Alykes is a lively town set on a long, gold-sand beach. The family-friendly resort has everything you need to enjoy a relaxing holiday, including cafes, restaurants and colourful gift shops. Relax on the beach, swim in the Ionian Sea and venture inland to explore traditional Greek villages.
Things to do in Alykes
Gold sand and calm, shallow water give Alykes Beach a postcard-perfect feel. Rent a sunbed and cool off in the crystalline Ionian Sea. Kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and pedal boats are available to rent from the shoreline. Open-air bars and taverns dot the beach and will tempt you with snacks like grilled octopus and refreshing “tsitsibirra” ginger beer.
Alykes is a great base for day trips around the northern tip of Zakynthos. The Monastery of St George is perched on a clifftop and features a beautiful interior decorated with frescoes. The enormous stone tower was once used to defend the monastery from pirate attacks. Further south is an ancient olive tree thought to be more than 1,000 years old. The enormous girth and gnarled bark reveal the tree’s age. The village is also dotted with stalls where you can buy olive oil, honey and other local produce.
The food in Alykes is excellent and most restaurants champion fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Try specialties like “pastitsada” pasta served with a rich tomato and meat sauce, “bourdeto” spicy fish and Kefalonian veal pie. Homemade “tsitsibirra” ginger beer is an island specialty and deliciously refreshing on a hot day. You’ll also see locals sipping bright orange kumquat liqueur.
Getting around Alykes
Alykes is compact and easy to get around on foot. Rental cars offer the freedom to explore Zakynthos at your own pace. Scooters and ATVs are a popular way to get around the island. Alykes is a 20-minute drive from Zakynthos Town and 30 minutes from Zakynthos Airport.