Alykanas Resort

hi i am going to the alikanas beach village studios for the first two weeks of august, firstly i really want to find out if there are any other irish ppl booked into stay the first 2weeks of july, and also if there is an atm machine nearby for money or shud i bring travellers cheques?
please help if u can

Hi there. We're staying at ABV at the end of May for 2 weeks. We have two little boys (4 and 2) and in an effort to keep the luggage to a minimum (hah!), I was wondering if anyone knew whether I could hire a pushchair from the rep/apartments? Our youngest will be nearly 3 when we go, so is walking a lot but I'm sure will get tired now and then. Any other info on good places to visit with little ones would also be much appreciated. Thanks!

We are going to Alykanas in May and I was wondering if anyone has been this time of year and what the heat is like? I am taking my 2 children for first time, chose May because it will be cooler, but just hope weather is still hot enough for me and my husband!

Sharon just a reply to your concern re Neraida bungalows - havent stayed in them but the location of them is lovely right on the beach. nearly opposite the very very small harbour (a jetty with a few fishing boats)close to all amenities, Im sure you will have a wonderful holiday. Alykanas and Alykes make for a great holiday.

nightlife is ok, depends what age you are i suppose

we can recommend The Alkyionis, Dionisis, Medusa, Psarapoula, Mantalena, and many more thati can't remember names of...

going to alikanas village in May,2004 would like to know best places to eat and drink. Is the nightlife really that quiet.

We have just returned from a last minute holiday in Alykanas. We spent a week staying at the Alykanas Beach Village (don't get this mixed up with the Alykanas Beach Aparthotel like we did). The hotel is classed AAAA and is lovely. There is a very large swimming pool, a volley ball pool and a beach pool. We also found an indoor pool but that seemed to be closed. Didn't find the playground (but there is one at the hotel next door) and there didn't seem to be an kids club either (both were in the brochure). Everyone is very friendly, but doesn't hassle you.

Zakynthos is a very quiet island. Tourism hasn't yet taken off. Alykanas and Alikes are very small and contain restaurants/bars and tourist shops so there isn't much to do if you like to go clubbing. Free horse carriages will take you from the hotel to the Neraida Beach Restaurant (which you can walk to very easily via the beach), the Apollo and the Greedy Greek.

The cost of living is higher than in the UK so make sure you take plenty of money. We were spenfing on average £30.00 for a 2-course meal for two adults and one child, and £12.00 for lunch. Kellogs cereal is £2.75 for a 375g box. We have been told this is beacuse of the Euro.

Roads and directions aren't up to the standard you would expect in Britain. A tour of the island is recommended - make sure you hire a 4x4, not a Daewoo Matiz like we did as the roads are quite steep, with hairpin bends, and lots of potholes. We had a great time looking at the countryside, and got rid of the map in the end. Make sure you go to see the shipwreck - the cliffs are unbelievably high and you get quite dizzy standing at the top.

I would recommed visiting Askos which is a newly created animal poark where you take a 900m trail around a small valley. Great for the kids as you get to see local gats, sheep, geese, horse and ponys, tortoise etc. The park has been opened 17 months and can be found near Mikro island which is to the north east of the island. If you are following road signs it is AFTER the wine tasting place!!

We also drove to the southern tip of the island looking for Banana Beach. We found Port Vromo beach which was a real dissapointment as it was stoney and covered in seaweed. We ended up driving back to Alykanas.

A small "train" runs from Alykanas to Alykes and then to a small village nearby where you see a museum containing items showing the Greek way of life, a small church, and the local tavern. The home grown raisins and wine are recommended.

We have just returned from Alykanas. We only stayed for a week which was not long enough. We stayed at Alykanas Beach studios and apartments which we would recommend. There are plenty of places you can eat at, and even a fish and chip shop. The locals are really friendly and helpful. Beach is lovely, but very narrow. Only a few jewellers. Rest of shops are supermarkets and souvenir shops. We will definitely be returning there. We would recommend it if you are not looking for somewhere that is too rowdy. Plenty of excursions can be booked from Alykanas.

