Lambros (old) - (Restaurants in Kalamaki)

Margaret B  (18 August 2003)         

I have enjoyed many meals at Lambros Restaurant Kalamaki. The restaurant is run by a wonderful Zakynthion family. I return again many times every year because the food is excellent, prices are reasonable service is wonderful. The restaurant is top class with lovely finishing touches like the embroidered table cloths and atmospheric lighting and traditional Greek music. The atmosphere is very laid back and hospitable. Watch out for the owl and listen for the crickets! You can always be assured of a warm welcome and lively conversation with NEK AND VICKY, brother and sister who speak excellent English. I enjoy vegetarian food and Stuffed Peppers at Lambros are delicious. I can recommend this restaurant to people of all ages. In fact I am returning to Zante in September and will be dining at Lambros several times a week!

Kalamaki Beach - (Beaches in Zante)

Margaret B           

Yes Kalamaki beach is terrific! The lovely golden sandy beach is regularly kept clean of litter because it is an area of Scientific interest for the rare protected Loggerhead Turtles which nest on the beach. The sea is always clear and warm and you can see the turtles and fish swimming around you! Wonderful! I was there twice last year and I went back in June and I am going again in September this year! So how's that for confidence and love of Kalamaki Beach. Actually Crystal Beach is the best area, directly in front of Crystal Beach Hotel and the famous Crystal Rock. You will not be dissapointed.

Mount Skopos - (Places to Visit in Zante)

Margaret B           

I have never climbed up mount Skopos but I look at it longingly all the time when I am lying on the beach sweating in the hot sunshine! I am now inspired to get up there on my next holiday to Zante on September 25. The sun shouldn't be too hot at that time of year. I will definitely take some photographs if I do, because no one else seems to have bothered! What a shame!

Shipwreck Viewing Platform - (Places to Visit in Zante)

Margaret B           

The views are magnificent. For photographs, the classic one directly down into the Smuggler's cove of the shipwreck is excellent. I got some brilliant results on a very hot afternoon in August 2002 and so did my daughter. I will return again this September and take some with my new digital camera. The light should be even better later in the year. Well worth the journey.

Zakynthos Airport - (Places to Visit in Zante)

Margaret B           

Well yes it is o.k. but there is plenty of room for improvement. Toilets are very smelly and rundown. When you are waiting around for your luggage to come off the carousel along with hundreds of other travellers in a very hot crowded atmosphere! Waiting around with hundreds of other travellers to check in at 3.00 a.m in the morning and having to wait outside with nowhere to sit and being bitten by mosquitos has always spoiled my holiday. So please do something about this now if anyone out there is reading this. When I travelled independently from Manchester to Athens and then Athens to Zante last October, the airport was very quiet and so waiting around wasn't a problem. However when you travel as part of your package deal you can expect horrendous crowds of irate fellow travellers whose flights are all the same time as yours! Crazy! The airport is just too small to cope.

Greek Night - (Zante Excursions)

Margaret B           

Sunset and Greek night at Kampi. Wonderful! Fantastic views. Brilliant live music. Excellent dancers in colourful costumes. Fire dancing, plate smashing. Lovely grub. I had the vegetarian choice of stuffed Peppers and it was the tastiest ever! Free flowing wine all evening so we were all very, very merry. Our hosts were lovely friendly Zakinthion people. Well done to Takis and Petros for getting everyone involved in the dancing. A truly memorable evening and good value too at only 25 euros. I went in June this year (2003)

Michaelos - (Restaurants in Kalamaki)

Margaret B           

I regret to say that I have never been to Mikaelos but after reading the opinions of the people who have enjoyed eating there I will definitely check it out on my up and coming visit in September this year! Margaret Barrow

Cave Bar - (Bars in Kalamaki)

Margaret B           

Well now what can I reveal about this super special bar up in the hills of Kalamaki!! I have been there a couple of times with my daughter and grandaughter. It was recommended to us last year by a waiter at Paris Restaurant and we never seemed to have the time to go! However this June we discovered what must be the most special night time romantic trendy unique bar in Zante! You even get a free ride to the Cave Bar in a jeep! I confess to sneaking back there even later in the evening when my daughter and grandaughter were asleep to continue to enjoy the excellent cocktails, views over Kalamaki and Laganas and the company of many handsome local guys who I got to know very well over the 2 weeks of my holiday. On the very last night I met a wonderful sexy guy who took me for a very romantic late night drive!!!! Well I mean why do you think I can't wait to get back there? If you are reading this see you in September Takis!! So we can make up for lost time!!!

