Tsilivi holidays

How to reach Tsilivi

• Flight time: Flights to Zante (Zakynthos) from London and other major UK cities take between 3 hours 30 minutes and 4 hours.

• Transfer time: Zakynthos International Airport is a 15- to 20-minute drive from Tsilivi. There isn’t a direct bus service from the airport, but you can taxi to the KTEL station in Zante Town and catch a bus from there. If you go with the taxi-bus option, add 15 minutes or so to the journey time.

• Price: Taxiing from the airport to Tsilivi will set you back around €25. A taxi to Zante Town costs around €15. The bus fare to Tsilivi is €2.

Best time to visit Tsilivi

What’s on the agenda? Swimming and sunbathing, outdoor activities or a deep dive into Zante’s cultural side? The best time for your holidays in Tsilivi depends on your holiday wish list.

• April to May sees average temperatures ranging from 15 to 19°C and 8 to 10 hours of daily sunshine. Spring can be a little wet and breezy, but the countryside is lush and green, making it a great time for nature walks and exploring the island.

• June to August practically guarantees hot, dry, sunny weather, with temperatures averaging 23°C in June and 26°C in July and August. Balmy sea temperatures (23°C and above) are the icing on the cake. Expect to share your stretch of sand with heat-seeking tourists.

• September to October brings a drop in temperatures (24 to 20°C) and tourists numbers. With sea temperatures in the low 20s, these are good swimming months. On a less positive note, rainfall increases heading into October, and the resorts will start to wind down.

• November to March are mild, wet months, with average temperatures falling from 16°C in November to 11°C in January before climbing to 13°C in March and rainfall peaking at 170mm in December. Many tourist facilities will be shuttered until spring, so you’ll need to plan ahead if you visit during this time.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Greek is the official language, but English is widely spoken in Tsilivi.

• Currency: Greece uses the euro (€).

• Getting around: Tsilivi is compact and easy to navigate on foot. For exploring the rest of Zante, local buses are an affordable option, with one-way tickets starting at around €2. Taxis are also readily available and typically offer set-price fares. For maximum flexibility, it’s worth considering hiring a car. Rentals start at about €30 per day.

• Electricity and plug types: The standard voltage is 230V 50 Hz. Plugs are two-pin Type C and F.

• Extreme weather: Greece has experienced summer wildfires on the mainland and some islands. At the time of writing, there is no official warning against travelling to Greece, but check for updates before you go.

• Time zone: Greece runs on Eastern European Time, 2 hours ahead of GMT (3 hours ahead during Daylight Saving Time).

• Required travel documentation: UK citizens need a valid passport (issued less than 10 years before the entry date and valid for at least 3 months after the departure date) but don’t need a visa for stays up to 90 days in a rolling 180-day period.

Best things to do in Tsilivi

A lively resort town on Zante’s northeastern coast, holidays to Tsilivi offer a perfect mix of relaxation and recreation.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Venetian Watch Tower: Squatting above Tsilivi Beach, with its solid stone walls and square-pyramid-shaped roof, the tower (vardiola) is worth a look-see, but the main reason to come is for the sea views and to catch a sunrise.

• Balcony Restaurant: With views over the Bay of Tsilivi, the Balcony’s terrace is the perfect place to watch the sun go down.

The best districts

• Tsilivi Strip: Centred on Tsilivi’s main street, this lively area is awash with souvenir shops, tour operators, restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

Parks and gardens

• National Marine Park of Zakynthos: A 25- to 30-minute drive from Tsilivi, this park is well worth a visit for nature lovers. It’s home to the endangered loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) and features protected areas where you can learn about and observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.

Museums

• Milanio Museum: Dedicated to Zante’s maritime history, the museum holds an impressive collection, including paintings, photos, uniforms and model ships.

• Callinico Winery Museum: Located roughly 4km from Tsilivi in Kalipado, this is one for wine enthusiasts. The museum showcases methods of traditional and contemporary wine production and bottling.

Historical monuments

• Venetian Castle of Bohali: Topping nearby Bohali Hill, the castle complex is going to rack and ruin, but it’s nonetheless an interesting place for a wander, with a few stone buildings to explore and some spectacular views.

• Church of St Dionysios: Located in Zante Town, a short drive from Tsilivi, the church is renowned for its impressive interior, featuring intricate frescoes and a silver reliquary housing the remains of St Dionysios, the island’s patron saint.

Day trips in the area

• Blue Caves: Illuminated by ethereal blue light, this series of natural arches and caves stretches between Agios Nikolaos and Skinari Cape. The light phenomenon is most extraordinary before noon. Join a boat tour in Zante Town.

• Monastery of Agios Georgios ton Krimnon: A 45-minute drive away in Anafonitria, this serene monastery dates to the 16th century. It’s also a fantastic vantage point from which to view Zante’s famous Shipwreck Beach (Navagio).

Activities for families in Tsilivi

From swimming and sunbathing to family-friendly activities like bowling or mini-golf, there’s loads to do on holidays to Tsilivi.

• Family-friendly beaches: Young children can swim and splash safely in the calm, shallow waters off long, sandy Tsilivi Beach while older kids enjoy banana boat rides.

