Things To Do in Argassi

Here’s your chance to really get an insight into Greek culture and traditions, as the whole country celebrates this religious festival. Certainly it’s a big deal on Zante, where, following a ceremony, the eating, drinking and dancing goes on until dawn. The best place to see it is at Vassilikos, 8 kilometres away, which always draws the biggest crowd.

This contemporary restaurant goes for a modern European menu. Expect to see Italian-inspired dishes like mushroom risotto with truffle and Parmesan, or grilled aubergine with tomato and mozzarella. The presentation’s fancy, and where possible, produce comes from the restaurant’s own vegetable garden. Look out for the taster menu – at 15 euros a head, it offers great value.

The clear waters around here make it a top spot for diving. Though there isn’t a dive centre in Argassi itself, you’ll find equipment and lessons at Laganas, about 15 minutes away. Or you can always snap on a snorkel and head towards the rocky bays. Look out for bream, mullet and the odd shoal of angelfish.

There’s a gaggle of souvenir shops on the main street, together with a couple of chichi stores that’ll sort you out with designer clothes and jewellery. And for more choice, there’s always Zante Town. Behind the harbour you’ve got a range of boutiques selling local crafts and top-quality leather goods. Or head for the main shopping street, Alexander Roma.

Drink. Smash plate. Drink. Smash plate. At home you’d be thrown out for this sort of behaviour, but waiter Peri positively encourages it. The party atmosphere is infectious, so don’t be surprised to find yourself singing and dancing along with the staff.

Visit Smugglers’ Cove, Greece’s most photographed beach. Boats run hourly from Zante Town, transporting you to a drop-dead beautiful beach with a famous shipwreck. When you’re not snapping the sight, you can swim in the turquoise waters.

It’s all about good old-fashioned home cooking in Argassi. The best tavernas line the main street but there are some little gems squirreled away off the main road on the way out of town. These are well worth the extra steps it takes to get there, plus you’ll get a table straight away. Try the tiropitakia, tiny pastry parcels stuffed with locally-made mytzithra or ladotyri cheese.

Over in the capital, Zante’s annual plonk fest is the time for the locals to show off their vineyard wares. A popular choice is the Popolaro, a dry, crisp number that sings with seafood. The stalls stay open from 8am ‘til long after sunset, so you can be as leisurely as you like with your sipping.

The Greek tavernas on the main street are all about good old-fashioned home cooking. And nothing beats a plate of meze, with taster plates of local delicacies like olives, grilled squid and stuffed vine leaves. When it’s time for a change, there are Chinese, Indian and Brit-style restaurants to choose

You’ll find the best of the nightlife along the main street. The bars here love to put on live acts, which can be anything from traditional bouzouki music – think Zorba the Greek – to pop covers bands. Don’t expect to see big names, but do expect lashings of enthusiasm and some epic sing-alongs.

Argassi’s main street delivers retail therapy without the rush. You’ll find all the ingredients for a beach picnic here, including fresh bread from the town’s bakery. For an emergency holiday outfit, Derakas and Vergina both do a good line in designer labels. There’s also a smattering of handicraft shops where you can pick up intricately-made reproductions of Minoan pendants as well as hand-painted pots and leather goods.

Argassi’s nightlife punches above its weight – for a small village, it serves up a big choice of bars. Most have regular live music – you can expect to see anything from covers bands to traditional bouzouki. The hotels also lay on their own entertainment, including regular Greek nights. And to take things up a notch, you can always take a cab to lively Laganas.

The quirky décor at this lounge bar means it attracts a big local crowd, together with its share of visitors. The walls are given over to changing art exhibitions, and regular events, like Brazilian jazz and swing nights, keep the evenings upbeat. There’s a full restaurant menu if you want it, or just take one of the colourful seats on the terrace, and order a cocktail.