Zante (Zakynthos) is a stunning hilly, green island in the Ionian Sea in western Greece. It is renowned for its unspoilt natural beauty. The hillsides are covered with pine forests, the fertile valleys support olive groves, vineyards and orchards of citrus fruits, and the southeast coast boasts several idyllic beaches. Like its neighbour, Kefalonia, Zante was struck by the 1953 earthquake that destroyed many of its finest buildings.

The picturesque town curves around a bay dominated by a Venetian Fortress and the St Dennis Cathedral. Zakinthos town is reminiscent of Venice with its historic St Mark's Square and Solomos Square, lined by reconstructed neoclassical buildings. The main attraction for visitors is the triangular shaped island's 57 miles (92km) of coastline, particularly on the eastern and southern flanks, which are blessed with beautiful bays. Favourites are the white sandy beaches of Lagana and Geraka, also renowned for being the nesting grounds of the Caretta-Caretta sea turtles.

Today the island's busiest and best-known resort is Laganas, (11km/7 miles south of Zante Town) on the south coast, which has now established itself as one of Greece's top 24-hour party resorts. It lies within Zakinthos’ National Marine Park, where protected wildlife includes the Caretta-Caretta sea turtles and Mediterranean monk seals.

The other top holiday resorts are Argassi (4km/2.5 miles south of Zante Town) which is better suited to families and Tsilivi (5km/3 miles north of Zante Town). Other attractions here are the sea caves, notably the Blue Caves and Keri Caves, accessible only by boat from the sea, and the stunning Shipwreck Beach in Smuggler's Cove, which features on countless postcards.

Inland the mountain villages lure holidaymakers away from the beach to sample some local hospitality, good food and wine and explore monasteries tucked away among the greenery.