Alykes Holidays

Beaches, lighthouses, cycling paths and a whole lot more is waiting to be discovered on a holiday in Alykes. The beach resort is blessed with its location on Zakynthian territory, what with the island being home to famous Shipwreck Beach. Snorkel, dive, or simply marvel at Greece's most photographed bay, which is also known as Navagio beach. After visiting and inspecting the rusty wreck, swap the sand for sapphire-coloured waters by investigating the Blue Caves or Keri Caves in a kayak.

Did you know that you will be located just a short drive from Zakynthos National Marine Park when you book a holiday to Alykes? The loggerhead Caretta Caretta sea turtle breed in this protected part of Laganas Bay. Another interesting attraction worth adding to the 'must visit' list is Askos Stone Park. Animal lovers will be in their element as they wander the land that donkeys, goats, tortoises, and peacocks roam freely on.

Should you be searching for natural attractions, Alykes' beaches will leave you open-mouthed. Xigia is one of the most famous beaches on the island. Arrive early to beat the crowds and claim a section of sand, as sunbathing spots can be a little limited at this small cove. Sulfur can be seen in the water and if you paddle out, you'll find yourself approaching caves that camouflage into the cliff face. Xigia's sulfur-rich water is said to have healing properties, but be aware of the fact that the sulfur will turn silver jewellery black!

Another beach you can visit during your holiday in Alykes is Makrios Gialos. Many people will stumble across this scenic beach whilst cruising around the island on a scooter or in a vehicle. Clean and flawless, the atmosphere is pleasant at Makrios Gialos and the crystalline bay is not saturated with crowds of holidaymakers, much like the beaches in nearby Kalamaki and Tsilivi usually are.

Food is a big part of the culture here and groups will usually gather around the dinner table for a feast at least three times a day. Lunch is the most indulgent meal of the day, so why not build up an appetite by exerting energy on a morning adventure excursion?

Start your day with a simple yet satisfying breakfast, known as Proino. This meal consists of herbal tea, dried bread, eggs, cereal, and fruit. For dinner, try a traditional Greek casserole, grilled meat, or pasta dish. Dessert may be substituted for an afternoon coffee if you’re just too stuffed from all of that delicious food!

Do you consider yourself a wine connoisseur? If so, you will be pleased to learn that Greece is one of the world's oldest regions for wine production. A few wineries in Zakynthos that can be accessed by car when you book a holiday to Alykes include, Solomos Wines Winery and Grampsas Winery. Sample the pine resin-flavoured Retsina wine, or indulge in a red Cava blend.

Zante is recognised as a popular party place, particularly for people in their 20s and 30s. There is no shortage of nightlife and you might be surprised to learn that you can actually let your hair down at quite a few places in Alykes. While some bars open their doors all day long, others will remain open until midnight or the early hours, before reopening in the early afternoon. Recommended bars in the Alykes district include Apollo Bar, Butterfly Bar, Gecko Bar, and the Tipsy Toad.

Do you plan on booking a holiday to Alykes with a large group of friends? If so, an evening spent wandering the main Laganas strip will satisfy the party animal within. Cheap drink deals can be taken advantage of, such as all-you-can-drink for as little as 10 Euros at most beach clubs and bars. In peak season pretty much all of the bars on the Laganas strip are full of enthusiastic partygoers, such as Cherry Bay and Waikiki.

If you were to ask a travel agent, "Is an Alykes holiday suitable for a family?" they would definitely tell you "yes". With its laid-back vibe and close proximity to surrounding resorts, Alykes is a Greek paradise that children, adults, and even pensioners can enjoy. Quality food is dished up for affordable prices so you don't have to worry about breaking the budget when travelling to this resort with the relatives.

Swimming pools, buffet catering facilities, and nightly entertainment comes as standard at most area hotels. What's more, you can dine at most establishments in peace and quiet due to the majority of restaurants and bars having playgrounds on their premises.

Young and mature couples will not have trouble finding the perfect villa, studio apartment, or hotel when they book a holiday in Alykes. Walks along the beach, sunset boat tours, and fine dining combine to create a romantic holiday that will leave you with the fondest of memories. Couples can meet other couples at Virago Bar or Cheers Bar, after spending the day testing out their stand-up paddle boarding skills.

Most of the attractions in this part of Zakynthos island can be accessed on foot, allowing you and your partner to take in views whilst strolling hand-in-hand. An afternoon of dolphin-spotting on a boat tour will give you a chance to connect with Mother Nature and more importantly, each other. Couples who relish red and white wines may consider a tour of Callinico Winery, where you'll be able to sample and learn about the Greek culture.

Alykes is an up-and-coming yoga destination, but don't worry if you're not much of a yogi because Zakynthos is a playground for the adventurous. Snorkelling and scuba diving day trips will take you around the island, so you can fit a lot of sightseeing into a single day. Kayaking and canoeing through the Blue Caves is the perfect opportunity to appreciate the coastline's natural splendour and the unblemished Zakynthian wilderness.

Yacht charters prove popular with sailing enthusiasts, whereas the cycling tours are a worthwhile way to deserted spots and viewpoints. For spectacular sunrise and/or sunset views, hike to the small lighthouse in Alykes. A 4x4 Jeep safari adventure will take you off the beaten track and won't require a great deal of activity on your part, making it suitable for people of all fitness levels.

From its early beginnings thousands of years ago in Mycenaean Greece all the way through Classical Greece, the Roman Empire, and the Byzantine Empire, Greece's culture has evolved quite a lot over the years. The root of most traditions and customs is paganism, so expect plenty of festivities to take place if you are booking a holiday to Alykes during Easter. Perhaps the most important part of the culture are the ancient Greek gods and goddesses.

Back in the day when the ancient Greeks roamed the land, they would pray to the gods like Zeus with their hands to the sky. Examples of some traditional festivities you can get involved in include The Ochi Day, Greek Independence Day, and Saint's Day of the Virgin Mary (Apokreas). More can be learnt about the culture by visiting a museum on Zakynthos island, such as the Byzantine Museum.