Guide to Alikes

'Alikes has two gorgeous sandy beaches, some super surf and the kind of bars that are more about round-the-table chats than big nights out.'

On the north eastern shore of the island, Alikes is one of the few places that really blends a typical Greek Island atmosphere with just enough holiday attractions. Sure, its days of being a farming community are behind it now, and where there were just two or three tavernas, there are now several more – some even serving English Sunday roasts and Yorkshire pudding. But there are still quiet country walks, a friendly village centre and a sprinkling of local inland villages where you can see a timeless slice of local life. So you're certainly buffered from holiday hype, noise and crowds. But the beautiful beaches couldn't be kept secret for ever and, with watersports and bags of sunbathing space, they are the daytime focus in this easy-tempo place. There's no shortage of mini markets and souvenir shops – to fill your fridge and your suitcase. And there are cafe bars and disco bars for table talk or something livelier. Alikes will not attract the party people … which is all the better for the couples and families who relish its peaceful pace.

Find the cheapest late deals to Alikes leaving in the next six weeks.

Recommended Alikes hotels and apartments

Potamitis Studios

Hotel Astoria

Alikes hotels and apartments

Our hotels and apartments in Alikes include Hotel Astoria, Potamitis Studios and Soula Studios.

More Zante holiday destinations

Looking for holidays in Zante? Our Zante holiday destinations include Aghios Sostis, Agios Dimitrios, Agios Nikolaos, Zakynthos, Alikes, Alykanas, Argassi, Kalamaki, Kypseli, Laganas, Limni Keriou, Lithakia, Porto Limnionas, Tragaki, Tsilivi, Vassilikos and Zakynthos Town.

Beaches

The beaches of the tranquil town of Alikes are all part of a large bay which divides into three sandy beaches, offering a quiet and soothing environment in which to enjoy the sun and sea. Watersports are available from the beaches - windsurfing is particularly popular as strong winds provide ideal conditions.

Eating out

Dishes served in the traditional tavernas and cafes of Alikes range from local to international. While you're in Zante, try a Greek kebab - a local speciality made with tender cuts of meat - usually pork - marinated in lemon oil and grilled on skewers with peppers and onions. Served with rice and salad, this dish is one of tastiest in Greece. If you'd like to partake in a typically Greek drink, 'metaxa' is a delicious brandy, 'retsina' is a fine wine and the famous 'ouzo' is an aniseed flavoured aperitif.

Nightlife

There are a selection of bars, some suitable for families, and a clutch of discos in the resort centre.

Shopping

There are plenty of shops to buy your groceries and several stores catering for those who like to take a souvenir home with them. Jewellery and ceramics make attractive gifts, and are widely sold in Alikes.

Local information

Alikes was named after the salt pans that sit baking in the golden sunshine behind the village and are certainly worth a look. The neighbouring villages are very Greek and will allow you to immerse yourself in the traditions of local culture, from playing cards in a sunkissed courtyard to picking olives straight off the tree in a verdant grove. Alykanas is a small, but growing village while Xyngia Beach, 4km north of the resort, has sulphur springs flowing into the sea. At the northernmost tip of the island are the Blue Caves - beautiful caverns etched into the white cliff face by the relentless Ionian ocean, and filled with strikingly blue water.