Zante - Intro - Thomson Small & Friendly May 2012 - October 2012 (December Edition)

TOP 3 THInGS TO See & DO ZAnTe Zante deals a full hand of holiday cards � family-friendly resorts, party hubs and quiet hideaways are all bound by one of the most breathtaking coastlines in the Med. 1. Smuggler's Cove One must-see on Zante, it's Smugglers Cove. A sweep of pale sand framed by cliffs, it's the most photographed sight on the island. The story goes that, in 1983, a coaster carrying cigarettes smashed into rocks off the island's west coast. Fatally holed, the ship was swept ashore. Take a boat trip to the cove or see it on a round-the-island cruise. 2. The Blue Grotto right at the top of the island, at the tip of a little peninsula, lies the Blue Grotto. It's a cove made up of fascinating rock formations. Think of it as an unfinished artwork sculpted by the sea. Speaking of which, the waters in these parts are crystal clear and impossibly blue. It's one of the best spots in Zante for scuba diving � not only is it teeming with marine life, there's a shipwreck to explore, too. T he Venetians once dubbed Zante � or Zakynthos, as it's also known � `The Flower of the Orient' thanks to its lush countryside, and it's a nickname that still rings true today. Olive groves, lemon trees and bougainvillea cover the whole island, peeking out from between rolling hills. But it's loggerhead turtles that really put Zante on the map � the island is the most important nesting spot in the Med for them. Between July and August, head to Laganas Beach at sundown, it's your best bet for spotting the creatures. Speaking of beaches, Zante's coastline is just as impressive. Sandy shores crinkle up into turquoise sea caves, and hidden coves and rugged cliffs offer up grandstand views of the Ionian sunsets. One of the most popular is Limnionas � the caves here are great for diving. And we can't mention Zante's beaches without paying homage to Smuggler's Cove. Overlooked by soaring cliffs, this sandy bay is one of the most beautiful in Greece. Zante's also caters for both lively and laid-back holidays. Laganas is the place to go for the big clubs, while Tsilivi's streets are brimming with bars and pubs. Head for the likes of Alykanas and Kalamaki, meanwhile, and you'll find soft sands and a peaceful, go-slow pace. 3. Zante Town In 1953, Zante Town was destroyed by an earthquake. now rebuilt, its pretty arcaded streets run along the waterfront where little fishing boats drop anchor each morning. Down at the end of the harbour, you'll find the church of Aghios Dionysios � the resting place of Zante's patron saint. remarkably, the church was one of the few buildings that survived the earthquake. Click on thomson.co.uk Video tours, more photos, customer reviews and room upgrades online FASTFACTS DeSTInATIOn AIrpOrT ApprOxIMATe FLIGHT TIMe Key reSOrTS near Zante Town 3 hours 30 minutes from Gatwick Alykanas, Kalamaki, Laganas, Tsilivi Visit your travel shop | Call 0871 230 2555 | Click on thomson.co.uk 60 Zante Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras. The cost of calls was correct at the time of publication. See page 3.