Mermaids - (Restaurants in Kalamaki)

Margaret B  (19 August 2003)         

I had a meal here in 2001 and that was fabulous because it was my very first time in Kalamaki, on Zante island. This meal was followed by a very terrific display of Traditional Greek Dancing which I really enjoyed getting up and joining in the fun! Last year, no Greek dancing - just a huge T.V. and the food not as good. This year in June the food was terrible I order a veg stir fry and it came to me in the Pan!! My sweet and special coffee never arrived and on the huge t.v. screen was the bloody English News!! How much more downhill can Mermaids go? However both my daughter seem to think the food is good and other people must like it because it is always busy. I won't be going there again.

Point Break - (Restaurants in Kalamaki)

Margaret B  (19 August 2003)         

Yes what a super smashing little cosy place this is, if you can find it because it is so small you probably keep on walking past with noticing. Just like I kept on doing until I discovered what a truly wonderful little place with smashing food and smashing friendly people this is! The truth is that in roasting hot June of this year we had an enormous thunderstorm and I was on my way out to reserve a table at Lambros my very favourite restaurant when the heaven opened!! The thunder and lightening crashed and flashed and the road was a river with the steps of Lambros a waterfall!! So I dashed into Point Break and was just in time to order and enjoy traditional English Grub of Steak and Guinness Pie with chips before there was a power cut. We all had a good laugh and I will go there again and recommend the little homely place to anyone who wants to feel not too far away from good old England!!

Escape - (Restaurants in Kalamaki)

Margaret B           

I don't believe you don't have any photographs. O.k. then I will find one to send because this place is in the countryside down the lovely lane that takes you to the beach. If you are lucky you will notice the bats and the owl hunting in the field to the side of Escape. The people who run this restaurant are really lovely and I would very often call in just to use their toilet and enjoy an iced tea in the cool shade on my way to the beach. I will enjoy a meal here in September, definitely. Great place, food, people and wildlife too!!

Dias - (Restaurants in Kalamaki)

Margaret B           

Lovely restaurant a little off the beaten track so a little bit difficult to find so it's worth getting a taxi. Arrive early if you can because it does get busy and the service is pretty laid back. All traditional and pasta dishes are excellent and the wine is great too. I always try swordfish in all the restaurants and the one at Dias was very good and strawberries with icecream, very yummy. The waiters are very polite and smart also. I love the way the beautiful vines are jut draped around the building and you can hear the crickets. Probably a very romantic restaurant but I have only eaten there with my daughters. (yet!) See you all in September.

Afrodite - (Restaurants in Kalamaki)

Margaret B  (19 August 2003)         

Afrodite is another family run restaurant. Nikos is the handsome waiter and his brother is the chef. You will probably notice the children serving are the Chef's son and daughter. Very nice place, nice reasonably priced food. Very nice people. If you go late you will notice that a lot of local Greek people eat there until very, very late!! If the food is good for the Greeks then it's certainly good enough for you!. Try it and see.

Chives - (Restaurants in Kalamaki)

Margaret B  (19 August 2003)         

Not the best place in Kalamaki. But you just can't beat the view of the mountains the sunset, the sea, the moon, the stars. So why don't you just sit up there and order a couple of bottles of wine and chat to Frank. Listen to the great chilling out music and just eat Moussaka which is excellent! What else do you need for goodness sake? You are on holiday in a wonderful place!!

Weekend trip to Athens by coach - (Zante Excursions)

Margaret B           

I have been to Athens on the excursion with Pelargos and Spring Tours both offices based in Kalamaki. Last October I went with Spring Tours and we stayed at the Oscar Inn Hotel. This year in June I went with Pelargos Tours. Helena of Pelargos Tours told me that if Costas was our guide we would have a lot of fun! We certainly did! I travelled alone because my daughter and grandaughter didn't fancy a two day trip but I was never alone and I met lots of lovely people from Ireland and Leicester. I have many colourful photographs to share of the beautiful Agia Andreas (St Andrew)church where we made a 1 hour coffee stop. The Corinthian Canal where we stopped for lunch on the way to and from Athens. We were up very early next morning for the changing of the guards at the tomb of the unknown soldier. Wonderful to watch this, you can go really close to the very tall handsome guards in their spectacular uniforms. Many famous buildings and statues were pointed out to us on our journey through Athens centre to the highlight of our trip,the fantastic views and archeological site of the Acropolis. Our guide up on the sacred rock of Acropolis was Angela. She is excellent and very articulate. It is a bit of a rushed schedule but you can always catch up on lost sleep on the coach journey! I confess to only having 1 hours sleep because Costas took some of us up on the rooftop bar and pool at the Oscar Hotel where we drank cocktails, and danced to Irish music till 3.30 am! We had a fantastic evenings entertainment with live music, singing dancing and belly dancing with drinks and meal inclusive for 10 euros each! Excellent value. The trip is very good value and it gives you an introduction of what Athens is like in a very short time so that you will have the confidence and inspiration to visit again and spend more time there, which I have done already.