• Water parks: Tsilivi Water Park offers a fun day out for all ages, with a variety of slides, a lazy river and a splash pool for younger children.

• Bowling: Get a strike or strike out; a family outing to Bowl M’Over will be fun for the whole family.

• Mini-golf: Offering four courses, Fantasy Mini Golf provides a challenge for all ages.

Free things to do in Tsilivi

There are plenty of free activities to enjoy in and around Tsilivi, perfect for those looking to make the most of their Tsilivi holidays without breaking the bank.

• Annual festivals: Next-door neighbour Zante Town is the place to be for two of the island’s biggest festivals. Zante’s Carnival begins on the fifth Sunday before Lent, launching two weeks of parades, street theatre, eating and dancing, and the three-day Festival of Agios Dionysios kicks off on the 23rd August, with processions, music, open-air markets and fireworks.

• Beaches: Beach days are an obvious choice. Bring your own towels and umbrellas (a sunlounger and brolly rental costs around €10–€20 for two) and enjoy the sun and sea without spending a cent.

• Free events: Throughout the summer, Tsilivi hosts various local events, including live music nights, traditional Greek dancing and quiz nights.

• Local churches: Tsilivi and the surrounding villages are home to several beautiful churches, which you can visit for free. These churches often feature stunning frescoes and are a tranquil spot for reflection.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Snorkelling: Northwest of Tsilivi Beach, Bouka Beach combines a shallow seabed with high visibility.

• Hiking: A 30-minute drive from Tsilivi, the Black Cave in Kallithea is well worth exploring. It’s a fair trek to get up to the caves, but there are rope handrails, and you’ll be rewarded with phenomenal views towards Tsilivi and Zante Town and, in the opposite direction, over Alykes.

• Water sports: Local operators offer a variety of water sports on Tsilivi Beach, everything from jet and water skiing to parasailing.

• Kayaking: Take to the water in a kayak and explore the hidden coves and beaches along Zante’s coastline. Kayaking tours are available, and they offer a great way to see the island’s natural beauty from a different perspective.

Beaches in Tsilivi

Tsilivi, located on the northeast coast of Zakynthos, offers a fantastic beach experience for all types of holidaymakers. The main Tsilivi Beach is a long stretch of golden sand that’s popular with families and couples. Its shallow, calm waters make it a safe spot for swimming, especially for young children. The beach has consistently been awarded the Blue Flag, guaranteeing its cleanliness and safety.

The beach is well-equipped, with sunbeds, umbrellas, and plenty of nearby tavernas and beach bars. Whether you're after a lively atmosphere with music from the bars or a quiet spot further down the beach, Tsilivi Beach caters to both. There are also plenty of water sports available, including jet skiing, parasailing, and pedal boats, making it perfect for those seeking a bit of adventure.

Nearby Beaches

If you're looking for a more peaceful escape, head to Bouka Beach, just north of Tsilivi. This small, tranquil beach is perfect for those who want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a quiet day by the sea. It has shallow waters, making it ideal for families, and there are a few local tavernas offering refreshments.

Another great option is Gaidaros Beach, a less busy spot with soft sand and shallow waters, making it another excellent choice for a relaxing day out.

Local dishes in Tsilivi

You’ll find traditional Greek dishes, island specialties and international favourites on the menu on holidays to Tsilivi.

Some typical dishes

• Patates Yahni me Elies: Potato and olives are the starring ingredients in this traditional Zakynthian stew.

• Boutridia: Another island recipe, this oven-baked vegetable dish typically features aubergines, courgettes, green beans, okra and sugar beets.

Meze dishes

• Melitzanosalata: This creamy dip combines grilled aubergine, garlic and olive oil.

• Keftedes: Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, these spiced Greek meatballs are menu mainstays.

Meat dishes

• Moussaka: Served in pretty much every taverna in Greece, this classic dish is made with layers of aubergine, minced meat and béchamel sauce.

• Sartsa: A Zakynthian classic, this tomato-baked, cheese-topped chicken is pure comfort food.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Chtapodi sti Schara: Tender and smoky, this grilled octopus dish is typically served with a squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of olive oil.

• Psari Plaki: This rustic dish consists of fish baked with olive oil, vegetables and herbs.

Street food

• Gyros: Greece’s famous sandwich is pitta bread loaded with spit-cooked meat, red onions, tomatoes, lettuce and a generous dollop of yoghurt or Tzatziki.

• Crepes: Slightly heavier than their French counterparts, Greek-style crepes are stuffed with all kinds of delectable fillings, from berries and chocolate spreads to fresh cheese and honey.

Sweets and desserts

• Frigania: Tsilivi is famous for this no-bake fridge cake, a cinnamony, creamy confection made with syrup-soaked Greek rusks, vanilla cream, whipped cream, almonds or ground walnuts.

• Fritoura: Sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon, this deep-fried semolina cake is Zante’s go-to festival treat.

Local drinks

• Verdea: With fruity aromas and a piquant taste, these white wines go well with light fish and seafood dishes.

• Ouzo: Best drunk cloudy with water, this traditional anise-flavoured spirit is often enjoyed as an aperitif or alongside meze dishes.