Zante - Kalamaki & Alykanas

maisiescamp

Hi,

I am looking at booking a 2 week holiday for me, hubby & 2 children (Aged 6 & 3) I have found 2 places I like, one in each of the resorts mentioned in the title.

Just wondered what anyones experiences are of these resorts? We like a nice beach, not too busy, good handful of tavernas, shops, etc.

The accomodation name in-case anyone has any experience of them is Bitzaro Grande Hotel (Kalamaki) and Alykanas Beach Aparthotel.

Thanks all!

CompChrissy

I went to Zante with a friend about 18 months ago and was very disappointed with Kalamaki.
It is very English and has quite a busy main road. We hired a car and really enjoyed (and wished we had stayed at) several other towns on the Island.
It may have changed as it has been a while since I was there but I would personally opt for Alykanas.
Apart from Kalamaki and Laganas it really was a beautiful Island and my partner and I thinking of going next January.

Make sure you take one of the boat rides to the shipwreck, it's stunning! - we were told when we were there that the one from the lighthouse was the best as it is the closest (rather choppy ride there and back).
Hope you have a wonderful time.:wave:

nikkilou1984

I've been to both resorts & to be honest they are both REALLY nice with good beaches, great restaurants and plenty of shops.

Kalamaki is livelier, as its close to the clubbing resort on Zante (Laganas) but its not at all "trashy" or anything.

The biggest bonus of Kalamaki is that its 5/10mins transfer from the airport, where as Alykanas is over an hour away (could be 2hrs depending on when you get dropped at your actual accommodation).

I haven't stayed at the hotels you mentioned, but they are biggish All Inclusive hotels aren't they? I absolutely love Greek food so would never go A.I. in Greece, every restaurant i've been to has been fab and so cheap.

I'd agree with CompChrissy about the shipwreck boat trip, its amazing!

Private message me if you want as i've been to Zante 3 times and LOVE the island

nikkilou1984

CompChrissy wrote: »

I went to Zante with a friend about 18 months ago and was very disappointed with Kalamaki.
It is very English and has quite a busy main road. We hired a car and really enjoyed (and wished we had stayed at) several other towns on the Island.
It may have changed as it has been a while since I was there but I would personally opt for Alykanas.
Apart from Kalamaki and Laganas it really was a beautiful Island and my partner and I thinking of going next January.

Make sure you take one of the boat rides to the shipwreck, it's stunning! - we were told when we were there that the one from the lighthouse was the best as it is the closest (rather choppy ride there and back).
Hope you have a wonderful time.:wave:

You'd struggle to get to Zante in January as there are no flights to the island from the UK, as far as i'm aware you'd have to go to Athens and then either ferry/fly to Zante. Also, most of the hotels, restaurants and bars close down over the winter and re-open in May.

maisiescamp

nikkilou1984 wrote: »

I haven't stayed at the hotels you mentioned, but they are biggish All Inclusive hotels aren't they? I absolutely love Greek food so would never go A.I. in Greece, every restaurant i've been to has been fab and so cheap.

I'd agree with CompChrissy about the shipwreck boat trip, its amazing!

Private message me if you want as i've been to Zante 3 times and LOVE the island

Thanks for your replies. The accomodation in Alykanas is sc but the one in Kalamaki is AI. I too love greek food (it makes my holiday:o), we usually go to Kefalonia so I am very sceptical about going AI too but it was something my hubby wanted me to look at as eating out/food shopping in Kefalonia is quite expensive.

leew

We've been to Kalamaki twice and we love it, chasing turtles in the sea is great :rotfl:

I'd highly recommend it.

ManAtHome

I've stayed a couple of times at the Alykanas Village which is 'next door' to Alykanas Beach. I first went not long after both had been built - at that time the Village was mainly Brits (Airtours) and the Beach mainly German (Kosmar). The Village had a better pool, but both seemed equally well-equipped for s/c.

Alykanas is fairly quiet, but plenty of tavernas or 'fast food' (giros etc) if you fancy eating out. The Village/Beach hotels are only 5 mins from the main street and the large Letsos (I think) supermarket is reasonably priced - even has an ATM.

nikkilou1984

maisiescamp wrote: »

Thanks for your replies. The accomodation in Alykanas is sc but the one in Kalamaki is AI. I too love greek food (it makes my holiday:o), we usually go to Kefalonia so I am very sceptical about going AI too but it was something my hubby wanted me to look at as eating out/food shopping in Kefalonia is quite expensive.

I'd recommend Alykanas then if you are used to Kefalonia. Alykanas is quieter and, thinking about it, has a better beach for families/children. Alykes is the resort nextdoor (walking distance) and its worth popping over there too for the restaurants/beach/shops etc.

Supermarkets can be a bit pricey, depending what you buy! If budget is playing a big part then maybe the AI accommodation is the better option, or an AI in Alykanas if there is one available?

irstaroo22

Kalamaki, the beaches were beautiful and the local restaurants were lovely, went two years ago and would love to go again

minxtress

I stayed in Caretta Beach in Kalamaki and it was brilliant, loads to do for children and the resort itself wasnt too busy if you did want to venture out.
http://www.carettabeach.com/en_home.php