Argassi Holidays

Sleepy little Argassi is a delightfully relaxing Greek resort, where life revolves around the beach and village life. You’ll get a fantastic tan on the beach, and you can enjoy snorkelling and diving in the translucent waters. In the evenings, the atmosphere heats up a notch or two, as the lively restaurants and tavernas open their doors, followed by the bars and pubs. There’s plenty to keep all the family happy if you’re looking for fun in the sun, and charming Zante Town is just a 10-minute drive away if you want a bit of excitement. And, if you prefer to get away from it all, head inland for some gorgeous hikes through the mountain scenery.

Argassi’s beach is long and narrow, stretching for a kilometre or so along the coastline. The water is stunningly clear, making it ideal for snorkelling and diving. (You’ll find diving centres that rent equipment and run courses in nearby Laganas.) The beach is popular with families who have young children because the beach slopes gently and the waters are calm and shallow. There are plenty of amenities, such as sun lounger and parasol rental, and you’ll find a host of bars and cafés within a short walk. Shuttles run regularly to nearby Agios Nikolaos beach, near Vassillikos, which is considered one of the most beautiful on the island, and has sun loungers for rent and a beach bar. If you want to see the endangered loggerhead turtles for which Zante is famous, head to gorgeous Kalamaki Beach, about 10 minutes away by car.

Argassi has considerably more restaurants and bars than you might expect in a town its size, which adds up to plenty of choice when it comes to dining out! You’ll find all the usual favourites, from pizza to curry, plus lots of traditional tavernas offering tasty local specialities. Seafood, as you would expect on an island, features prominently on menus. Try the catch of the day grilled with a squeeze of lemon to enjoy the fabulous freshness. Other popular dishes include the Greek classic, moussaka, or stuffed aubergines (papoustakia) or the famous rabbit stew. The classic Greek salad – juicy olives, fresh tomatoes, crisp cucumber and tart feta cheese – make a perfect lunch on a hot summer’s day.

Argassi is not a major party destination, but has lots of bars and pubs that will keep you happily entertained on balmy summer evenings. If you’re looking for intense nightlife - big clubs and discos – then you can jump on a taxi to Lagunas, just 15 minutes away by car. Argassi’s charms are quieter but no less appealing, and you can while away the summer nights with a cocktail in hand and your feet in the sand. The local bars often host special events such as live gigs or quiz nights during the peak season (July and August) and there’s a cheerful buzz in the streets until late.

Argassi is a relaxing and enjoyable place to visit with the family. Your kids will enjoy messing about on the beach as you soak up the sun, secure in the knowledge that the bay is shallow and the water calm. There are boat trips and tours that are fun for all the family – a favourite is a boat tour in search of the endangered loggerhead turtles – and elegant Zante Town (just 3km away) is perfect for a stroll with all the family. You’ll find the hospitable Greeks adore children, and yours will be spoilt everywhere they go, so finding family-friendly restaurants is a breeze.

If you’re looking for a relaxed holiday in the sun with your partner, Argassi is a great option. Low-key and appealing, it’s got all the essential ingredients for chilled-out fun in the sun: a long beach, plenty of restaurants and cafés, and that uniquely Greek, easy-going vibe. The pretty island capital of Zante Town is a short drive away, and its charming streets and squares are ideal for exploring hand in hand. If you want to indulge in some serious nightlife, then take a taxi to Laganas (10 minutes away), Zante’s biggest and most exciting nightlife hub, where the party carries on until dawn.

Argassi is all about peace and tranquillity, but, if you want to get the adrenaline flowing you’ll find plenty of places nearby. Laganas , one of the biggest resorts on the island, is only 10 minutes away by taxi and boasts a host of water sports facilities, from diving to kite-surfing. There are a number of adventure tours that depart from nearby Zante Town (the island capital), which will take you to the island’s best caves, canyons, underwater grottoes and secret beaches. Diving and snorkelling is very popular on Zante, thanks to the clear waters and excellent visbility. Inland among the gorgeous mountains, you’ll find a wealth of superb walking and mountain biking routes, and the famous Navagio Beach has beome the setting for a 650-metre high BASE jump.

The Venetians, who ruled Zante in the 15th century, called this beautiful island ‘the Flower of the East’. Unfortunately, earthquakes destroyed much of their legacy in the 1950s, but you can still admire the ruins of the handsome Venetian fortress in Zante Town. The island capital, rebuilt after the earthquakes in the Venetian style, is full of fine monuments and museums including the church of St Dionysos, dedicated to Zante’s patron saint, and the outstanding Byzantine Museum. This contains a superb collection of gilded mosaics that date back to the 15th century. Some of the best local festivals include Carnival, which is a very colourful and exciting affair, and the exuberant celebrations held in honour of St Dionyos during the last week of August.