August

Second day we had an amazing thunderstorm, last day we had an earthquake followed by a series of aftershocks. Apparently rain is supposed to prevent earthquakes, but it didn't work in this case!

In between the weather was great, really hot during the day, but nearly as hot at night!

I am coming to zante on the 21st of August and i will be coming back to England i was wonderin if eney people at the age of (14-15) were coming at the time or still be there ?????? plz Help i need some one to talk to :)

I,m going to the Antonis Apartments 4th to the 18th September with my husband and children. It,ll be the first time abroad for the kids, We,ve got a boy of 7 and girl of 5 (sorry couples and singles!) Is there anyone else out there going at roughly the same time with children small children?

have just booked a holiday to the Hotel Olympia in Zanta in August for 1 week. As it is not far from the main resort can anyone tell me what it is like? is it a noisy/quiet?

Zante Top Tips & Tsilivi


Hello Everyone,
My wife and I have been to Tsilivi five times now, staying each time at 'Zante Palace' apartments. Here is some information that we hope you will find useful based on our personal experience. 'Have A Great Time'

I am assuming you have not been to Zante before.

1. When arriving at Zante airport you will be transferred by coach from the aircraft to the airport where you will pass through passport control onto luggage collection. This always makes me smile because it would be quicker to walk from the aircraft to the terminal, it's so close.
Once inside you will notice straight away how small and very busy it is. I would suggest making your way to the far end of the carousel making sure you stand the building exit door side. It's the last point for collecting luggage before it goes round again but at least you won't have to fight through the crowds to get out.

2. Once outside you will find plenty of taxis waiting on the far side, behind where all the coaches park. If by chance none are waiting, don't worry one will come along in a few minutes, they come and go all day. Just go up and ask for the price to take you your accommodation. It was about £7 - £8 pounds (converted) when we went in October 2001 to Zante Palace, and as you are staying near enough in the same area it should be about the same. This price is for the car, not per person. The Journey takes approx twenty - thirty minutes depending on the driver!. The drivers are all friendly and happy to help.
The thing I like about using taxis are that you beat the coaches to you accommodation so you get checked in nice and quick.

3. The water, not suitable for drinking unless you have very strong stomach. It's.o.k for boiling to make drinks and cleaning teeth but that's about it, and of course showering. Use bottled water which is cheap to buy from the local shop. It will work out even cheaper if you purchase in bulk. Go to the end of the long straight road (town end), turn left and about thirty yards on the left you will find a supermarket selling just about everything. Depending how close you are to Zante Palace apartments there is a small supermarket just below them at the other end of the long road which is very reasonable.
If your accommodation has a fridge, put your bottle of water in the ice box. Although it will turn into the largest ice cube ever, it will gradually thaw out when your out and about giving you a cold refreshing drink for a good part of the day.

4. Power Supply, 220 Volts AC, two round pin socket.

5. I don't know if your accommodation has air conditioning or not. If it hasn't you will normally find that you can hire a fan from reception for the duration of your holiday. It is definitely worth it and I would recommend it. Try and hire it when you check in as they are sometimes in short supply in high season. If they have safety deposit boxes for hire get one of those as well, again it is worth it, if only for piece of mind.

6. Car Hire, cheaper if you book it yourself rather than go through the rep. Again just go to the end of the road (town end) turn left and you will find several companies to choose from. if like us you prefer a scooter I can recommend 'Theo's' who keep all their scooters up to date with the latest models and will supply crash helmets if required. They can be found up in the town. Again go to the end of the road (town end) turn left, then right at the fork, carry on walking for about ten minutes where you will see 'Theo's' scooters on your right. They also do car hire. Don't forget to take your driving licence as this will be required when hiring either car or scooter and is usually kept by the company until the vehicle is returned. They will let you take your licence back if you prefer, just ask at time of booking.

Warning. Unless you are an experienced rider I would not recommend the scooter hire. The roads can be treacherous in places with large pot holes. The surface can also be like a skating ring in places due to the extremely dry conditions and type of surface. This is very noticeable in Zante Town.

7. One stop on from 'Theo's' scooter/car hire on the same side is the 'Utopia' bar run by, yes you guessed it, Yannis. Everyone seems to be called Yannis. He's a great guy and a true gent who will always be pleased to see you and help you out. He has a new yacht which he takes people out on trips round the island to places that you would not normally go on an organised trip. Mention our names and he will probably charge you double, haha. He has a hard life, he runs his bar with his mother and staff in the summer along with his boat trips and then in the winter he spends all his time ski-ing and snow boarding in his girl friends country, Austria or somewhere like that. It's a tough life, but someone has to do it!