Day trip to Olympia - (Zante Excursions)

Margaret B           

I went to Olympia last October and booked my trip with Spring Tours. It was a lovely day. Not too warm and we stopped for lunch overlooking the most beautiful valley near the Olympia site. (I forget the place exactly, sorry) Petros and Takis were truly brilliant guides and looked after everyone to make sure they were o.k. and back on the coach and ferry on time. I was presented with an olive branch and crown of laurel which I wore all day and for the journey home. See my photo as I wait to board the ferry! Taken by Takis. Our driver Vasillis was brilliant, he was the same driver for the Athens trip last October also. The guides who explained all the history of Olympia and the museum were very enthusiastic and easy to understand. Remember to always take your camera, hat and your own drinks and snacks because you will get hot and thirsty and hungry on all of these one day trips. If you miss a great photo opportunity then you will kick yourself later. I must do this trip again in September because the olympic games will be held in Greece next year and I am sure that we will be seeing some of these areas on T.V. An unforgettable day for many reasons.

Antonis Pool Bar - (Bars in Kalamaki)

Margaret B           

I love Antonis pool bar because I nearly always stay at Antonis apartments. They are very basic but very clean and very close to the beautiful beach, restaurants and shops. The have a lovely well kept garden. The best thing about the pool bar is the pool of course. The bar snacks and meals which you can order for most of the day are brilliant and good value too. Yes I agree with others that the brothers and sons of Antoni are very cheeky and cute (sometimes) But I much prefer the quiet Nikos who is very polite and has a wonderful smile. So see you guys all again very soon cos I am coming back in September!! When are you going to have a super special Greek Night so that I can practise my belly dancing for you? I have lots of lovely photos of my grandaughter enjoying swimming in Antonis pool. I will put them on this site for all to see soon.

Kalamaki Beach - (Beaches in Zante)

Margaret B           

To all those lucky people who are visiting Zante for the very first time. All you need to get around cheaply is a taxi or hire a car, or scooter. You will find all the information you need from the many local tour operators like Spring Tours. Please don't make the mistake of asking your rep because they will take commission and they don't know the island as well as the locals do. You will find everyone really friendly. This is just one of the reasons why I am going back again for the second time this year - alone! The other reason is that I can't wait to have another wonderful relaxing body massage from Christine who comes from Scotland and has a studion on the main road in Kalamaki near Pelargos Tours office! See you in September. Yes I forgot to mention the excellent fresh fruit salad that you can get on the beach in front of the Crystal Beach Hotel and huge fattening doughnuts! You must try Tasos snack bar at the other side of Crystal Rock and opposite the second information hut where you will be well informed about the nesting turtles. He makes fantastic jacket spuds and sensational sandwiches. A proper cup of tea for us Brits and chips! Plus he also has a super sense of humour. Good value too! The baby turtles should be making their way to the sea at this time of year so watch out for them but please don't pick them up. If you don't see any turtles when you are swimming in the sea at Kalamaki beach don't despair because you can always book yourself a glass bottom boat trip to turtle island or a trip to Smugglers Cove. Believe me you will see one and it will be one of the most memorable moments of your holiday!

Doctors Surgery - (Doctors/Chemists in Zante)

Margaret B           

Unfortunatley I have always needed to visit the Pharmacy. Cold sores. Mosquito Bites. Stomach upsets ..... She is a young well educated lady and I didn't find the prices too high at all. She gives good advice too. You can buy antibiotics and other prescribtion drugs over the counter here for less than the price of a prescription in England. I hope that I don't need to go on my next trip to Kalamaki but I will be reassured that I can confidently know that she is there if I do!

Weekend trip to Athens by coach - (Zante Excursions)

Margaret B           

I have written my comment previously and just added some photos. I would love to see some photos from other people who went on the Athens trip. From reading different comments it looks as though the agenda changes sometimes as does the hotel. I will definitely go again in September although 2 days just isn't long enough and the photographic opportunities are so vast, as are the wonderful memories which stay throughout the coming year.

