Prefecture of Zante (Zakynthos) Travel Forum

hi, I am planning to book a last minute deal to zante (tsilivi) with 2 other girl friends in early september! we are 19-22 and all students or have just graduated so we will be on a budget- i was wondering if anybody could recommend the sort of money one would need for a weeks stay? We are in self catering accom. but would like to have a couple of meals out and a few excursions around the island etc... Is it easy to get from Tsilivi to the main town and other places of interest? What about at night? Any general tips about what to do and how to spend our time would be most welcome, obviously we want a couple of beach days but we would much rather see a bit of the island and its culture than spend all our time (and money) in the pubs/clubs.
Many, many thanks!

Zakynthos is a great island. You can get a bus to the main town, Zakythos for about Euro 2, and this will give you a great entertainment. If you go in the afternoon on the last bus, about 18.00, you can spend the evening in town, when everything will be open and then negotiate a taxi fare back.

For seeing the culture of it is best to take an island boat tour. Make sure you get a tour that stops at all the interesting places. Some tours just go past the best places and point them out to you. You need to go into the caves and then see the dolphins. The best place to stop is Shipwreck Cove which is shown in just about every brochure of Greece. Also do a trip up the mountains but again use the bus. If you go the Bus Station in Zakynthos town when you are there they will be very glad to help you.

A really great place to go, only accessible by taxi, but not too expensive (negogiate price first) is Porto Rouli. There is a taverna on an unspoiled beach (well it was four years ago) and nothing else. If you ask to eat squid you may have to wait while they catch it! Also whatever fish you want, just to into the kitchen and choose you fish. The two daughters who waitress and Mama who cooks are more than happy with an ice cream as thank you. It is family run and if you can go on a Sunday Papa will often get is his balilika out and the whole of the Greek community there will sing. It is something to cherish!

Also visit the beach of Kalamata, again two buses, one from Tsilivi to Zakynthos town and then onward to Kalatama, there is a wonderful beach, and if you are very lucky you may see some Loggerhead Turtles. At all costs avoid Laganas!!!

Hope this is helpful, and pleae let me know how you get on. Zakynthos has a special place in my heart and I am very protetctive of the island!!!. So, do let me know.

Have a great time!

wow, what great tips! thanks so much for taking the time to write all that- i'll definitely let you know how it goes. I can't wait- off on sunday eve :D Thanks again!