8. For a great view of Zante harbour visit the Balcony Bar/Restaurant. You will need transport for this as it is a bit off the beaten track.
Directions. Follow the road as if heading towards Zante Palace. Keep following the road up and round the twists and turns for approx 2 - 3 miles. Keep your eyes open for the sign directing you to the Balcony Bar/Restaurant. You will turn right off the main road on to what some times seems a track. keep following the signs. Once there you will not be disappointed. A bit pricier than elsewhere, but the view is worth it.

9. There are many places to eat, all offering good quality and value for money. You will no doubt find a particular favourite. Most people don't eat before nine when the temperature has dropped to a more palatable level.

10. If like us you like to take the odd drink home!, I would recommend purchasing your tipple on the island as it is cheaper than the airport and on the aircraft. On the other side of the road before 'Theo's' scooter/car hire is a supermarket called 'Margarita's who we found could not be beaten on price, also do money exchange.

11. The bank. Situated in the town. At the end of the road (town end) turn left and left at the fork. Keep walking for a few minutes and you will see the bank on your left.
Although the exchange rate should be the same now they have gone fully over to the Euro you may still find you need to shop around for the best rate.

12. Medical. There is a very good pharmacy on the outskirts of the town with very knowledgeable staff that will actually sell you antibiotics over the counter if they think appropriate or will organise a doctor to see you. Again go to the end of the road (town end) turn left and left at the fork, keep going until you are almost through the town where you will see the pharmacy on your left. You can recognise it by the sign, a green cross on a white background.

13. The beach. You can't miss it, about a five -ten minute walk from your accommodation. Long stretch of soft sand which gets extremely hot and will burn your feet if not careful. Several places to get food and drink. Water sports span the beach including Para gliding and jet ski's. Don't bother going to the bar situated on the beach behind the jet ski place near Zante Palace, recognisable by a straw roof. Not up to much. There are two guys that just walk up and down the beach all day, one sells fresh fruit salad (Dennis the menace) and the other sells doughnuts. All fresh and very tasty. Not much in the way of toilet facilities unless your down the far end where some of the hotels back onto the beach. This is where the scooter can come in useful, if you know what I mean!.

14.Volimez market is a good place to visit for bargains in leather (especially belts) china, linen and rugs. A bit of a trek but worth it with plenty of places to stop on the way for refreshments and views. Allow a full day for this trip.

15. Zante Town. A bustling harbour town where there are plenty of shops including designer if you are prepared to scout round the narrow streets to find them. Remember, most but not all shops close in the afternoon until early evening so if you fancy a shopping trip best to do it in the morning. You can also see the fishermen bringing in the catch. They will sell you fish direct of the boat if you wish. This is also where you can get a good deal on boat trips of various sorts. Plenty of bars and restaurants where you can relax and just watch the world go by.

16. All public phone boxes use a phone card which can are cheap to purchase from most shops.

17. Postal Service, Don't bother sending post cards home, as you will have returned home from your holiday days if not weeks before they arrive.


18. Top Tip!, It's that time we either hate or can't wait, and that's going home. As I said at the beginning, Zante airport is very small in comparison with most airports.
And the departure lounge is no exception. Although it has a small duty free shop, refreshments and loo's it gets very crowded. There are allot of seats but are usually all taken. There is also usually a cloud hanging over the whole area from the smokers who are all either totally ignorant or cannot read the signs in the non smoking area's!.
To avoid this health hazard follow my tip.
When you have checked in your luggage instead of queuing up at passport control to go through into 'Lung Cancer City' just go back out side into the fresh air and sunshine. There are plenty of places about where you can sit, either in the sun or under a tree. The area where you checked in your luggage has all you should need, refreshment bar, toilets and a monitor. Just pop back into the terminal now and again to check your flight details on the monitor. When you know your flight is about to land or has just landed then queue up at passport control to go through. If by chance when you are queuing they call to say your flight is now boarding and your way back in the queue, just make your way to the front and explain to the other passengers that your flight is boarding and that you need to get through. They won't mind, trust me, I know from experience. If you time it right though you can almost go straight through passport control and onto the coach to the aircraft, bypassing Benson & Hedges test factory.
One last tip, when you first arrive at the airport you will no doubt have to queue up outside. Only part of the outside area is covered giving you some protection from the sun, so it is advisable to make sure you have a hat and a bottle of water available in your hand luggage as you could be queuing for anything up to an hour.

I hope this is of some use. It's surprising how a few helpful lines can turn into a book, perhaps I should get it published, haha.

By the way, there is life in the form of bars and shops if you turn RIGHT at the end of the road!

If you think of anything else that I might be able to help with let me know.

If you like the Greek Islands you may be interested in taking a look at my web sites, one of which will be updated at the end of June when we return from Kefalonia.

mysite@freeserve.com/digitalgallery

No need for www.

