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Take the mini-train into the countryside
To get a feel for the slow-as-you-like pace of life in Zante, sign up for an excursion on the Trainaki train. You’ll get transported through terraced olive groves and sleepy old villages, stopping off at the Vertzagias caves and the Vergagio Museum of Folk Art at Pigdakia. You can refuel with a glass of local Zante wine before making your return home. The train leaves every day from Alykanas station at 10.45am.You won’t get too many chances to flex your credit card in Alykanas as there’s only a handful of souvenir shops and a couple of supermarkets. If you’re after holiday nik naks or some bottles of Zante wine and olive oil to take home, try the shops on the main drag just behind the beach. For bigger purchases, take the bus from Alykanas town centre to Zante Town.
Read MoreThis 1-day festival attracts international dance groups from as far away as Bulgaria and Tunisia. And of course, you’ll get to see local dances, like the sirtos, accompanied by accordion, guitar and tambourine music. The festivities take place in the quaint church square in the neighbouring village of Katastari.
Read MoreHidden between palm trees, and on the site of an old mill, the Mill Bar has a main bar, a pool area with sunloungers, and a second bar with rooftop seating. The owner, Spiros, makes cocktails that are famed throughout Alykanas. And look out for the weekly Greek nights, where you get the full-on Zorba the Greek treatment.
Read MoreAlykanas has its fair share of bars, many run by locals, where you can get a relaxing drink. Some have free pool tables, others have swimming pools, so there’s plenty to keep you occupied. For something a bit livelier, sign up for a Greek night, where you get bouzouki music, shots of ouzo and dancers weaving through flames.
Read MoreIf you’ve never tried the Greek national dish moussaka before, or you don’t know what a flaming kleftiko is, Alykanas is a great place to be formally introduced to them both. Along the strip you’ve got a handful of restaurants serving authentic local fare. And many have beachfront terraces, so if you time it right you can watch the sun sink slowly into the mountains
Read MoreAlykanas Beach is a family affair. The immaculate sand shelves gently into the crystal-clear sea, making it safe for novice swimmers. And there are even swings and slides in the snack bars on the beach, so children can let off steam while you enjoy a leisurely lunch.
Read MoreThis family-run taverna not only serves up wholesome Greek fare, but it’s attached to a cake shop, Sweet Memories, so the desserts are scrumptious. You also get free wine that’s made from the family’s vineyard. Try the starter of grilled feta, before you tuck into mains like pork in red wine or beef stamna, which is cooked in a clay pot.
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