Zante / Zakynthos - who's been?

davels

Hiya all

I'm off to Zante on the 16th - has anyone been before? We're a young family and have 2 very young children (2 & 1) - the flight is the thing we're looking forward to the least.

We're staying in Tsivili - I'd be really interested to hear if anyones been there... and/or in October!

Cheers
Dave

digitdemon

My parents have just returned from Zante. They stayed at the Niko's aparments in Alykes, but not sure how near this area is to where you are staying.

They were not as happy with the general look and feel of the place as with other greek islands, and apparently the airport was a bit of a nightmare, especially a concern with young kids I guess. I can't remember the precise details but at one point it involved going back out of the terminal, apparently more like a tin hut, and queueing back outside in the heat.

I can send you a photo they took of the situation on Sunday if you wish via email, as it appears I can't attach an image in the thread.

Hope this helps and if you've got any further questions I can always ask them.

MrSmartprice

I went about 4 years ago, and seem to remember that the airport is indeed hell on earth. We were warned that we would be kept on the transfer coaches until the last minute as there were so few check in desks, otherwise you end up on the pavement.

We stayed in Argassi, which was very touristy, and with a very small beach. There were loads of decent bars and restaurants though, and plenty of pools for lazing around. People were friendly, and prices good value.

ManAtHome

The hanging about outside is a bit of a feature of Greek airports - get into Greek Time and enjoy... Tsivili should be Ok, it's a reasonable sized resort - avoid in July/August, but shouldn't have shut down just yet (although you are hitting the end of the season).

DigitDemon - surprised your parents didn't like Alykes - this is the quiet end of the island. I stayed at Alykanas around a mile down the coast (late Sept) a couple of years ago and didn't think it was a great deal different to the non-18/30 bits of Corfu or Crete - had an excellent holiday.

As long as you avoid Laganas (south coast) you should enjoy it. Flight time is around 3.5 hours, transfers should be around an hour, plus the hour or so waiting for luggage and stragglers on the coach. Have a look here http://www.majorca-uncovered.co.uk/majorca.htm for reviews of where you're staying - handy hints on where to go, what you need to take etc (just select 'Zakynthos - Tsivili ...' in the drop-down at the top of the screen).

digitdemon

ManAtHome wrote:

DigitDemon - surprised your parents didn't like Alykes - this is the quiet end of the island.

From what they said the general up-keep of the area wasn't good. For example a street lamp had been pushed over with all the glass over the pavement. They noticed this on the way into area upon arrival. Noticed during the week and was still there when the left a week later. Also there were rats running around in streets more apparent than you would expect. These are just a couple of instances I can remember.

They are totally up for the greek way of life, and had been recommended the island. But were disappointed in comparison to corfu and crete and other greek islands they have been to previously.

Each to their own I guess.

ManAtHome

Yes, it's not known as 'Rat Island' for nothing - although the ones I saw were mainly of the squashed variety. Couple of years since I was there - sounds like the Alykanas developments have taken a lot of trade from Alykes.

Lipsticklady

My friend has just returened form Zante with her partner and too girls. They had a wonderful time. In fact, she described it as the best holiday they have ever had.

I will be going next year, as they have decide they liked it so much they want to get married there!

Lipsticklady

Ohh...i forgot!

My boyfriend went last year. He and a few friends went as a 'lads holiday'. They didnt enjoy it as it was very quiet. They did hire a boat and went turtle spotting.Apparently, Laganas has changed this year and is more like Ibiza.

However, i went to corfu (kavos) and hated it. The beach was horrible and rocky and i wouldnt ever go back. Plus, the taxi drivers were rude and on several occasions tried to rip us off!!!

payless

Been about 5 times ( mainly in october) stayed in Tsivili once (I about 4 years ago) , all was fine, likely quiet - picks up very slightly for half term ( but even then 1/2 hotels closed)

Airport ( v small) was a nightmare last yr ( we had a 6 hr wait on return!) , told being rebuilt , but not sure of ready

can get cold at nights in Oct

Of course as with all Greek islands, things are basic ( do you know about the toliets? ) are you taking any food for the little ones

Their are the chicken nugget and chips places, but also some nice eateries- something like Arainda on the main crossways was great for tradiational grek food ( but that was 4 yrs ago)

Chester_Draws

Dave,

As with many small Greek islands, the airport is a bit of a nightmare.

I have been to Zante 3 times in the past 5 years, (so yes, I do like the island) and its just one of those situations where the better your are prepared with information , the better. I have not done it with small children though, and think you will need to be prepared to the upmost.

Tips I would suggest you consider, with 2 young children.

The arrivals area is very small and very disorganised. Reduce the stress and bustle by getting your partner to carry on through with the children and wait outside. If its hot there is a shady area over the road where all the bus and taxi drivers sit. You wait for luggage by yourself.

Before getting on bus, wander over to taxi rank, and ask how much to your hotel. Could be a good £20 spent if the bus is going to many resorts first.



Cant help with questions about Tsivili, as never stayed in that resort, but if you go to this website, you can find a wealth of information, and probably comments on your own hotel. Scroll to the bottom of the page, and choose Tsivili and then hotels or apartments and you can read comments. Also, useful to make notes of restaurants etc that others recommend.

http://www.justzante.co.uk/Tsilivi.htm



On departure from airport, you may be asked to queue outside, but unlikely in October, but once again if you are, then get the family to sit over the road in the shade until the queue moves at a steady speed and you are inside the building.



If it is busy, or there are delays, the departure lounge is very small and cramped. Would suggest that you DO NOT go through passport control too eagerly, and might do better to stay out in the fresh air. There is nothing to see in the departure area except one small duty free shop upsatairs.



My suggestions, are be prepared for the worst, and be pleased with it being better.

Maybe some little small toys wrapped up as presents to give would ease the waiting .



Have fun ………. Personally loved the island , worth the possible agro.

pugwash

try holidays uncovered .com