Just returned from our third trip to Zante and our first to Alykanas.
This is a delightful resort, especially the older area furthest away from Alikes. It is also ideally placed to travel to other parts of the Island. I stayed at the Alykanas Beach Village, and although I enjoyed it, I fear that this type of large development will be detrimental to the resort as a whole. Together with the Alykanas Beach appartments next door, it is out of keeping with the surrounding area and other accommodations. I hope I am wrong, but I think the writing is on the wall. If this continues, Alykanas will be a different place in 5 years time.

Alykanas was very nice, the beach is lovely and sandy and the water is crystal clear. We went in September which was perfect but it probably gets quite busy in July and August. EVERY restaurant has loads of English options, down to a full cooked breakfast, but there are some more traditional tavernas to be found which we prefered. If you are staying more than a week you may want to hire a car as it is quite small and the bus service is dubious!

WE ARE TAKING TWO OF OUR CHILDREN (BOY 16, GIRL 9)TO ALYKANAS BEACH VILLAGE OVER THE HALF TERM 15-29 OCTOBER.
OUR SON WILL HAVE HIS FRIEND WITH HIM BUT OUR DAUGHTER MAY NEED A FRIEND OF HER OWN.
IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE THERE OVER THAT PERIOD IT WOULD BE NICE TO HEAR FROM YOU.

Just returned from Alikanas Beach Village - fantastic place with 3x swimming pools and the sea right at your feet. 10/10 for the DIONISOS Taverna and the MEDUSSA - our two favourite restaurants. We hired a car for 3 days [AVIS]. Try to visit Dimitri at "Simply Greek" a shop selling hand made crafts etc in ANAFONITRIA near to the ship wreck [2km]. To our new Greek friends whom we met over there, "Thanks and Yamas".

Stayed at the Alykanas beach appartments on 3:9:2003,the appartments could not have a better location being right on the beach and the pools,facilities etc where 1st class. However our appartment was directly over the bar which ment we recieved very little sleep at night and where woke up early every morning by cleaning staff daragging furniture everywhere (to much effort involved in picking something up).The resort is only small as is neighbouring Alykes (5 mins away)but as long as you are not a shopperholic or crave mega discos then all you could need is on hand.Tried serveral of the local resteraunts but by far the best was The Great Dane( very friendly welcoming people and exelent food but beware the mega portions.

Stayed at the Alykanas beach appartments on 3:9:2003,the appartments could not have a better location being right on the beach and the pools,facilities etc where 1st class. However our appartment was directly over the bar which ment we recieved very little sleep at night and where woke up early every morning by cleaning staff daragging furniture everywhere (to much effort involved in picking something up).The resort is only small as is neighbouring Alykes (5 mins away)but as long as you are not a shopperholic or crave mega discos then all you could need is on hand.Tried serveral of the local resteraunts but by far the best was The Great Dane( very friendly welcoming people and exelent food but beware the mega portions.

We Have been going to Alykanas for 6 years simply wonderful,it is home from home. Already booked for 2004.

going to neraida bungalows in zante next august, just read review does nt seem too good can any one restore my faith .also has any one had break ins this year

ive just come back from alykanas it is a wonderful place an i sugest you take a walk along the sea front to the Neriader bar the food is great and so is the service. and i also sugest goin to the greek night the on tuesdays. there entertainmen and a BBQ.

I am off to this Island in 2 weeks time (Sept 11). I am looking to book some day trips. Are there any local tours operators that have a outlet in Alykanas or Alykes???

Keith

There is a cash-point outside the supermarket next to Iguana Bar. Also 2 in Alykes.

I am going to zante with my family on the 20th august 2003 for 2 weeks. I am looking for others who are going about my age which is 12-14 if anyone else is going about that time see you there! :)

going to the letsos apartments june 2004.would appreciate any info about letsos,atms,bars,etc.

Are there any Cash tills in Alykanas, or will we have to go to Alykes or Zante Town?

Thanks.

Very peaceful resort. Lovely beach and all you want from a beach holiday. Recommended.

Good mix of traditional greek and an up and coming resort. Not to lively but enought bars and restaurants to keep you busy.

