Skip Türkiye and Cyprus: This Greek island is new luxury family paradise
Zakynthos Island (photo: zanteisland.com)
Greece has up to 6,000 islands and islets, of which only 227 are inhabited. And while tourists flock to popular Santorini and Mykonos, the picturesque Zakynthos focuses on authenticity, premium service, and luxurious family villas.
RBC-Ukraine shares a luxurious vacation on one of Greece’s gems.
What you need to know about Zakynthos Island
For many years, Zakynthos (or Zante, as Britons and residents of Northern Europe conveniently call it) was mainly associated with budget tourism and loud student parties.
However, today the island is radically changing its image. Moving away from its status as a capital of bachelor parties, it is returning to its historical roots — the rich heritage of Mycenaean and Venetian inhabitants, whose refined architecture still decorates local villages, surrounded by flowers.
The island’s transformation is largely driven by the Vitoulkas family of local hoteliers, who own the Lesante Collection chain. Their main goal is to move away from mass tourism in favor of deep cultural immersion and premium comfort.
For those planning the perfect vacation with small children in the Mediterranean, Lesante Classic is an ideal choice. This hotel, located just 80 meters from Tsilivi Beach, offers a perfect balance: it features an excellent children’s pool and family-friendly infrastructure, while still maintaining an elegant, classic luxury atmosphere.
If you are looking for absolute privacy without the noise of children, you should consider Lesante Blu — an exclusive adults-only hotel in the Tragaki area.
Lesante Blu hotel is adults only (photo: lesantecollection.gr)
Its white modern structures perfectly frame sea views, while 92 suites (most of them with private pools) create an atmosphere of “barefoot elegance.” For the most demanding guests, the hotel even offers a helipad and the option to dock a private yacht.
Venetian luxury and an organic farm
Experts call Lesante Cape a true gem of the island — a large-scale complex opened in 2022 that fully recreates the atmosphere of a traditional Greek village.
All 85 suites and 12 villas are built around a central square, where restaurants, shops, and even a small museum are located. The architecture with stone arches, blooming bougainvillea, and sea-view swings makes this place perfect for luxurious photos.
The hotel offers 10 dining venues. Since the complex is surrounded by fruit orchards, vineyards, and olive groves, it has its own organic farm.
This season, The Edge was opened — an impressive six-bedroom villa with panoramic views of the Ionian Sea, a huge infinity pool, and a professional chef’s kitchen, ideal for groups of up to 12 people.
Navagio Bay and secret tavernas
As the island’s top hotels are part of the prestigious The Leading Hotels of the World association, guests are offered five-star service, including private yacht rentals. This is an absolute must for exploring Zakynthos’ untouched beaches and cliffs.
The island’s main landmark is the famous Navagio Bay (Shipwreck Beach). Currently, access via hiking trails is prohibited, so the rusted ship “Panagiotis,” which ran aground in the 1980s, can only be seen from the sea.
Navagio Bay (photo: psahno.com)
After a boat trip, it is worth visiting the coastal taverna Nobelos in Volimes, where the owner will personally greet you from the boat and offer the best dishes of local cuisine accompanied by the sound of the waves.