Cavo Doro Hotel - (Accommodation in Kalamaki)

Margaret B           

I stayed at the Cavo Doro last October for the very last 2 weeks of the season. I was alone and I had flown from Athens. My friend in Kalamaki, Klara of the mini market had booked a room for me at the Cavo Doro with a sea view. I have uploaded a photo of my view for the gallery. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. The place was very quiet in the evenings and my room was cleaned every day and linen replaced regularly. My room was the usual basically furnished but I have to say that the location is one of the best that I have stayed at in Kalamaki. I have a message for the previous comment about Meandros. When I stayed in Kalamaki in June of this year the hotel Meandros and restaurant were closed! Only the pool was open.
Stay at the Cavo Doro instead I am sure you will be welcome

Antonis Apartments - (Accommodation in Kalamaki)

Margaret B           

To all those people who are going to be staying at Antonis apartments for the first time. The rooms are basic but clean. They won't be cleaned regularly after you arrive. You have to do that yourself! You will have to provide your own toilet rolls. You will have to empty your bins! However this aside you are in a brilliant location suitable for families and couples. Young singles should go to Laganas. The apartment blocks are well spaced out. The pool is excellent and very clean and suitable for children and adults. You have to pay to hire a fan for your room. No air conditioning. No safety deposit boxes. You also have to pay 2euros for a padded cushion to put on your sunlounger. All these little extras do spoil things. You are very close to the beach, restaurants, bars, taxi service. There is enough going on to keep you occupied in your small area of Kalamaki but it is very easy to take a taxi or walk to explore. I recommend the cave bar for couples and singles. Lambros and Paris restaurant are the best in the area. Enjoy your stay and let Antonis know what you like and don't like

Weekend trip to Athens by coach - (Zante Excursions)

Margaret B           

Please please please, do not book this trip with your holiday rep. Go to any local tour operator. You will not be ripped off. The holiday reps - JMC Thomas Cooke etc. only make commission and you are all together at the same hotel looking at the same Athens!

Bar crawl with your reps - (Zante Excursions)

Margaret B           

Oh come on everybody. Why bother? My daughters both set out on this in 2001 and hated every minute so much that they came back early!!

Lambros (old) - (Restaurants in Kalamaki)

Margaret B  (16 September 2003)         

I'm so pleased that other people have discovered Lambros and shown their appreciation on this website. I have a lovely photo to show of my grandaughter Summer, fast asleep at the restaurant table. I have to say that when she wasn't so tired on other nights that she really enjoyed eating the food and playing with Vicky's daughter Eri. See you next week my friends. The waiter's name is Leftheris (no wonder no-one can remember his name!)Lovely girl behind the bar is Anna.

Blue Caves and Shipwreck Cruise - (Zante Excursions)

Margaret B           

I have done this trip 3 times now. Last August (2002) I went with my grandaughter and we had a really nasty thunderstorm when we were out at sea so we never got to the shipwreck. But the clouds rolled away and we ended up with a perfect day for a lovely cruise back to Zante harbour. Many people were upset but you have to remember that Zante is a very green island and it rains very often to keep it that way. See my photos.

October - (Best Time to Visit)

Margaret B           

October is a better time of year to go to Zante for those who don't like the sweltering heat. It is still warm and sunny in the day time, but the sea is much cooler. The breeze is much fresher and the evenings can be very cool so that you will need to wear warmer clothes in the evenings with a jacket. Most of the restaurants are only half full so you will be eating inside rather than alfresco in the hotter months. I went late October just before the season ended last year. Unfortunatley, going so late everything was closing down and there weren't many shops, restaurants and bars still open for the last week. Also it was very dark to walk along the main street Kalamaki. Laganas was a little bit more busy and well lit. This year I have already been in June when it was extremely hot and difficult to sleep at night in the sweltering temperatures. I am going again and this time alone on September 25, hoping that the sea will still be warm enough for long swims and most places will still be open. Many of the trips are reduced in price at this time of year and discounts at many restaurants. The Lighthouse closed early last October and also Aphrodite Restaurant. I found the clear skies brilliant for photography without the haze you get in the hot summer months. I went on trips to Olympia and Athens and the weather was superb on both. Nice time to take young children because of the cooler temperatures. You can go for pleasant walks and cycle around too. Enjoy yourselves and plan to return in Spring next year.