Alikanas is a great little resort which has all you need for a stress free holiday. It has a few lively bars but no real nightclubs or discos so is perfect for families. For those cautious holidaymakers amongst you, you'll be pleased to hear that English food etc. is readily availble from both the restaurants and supermarkets.
WARNING !!!!!Avoid ANY coach trip around the Island booked either with your tour operator or a local tour organiser. EVERY person we met who'd been on a coach trip said that they were dreadful and a complete waste of time and money. Take a boat trip instead if possible (or hire a car )Alternatively there is a great little trip by motorised train, the "TRAINAKI" which is only 2 1/2 hours long, suitable for all ages, and takes you to some more out of the way places. Cost is only 10 euros adults and 5 for kids and that includes museum entrance fee and free wine tasting session ( and they aren't stingy with the wine ! The train leaves twice a day at 1.45pm and 6.00pm from near Dionisos restaurant near the mini golf site.

hey sarah im going on holiday to alikanas between the 13-20 of august i am 15 and my younger sister is 13.

This was our first time in Alykanas and did we enjoy it. The beach is great, one 50 year old non swimmer even felt confident enough to go into the sea for nearly 200 yards. The selection of restaurants is great and the night life is good without being too hectic.

Can not comment on the weather as we did not see a cloud for two weeks and everbody keeps asking where I went on my holidays, mind my panda eyes give it away.

We have just returned from Alykanas and had two wonderful weeks. It was perfect for a relaxing holiday with our two children. The weather was wonderful as were the people and we would definately consider going back (if they could sort the airport out). The place had a real charm about it and we all absolutely give it the thumbs up!!

the best

I just want to say,i had the time of my life there last summer! i made so many new mates, it was great! i cant say anything bad about it! best holiday ever!

We would like to visit the Alykanas Beach Apartments during half term week (around 23rd October) this year. Can anyone give me an idea of whether restaurants, bars etc in resort will be open and what weather will be like. Oh and also whether good for 7 year old girl!

just want to know if there will be kids around this time of year as we are taking ours on the 3 june for 2 weeks went last year just the 2 of us but dont remember alot of kids our kids ages range from 4 to 13 we are staying at the valais hotel this year

Having booked our holiday to alykanas beach village thro' Airtours last August and paying my balance just last week, they have just told us there is an overbooking on these apartments and can no longer offer us our holiday we booked (16 July 2003). We have managed to re-arrange for a week earlier, but still really feel let down, we booked 11 months in advance of our holiday. I have heard that they overbooked 50 bookings, just wondered who else has been affected and would be curious to know when they booked.

I am going to Alykanas Beach Studios and Apartments on Thursday 7th August for two weeks.
I am 14 years old and my 17 year old brother will be coming to.
If you are around our age and will be there at the same time, please reply.

In 2001 we stayed at Tina Studios, Alykanas which Zeus Pool Bar was part of. We booked this holiday through Olympic but they no longer sell Tina Studios. Does anyone know of any other tour operators that sell Tina Studios, or does anyone have Dennis' phone no. that runs the pool bar?

Thankyou Helen,information much appreciated.

dear phoebe,I was able to get pampers nappies here last summer and they had other kinds as well-so it's not a problem.All of the restaurants seemed to welcome children and had high-chairs-our favourite was Dionysos-for the excellant food-but also for the sandy little tikes playground-where kids can play within your sight until the food arrives.Have a great time we are going back again this year.

We will be taking our 11 month old son to Alykanas this year.Can anyone tell me if it is possible to buy nappies there plus any particularly child friendly restaurants.Thankyou.

Freda, Regarding your enquiry on the resort. There is no need to worry on the earthquake front. Certianly we had three tremours in a week in August however although slightly unexpected they were certainly a talking point and we were at no point in any danger. Buildings are beautifully designed to cope and it is nearly 40 years since they had anything which has actually caused damage! Because we do not have them they are unnerving but you may not have any at all. Apparently they can go many weeks without so much as a tiny hiccup then have 3 little ones in a week as we found. Tell the kids the ground is 'burping' and they will laugh! Mossies. yes they are about... you are going at a good time of year. We used two buzzer machines in the room one near the front door and one by the patio doors. never had a single one in the room and we were at peak season. I personally used need a little protection spray at dusk and in the evening to eposed legs and arms etc to go out. During the day they are not a problem at all. When you leave the room always shut the balcony doors. Hire a fan and have that at night rather than leaving the patio doors open and you will I'm sure be fine. the beach is fantastic for children and parents! I'm sure you will have a lovely time. remember though - most apartments are self catering and this MEANS seld catering! Take plenty of towels and be prepared to have a little sweep and an empty of bins each day and you will be fine! They do not clean maybe as often as one would like if used to a half board basis with full room service. Diana - Purrsome@aol.com