HAVE A GOOD TRIP.

Regards

Stephen

i am goin zante and stayin in da panorama apartments and i am goin 17th august for 2 weeks is any one betweent he ages (14-16) goin then?plz reply or add me hotdevilnumber5@hotmail.com and are there many teenagers out there plz sumone reply as soon as you can luv uxx

Went for a week (August 25th), we landed in Thunderstorms and really heavy rain; me and my boyfriend were going home! We collected our suitcases and within 5 minutes the sky was clear and sunny and sooooo hot; it stayed like this for the rest of the week. Got a wicked tan!

Just got back from Kalamaki but unfortunately the weather was unseasonally bad first few days great but then thunderstorms and showers most days but it did not dampen our spirits still got a tan and went out and explored the island. Also a tummy bug going round the island but goes within 24-48 hours.

We visited in the third week in August, and had an almighty thunderstorm when we landed!, but within a couple of hours we were melting at the hotel poolside. THIS WAS WELL HOT! We also had a couple of unseasonal downpours towards the end of the second of our weeks, but this did not dampen our spirits, as you knew that within a couple of hours normal service would be resumed! LOVED EVERY MINUTE..would go back without hesitation.

we just got back from a 2 week stay in tsilivi in zante and we hated it there the first weeks weather was good but i wouldnt say it was any hotter than spain and then the second week we had rain and thunder storms every day couldnt wait to come home we got there on 22nd august and came home on5th september

Got back from Laganas on 12.8.02 and i must say this is the hottest place i have been - even hotter than Cyprus at the end of August. No clouds,bright blue skies and a very small breeze if you can catch it along the beach! Nights are also quite warm.

in answer to heather, I hav been twice to tsilivi, altho I dont know where the yanna is. wunt imagine the hill will b too steep though! well it really is a great place.very very hot!you have to pay 4 sunbeds on beach,or use ANY pool.there r loads of watersports n tours etc on beach in daytime. nites are gud-ther r lots of nice restaurants(greek, english, chinese etc) and then if u want a quiet time you can, or there are lots of cocktail bars, music playing, a niteclub n everything.its lovely! well there must be something about it coz I am goin bak at end august for my 3rd time! have fun, Bex

I am visiting Tsilivi on the 18th August with my boyfriend, and just wanted to know if anybody has stayed there recently and can tell me what to HONESTLY expect. Also If anybody has stayed at the YANNA Studios I'd love to know what they thought and is the hill up to it really steep?

Going to stay in the Hotel Pallas this sunday 11th August. Anybody stayed there recently? What is the weather like? Hope Rescues and Zeros are as good as ther were when I went to Laganas 3 years ago. LATER

ZANTE ROCKED!!!!!!it was brilliant, got back yesterday.had 2 earthquakes while we were there, thought it was woz just cos we were pissed but no, they were real!my mate got off wit the famous long haired barman in zeros, what a highlight and i met a gorgeous greek!would def go back anytime cos its the best!

ASHLEY BOLT hello mate were staying at the canandain apt's LAGANAS so come see us init, belive mate we will show you how to go mad mate

2 Barnsley grrrrlys comin out to Tsilivi at end of august, anyone else goin/been at that time? We'll c yas all there! *giddy as a kipper*

I haven't been yet. I can't wait and Chris Burgess I will see you on th 25th August Easy mate have a good week without us..then 1 week of MADNESS COME ON........

We're flying out to Laganas on the 4th Aug. Has anyone recently returned, I'd like to know what the weather's been like lately. We like it HOT ! HOT! HOT!

were three lads going to lagunas on the 18th august for two weeks so anyone up for a mad time e mail or respond..... chrisxrated@talk21.com

Hey Is any1 goin 2 Zante on the 6th August from Manchester?!

Myself and 4 other women (22-26years) are going to Argassi - Commodore apartments on 29th July 2002 and would like some information on Good Restaurants/Clubs/Bars/Places to visit/where the gorgeous hunks are. Can u help please?

two gals from the midlands comin 2 argassi on july 29th for a week. ne1 goin same time?

5 certified lunatics from ireland will be in zante for the first 2 weeks in august, we will be sure to hunt down the girls from Newcastle, and have a bit of crack....

Theres 10 lasses from Newcastle coming to Zante on the 4th August can't wait! so ladz get ready were coming!!!!!

went last year in august and this yr in june and i would go in aug the weather is boiling and the sea is warm. the nightlife is great and every where is just buzzing!!! great holiday.

