Astoria Hotel

Top 3 Highlights (Aka Why You’ll Love It Here):

• Beachfront Vibes: Forget trekking miles for a sandy spot—at the Astoria, Alykes Beach is basically your front garden. You could practically roll out of bed and land on your sun lounger.

• Run by Legends: The Venardos family has been running this joint since 1983. They're basically the Greek gods of hospitality, minus the togas. Expect a proper warm welcome and those little extras that make you feel like part of the fam.

• Rooms With a View: Comfy digs with balconies so you can sip your morning coffee while pretending you're in a postcard. Bliss.

Location, Location, Location

• Nearest Town: Fancy a wander? Alykes town is a casual 50 metres away. That's closer than your corner shop back home.

• Nearest Beach: Oh, just right outside. No need to pack the car or wrangle the kiddos—it's all sand and sea as far as the eye can see.

• Nearest Airport: Zakynthos International Airport is about 17km away. A quick 20-minute taxi ride, and you're there. No stress.

Rooms: Comfy, Cosy, and Convenient

Let’s talk about where you’ll be snoozing after a day of beach bumming. The Astoria Hotel has 55 rooms over three floors, all as cosy as your favourite blanket. Each room has:

• Air conditioning (because sleeping in the heat is a no-go).

• A balcony

• Flat-screen TV—though, let’s be real, you didn’t come to Zante to binge Netflix.

• A mini fridge

• Tea and coffee facilities, because caffeine before adventure = mandatory.

Oh, and the bathrooms? They’ve got showers and hairdryers, so you can save some suitcase space for souveniers.

Food & Drink: Fill Your Boots

We all know a holiday is half about the food (and drinks). At the Astoria, they’ve got you sorted:

• Breakfast Buffet: Load up on eggs, toast, fresh fruit, and more. Whether you’re a “just coffee, thanks” or “five plates of bacon” type, you’ll leave ready to take on the day.

• Restaurant: Serving up a mix of Greek classics and international dishes. Ever had souvlaki so good you thought about moving to Greece? That might happen here.

• Bar: The cocktails are shaking, the beers are cold, and the local wines are delish. Pro tip: ask for a mojito. They’re proper good.

Sports & Entertainment: Beach Life FTW

Now, there’s no flashy pool with slides or Zumba classes, but who cares when the Alykes Beach is literally at your feet? Here’s the lowdown on what to do:

• Snorkelling: Dive in and see what’s swimming under the waves. It’s like Finding Nemo, but IRL.

• Water Sports: Think paddleboarding, jet-skiing, and banana boating (yes, it’s as ridiculous and fun as it sounds).

• Boat Trips: Fancy spotting that iconic Shipwreck Beach? Hop on a boat and bosh, you’re there.

• Relax: Lay down your towel, crack open a book, and let the waves do their thing. If you’re feeling fancy, a beach massage isn’t off the cards.

What’s Nearby? Explore Alykes Like a Pro

If you can tear yourself away from the beach (big ask, we know), here are a few things to do:

• Tavern-Hopping: Alykes is packed with tavernas serving Greek grub that’ll make you question why you’ve ever eaten anything else. Moussaka? Bosh. Grilled octopus? Double bosh.

• Shopping: From cute handmade trinkets to boujee olive oil, the shops in Alykes are brimming with souvenirs.

• Nightlife: It’s all about chilled vibes here. Think live music, friendly locals, and cocktails that make you go, “ooh, what’s in this?”

• Nature Walks: Explore the salt flats or wander inland to find quaint villages and lush greenery. Don’t forget your swimmers for a dip in the sea along the way.

• Day Trips: You’re in Zante, mate! Take a boat to the Blue Caves or explore Zakynthos Town for a bit of culture and café hopping.