Kalamaki Resort - (Resorts in Zante)

Margaret B           

I love Kalamaki and so do my family. We return to Kalamaki year after year. The beach is the best and quietest with no water sports alowed in the area. You can go for long walks or cycle or get a taxi into Laganas or Zante town from Kalamaki. Everyone is so friendly I feel as though it is my second home now. I have many photos to share of the place and the people I know. Long live happy holiday times in Kalamaki.

Day trip to Kefalonia - (Zante Excursions)

Margaret B           

I have just returned from Zakynthos yesterday. I made the day trip to Kefalonia during my two week stay. I booked it with Helena of Pelargos tours from the Kalamaki office. Our guide was Costas. He's the best guide you can get for long day trips and also for the Athens weekend. Costas made each and every one of us feel special. Kefalonia is a very beautiful mountainous island. Unspoilt by tourism. The Mellisani Lake was my favourite and I was moved to tears by it's cool beauty. I took many photographs and will share them with you on this excellent website. I was inspired to return to Kefalonia in the near future because of this well organised day trip.

Kalamaki Resort - (Resorts in Zante)

Margaret B           

I have just returned home to Lancashire after 2 more wonderful weeks in my favourite Greek resort of Kalamaki. The weather was changeable but I have a nice golden tan and many more memories of Kalamaki and Zante. Every time I return I meet more warm friendly people and enjoy myself to the full. I have some photos to share of my crazy nights with friends in Kalamaki and beautiful days on the green island of Zakynthos.

Al Sandros Bar - (Bars in Kalamaki)

Margaret B  (15 October 2003)         

For the very first time this October I visited Al Sandros Bar with my Roumanian friends Andreas and Anna. I introduced myself to Lee who already new me by site because I have stayed in Kalamaki 5 times now and I am ashamed to say never called in for a drink. What a brilliant atmosphere and live music. Lee always has time to chat and smile no matter how tired or busy he is. Brilliant Lee! Thanks a lot and see you next year.

Kalamaki Resort - (Resorts in Zante)

Margaret B           

Don't worry about the weather because if it rains it pours!! But you are guaranteed a beautiful sunny day when the storm clears. Last Wednesday there was a storm and wind and rain all through the day and into the night (8 Oct 03) But by next morning the sun was shining and the sky was blue and I had to fly home! There are many friendly local bars in Kalamaki. Al Sandros is the best. Lambros restaurant is wonderful for a meal or a drink and chat and also Zakanthe on the main road will welcome you for drinks in cosy sophisticated surroundings. Also the Appollo was one of my favourites. Mustang and Angels a little too noisy. The best place for a refuge from the storm is the place on the main road where Penny makes huge delicious pancakes. I know because I spent 2 hours sheltering from the rain last Wednesday chatting to gorgeous hunk Stelios. Everywhere is friendly like the people. Have a good time all you lucky people going for the last 2 weeks of the season. I will be back for the start next spring. Hopefully to work there next year.

Greek Night - (Zante Excursions)

Margaret B           

Greek Night at Kampi with stunning sunset views wonderful meal and freeflowing wine was even better for me the second time around this year. Perhaps because the lead male dancer chose me as his partner every time!! Wow I neve knew traditional Greek dancing could be so sexy and exhausting. I met many lovely people from all over the country on our table and also on the coach. Sorry for squashing you my lovely Irish gentleman when I sat on you knee on the journey back. We were drunk, merry and didn't want to leave. Thank you so much to all the family at Port Rosso for your excellent entertainment. See you all for certain next year. Look out for me Yannis and Nikos!!

Greek Night - (Zante Excursions)

Margaret B           

The true address of the Greek Night at Kampi is Taverna, Porto Schiza, Kampi, Zakynthos. Sorry for getting it wrong in my previous comment. The wonderful man who owns this taverna and the surrounding estate is smiling handsome Giannis Haikalis. All the family work hard to make this a very special evening to remember.
You cannot be guaranteed a perfect sunset at every night of the year. But you will have a wonderful evening. I promise you. Suitable for all age groups from babes in arms as my last visit proved! I hope to return again next year.

Crystal Beach Hotel - (Accommodation in Kalamaki)

Margaret B           

The most beautiful place to eat your breakfast before spending the day on the wonderful Kalamaki beach. Pure heaven!!

Vassilikos Region - (Resorts in Zante)

Margaret G           

I am hoping that my first holiday in Vassilikos will be as enjoyable as my previous visits to Kalamaki. I promise to let everyone on this excellent site know my views. I am returning to the beautiful island of Zante in May with my new husband who has never been to Zante before. Let us both hope that I have chosen well. I wanted to stay in a more peaceful unspoilt area this time.