Things To Do in Alykes

This celebration of Greek arts takes place in the church square in Katastari, just a couple of kilometres from Alikes Beach. Over the 3 days you can catch everything from opera and orchestras to dance and traditional plays, or omilies. Between bouts of culture, you can check out the little street market, and feast on souvlaki.

You’ll find watersports leaving from both of Alikes’ beaches. Among other things, you can try your hand at jet-skiing and paragliding. Or if you’d prefer something more laid-back, you can rent a little motorboat and explore the sandy coves along the coastline under your own steam.

The bars here attract a friendly bunch of locals and visitors, and lay on everything from karaoke to traditional Greek bouzouki dancing. And when you want a change of scenery, you can simply walk to neighbouring Alykanas, which offers up its own choice of bars and tavernas. If you want bright lights and all-night clubs, jump in a cab to buzzing Zante Town, 25 minutes away.

You’ll find all the shops you need in Alikes. The supermarkets and cake shops will sort you out with lunchtime treats, and for souvenirs you can try the local gift shops. The ceramics make particularly good presents, while the jewellery shops sell wallet-friendly gold and silver pieces.

There are British-style gastropubs and traditional Greek places. Look out for the grill houses, where you can try freshly-roasted lamb souvlaki served in oven-warmed pitta. The cafés along Zakinthou Road serve up lunchtime pastries and local favourites like tiropita, a flaky cheese pie.

A few minutes’ walk from the centre of Alikes brings you to Ammos Bar, right at the water’s edge on Alykanas Beach. It’s open all day, and there’s a children’s play area with swings and a playhouse, plus loungers and palm-tree umbrellas. Inside, it’s all tiki-style décor, with wooden barrels holding up the bar. Try the mojito – they mix the best in Alikes, apparently.

People are often queuing at the door at Paradosiako, which enjoys a riverside setting just metres from the old bridge outside town. The old-fashioned taverna does fantastic Greek food – from the bite-sized mezes and rabbit stew right through to the drunk chicken, soaked in a wine and honey marinade. And the place really comes into its own at night, when low lighting gives the terrace added romance.