We missed this restaurant last year despite the very large illuminated signs. It is located on the junction of the road to the airport and the Laganas Road. Don't look for it at ground level 'cos it's on the first floor above Yiannis car rentals. Very cosy and romantic sitting on the balcony watching the world go by. When I go to Greece, I like to eat in Greek restaurants. I would never dream of eating Indian or Chinese 'cos I can (and do) enjoy their food anytime at home. But I was persuaded by a lovely young lady at our hotel to give Buon Amici a try. I can't praise it highly enough. Stuart the Chef is a formally trained Chef, not a cook, and has worked in high class hotels and restaurants Europe wide. His food is a work of art. His Scampi Rissoto is to die for! In the end we eat at Buon Amici 6 times. Nik and Nikos were the perfect hosts. Try Buon Amici, but be prepared to become addicted to it!

We've done the Zakfari tour on a previous visit and it was excellent. This year we went on a different one and dare I say it was even better. It was the Zakynthos Jeep Discovery which we booked through our AirTours Rep. It was a bit pricey at 56 Euros, but our driver Louis said you can book with them direct and save a packet! Although the drivers Louis and Alan are Brits, they've lived on the island for quite a while and their local knowledge is 1st class. A tip to save a bit of cash is to do either of the Jeep Safaris and save a bit by missing out on an Island coach tour. The Jeep is a zillion times better and probably more true to life stories too. PS How can you give a comfort score for a trip like this?

We have been to the Hotel Maralen twice. This year was the last week of May and first of December. The year before in September we had trouble with wasps, but I gather from other postings that this didn't happen this year, but there were flies, and I gather that, as with the wasps, it was primarily in the breakfast area. In June this year we had no problem with any insects (except the usual mozzies, and they weren't too bad). Aircraft noise in the Maralen area, although very close to the airport, is barely worth a negative comment. In fact, because it is an island with relatively small holiday industry compared with the more popular resorts, I'd go as far as to say that the very low aircraft have a novelty value! Because of the turtle situation, aircraft are not allowed at night. I would have no hesitation in recommending the resort or hotel, especially in June when its hot, but not too hot.

I haven't got an e.mail address, but information on their in house brochure is:
Kalamaki Post Box 6, Zakynthos 29100.
Tel: (0695) 26 137-40
Fax: (0695) 26 142

I don't understand the dash in the phone number, and you'd need to use an international dial code. Good luck.

Just done a search on Google.com for Marelen Hotel:
marelenz@otnet.gr

We've stayed at the Marelen on 2 previous occasions. 1st time self catering when there was a fridge included at no extra charge, and the second time we went B&B and there wasn't a fridge, but we didn't need one. We're going again this September. It would appear that in Greece, air con, fan rental, safety deposit etc. etc. are all add on costs. If you need a fan, before you rent, check out the cost to purchase from a local shop, it may be cheaper.

Christopher
We're going to Hotel Marelen on the 17th September. It's the 3rd year for us. The aircraft are so close you'll be able to inspect the undercarriage for faults! But don't worry about the noise as they will almost certainly be landing with throttles off. If the wind turns, you get the occasional take off past the Marelen but this is rare. Anyhow, as the airport only usually takes about 3 aircraft at a time and there's no night flights 'cos it disturbs the turtles, aircraft are more of a novelty than a nuisance.

If you have a seat on the right side of the aircraft, you'll see the Marelen. It's the last hotel on the far side of the road before you land. Don't worry about the noise, just enjoy the holiday.

PS Give the Buon Amici retaurant a try, it's superb.
PPS Did anyone else receive a Christmas Card from the Marelen?

Danny, Buon Amici is at the Laganas end of Kalamaki, on the corner of the road that goes to the airport. It's on the first floor above a car rental place (well it was for the last 2 years) and a snack bar. Bon appetit.

The Hera is located on the road leaving Kalamaki on the left, on the way to Laganas, a few hundred metres past the turning to the airport. At this junction, above the car hire is the Buon Amici. Almost opposite the Hera is the Pandesia. We've had good meals at all these restaurants.

Lisa, Mikaelos is a bit out the way from your hotel. The experience of walking along those lanes, in the dark at night is a bit daunting. Take a Taxi if only for your own safety. If you drink a little too much vino, you'll definately need a taxi! We're off to Kalamaki again in mid September, and we must make the effort ourselves to try Mikaelos, especially after all the positive reports we've read.

I have often sung the praises of this restaurant, and they rightly deserve every accolade they recieve. We visited Buon Amici three times during our stay there last week and thoroughly enjoyed our meals.

It is easy to sing the praises of any business when things are just as you would like them to be. But anyone can make an error or have an "off" day. So what if some aspect is lacking? There were a couple of issues over which my wife and I weren't totally comfortable. I brought these to the attention of Liza and Niko and must applaude the professional and courteous way they dealt with the problem. They deserve all of the praise and success they have earnt. Well done Liza and Nik. May your business continue to grow and prosper.

