiza san an - Infact we enjoyed it so much that we are going again this year for 2 weeks again. Tricia and Gyles

Linda- With an 'allocated on arrival' holiday, you get what is left in the resort. This could be good or bad depending on what rooms have not been filled elswhere. Basically, it's pot luck as to what you end up with. If you have any specific requirements then you should book from a brochure.

I have booked an allocated on arrival with airtours to Zante and I am therefore interested in good information on other peoples experiences of allocated on arrival holidays with this tour operator on this island in Greece. I have 2 children 9 and 16 and would very much like the benefit of others who can help with advice, information etc. CHEERS. LINDA.

me and my mate are hittin laganas in the 2nd week in july at some force, so look out ladies as we love to grind, first time in zante, thought we'd try it after last years lash up in magaluf, so you've been warned ladies we're on the attack!!!

it was so hot - 40 ish (july 2000), wasn't sure i'd make it through the two weeks!