North East Zakynthos
A flavour of holidaying at Halara. Do contact us if you have questions about specific activities
The Area
Unlike more developed islands, Zakynthos offers the best of both worlds - the south with it’s vibrant atmosphere, beach bars and nightlife, and the north with it’s more laid back style and stunning scenery. There isn’t much ‘formal’ sightseeing in the north, apart from the world famous ‘Shipwreck Beach’, however, leisurely boat trips, wineries, fabulous tavernas in hilltop villages or a visit to Askos Stone Park are temptations to draw you away from Halara. And of course, unsurpassed swimming in translucent blue waters from pebbled coves.
Things To Do
Half day trips to the south or the west of the island are easily achievable in a hire car, perhaps stopping along the way for a swim whilst en-route to a lunch spot.
Swimming from the cobbled beach at Makris Giallos is only a few minute’s drive away and afterwards you can head to the cafe there. The nearest sandy beach is just a little further at Alykes (15 minutes). There you will find sunbeds and shade for hire, as well as lots of tavernas and bars along the beach. You can also get out on the water from there with all sorts of sports equipment rented on the beach.
Kids might enjoy a visit to the Zante Water Village with its huge slides, lazy river and child friendly splash pools whilst closer to home, we are incredibly lucky to enjoy fantastically calm, flat water in the early morning and nothing beats a gentle swim from one of the small coves just down the road from Halara.
You can hire a boat to visit Shipwreck beach from the port at Agios Nikolaos or join one of the many small boat trips. A trip there to see the soaring cliffs and swim in the turquoise water is best combined with a visit to the Blue Caves on the way home.
It is possible to do a day trip on the ferry from Agios Nikolaos to Kefalonia - the ferry leaves around 9am and returns around 7pm.
Eating Out
The real treat in this part of the island is the choice of charming family run tavernas suitable for big groups or intimate dinners alike.
The Old Windmill - with spectacular views over the sea and situated on the hill above Agios Nikolaos, the Windmill is a firm favourite with all our guests. Very good food, family owned and if it’s a bit windy, they have excellent indoor eating areas.
La Storia – a taverna right on the water at Agios Nikolaos - perfect for adults to eat whilst watching kids safely play in the sea at their feet.
Madrakia – very charming family owned taverna with excellent food and locally caught fish (their father is a fisherman). Just above a lovely small pebble beach with great swimming.
Mikro Nisi – owned by the Peligoni Club, this taverna is on a small peninsular with a private swimming platform in a lovely cove. Good food and wine, on the more expensive side of options.
Art Café – funky and fun bar in a large stone barn just above Agios Nikolaus. Crazy artwork and charming outside terrace under vines. Tapas can be ordered in advance.
Nobelos – a small upmarket hotel on the hill down to AgiosNikolaus. Expensive but very good, it offers the most sophisticated dining experience in the area. Lovely small private beach for guests.
Kaminaki – up in the village of Volimes above the villa. Consistently voted their favourite by villa guests year after year. Known locally as ‘Mad Denis’ the host/owner is a real character, the food is good and inexpensive and kids love it.
To Nisi – in Agios Nikolaos – a small restaurant/taverna with good salads and very good simple food. Lovely terraces and just over the road from the beach.
The Deli - just up the road from Agios Nikolaos is a useful place to pick up more specialist food than the local supermarkets and has a range of ready meals to take home. They also have an informal cafe for pizzas, smoothies and ice creams.