We are travelling on 17.10.02 for 14 nights staying at KozanosII Amoudi - anyone been what is it like, taking two children 11yr and 6yrs a little anxious about earthquakes, mosquitos and wasps - Anyone been at this time of year do we need to take umbrellas. Thanks for your honest opinion, really feel we need to be prepared

In answer to taking a kettle, yes Towels are provived but they small take your own take loo roll to,we stayed at the neraida it is in a great position on the beach so beach towels are a must,its a 10min walk to the centre of alykanas were there are plenty of places to eat, try the la cretta we found it the best,accomadation is basic but the views are great all in all had a great time and planning to return 2004 enjoy your selfs and say hello to nickos at the neraida bar.

We are off to Alykanas in a couple of weeks, staying in the Neraida Bungalows. We always seem to pack things that we do not need. We took a travel kettle to Skiathos, there was a kettle. We took lots of towels too, they provided them. The loo rolls phenonmenon too. What DO we need to take? Comments appreciated. Here is a tip: Nappy sacks....(for all the family)

It was all we hoped for on a Greek holiday - this is now the sixth island we have visited. Generaly a quite resort, not too big or brash. But a good variety of restaurants and shops. The beach was very good for swimming - sandy, warm water. We greatly enjoyed our stay there - and wer glad we did not stay in some of the other resorts.

Are family stopped at the neriada bungalows wich are right on the beach,Its a nice sandy beach in this part wich is the widest,shallow water & safe for kids,we snorkled nearly everyday,take a small piece of bread, the fish come to you,neriada has a nice swimming pool & snack bar wich anyone can use,Its a 10min walk to the centre of alikanas were there are plenty of restrants,try La Caretta Dont use Flame Bar! every where charges 2euros for large bottle of amstell they charge 3euros its a rip off, all in all had a great holiday and will return, are thanks go to the staff at neriada bungalows Nichos,Demetri & Mum

Resort not how I imagined it but enjoyed the reality anyway! Imagined a quiet small traditionallt greek place. didn't expect bars with union jacks, Manchester United scarves and English pop music thumping! Nor Mr and Mrs competitions, English breakfasts and restauranters pulling you into their restaurants offering you eggs beans and chips and free wine if you just would come in...! Sounds hell? Well actually it wasn't. We went for a coupley peaceful greek holiday. We found it freiendly, clean and a mix between Skegness, old time Greece and benidorm! You could pretend you never left home if you wanted food wise, pub wise and musicwise OR you could dig up the backstreets, ditch the eggs beans and chips culture and find one or two tavernas serveing mostly greek tradional dishes. Whereever you ate the food was good. The greek food in the retaurants aiming towards the Brits was inferior to the greek restaurants aiming at the locals and those who didn't want mash and fish fingers. There is exchange in the resirt only for travellers cheques and Sterling (English) cash, no cash points and no banks. Walk 20 mins to Alykes and there are two cash points which work OK when they are full but often run out of money for hours at a time. If run out in the morning they are generally full again by the evening. Beach lovely and safe. Sea clean, warm and shallow. Beautiful. Do not be scared but we had 3 earthquakes whilst we are there. We wouldn't have minded if we had been warned but nothing was said at all in the brochure or by the reps. They are frequent (we had 3 in a week) two small one big. Scarey but not dangerous. Be aware it might happen and know there is no need to panic because it is normal! The main street has little in the way of pavements and the locals drive fast! keep kids close to you! There is a good crazy golf course - fun and cheap. So...good food, great beach, good facilities, loads of supermarkets, a little cheaper than home (but not much) we spent £400 in a week with only one excursion and eating out breakfast and evening meal for two to give you an idea. Gifts are plesant and not too tacky. Not the romantic village we imagined but very safe crime wise and a lot of fun.

Lorraine - Just back today. See my input on the Elpida apartments page - anything else email me at purrsome@aol.com willingly and can answer anything you want on the resort or apartments. Diana Stevens.

Hi, our party of nine (ages 8 -75) will be visiting Alykanas for two weeks commencing 18.8.02. I've found some useful info on this site, but would welcome anymore details about the Elpida Apts. We'd like to go to a Greek night, but there are mixed comments about the Greedy Greek, any other suggestions?