Zakanoh is unlike any other restaurant we have tried in Kalamaki during the last 3 years. Quite simply, it is a Greek restaurant that has a different appeal to any other we have tried. A restauranteur in another local eatery was quite forthcoming when he told me that the locals would go there for a special occasion. It's really that good. The food is stunning. The menu is fundamentally different to other Greek Tavernas we have visited. Everything we had was made from fresh (not tinned or frozen) ingredients, freshly cooked and exquisetley presented and served. The chocolate mousse for dessert was unbelievable, so light but not rich or sickly. Certainly the best I have ever tasted. I feel I must comment on a young waiter who looked about 15 years of age. He was perfect. It is so rare to see the quality of service and attention in one so young. Here in the UK, he would not be out of place in the sort of restaurant where you are paying £60 plus per head. Our 2 course meal and bottle of superb wine worked out at less than 30 Euros per head. A little more expensive than generally available in Kalamaki, but unbelievably good value for money. Well done Zakanoh.

Hi Roy

I think you'll have a great time at the Maralen. You will need a universal adaptor for your electrical appliances. Take notice of the instructions given re. Greek toilets if you want to avoid an inconvenient blockage. The routine is different to what we're used to, that's all.

Happy holidays

Ken

The phone number for Zakanoh is: 06950 43586 plus the usual international code.

We're looking forward to returning to Zante/Kalamaki/Maralen/Zakanoh this September. My mouth is watering at the thought of sunny days, pleasant evenings and superb food all shared with the woman I love. Life doesn't get much better than this.

Ken

Vanessa

Although the presence of aircraft noise may initially appear a little daunting, I wouldn't worry too much if I were you. Except for rare occasions, due to the prevailing wind direction, the aircraft will be coming in to land, which is considerably less noisy than take off. Zante is a relatively small holiday destination so the number of flights in/out are quite small. As the approach is over the beaches of Laganas Bay, they are not allowed to fly during the night because of the (protected) turtles.

I'm not a great fan myself of excessive noise, but to be honest, during my 3 previous stays at Marelen, I've found the aircraft to be a novelty rather than a hindrance.

IMO, you have selected a first class hotel in a superb location. The excellent beach and shallow safe sea is about 150m walk on a flat tarmac road. You are away from the hustle and bustle of the town, but only 10 minutes walk away, or a cheap taxi ride. Restaurants are plentiful and vary from cheap and chearful to good quality without breaking the bank.

I'm confident that you'll fall in love with Zakynthos like so many of us have. We're off there again on the 15th September for another relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of working life. I can't wait!

Hi Sarah

Look at this weather site http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/16719.html# and go to the history section. You can then search specific dates from the past to see what the weather was like. There used to be a link on this Just Zante site, but for some reason it was withdrawn. Pity really 'cos I found it very useful.

As for Kalamaki, we've just returned from our 4th consecutive visit. We are fortunate enough to be able to treat this as an Autumn Break rather than a main holiday. The Hotel Marelen was as welcoming as ever, but on our first night, whilst walking into the town, we wondered whether or not it was the right thing for us to return yet again (you know the feeling, been there, done that, washed the Tee Shirt). 24 hours later, we were absolutely certain it was the right thing to do. It was sooooo relaxed, perfect weather, our favourite restaurants and bars welcomed us like long lost friends. No driving, no phone ringing off the hook, a daily stroll along the beach to Laganas for lunch. Perfick. We'll be there again next year.

Hi Linda

My experiences in Kalamaki are restricted to the Hotel Marelen. For me it's been ideal for the last 4 years!
Pros:
Just a few hundred metres walk (flat) to a good beach
A pleasant 10 minute stroll to the beginning of the town
Good pool
Good poolside bar/snackbar at reasonable prices
Privately owned and managed, always clean
Fridge and aircon (at extra cost)but some rooms are self catering too
Taxi rank outside if you don't fancy the evening walk
Cons:
Aircraft noise, but this is not excessive, more of a novelty.
The occasional evening entertainment varies from passable to acceptable.

Try a search in Google for Hotel Marelen, and others, and you'll find some have their own websites (decent poolside photos etc.)

You can always book direct and arrange your own flights. This year they quoted me for mid September 2005 @ 40Euros per double room per night inc. breakfast and aircon. It's about a 10 minute taxi ride from the airport.

Good luck and enjoy your holiday in Zante

Ken

I wouldn't call Kalamaki a "tacky" resort. It may have a few cheap and chearful shops, but in the main, I'd class it as a good holiday resort. My own children are now grown up and have flown the nest. I wish I had found Kalamaki when they were younger. They'd have loved it. 10 year old? No problem!
Ken Wainwright

I stayed in a double plus bunks a few years ago. I'd say the space was acceptable rather than great. If you grab one of the kids by the ankles and spin them round, you shouldn't get (much) blood on the walls. If your children are teens it could be a bit cramped, but there's always a balcony for escape! Don't worry about the space issue, it's a great hotel, ideally located with better than average facilities.

Hi Jo

Martin

A comprehensive, truthful and forthright appraisal Lia. I commend your honesty and admire your ability to write such a post in an unoffensive way.