The unspoilt coastline of the Greek island of Zakynthos, Zante for short, is a haven for endangered sea life and for those in need of spectacular beaches amongst breathtaking surroundings. Famed for its postcard-perfect Smugglers Cove and the loggerhead turtles that annually nest here, Zante is a memorable getaway for families, couples, nature lovers and anyone who appreciates great beaches and beautiful vistas.

The third largest of the Ionian Islands and the most southerly, Zante has deep blue skies with lots of bright sunshine, golden beaches, and turquoise stretches of the Med that seem to go on forever. It's no wonder that the Italians used to call it the "Fioro di Levante" (Flower of the East).

Some of the Med's best beaches can be found on Zante, the best known being Argassi, Alykes, Vassilikos, Gerakas, Dafni, Kalamaki, Keri, Laganas, Navagio, Planos, Tsilivi and Porto Limnionas. There are so many from which to choose and most of them have been awarded with the prestigious Blue Flag status.

For a relaxed stay in Zante, visitors might want head to the north and west of the island or the pine forest peninsula of Vasilikos in the south east.

The Vasilikos peninsula has been sheltered from over development largely because of the loggerhead turtles (caretta caretta) which famously breed on Gerakas beach which is part of the National Marine Park of Zakynthos in the bay of Kalamaki (about 18 km from Zakynthos Town).The turtles are an endangered species and in early June, the female turtles arrive in order to bury their eggs in the sand. The incubation period for the eggs is about 55 days, after which time the newborns emerge from the nest and make their way to the sea. The survival rate for baby turtles is very small, with only one in one thousand hatch-lings surviving to adulthood. The beach itself is protected here so there are no water sports to upset the ecosystem. Even flights at night during the hatch-ling season are not permissible. Thecaretta caretta are a popular attraction for many tourists who visit Zante and they are a true wonder to behold if you manage to visit here during the migration period.

The resort of Tsilivi Beach is about six km from Zante Town and is hugely popular due to its long sandy beach which has clear and pure waters in which to swim. Tsilivi also offers various water sports facilities such as pedalos, para gliders, jet skis, and windsurfing equipment.

Tsilivi Beach has been awarded a prestigious Blue Flag for its cleanliness and high standards. There are plenty of beach bars for snacks and refreshments and nearby there is a wide selection of shops, supermarkets, bars and restaurants right off the beachfront.