Villa Tsilivi

Villa Tsilivi is situated in the Greek countryside, nestled in the of the village of Tsilivi, on the island of Zakynthos, set in the heart of the Ionian Sea. The villa is just eight kilometres from Zakynthos International airport, a short drive or taxi journey away. Villa Tsilivi is located on the outskirts of the village, a gentle ten minute stroll to the nearest local shops and mini marts for your holiday provisions. Walk a little longer, and you will hit the busy resort of Tsilivi itself, with banks and supermarkets, cafes, bars, and restaurants, and a beautiful sandy beach. Have fun on the pedaloes, take to the water on jet skis, and the air with a spot of parasailing.

Within a short driving distance away are nearby Planos sandy beach, with organised sun loungers and parasols, and Laganas beach, with seafront shops, bars and restaurants, bike and boat hire, sandy shores and water sports, thermal springs and nesting turtles. Feel the beat at Zante's famous Pure Beach Club, party all day to the vibes from their state of the art sound system, and discover the delights of a Champagne Spray. For those who fancy a little bit of activity the area is renowned for its excellent hiking, trek the local countryside to discover the local flora and fauna. Slightly gentler is a round of mini golf at one of the three courses at the local mini golf course. The main town of Zante is only three and a half kilometres away, and is well worth a visit. Get your culture fix at the Byzantine Museum, learn about the history of the island, and admire the ecclesiastical art. Seek solace in the church of Agios Markos with its imposing belfry, and the impressive church of St Dionysus, the patron saint of the island. Go on a guided walking tour from Solomos Square and be impressed the historic Venetian architecture of the town. Or simply shop till you drop in the souvenir stores, before sipping on an ouzo in a Greek music bouzouki bar and watch the world go by.

Don't miss the opportunity to take to the water with a catamaran tour around the coastline. Join a day trip from Zante harbour, or push the boat out and hire your own private yacht complete with captain. A day at sea will take you to turquoise coves and beautiful hidden bays, swim and snorkel, dine aboard, and come in to the harbour, cocktail in hand, as the sun sets. A little further afield in the southwest of the island is Keri Lake, a village that combines the nature's gifts of the sea, pine forests, valleys, and streams, and is abundantly rich in agriculture. Walk through the scented pine forests, pick grapes and olives in season, be amazed at the bouquet of natural wild flowers, take a boat trip to the Keri Caves, then dine by the waterside on freshly caught seafood in one of the local family-run tavernas.

Nearby is the picture-perfect village of Bochali, with an ancient Venetian castle that rewards those who hike up the hill with stunning sea, coast. and town views. Visit the tiny church of the charmingly named Zoodos Pigi with its beautiful Byzantine icons, then dining under the stars at one of Bochali's many romantic restaurants. Finally, if you are really lucky you may be there for the Zante Carnival, inspired by its Venetian heritage, the festival starts with drinking and dancing and ends with eating cheese – need we say more!

Read more about Zakynthos

An Ionian island of contrasts, Zakynthos (Zante) offers wild landscapes of olive groves and sleepy villages, iconic beaches and idyllic coves alongside bustling tourist hot-spots and long stretches of coastline with sun beds and watersports. Whether you are seeking Greek authenticity or the ease of family-friendly resorts, Zakynthos has so much to appeal to every visitor on the island.

Starting off in the capital, Zakynthos Town, enjoy a morning coffee on the vast Solomos Square overlooking Agios Nikolaos Church by the sea, then get lost in the warren of flower-filled lanes in the old quarter before shopping and dining by the waterfront. As evening nears, the town is a mecca for locals and visitors alike looking for vibrant bars and nightlife.

Head to the rugged north of Zakynthos for a wealth of hidden pebbled coves, picture-perfect swimming spots, the incredible Blue Caves and popular Navagio Beach (also known as Shipwreck Beach). Tour the natural beauty of Cape Skinari, drive to the traditional village of Volimes, bathe in the healing sulphur waters of Xigia Beach, then dine by the harbourfront in Agios Nikolaos.

A little further down the eastern side of the island, be enchanted by the traditional seaside village of Alykansas with its olive groves, vineyards and family-friendly ambience, then hop on a horse-drawn carriage to Alykes across the other side of the vast sandy bay.

Venture inland to experience the island’s wild landscapes of olive groves, cypress and pine forests, mountain slopes and the lovely scent of wild thyme. Zakynthos is wonderful for nature explorers as well as keen hikers with trails criss-crossing through the valleys.

The south of Zakynthos also awaits, so loved for its beautiful beaches and the incredible Marine Park, a protected area including Gerakas Beach, Marathonisi Island and the famous loggerhead turtles.

Bustling Laganas Beach will appeal to tourists wanting to stay near restaurants, bars and a beach with summer watersports. Meanwhile, Kalamaki is located between Laganas and Zakynthos Town, ideal for couples and families searching for a long and sandy beach, inviting places to eat and a range of child-friendly activities. For a truly memorable outing, join a sea-kayaking tour of this part of the coastline in search of the island’s beloved turtles.