Useful Information
FLIGHTS
British Airways, EasyJet, Thompson, TUI and Jet2 all fly direct from main UK Airports to the Zakynthos (Airport Code Zante or ZTH).
There are also regular flights to Athens and main European airports as well as to the other Greek islands.
CAR HIRE
Car hire is essential and should be arranged prior to arrival, for collection at the airport. There are a number of car hire companies located at the airport. We recommend taking out damage insurance as the Greek roads can be quite rough!
GETTING TO THE VILLA
From the airport, drive north in the direction of Volimes, along the coast road to the port of Agios Nikolaos.
Once you have left Zakynthos town, you will pick up the coast road. The drive to Agios Nikolaos is 40 minutes from the airport. At Agios Nickolaos, you will be met by our Manager, Nicoletta Nita. We advise calling her (see number at the front of this document) as you leave town to give her an idea of your timings.
From the port of Agios Nikolaos, Nicoletta will take you up to the villa, a 7 minute drive from the port, in the hills below the village of Volimes.
RESTARAUNTS & TAVERNAS
There are a wonderful choice of restaurants at our end of the island. Some of our favourites are as follows.
La Storia +30 2695031635
Beautiful fish taverna on the beach of Agios Nikolaos, run by the Actipis family who also own the supermarket.
Mandrakia +30 6973450794
Fish taverna on the port side & smaller beach of Agios Nikolaos. Family run, excellent service, delicious food.
Micro Nisi +30 6973050680
Part of the Peligoni Club Family, this taverna is stunningly located on the rocks above a charming bay, with access to the sea, swimming and boating.
Orizontes +30 2695031627
Overlooking the sea, with a lovely bar, a beautiful setting for dinner.
Amoudi +30 2695062536
A beachside paradise, with a setting on turquoise shallow waters (amazing for children) accessible by boat or a 30 minute’s drive away, near Alykes.
Xigia Taverna +30 6982148306
On the coast road heading south towards Katastari, beautiful setting up on the cliffs, above the sea.
Nobilos +30 2695031400
One of the smartest restaurants in the area, and a hotel. Stunning seaside / beach location, excellent food. A more expensive option.
The Windmill +30 2695031555
Superb food. Family run. beautifully located by an old windmill high above the sea. Stunning views, especially at dusk.
Ex Animo +30 6970408931
On the road as you head up to the villa from Agios Nikolaos. Family run, traditional Greece, informal and lovely!
Kaminaki +30 2695031304
An authentic and quiet taverna near the sleepy village of Volimes; ideal if you want to explore the hills and a less spoilt and untouched way of Greek life. We recommend combining it with a look at local handicrafts, including beautiful handmade pottery, woven lace and carpets.
SUPERMARKETS & SHOPPING
Port Agios Nikolaos is a five minute drive away and has several shops and two supermarkets as well as bars and tavernas.
Fresh fish, meat, fruit & vegetables can be ordered from the small supermarket in Agios Nikolaos. The Actipis family run this, and are happy to prepare food and deliver it to the villa should you wish to – you can talk to them at the restaurant they run – La Storia, at the far end of the port.
Larger, well stocked supermarkets can be found in Zakynthos town (40 minute drive), as well as an ample selection of tourist, clothes and souvenir shops. There is an excellent pharmacist in Volimes, a 10 minute drive from the villa.
Delicious local honey, oil and wine can be purchased from local farms and small road side stalls.
BOATING
Private boats can be rented from Nico Stoufis, from Micronisi Taverna. His number is +30 695 031566. He can give you a boat with a captain, or one you can take out yourselves for the day or just a few hours.
On a calm day, we recommend you take a boat (with a captain, unless you have your ICC license) to the Blue Caves & Shipwreck Bay. The water around Zakynthos is exceptionally clear for snorkelling, with beautiful diving off the rocks, and a truly stunning coastline to explore by boat.
Go in the morning, as the wind gets up in the afternoon and around the northern end when it can get quite rough!
TAXIS / DRIVERS
North Zante Travel & Tours will provide you with taxi services, airport runs and tours around he island.
All enquiries - +30 6976497919
info@northzantetravel.com
www.northzantetravel.com
SUP / PADDLE BOARDS
SUPs / Paddle Boards can be rented from Alykes, which also boasts lovely white sandy beaches. Alykes is c. 25 minute drive from Villa Calliope.
HORSE RIDING
Swimming with horses in the blue Ionian sea is a once in a lifetime experience. Yianni’s Horses - +30 697 5769091 / yioninishorses.gr / info@yionnishorses.gr
VOLIMES & ANOFINITRIA MONASTERY IN AN EMERGENCY & USEFUL NUMBERS
There are a number of quiet and beautiful monasteries up in the hills beyond Volimes, in the direction of Shipwreck Bay. The drive to Shipwreck Bay is as stunning and varied as the boat journey by sea and well worth doing, taking in one or two of the monasteries and perhaps some local handicrafts on route.
BEACHES
The best beaches can be found by driving back towards the south end of the island, around Alykes & Alykenas, or further afield in Laganas. Due to their immense popularity, these areas are more touristy and built up.
IN AN EMERGENCY & USEFUL NUMBERS
The Greek state numbers from mobiles: 112 - Serious emergency of any sort 100- Police general contact
199- Fire Brigade
108 - Coastguard.
Zakynthos Main Hospital & A&E: +302695360500 Fire Brigade head office :+302695022191
Tourist Police :+302695022550
Private Medical options: All at a price.
The Alpha clinic in the Port, 24 hour contact number:+306974628488 This is quite efficient, open 7 days a week and can get the help you need.
Zante Medical Centre on +306984263172, has a decent ambulance service.
There are also two medical centres in Alykes/ Alikanas. Chemists in:
Volimes:+302695031500
Alikanas+302695083580
Katastari:+30269083457
Boat Problems.
Panagiotis Actipis: +306973432392 is the best option if near the port.
Coastguard/ Port Police: +302695028117/+30269031183
The Porto Vromi/ Maries Coastguard contact number was : +306978676932.