Zakynthos Airport - (Places to Visit in Zante)

Sean G           

Just recently returned from 2 weeks in Zante. I have been to Greece before but Zante airport has got to be the worst I have seen so far!! The arrival wasn't too bad with a fairly smooth passage through customs and baggage claim - accept the 1 Euro charge for a trolley and the fact the building has no air condition ( it was over a hundred degrees outside) The departutre lounge was much worse. To start with there was no celing inside with all heating ducts, electrics, fibre glass etc exposed. Once through to the departure lounge the lack of seating was absolutely appauling, with most people sitting on the floor, which looked like it hadnt been cleaned in a week. On the stairs to the duty free there is a sign in English which reads PLEASE DO NOT SIT ON THE STAIRS AS THIS IS DANGEROUS TO SAFETY  or something to that effect yet half a dozen Greek men sat on one side of the stairway blocking it!! The toilets were absolutely filthy with very little or no toilet paper, wet floors, no locks on the doors and broken hand dryers. The staff at this airport didn't seem to care and were only interested in getting your last remaining Euros - even a sandwich was around 5 Euros and at one point staff were smoking over the food counter.  I was glad to depart from this miserable and appauling terminal that has the cheek to class itself as an International Airport - it was a dump!!!  

Shipwreck Viewing Platform - (Places to Visit in Zante)

Sean G           

Viewed the ship wreck from above, via the road. We hired a bike for a few days to see a bit more of the Island. If you hire a bike or car get a map from the car rental firm . To get to the ship wreck you have to go through VOLIMES - nice little village with pottery and lace making - and head out for about  two or three miles in the direction of ZAKYNTHOS . Once there you can appreciate the view better from above than going on the tours to the shipwreck beach. Went on the boat/ ferry trip to the beach but it isn't half as good as seeing it from above as you don't get all the view in!!! The ferry trip is very crowded, hot and with lots of people being sick as the sea was a little choppy the day we went. Plus you don't get very long when you're there. The GOLDEN DOLPHIN TOUR  from ALYKES (NEXT TO THE ASTORIA HOTEL) can highly recommend. Pay 30 Euros to do the Blue Caves & Ship wreck or 15 Euros just for the caves ( just did the blue caves though)  Transported in a speedboat that holds around ten people. Arrives at the blue caves much quicker than the ferries , plus you can accutally get to go right inside the caves in the boat, whereeas the larger boats are too big for this. The other really good thing is that the speedboat anchours near the caves and allows a twenty minute stop for a swim in the sea. Highly enjoyable, well worth the money and lasts for around 2 hours which is perfect for just seeing the caves close up and swimming in the torquiose water