Tsilivi vacation packages

How to reach Tsilivi

• Transfer time: Zakynthos International Airport is about a 15 to 20-minute drive from Tsilivi. Although there isn't a direct bus from the airport, you can take a taxi to the KTEL station in Zante Town and catch a bus from there. If choosing the taxi-bus combination, add approximately 15 minutes to your travel time.

• Price: A taxi from the airport to Tsilivi costs around €25. A taxi to Zante Town is about €15. The bus fare to Tsilivi costs €2.

Best time to visit Tsilivi

Are you interested in swimming and sunbathing, outdoor activities, or experiencing Zante’s cultural highlights? The best time to visit Tsilivi depends on your travel interests.

• April to May: Average temperatures range from 59 to 66°F, with 8 to 10 hours of sunshine daily. Spring might be a bit rainy and breezy, but the lush and green countryside is perfect for nature walks and exploring the island.

• June to August: Expect hot, dry, sunny weather, with average temperatures of 73°F in June and 79°F in July and August. Warm sea temperatures (73°F and above) are perfect for beachgoers. However, be prepared to share the beach with many tourists.

• September to October: Temperatures drop to between 75°F and 68°F, and there are fewer tourists. Sea temperatures remain in the lower 70s, ideal for swimming. However, expect increased rainfall as October approaches, and many resorts start to wind down.

• November to March: These months are mild and wet, with temperatures ranging from 60°F in November to 52°F in January, then rising to 55°F in March. Rainfall peaks at about 6.7 inches in December. Most tourist facilities close until spring, so plan ahead if visiting at 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 explore on foot. To explore the rest of Zante, local buses are affordable, with one-way tickets starting at around €2. Taxis are readily available and usually offer fixed-rate fares. For maximum flexibility, consider renting a car. 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. As of the time of writing, there are no official travel warnings, but check for updates before your trip.

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

• Required travel documentation: US citizens need a valid passport for travel to Greece. For stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period, a visa is not required.

Best things to do in Tsilivi

Tsilivi, a vibrant resort town on the northeastern coast of Zante, offers the perfect blend of relaxation and recreation for your vacation.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Venetian Watch Tower: Perched above Tsilivi Beach with its sturdy stone walls and square-pyramid-shaped roof, this tower (vardiola) is worth a visit-primarily for the breathtaking sea views and stunning sunrises.

• Balcony Restaurant: Overlooking the Bay of Tsilivi, the terrace at Balcony’s offers an ideal spot to watch the sunset.

The best districts

• Tsilivi Strip: Centered around Tsilivi's main street, this bustling area is filled with souvenir shops, tour companies, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.

Parks and gardens

• National Marine Park of Zakynthos: Just a 25- to 30-minute drive from Tsilivi, this park is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. 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, this museum showcases an impressive collection, including paintings, photos, uniforms, and model ships.

• Callinico Winery Museum: Located about 4 km from Tsilivi in Kalipado, this spot is a must-see for wine fans. The museum displays methods of traditional and contemporary wine production and bottling.

Historical monuments

• Venetian Castle of Bohali: Situated atop Bohali Hill, this decaying castle complex is still an interesting place to explore, with a few stone buildings to roam through and some spectacular views.

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

Day trips in the area

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

• Monastery of Agios Georgios ton Krimnon: Located a 45-minute drive away in Anafonitria, this peaceful monastery dates back to the 16th century. It’s also a fantastic vantage point 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 plenty to do on vacation in Tsilivi.

• Family-Friendly Beaches: Young children can swim and play safely in the calm, shallow waters off the 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 various slides, a lazy river, and a splash pool for younger children.

• Bowling: Whether you get a strike or not, a family outing to Bowl M’Over is sure to be fun for everyone.

• Mini-Golf: With four courses, Fantasy Mini Golf offers 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 vacation without breaking the bank.

• Annual Festivals: Nearby 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 theater, eating, and dancing. The three-day Festival of Agios Dionysios kicks off on August 23rd, featuring processions, music, open-air markets, and fireworks.

• Beaches: Beach days are an obvious and affordable choice. Bring your own towels and umbrellas (sunlounger and umbrella rentals cost around $10 to $20 for two people) and enjoy the sun and sea without spending a dime.

• 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 that you can visit for free. These churches often feature stunning frescoes and provide a peaceful spot for reflection.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Snorkeling: Northwest of Tsilivi Beach, Bouka Beach boasts a shallow seabed with high visibility, perfect for snorkeling.

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

• Water Sports: Local operators offer a variety of water sports on Tsilivi Beach, 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, providing a great way to see the island’s natural beauty from a different perspective.

Beaches in Tsilivi

Tsilivi, situated on the northeast coast of Zakynthos, provides a wonderful beach experience for vacationers of all kinds. 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 earned the Blue Flag, assuring its cleanliness and safety.

The beach is well-equipped, featuring 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 accommodates both preferences. There are also numerous water sports available, including jet skiing, parasailing, and pedal boats, making it perfect for those seeking some adventure.

Nearby beaches

If you're after 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 features 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

When you go on vacation to Tsilivi, you'll find traditional Greek dishes, island specialties, and international favorites on the menu.

Some typical dishes

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

• Boutridia: This island recipe is an oven-baked vegetable dish typically featuring eggplants, zucchinis, green beans, okra, and sugar beets.

Meze dishes

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

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

Meat dishes

• Moussaka: Served in nearly every taverna in Greece, this classic dish is made with layers of eggplant, 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 pita bread loaded with spit-cooked meat, red onions, tomatoes, lettuce, and a generous dollop of yogurt 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 refrigerator 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 pair well with light fish and seafood dishes.

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