Hi i am going to Laganas at the end of August and was curious to know what it was like! If anyone knows and has been there b4 let me no please! Thanx Luv Cordie

Just came back from Laganas Friday 7th September, spent 2 weeks there and It was fantastic, stayed in Gioie de mare hotel and I must admit that the hotel staff were very helpful and excellent too, rooms were very clean and comfortable and nice place to stay too, nice big swimming pool for everyone and nice pool bar too and the staff there were very reliable and efficient, an excellent service by all. Food was okay not too bad I suppose, but I prefer the English foods as I am from Wales. Lovely beach and nice warm crystal clear sea too. Lots of entertainment and nightlife is fab too. You know what I mean when you are there. Weather was very very hot there 45 degrees everyday and I have now a golden greek tan and it looks good. I found most things in the shops cheaper than uk, but some items were expensive on the other hand. I really enjoyed myself there and I would like to go back there sometime again. Booked the holiday 13 months before at local travel agents Thomas Cook, flew with Brittannia Airways from Birmingham International on Friday 24th August - Friday 7th September 2001. I would recommend Laganas to anyone wishing for a busy, lively, fun and enjoyment holiday, its fantastic!!!!!

Hi, 3 families with toddlers and young children staying at Sunset Beach Apartments in Kalamaki. Any info on weather, apartment, area & location would be appreciated. Thanks

Kalamaki is a wonderful place to visit and in August it did not feel over run with tourist...

HI, BOOKED TO GO SELF-CATERING NEXT AUGUST IN PANAROMA APARTMENTS IN AMOUDI, HAS ANYONE BEEN THERE OR KNOW WHAT AMOUDI IS LIKE. FAIRLY YOUNG FAMILY, SO DONT WANT ANYTHING TOO LIVELY! WHAT ARE THE BEACHES/RESTAURANTS LIKE. MANY THANKS S MARTIN

we are going to Panos apartments in Alykes end of August.Any info on area and location?

Does anyone know the Hotel Sunshine???? I hav paid 380£ for 14 days in the sun this August. I just hobe that the good wether still will be there.....

Cheryl I dont know the exchange rate in kalamaki. but you will get a better rate for your money in greece, we always change our money in greece.have fun anne willkinson

Does anyone who's been recently know the exchange rate in Kalamaki? I'm trying to work out if it's better to change currency before I go on 23rd August.

Me and my girlfriend are going on 7th of august and we have heard great things about the place and all i can really say is look out laganas!!!!!!

Insect repellant is available in resort and in the UK, the stronger the better! No gym in Tsilivi, but maybe in some hotels, check with your rep in resort!

We (2 adults, 2 kids) are going to Tsilivi from 16th-30th Aug. Can anybody give us info regarding insect repellent? Also (I know this is sad) are there any gym in the resort?

We've booked two weeks in Laganas with Club 18-30...leaving Glasgow on 26th August! All this for £315pp - what a bargain eh? Just hope it's worth it.....

Baz - I have been in August and the weather has been very very hot - in fact I am going again this year in August. We usually take a small fan for the room - its not wonderful but it helps. You will have a great time.

I have just booked a week in Argassi through Bargainholidays.com leaving Gatwick on 26th August, total cost of holiday was £220 each (including transfers and insurance, what a deal!) I have heard really good reports about the island and I can't wait to go!!! Hope the beach isn't a dissapointment!

Does anyone else know anything about weather in August. A few people have said that it rains!!!

We have been at many diffent times of the year. It can be very busy in August due to the Italians and Greeks holidaying too. It is usually hot too but we have been once in August about 7 years ago and it rained nearly every day or was cold and overcast, so never bank on it. Last August was lovely - very hot and nice at night with a breeze. We have also been in May which was lovely, 2 days drizzle but then lovely- had a better tan then- as you could spend more time out in the sun and the flowers were beautiful.

We went to Zante in August last year for the first time and loved it. Very hot, recommend you have a hotel with air conditioning as you will find it very hard to sleep. Mosquito repellent needed, but you can buy it in Zante. Restaurants in Kalamaki are great, English, Indian, chineese, Fish restaurants, Pizza you name it. Locals are friendly! The sea is like getting into the bath. Laganas is the place to be for 18 -30's, too hectic for us! Kalamaki was more classy. You cannot go on the beach after 9.00p.m. because of the turtles nesting on the beach, so if you take the beach for a walk to Laganas from Kalamaki in the evening (takes about 3/4 hour) you need to take a taxi back as the beach will be closed.

We are going to Laganas August 26th for 2 weeks and paying £304 each, with free insurance! What a bargain. We booked with Thomas Cook. Good luck!

hey Steevie!! In August it will be a little more expensive than September, It will be just as hot if not a little hotter and it will be quite a bit busier than September. Hope that helps! x x x

We may be going to Argassi in August this year.. we usually go in September.. anyone have any idea how much it will cost, how busy and how hot?