Hi - sorry to trouble again - am off on the 28th to Elpida Apartments and two things spring to mind 1) How are the Mosiquitos at this time of year in resort in your experience? 2) Do we need to take towels and loo roll REALLY? Never have had to anywhere else in the world self catering before...but happy to if definate necessity. Please ither post here or email me on purrsome@aol.com - any info would be much appreciated! Thanks. Di

Can you tell me if the Beach Village Appartments will cash travellers' cheques? Does anyone know if the supermarket is finished?

Pat - re Alykanas Beach Studios Bath Towels and Hand Towels are provided. Loo roll is also provided and the maids always ensured that there was a spare roll. Don't worry, this place is excellent. We have just arrived back and grabbed a brochure to book again for next year. If we hadn't already booked and paid for Cyprus in Sep, I would be going back then.

i visited alykanas last year it was good enough for me to return again this year, as in the alykanas beach studios & apartments i will let u know when i return.

According to the Kosmar brochure we have to take our own bath towels and loo paper when we go in August to the Alikanos Beach Studio apartments. Has anybody else had to do this? Also have the studios got air conditioning and a safety deposit box? Also first time to Zante 2 adults and one 8 year old son looking for a quiet but not boring 2 weeks. Any comments please..

Fantastic !!! A quiet resort, lets hope it stays that way. A fair bit of building going on, and with the arrival of Colditz like holiday complexes being constructed not too far from the beach, it looks like in coming years it may get spoilt. The beach is quiet with warm shallow water; there's little shade so hire an umbrella or take frequent trips to the nearby Valais Hotel Bar (recommended). Nightlife is excellent, just a cold beer, good company and the beauty of the lights from the hills reflecting in the crystal clear sea. The local restaurants provide quality, low cost meals with friendly and sometimes eccentric waiters. If you're looking for something a little more lively in the evenings then the neighbouring village/town of Alykes provides slighly more compact upbeat atmosphere. You can either walk along the beach to Alykes or take one of the many horse drawn carriages. Loved the place and the people, we'll definitely be returning!

I've just arrived back from Alikanas,my 11th visit in 10 years!! I've been to many Greek islands and this is by far the best! The locals are so friendly and make you feel extremely welcome,by the time you leave you'll have made many best friends! I can't praise this island and resort enough, try it for yourself...!!!

We are visiting Zante for the first time next week, staying in Alikanas. Can anyone tell us whether there is any snorkelling in this area.

I will be visiting Alykanos in the summer & I will be staying in the Valais apartments. could anyone give me any further info...... Thanks

Ive been home from alikanas since 19th december and missing everyone so much not long untill go back end of the month which is all good.you proberly all no saki,nicko from flame there little darlings aint they.have a nice time on hoiolday there its a blinding island c ya all out there.

Best place on the Island, people lovely, food great, relax and enjoy, good for all the family.

Just got back, had a brilliant time one of the best place I have been to.

Tourist Greece at its best

alikanas was ok but when it comes to toilets,food,and value i will stick to turkey.

ITS A LOVLEY PEACFUL AND QUITE PLACE. VERY HOT ONE OF THE HOTEST PLACES IN ZANTE YOU WOUID LOVE IT I WENT IN MAY 0C IT WAS ABOVE 80

I will be going to Alykanas the last two weeks in september to stop at the tina studios. Has anyone heard of these ?

Myself and my partner are going to Elpida studios in Alykanas at the end of September for two weeks. Has anyone been there , and if so how did you rate it?

As yet unspoiled by clubs discos. The people are ultra-friendly and genuinely are pleased to see you when you re-visit. The tavernas provide excellent food/value. In fact, Zakinthos is one of the cheapest islands I've been to. Forget car hire ( if you're not in a family group)-the island isn't that big. Scooters m/bikes are more fun and you can get to some of the more 'secret locations' more conveniently. We're going again in September- can't wait.

Kazza Benson, you didn't happen to be in Alikes/Alikanas during the summer of 95', because my friend and i worked out there in Alykes for the summer, and we might have met? Aside from that, Alykes/Alikanas are the most excellent places to go on holiday.

Alikanas is wonderful - highly recommended - I go back every year!!